07 15 22 Vol. 44 No. 2

THELEAVEN.ORG | VOL. 44, NO. 2 | JULY 15, 2022

‘JESUS NEVER PROMISED US EASY’

Left, Ascension School in Overland Park was vandalized the morning of July 10. The vandalism made it clear that the person responsible was unhappy with the parish’s support for the ‘Value Them Both’ amendment. Below, part of a vulgar message is seen scrawled across Ascension School’s doors. The parish has experienced several instances of vandalism in recent months.

STORY BY MOIRA CULLINGS / PHOTOS BY KATHRYN WHITE

Ascension parish vandalized for its ‘Value Them Both’ support

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VERLAND PARK — When Sharon Weems arrived at Church of the Ascension here on the morning of July 10, she was stunned. “I was just sickened,” she said. “It’s dirty and ugly. It’s sad. It’s just really sad.” Weems, pastoral associate for administration and outreach at Ascension, described with a heavy heart the vandalism the parish had experienced hours earlier. Around 1 a.m., a person arrived outside the parish school and proceeded to spray-paint a vulgar message on its doors, along with the words “My body

Educate yourself Want to learn more about the “Value Them Both” amendment? See the explainer graphic on page 2.

my choice” on the front of the building. Elsewhere on the parish grounds, the person spray-painted a statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary in red. “We’ve done so much with our wonderful Knights of Columbus to try and protect everything,” said Weems, but vandalism at the parish keeps on coming. Over the past few months, Ascension

has had several of its “Value Them Both” signs defaced and stolen. But according to parishioners, the July 10 incident took things to a different level. Although they’re disgusted by what’s gone on, they remain unshaken in their support of the amendment, which will be voted on in Kansas on Aug. 2.

‘Everyone should know about it’ Since May 14, members of Ascension’s Knights of Columbus have taken shifts throughout the night to guard the church grounds. Two men were on-site when the van-

dalism occurred, and one witnessed it from his parking spot. “Out of the corner of my eye, I caught motion,” he said. The person came into the Knight’s view under the streetlight before going back into shadow under the school awning. “It took me 20 or 30 seconds to figure out what I was looking at,” said the Knight, whose name, like other Knights interviewed for this story, will be withheld since their nightly watch continues. Through binoculars, the man watched as the person spray-painted the church building. >> See “NEVER” on page 10

LOCAL NEWS

JULY 15, 2022 | THELEAVEN.ORG

Freelancer Karen Bonar took first place in the Best Analysis/Background/ Roundup category for her package of articles about Father Emil Kapaun’s remains returning to Wichita.

Moira Cullings’ article with area educators reflecting on 9/11 20 years later won second place in the category of Best Writing One Shot National Event.

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“Be Brave” by Jill Ragar Esfeld told the story of one of the first female aircraft communicators during World War II. The article won first place for Best Personality Profile.

Kathryn White’s collection of photos from the National Catholic Youth Conference took first place in Best Multiple Picture Package – Feature.

A collection of articles by Therese Horvat on “Antisemitism” won second place awards in Best Analysis/Background/Roundup and Best In-Depth News/Special Reporting.

The Leaven wins 18 Catholic Media awards By Todd Habiger todd.habiger@theleaven.org

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ANSAS CITY, Kan. — The Leaven may be a small paper in terms of staff size, but it packed quite a punch in the Catholic Media Association’s annual journalism contest on July 7. The Leaven won 18 CMA awards, including seven firstplace awards and took third place for Best Weekly Newspaper with 1-5 full-time staff members. Father Mark Goldasich, editor of The Leaven, was pleased with the newspaper’s awards and noted a change in this year’s award competition. “For the first time this year, instead of The Leaven competing with newspapers of similar circulations, we competed with newspapers with similar-sized staffs. Which really gave us a chance to shine, I think,” he said. Reporter Moira Cullings was the big winner on the night with seven awards. “What a treat it was to see Moira, who is also our social media editor, break out this year with six writing awards! What a testament to her versatility,” said Father Goldasich. Cullings’ article, “It’s a Very Raw Experience,” was a hit with the judges, taking home three first-place awards in the categories of Best Feature Writing, Best Reporting on Social Justice Issues and Best Story and Photo Package by two or more individuals. (She shared this last award with freelance photographer Kathryn White). “It’s a Very Raw Experience” chronicled the work of Uplift, an organization that delivers meals and supplies to the homeless of Kansas City. The judges wrote, “Most readers haven’t been or ever

For his collection of photos of Catholic schools taking part in the state swim meet, Jay Soldner was awarded first place in the category of Best Multiple Picture Package – Sports. involving Father Kapaun’s remains over a period of five days. Bonar was there for all of them. Want to reread all The “I knew there would be Leaven’s award winning artilong days. I knew it would be cles? Go online to: theleaven. taxing physically, but I underorg. estimated how emotional the experience would be,” she said. “My friend Travis Heying is a Therese Horvat, Jay Soldner and Kathryn White all won photojournalist for the Wichawards for their work in The ita Eagle. He has been covering this story for years. When Leaven. I finally entered the church “The only way we can produce a paper of this quality in Pilsen, after much of the with so few people is with the crowd subsided, I saw Travis support and contribution of so up at the front, in tears. This is a man I respect tremendously, many terrific freelancers. So, I and who has very high profeswas very pleased to see several of them recognized this time sional standards . . . and he was around,” said managing editor standing at the foot of the altar, weeping.” Anita McSorley. In the article “Be Brave” Bonar was rewarded for her efforts documenting the return freelancer Ragar Esfeld told of Father Emil Kapaun’s re- the story of Elinor Swartz who mains to his home Diocese of was one of the first female airWichita. Her multistory and craft communicators during World War II. That article won photo package took first place first place for Best Personality in the Best Analysis/BackProfile and took home an honground/Roundup category. orable mention in the Best ReBonar grew up in the Wichita area and attended Kapaun porting on a Special Age Group High School, so the news that category. “I’m so glad I could tell EliFather Kapaun’s remains had nor’s story in a way that let been found was emotional for her. >> See “9/11” on page 10 There were several events

Read them again

Moira Cullings’ article, “It’s a Very Raw Experience,” won three first-place awards in the categories of Best Feature Writing, Best Reporting on Social Justice Issues and Best Story and Photo Package by two or more individuals. (She shared this award with freelance photographer Kathryn White). will be homeless. Moira Cullings’ piece takes readers to the streets of homelessness and provides us with the experience of them and the volunteers.” Cullings said the story was special for her because she saw the hard work and emotion that the volunteers put into Uplift. “Some stories never leave a writer, and ‘A Very Raw Experience’ was one of those for me,” Cullings said. “I still think about the situations I witnessed when I followed Ross

Dessert and his team of volunteers on a route to serve the homeless. “I could tell from talking with Ross and watching him work that volunteering for Uplift wasn’t just something he did on the side. It was a passion he cared deeply about and would do anything for. He didn’t judge the people he served — he simply loved them.” Leaven freelancers were a huge part of The Leaven’s strong showing. Freelancers Karen Bonar, Jill Ragar Esfeld, President Most Rev. Joseph F. Naumann

Publication No. (ISSN0194-9799) Published weekly September through May, excepting the Friday the week after Thanksgiving, and the Friday after Christmas; biweekly June through August. Address communications to: The Leaven, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109. Phone: (913) 721-1570; fax: (913) 7215276; or email at: sub@theleaven.org. Postmaster: Send address changes to The Leaven, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109. For change of address, provide old and new address and parish. Subscriptions $23/year. Periodicals postage paid at Kansas City, KS 66109.

Production Manager Todd Habiger todd.habiger@theleaven.org

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

Senior Reporter Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

Managing Editor Anita McSorley anita.mcsorley@theleaven.org

Advertising Coordinator Beth Blankenship beth.blankenship@theleaven.org

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

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LOCAL NEWS

JULY 15, 2O22 | THELEAVEN.ORG

Archbishop asks for prayers for ‘Value Them Both’

By Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

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ANSAS CITY, Kan. — Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann is asking you to join him in the Kansas Rosary Crusade to pray for the passage of the “Value Them Both” amendment on Aug. 2. “I urge every member of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas to join the Kansas Rosary Crusade by praying the rosary every Thursday for the passage of the state constitutional amendment, making it crystal clear there is no ‘right to abortion’ in the Kansas Constitution,” said Archbishop Naumann. “This amendment will restore to all Kansans their right through

their elected representatives to determine abortion public policy in our state,” he added. The other bishops of Kansas, too, are asking Catholics in their dioceses to join the Kansas Rosary Crusade. A five-decade rosary specific to the crusade has been written and can be used if desired, or the regularly used luminous mysteries on Thursdays, so long as the intention is kept in mind. Catholics can pray as individuals, families, groups or parishes. For information on how to enroll in the crusade and for the crusade-specific rosary, go online to: kansasrosarycrusade. org/mary-invites-you-to-pray. Information about the amendment can be found online at: www.ValueThemBoth.com.

KANSAS CITY, Kan. — The need for blood donations is great, and Catholics in the archdiocese have a chance to help this summer. The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas will host a community blood drive on July 29 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Savior Pastoral Center in Kansas City, Kansas. To sign up, go online to: redcross blood.org and type in the code “savior pastoral” in the main search box. Select “See times” and choose the option that works best. The drive will take place inside the gym, located at 12601 Parallel Pkwy.

Anniversaries Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann is asking people to join him in the Kansas Rosary Crusade to pray for the passage of the “Value Them Both” amendment on Aug. 2.

LEAVEN PHOTO BY MARC ANDERSON

Topeka’s Hayden High School football team participate in a first-of-its-kind event on June 24 hosted by the Kansas City Chiefs called the “11-On” at Washburn University’s Yager Stadium in Topeka.

Hayden football hosted at Chiefs event By Marc and Julie Anderson mjanderson@theleaven.org

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OPEKA — It’s too soon to tell if Joe Otting, headed into his senior year at Hayden High School here, will play football profes-

sionally. But he and his teammates got a chance to do something no other Hayden football players have. On June 24, teammates competed in what’s known as “11-On” at Washburn University’s Yager Stadium, a first-of-its-kind event in Topeka hosted by the Kansas City Chiefs in partnership with Nike. “Nike brought this to the Chiefs,” said Gary Spani, a former Chiefs linebacker and member of the Chiefs Hall of Fame. Spani now serves as director of community engagement for the organization. “I think 16 professional teams are now doing it around the country,” he said. “We started it last year. We just did it in Kansas City last year.” The half-day experience “supports

Archdiocese hosts blood drive at Savior July 29

scholastic high school football team competition” and “focuses on building character and life skills along with team foundations.” The day consists of 7-on-7 games and position drills. Teams were specifically invited to participate in what Spani said he hopes will become an annual event within the Topeka community. “We think high school football is all about community,” he said. “So, it’s a chance for us to go out and engage with the high schools. . . . We love football, but we love doing [the event] because it’s really about community.” In addition to Hayden, other Topeka teams included Shawnee Heights, Seaman and Washburn Rural, with teams from Center, Junction City, Manhattan and Olathe West rounding out the rest. Spani said two similar events were held earlier in Kansas City and Wichita. Bill Arnold, who serves as Hayden’s head coach, said he was thrilled with the invitation. “I didn’t ask questions,” he said of the invitation. “I’m happy for the kids

to come and experience something like this.” As part of the activities surrounding the competition, the Chiefs organization also brought the Lombardi trophy from Super Bowl LIV for photos and set up a kids camp with USA Football on the practice field for ages 5-14. Prior to their drills and games, a trio of Hayden seniors expressed their thoughts about participating in the unique, first-ever event. “It’s really cool. You know, we’ve never experienced anything like this, especially with the Lombardi trophy being up there,” said Jameson Kennedy. Senior JC Cummings agreed. “We’re kind of a smaller school, playing these bigger schools,” he said, “so it’s nice to have some competition to start the year.” The 6-foot-4, 270-pound Otting, who signed a letter of commitment to play football at Notre Dame University after graduation, said, “It’s exciting to be here. It’s something new. It’s a chance to build this team up, build some chemistry. It’s going to be fun.”

Fred

and

Jeanne (Doege) Mills, members of Curé of Ars Parish, Leawood, will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary on July 21. The couple was married at Sacred Heart Church, To n g a n o x i e . Their children are: Jon Mills (deceased) and Jan Mills Carson. They also have three grandchildren. A family dinner will be held at a later date. Robert and Alice Scott, members of St. Benedict Parish, Atchison, will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary on July 21. The couple was married on July 21, 1962. Their children are: Sandy, Bobby, Todd, Michelle and Shawn. They also have 15 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. They will celebrate by taking a cruise to the Caribbean.

ANNIVERSARY SUBMISSIONS POLICY: The Leaven prints 50, 60, 65 and 70th anniversary notices. They are for parishioners in the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas DEADLINE: 10 days before the desired publication date. INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING: • 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) • number of grandchildren and great-grandchildren; SUBMISSION GUIDELINES: • Emailed photos need to be 200 dpi or 200 KB in size. WHERE TO SUBMIT: Email: todd.habiger@theleaven.org.

NEED HELP HEALING FROM A PAST ABORTION? Call or text 913-621-2199

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LOCAL NEWS

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Federation of St. Scholastica celebrates 100 years By Julie A. Ferraro Special to The Leaven

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TCHISON — Benedictine Sisters from 17 monasteries across the United States and Mexico gathered at Mount St. Scholastica here from June 15-19 for the Federation of St. Scholastica Chapter. In addition to conducting their regular meeting, held every four years, to discuss matters of concern, plan for the future and elect new leaders for this union of autonomous monasteries, they also celebrated the 100th anniversary of the federation’s official approval by the Vatican on February 25, 1922. Visiting Sisters were greeted at the Sophia Spirituality Center on the Mount St. Scholastica campus with historic displays coordinated by Elaine Nadeau, who serves as archivist for both the Atchison monastery and the federation. Photos detailed previous federation chapter gatherings and presidents, along with artifacts collected over the past century. Postulant Dorothy Herring from Valley Falls, who began her formation at Mount St. Scholastica this past January, contributed her artistic talents to a series of banners, featuring photos of the many federation delegates who have served over the decades. “It was an honor and a privilege to be tasked with such a large project,” she said. “Seeing what the women have done in the past 100 years gives me hope for what impact my generation and future generations of women religious will have not only in the church but in the world.” To open the chapter, Sister Esther Fangman, prioress of Mount St. Scholastica, welcomed the Sister-delegates. A ritual followed, where the delegations presented portraits of their respective monastery’s prioress at the time of joining the federation, and pledged to “welcome the challenges, questions and opportunities of radical hospitality.” The Sisters at Mount St. Scholastica embodied that radical hospitality, serving at the hospitality desk, washing dishes, and preparing meals and a

New diaconate assignments announced Father John A. Riley, vicar general-chancellor, announces the following appointments made by Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann, effective July 1, unless otherwise noted: Deacon Dan Ondracek, from diaconal ministry at Most Pure Heart of Mary Parish, Topeka, to diaconal ministry at Prince of Peace Parish, Olathe.

COURTESY PHOTO

The Federation of St. Scholastica delegates elected Sisters to serve on the council for the next four years during their chapter, held at Mount St. Scholastica, Atchison, from June 15-19. From left to right are pictured: Sisters Anne Wambach, Erie, Pennsylvania; Elaine Fischer, Atchison (first councilor); Lynn McKenzie (president), Cullman, Alabama; Kimberly Porter, Covington, Kentucky; and Susan Quaintance, Chicago. wide variety of homemade snacks for the delegates to enjoy. “So much has changed in the past 100 years,” said Sister Esther. “Yet, the Benedictine charism continues to thrive because it adapts to the times. Welcoming the delegates to our monastery offered a chance to enrich each other and look toward the future with hope.” Sister Judith Sutera, OSB, of Mount St. Scholastica, facilitated a discussion on the role of the portress — traditionally, the Sister who greeted monastery guests — in radical hospitality on June 16. Sister Maricarmen Bracamontes, OSB, of Monasterio Pan de Vida, Torreon, Mexico, looked at radical hospitality in the context of Pope Francis’ “Fratelli Tutti” on June 17. Delegates also met in the evenings after supper, with Sister Judith Ann Heble, a Benedictine Sister of the Sacred Heart, Lisle, Illinois, speaking June 16 on “Creating a Legacy — One Community,” and Sister Lynn McKen-

zie, federation president, giving her address on June 17. In honor of the notable anniversary of the federation, other Benedictine Sisters — the Federation of St. Gertrude and Federation of St. Benedict — sent a floral arrangement and a balloon bouquet. The federation re-elected Sister Lynn McKenzie of Cullman, Alabama, to serve as president. Councilors that were re-elected were: Sisters Elaine Fischer, Atchison (first councilor); Maricarmen Bracamontes, Torreon, Mexico; Kimberly Porter, Covington, Kentucky; and Anne Wambach, Erie, Pennsylvania. Sister Susan Quaintance, Chicago, was elected to a term as councilor, as well. During the chapter’s closing ritual on Sunday evening, each delegation received a plant and seeds to sow “deep listening and radical hospitality by the mercy and grace of God” upon their return to their respective monasteries.

Deacon Stephen Nguyen, to service in the archdiocesan office of marriage and family life, and continuing his diaconal ministry at St. Ann Parish, Prairie Village. Deacon Michael Wilson, to service in the archdiocesan office of the permanent diaconate, and continuing his diaconal ministry at the Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle, Kansas City, Kansas. Deacon Mark Mies, to service in the archdiocesan office of the permanent diaconate, and continuing his diaconal ministry at St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee. Deacon Jody Madden, from diaconal ministry at St. Bernard Parish, Wamego, to diaconal ministry at St. Benedict Parish, Atchison, and continuing as master of ceremonies and assisting the rural youth ministry office. Deacon Chris Seago, from diaconal ministry at Mater Dei Parish, Topeka, to diaconal ministry at Christ the King Parish, Topeka, effective Aug. 1.

Online giving makes it easy to support your favorite ministries By Moira Cullings moira.cullings@theleaven.org

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ANSAS CITY, Kan. — For the first time ever, the Catholic Foundation of Northeast Kansas (CFNEK) is offering online giving as an option for its wide variety of funds. The simple digital process will allow Catholics in the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas to make a difference for a cause they care about from the comfort of their own home. It will also help archdiocesan parishes, schools, cemeteries and ministries that have funds through CFNEK to grow and market those funds. “Part of the mission statement of the Catholic Foundation is to collaborate with parishes and institutions to help develop additional resources and support,” said Jane Schmitt, marketing coordinator for CFNEK. “This was a great opportunity for the Catholic Foundation to provide this resource to . . . ensure the vitality of the church and its ministry,” she

added. The online giving platform — givecentral.org/cfnek — is desktop and mobile friendly, and one-time, monthly, quarterly and annual payment frequencies are available. Gifts can be made using a bank account, credit card or debit card. Robert Venable, controller for CFNEK, said the foundation utilized GiveCentral for its GivingTuesday fundraising campaign last year and had a positive experience. He also stressed how safe the website is for donors. “GiveCentral uses Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) encryption, the industry standard in online payments,” said Venable. “SSL ensures that your credit card or checking account number is stored securely with First American Bank,” he continued. “Once your payment method is saved online, only GiveCentral and your chosen organization can see the last four digits of these numbers.” Schmitt said CFNEK’s goal is to help parishes, schools and organizations

market their endowments and reach parishioners who were previously unaware of their existence. Although the online giving option is designed to make giving easier and more accessible, sending gifts by mail is still welcome and encouraged, said Schmitt. Bill Maloney, executive director of CFNEK, is eager to provide donors with an easier way to contribute to the archdiocesan mission. “It will certainly build awareness that these endowments and scholarship funds exist,” he said. “And not only exist but are open to receiving gifts from parishioners. “It may even spark the idea for a new fund to be created.” He hopes parishes, schools and ministries will take advantage of the portal. “Our mission at the Catholic Foundation of Northeast Kansas states that we will collaborate with parishes and institutions to develop additional resources and support. This giving portal is a tool for those organizations to do just that.” To learn more about the online

giving option or about CFNEK, send an email to Jane Schmitt at: jschmitt@ archkck.org or call (913) 647-3060.

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LOCAL NEWS

JULY 15, 2O22 | THELEAVEN.ORG

Archdiocese announces partnership to strengthen marriages By Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

Sequence of the Full-Circle Relationship Ministry model

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ANSAS CITY, Kan. — This month, the groundwork will be laid at 10 archdiocesan parishes for an initiative to promote healthy marriages, strengthen families and increase the number of Mass-goers. And in doing so, save the culture. The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas and the Virginia-based church consulting group Communio have launched a partnership to mobilize and equip parishioners with the tools to strengthen marriages and foster relationships. Father Brian Schieber, pastor of St. Michael the Archangel Parish in Leawood, is excited that his parish is among the first 10. Other parishes might participate in the future. Last February, he attended a presentation based on the book “Endgame: The Church’s Strategic Move to Save Faith and Family in America,” co-authored by Communio president and CEO J.P. De Gance and John Van Epp. “The number one reason I want [Communio at my parish] is because if we want to save our culture, if we want to save the church, if we want to save our youth, we have to save marriage,” said Father Schieber. “Marriage is the foundation of the family. And as St. John Paul II said, ‘As the family goes, so goes the nation.’ “I read the book ‘Endgame’ by De Gance and Van Epp, and I think they laid it out very well — that the solution to saving the church and our youth is to save marriage.” Communio’s approach was first used from 2016-18 in Jacksonville, Florida, and it lowered the divorce rate in that community by 24%. Since then, Communio’s program has been used in 10 other states. National trends paint a dark picture for marriage and, consequently, for the Catholic Church. The number of people getting married has declined sharply, and the rates of divorce and out-of-wedlock births have risen dramatically. The health of a couple’s marriage might be the greatest determining factor in whether their children — as

New partnership will work to reverse worrisome marital trends in society and the church. young adults — go to church and express faith in Jesus, according to De Gance and Van Epp. “There is much discussion about a vocation crisis in the church, and that often focuses on priestly and religious vocations,” said Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann. “However, there is a much broader vocation crisis in the church that is often ignored. “Many young adults are hesitant or even afraid to make any long-term commitment. For the first time in our nation’s almost 250-year history, less than half of the adult population in our country is married.” These troubling trends have landed on our own doorstep. “I see the archdiocese as a microcosm of the universal church,” said Father Jaime Zarse, pastor of Sacred Heart in Sabetha, St. Augustine in Fidelity and St. James, Wetmore. His parishes are also participating in the Communio program. “We are chasing everything except our marriages, our families and our faith. . . . The transmission of the faith is not happening the way God intends because the marriages at home are on fire.” For these reasons, Archbishop Naumann decided to bring Communio to

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the archdiocese. In addition to working with the parishes, Communio is collaborating with the archdiocesan office of marriage and family life, and local apostolates Evermore in Love and the School of Love to implement parish plans. “The process begins this summer,” said Libby DuPont, consultant for the office of marriage and family life. “The first step is parishes will do surveys on a weekend about [parishioners’] own relationship health. Then, Communio will analyze the data for the people who live in the parish boundaries to get a complete picture of the relationship health of people in the community. “With that information, then each participating parish is assigned a Communio consultant, who will meet with parish staff to make plans and set goals for the parish based on information they get from the survey.” The plan for each parish includes hosting a large, fun outreach event to welcome people into the parish, and then encourage them to take additional steps to smaller outreach events, said Brad DuPont, consultant for the office of marriage and family life. The goal is to get every couple participating to do 8-10 hours of relationship-building activities per year. The outreach activities

ACROSS 1 Deaden 5 Dream up 10 Heroic tale 14 Dunking cookies 15 Hawaiian ‘hello’ 16 Buck 17 Bluish white metal 18 Small bunch of flowers 19 Volcano 20 Devour (2 wds.) 22 Vapor 24 Hard boiled food 25 Book after Daniel 27 Plague of Egypt 29 Pluck 32 The devil 35 Chest muscles 38 River (Spanish) 39 Next to 40 United States 41 North Star 43 Catch 44 __ of Eden 46 Check 47 Giant 48 First-rate 49 Schism 51 First son of Cain

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Communio conducts parish survey and community analysis.

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Communio meets with the parish to discuss survey results and community analysis, and to help set two-year goals.

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Communio helps the parish plan outreach events and continuing relationship programs.

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Communio provides marketing help, and volunteer and staff training.

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Communio provides ongoing coaching and support to parish staff as the two-year plan is implemented.

and offerings will vary parish to parish. The rollout of the public elements of the Full-Circle Relationship Ministry model will begin in September and October. Over the next three years, Communio will help participating parishes with its data-informed, Full-Circle Relationship Ministry model to run evangelization campaigns and ongoing ministries for parishioners and people in the surrounding community. Tory Baucum, director of Benedictine College’s Center for Family Life, will serve as a liaison and adviser to Communio and parish leadership teams. “I’m thrilled that our archdiocese is partnering with Communio to support our parishes in beginning to solve this crisis in our region,” said Archbishop Naumann. “The fruitfulness of the new evangelization is very much dependent upon the health of our marriages.”

54 Come in the door 57 Old Testament city 59 Military unit 62 Kinds of stars 64 Reserve Officers Training Corps. 66 Beginning 68 They brought gifts 69 Reverent 70 Stringed instrument 71 A cozy room (2 wds.) 72 Saloons 73 J Japanese city 74 Loch __ monster DOWN 1 Nap 2 First husband of Bathsheba 3 Musical “slow” 4 John the Baptist ate them 5 In possession of 6 Swiss mountains 7 Wrongdoing 8 Tribal head 9 Mother of Ishmael 10 Compass point 11 Verifying 12 Group of criminals 13 A king of the Amalekites 21 Church bench

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Leader of Exodus Brother of Moses Car fuel Zilch Parable of the sheep and __ Jewish calendar month Northeast by east Short-nosed dogs Twin brother of Jacob Joseph’s job Holy Scripture Ross ___, philanthropist Strike sharply Thief’s hideout Turkish No room for them in the __ Jar A land flowing with milk and __ Skirt Storms Middle East dweller American state Capital of Norway Skin Transgressions Disks Also

Solution on page 7

JULY 15, 2022 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

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Former DRE finds ‘perfect fit’ at youth outreach ministry in KCK By Moira Cullings moira.cullings@theleaven.org

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ANSAS CITY, Kan. — Jessica Cabral has a knack for passing on the Catholic faith to the next generation. It’s a passion that’s guided her career. While serving as the director of religious education (DRE) at Blessed Sacrament Parish in Kansas City, Kansas, Cabral spent much of her time with confirmation students. Her work made her want to do more for youth in Wyandotte County. “Reading their letters that they have to write to the archbishop every year [requesting the sacrament of confirmation] made my heart break sometimes,” she said. “They have such a deep desire to have a relationship with Jesus,” she added, “and [when] they’re not able to reach that, it breaks my heart.” She needed to do more. And she did. Cabral became the director of ReachKCK on June 20. “Having this opportunity at Reach and being able to work with [youth] to help them build this relationship with Jesus is what essentially moved me to pursue this opportunity,” she said. ReachKCK, the archdiocesan youth outreach ministry in Wyandotte County, invites teenagers into a community of faith. The ministry offers a plethora of opportunities, including monthly activities like eucharistic adoration and Luke 18 retreats. Based at Blessed Sacrament Church, ReachKCK also provides a space for teens to spend time after school to study and learn activities like art and music — skills that are taught by local volunteers. Taking the job was a difficult decision for Cabral, who spent several years as Blessed Sacrament’s parish secretary and ultimately its DRE. But her desire to bring youth closer to Christ in a hands-on way won out. Born in Mexico, Cabral moved to the United States with her family at age 6 and grew up in Wyandotte County, where she began volunteer work with the archdiocesan Hispanic ministry at age 16. During her time working at Blessed Sacrament, where Cabral is still a parishioner, she witnessed an increase in Central American families immigrating

LEAVEN PHOTO BY MOIRA CULLINGS

Jessica Cabral became the director of ReachKCK on June 20. She previously served as director of religious education (DRE) at Blessed Sacrament Parish in Kansas City, Kansas. to Kansas City. She believes her own experiences will help her relate to the young people who come to ReachKCK. She’s eager to let them know “that God loves them.” Deacon Dana Nearmyer, director of the archdiocesan office of evangelization, described Cabral as the “perfect fit” for Reach KCK. “Many priests submitted endorsements for her to be considered for the position because of positive experiences of working with her,” he said. Deacon Nearmyer also expressed the importance of a Catholic youth ministry in Wyandotte County, where parishes have many young people but few staff members to support them. “ReachKCK helps coordinate parish staff and volunteers who work with young people to build up networks, open up regional and national opportunities like the March for Life, create a bridge to local offerings like Camp Tekakwitha and provide world-class formation experiences close to home,”

he said. Father Mark Mertes, pastor of St. Patrick Parish in Kansas City, Kansas, and moderator of the curia, expressed his excitement for Cabral, who he worked with for many years at Blessed Sacrament. “Jessica knows personally and culturally the challenges that many young people in KCK are facing,” he said. “She understands the needs of the immigrant population in KCK and is also a wonderful friend to the established members of the parish. “She has a pleasant disposition that is combined with a high level of skill in expressing herself in written form and spoken — both in English and Spanish. This will be a great asset for her ministry.” Father Mertes also emphasized the ability of ReachKCK to connect with the younger generation. “Conversions happen one relationship at a time,” he said, “and ReachKCK has as its vision to create this community where urban teens can encounter Christ.”

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He believes the archdiocese’s commitment to support the ministry is a witness for young people in urban settings, where “progress seems to come slowly,” and that the ministry can also save young lives by providing a “nurturing community.” Cabral stressed how essential ReachKCK’s mission is, particularly during this time when “society is attacking family values and our values as Catholics so strongly.” “To provide a safe haven for [youth] to be able to express their faith, live their faith and learn about their faith is something crucial,” she said. Cabral is eager to dive into her work and hopes to make a strong impact. “I’m just very excited and look forward to being able to share the love that I know God has for each individual person,” she said. Those interested in volunteering at ReachKCK are encouraged to send an email to: reachkck@archkck.org or call (913) 449-1420.

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WALKING WITH FAITH —

LEAVEN FILE PHOTO BY KATHRYN WHITE

Whether you’re young or old, questioning your faith doesn’t have to be a bad thing. In fact, it can lead you to a deeper understanding of your faith and make one’s prayer life more meaningful.

Faith doesn’t mean having all the answers

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WE DO NOT NEED TO BE AFRAID OF QUESTIONS AND DOUBTS BECAUSE THEY ARE THE BEGINNING OF A PATH OF KNOWLEDGE AND GOING DEEPER; ONE WHO DOES NOT ASK QUESTIONS CANNOT PROGRESS EITHER IN KNOWLEDGE OR IN FAITH. POPE FRANCIS

By Mary DeTurris Poust Catholic News Service

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ack when my husband and I taught a two-year confirmation prep program at our parish, many of the students in our class were attending because they had to be there. They did the work, asked good questions, trudging through the weekly evening sessions, but faith formation was just one more requirement on their very long to-do lists. One student, however, was unhappy to the point of being outwardly angry and belligerent. Although this student had attended almost all of our classes over that twoyear period, as confirmation weekend approached, we received an email stating that she had decided she did not want to be confirmed. I imagined how challenging that decision was for her parents, and I emailed a hopeful reply. I assured them that their student’s decision not to be confirmed proved to me that she was taking this sacrament more seriously than many of her classmates. Most were going through the motions to please their parents, but this student was thinking deeply. She would not agree to something in which she did not fully believe. I saw her doubt as the mark of a true seeker, someone who wants

more than simply checking off a box on the faith journey. I was not surprised to learn that a year or two later she was confirmed on her own terms. Doubt is part of any faith life, or at least it should be. A faith life with no questions at all feels rather small, as though we’re too afraid to look in the dark corners for fear of what we might find. But it’s precisely in the difficult questions and nagging doubts that we often discover an unexpected opening to even deeper faith. “We do not need to be afraid of questions and doubts because they are the beginning of a path of knowledge and going deeper; one who does not ask questions cannot progress either in knowledge or in faith,” Pope Francis said at a general audience in 2016. A few years prior, in a 2013 interview published in America magazine, Pope Francis said something even more dramatic on this topic: “In this quest to seek and find God in all things, there is still an area of uncertainty. There must be. If a person says that he met God with total certainty and is not touched by a margin of uncertainty, then this is not good. For me, this is an important key. If one has the answers to all the questions — that is the proof that God is not with him.”

What does that mean for those of us who are walking the path of faith and trying to lead others to do the same? Should we throw our hands in the air and give up? No, just the opposite. Our challenge is to remain present, nonjudgmental and open in the face of hard questions — our own and those of others. And to continue to do so even in the face of doubt or outright disbelief. It’s not likely that anything we say — especially if it’s tinged with anger, fear or self-righteousness — is going to turn someone from doubt to certainty. The key is compassion, understanding and simply listening without trying to tie everything up with a nice, neat spiritual bow. Yes, we can share what helps us through our own faith struggles and carries us forward, but trying to turn someone from doubt to certainty isn’t the goal. The goal is helping someone find abiding trust in God’s mercy, tenderness and unconditional love. Mother Teresa, the beloved saint whose life work served as a model of faith, suffered deep darkness and doubt throughout her life. Does that mean she loved God less than we imagined? No, it means she suffered more. But she remained steadfast, trusting that all would be well in the end. As far back as 1957, she

confided to her spiritual director: “Where I try to raise my thoughts to heaven, there is such convicting emptiness that those very thoughts return like sharp knives and hurt my very soul. Love — the word — it brings nothing. I am told God lives in me — and yet the reality of darkness and coldness and emptiness is so great that nothing touches my soul.” We may read those words and wonder what hope there is for us if someone as holy and devoted as Mother Teresa could feel so lost and alone. But there is always hope; there was for Mother Teresa, for the student in my faith formation class and for every one of us. Doubt can be sustained in a life of faith; it is only when we lose hope that things become more troubling. So, what do we do? We go to God with our doubts. Talk to God. Yell at God, if that’s what it takes. Tell God exactly what we’re feeling and thinking. Rather than shy away from doubts, we can dive in headfirst and let God open our heart and eyes to the answers we seek, which are often right in front of us. Mary DeTurris Poust is a writer and retreat leader living in New York. Visit her website at: www. NotStrictlySpiritual.com.

— AND SPORADIC DOUBT

LEAVEN FILE PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER

Bearing in mind that prayer is about being in relationship with God, what our prayer life may need most is a retreat. A retreat in Catholic terms is time set apart for reflection, prayer and resting with God.

Even priests experience faith slumps By Father Stuart Wilson-Smith, CSP Catholic News Service

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faith slump can happen to anyone. Prayer isn’t working or we don’t feel motivated. When we do make it to Mass, we struggle to focus or we don’t feel God any more near to us than when we went in. God seems distant, or we may wonder if God is even there at all. I have had more than a few slumps in my faith myself, both before and after I entered religious life and became a priest. Here are a few tips I have picked up along the way: For one, resist the urge to blame yourself. Lots of things can do harm, temporary or lasting, to our faith lives. My faith has been challenged by things like hypocrisy among leaders of the church, or a sense that my experience as a single young adult was not valued at my parish, or I simply didn’t fit. It is not a faith or character weakness on our part to struggle with the oftentimes stark difference between the reality of the church in front of us and what Jesus calls us to. Go gentle with yourself and remember that God will faithfully be present to us whether we feel it or not. Turning inward, while prayer may not be the only

LEAVEN FILE PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER

“Service to those with whom Christ has so closely identified may take a variety of forms and there is no need to necessarily reinvent the wheel,” writes Paulist Father Stuart Wilson-Smith. way out of a faith slump, how we spend our time in conversation with God is critical. On this, one of my biggest helps over the years has been simply appreciating that our approach to prayer may change over the years, certainly between the major stages of life. This is normal. Looking up new ways of praying is always a worthwhile exercise. You might try, for example, an Ignatian Examen (reviewing the day reflectively with an eye toward God’s action) or “lectio divina” (reading Scripture prayerfully, listening for God’s voice speaking to you). Bearing in mind that prayer is about being in

relationship with God, what our prayer life may need most is a retreat. A retreat in Catholic terms is time set apart for reflection, prayer and resting with God. Some retreats may be guided or there will be an option to meet with a spiritual director. Look around your region and see if there are any Catholic retreat centers near you. As much as a slump in our faith may seem to be an internal matter, I have found that it is best not to approach it this way alone. Getting out of a faith slump often means directing our hearts and minds outside of ourselves. Chapter 25 of Matthew’s Gospel lays out this point for us well: The hungry and

thirsty, the stranger, the imprisoned — how we treat these least in our midst is how we treat Christ himself. To jump-start our faith, we need to encounter Christ and spend time with him, in the gift of the Eucharist, yes, but also in the eucharistic life the Blessed Sacrament calls us to. The solidarity and self-gift we receive in Christ must be shared. Service to those with whom Christ has so closely identified may take a variety of forms and there is no need to necessarily reinvent the wheel. Wherever we are, there tends to be those already doing the work. Yours or another local parish may have organized a regular food pantry that requires assistance. The diocese may have a prison ministry that needs volunteers to spend a few minutes on the phone with a returning citizen or to write letters to those still incarcerated. To whomever we minister, we will meet Christ, and faith in him and his kingdom of perfect peace, justice and love can only increase. Father Stuart WilsonSmith is a priest of the Paulist Fathers and associate pastor of Old St. Mary’s Church in Chicago. Father Stu is currently writing a book on Catholicism and mental health platforms.

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WHILE PRAYER MAY NOT BE THE ONLY WAY OUT OF A FAITH SLUMP, HOW WE SPEND OUR TIME IN CONVERSATION WITH GOD IS CRITICAL. ON THIS, ONE OF MY BIGGEST HELPS OVER THE YEARS HAS BEEN SIMPLY APPRECIATING THAT OUR APPROACH TO PRAYER MAY CHANGE OVER THE YEARS.

JULY 15, 2022 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

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‘Never tire of doing good,’ advises pastor of vandalized church >> Continued from page 1 He asked his fellow Knight on duty to call 911, then approached the school on foot and shined his flashlight in the vandal’s direction, causing the person to flee. The Overland Park Police filed a report after speaking with the Knights, and at the time of this publication, the person who committed the damage had not yet been found. “Frankly, I don’t understand the motivation of the people that are doing this,” said the Knight who witnessed the crime. “We do the best we can to try to make it hard for them. “Those of us who are working as guards are not lurking in the shadows. We’re trying to be extremely obvious we’re here and we’re watching.” “This is happening in the dark,” he added, “but it’s very much in public. And everyone should know about it.”

‘A different kind of sorrow’ Dustin Fluderer and his family paused outside Ascension School in the early afternoon on July 10 before making their way to the vandalized statue of Mary to say a prayer. “This is something that is completely unbelievable — that anybody would have the nerve or ability to desecrate a structure like this, especially one that’s sacred in the eyes of God,” said Fluderer. “It’s a different kind of sorrow that I’m experiencing right now,” he added. Despite his frustrations, Fluderer said he would pray for the person who committed the crime. “I have to remember that they still need our mercy, our grace, our love and our forgiveness,” he said. Ascension’s Knights of Columbus co-chair for the pro-life committee was also baffled by the defacement. “It’s always frustrating. It’s always disappointing,” said the man. “If you want to voice your opinion, do it at the

LEAVEN PHOTO BY KATHRYN WHITE

Ascension parishioner Sean Doherty cleans off the red spray paint from the flower containers at the base of the statue of Mary, which was also spray-painted. voting booth. To go and destroy and destruct, to me, is very juvenile. “It doesn’t do any good. It emboldens us to be more vigilant.” A fellow Knight agreed. “We’ve had so much of this that my only reaction is: Why [do] people have to be violent in expressing their opinions about things?” he said. “Why can’t we have two sides to an issue, and if you have a problem with it, go vote? “Don’t destroy a bunch of property. It’s pretty extreme in my view.” Father Gary Pennings, pastor of Ascension, believes the church’s willingness to challenge “the ways of the world,” including its support for abortion, is what enrages people of the opposite viewpoint. The pastor said his parish tries to respond to the continuous vandalism “with patience and charity.” “When the Lord told his disciples to ‘turn the other cheek,’” he said, “he was not suggesting that they be timid or cowardly, but the opposite: courageous. “He invited them to stand their ground and not yield, no matter what

insults they might face. The evil one stirs up emotions, anger and revenge, but the way of the Gospel is charity and faith-filled perseverance.” Father Pennings had a strong message for his parish family. “I would tell my parishioners,” he said, “and all who uphold the dignity of life in the womb, to never tire of doing good, stand firm, let your faith — informed by the teaching of Christ’s church — guide your conversations and your actions. “I would encourage them to be well-informed, to learn the truth about the issues and to never fear engaging in reasoned dialogue about why we believe what we believe.”

‘Pray for those who oppose this’ Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann expressed his concern for the Catholic Church as a target of these types of attacks. “I think it’s an effort to intimidate

the church as a whole,” he said, “but also to intimidate individuals. “And that’s not going to have that effect on us. It’s going to motivate us to do all that we can to make sure this amendment is passed for the good of Kansas.” The archbishop said voters need to focus on what the “Value Them Both” amendment actually is. “The amendment simply allows Kansans to determine what the public policy on abortion is going to be,” he said. “I think it says a lot about the opposition to this that they’re so afraid to have Kansans be able to determine our public policy on protecting the unborn and mothers from the abortion industry,” he added. The archbishop was disappointed in the crudeness of the vandalism in this case and the lack of civil debate in society around issues like abortion. “I think if you don’t have ideas, you resort to vulgarity and efforts of bullying and intimidation like this,” he said. “We try to respect everybody and those that disagree with us on this issue. “We respect them, we believe that they’re made in the image of God and that their lives are sacred as well. But, unfortunately, many who support this culture of death . . . don’t seem to have that same civility.” Archbishop Naumann ultimately shared a message of hope for Catholics in the archdiocese. “Jesus never promised us easy if we’re going to be his disciples,” he said. “I think we need to pray for those that oppose this and pray for an enlightenment and change of heart. “We need to be even more resolved to pass ‘Value Them Both’ and to allow the people of Kansas their right to determine what our public policy will be regarding abortion.” To learn more about the “Value Them Both” amendment, visit the website at: valuethemboth.com.

9/11 story was fascinating to revisit as an adult, says reporter >> Continued from page 3 people know how incredibly brave and forward-thinking she was” said Ragar Esfeld. “It wasn’t difficult — she was so talkative and engaging. Women are an important part of our history; their stories need to be told. I’m very happy I was able to tell Elinor’s.” For his collection of photos of Catholic schools taking part in the state swim meet, Soldner was awarded first place in the category of Best Multiple Picture Package – Sports. The judges were impressed with the variety of photos and angles he was able to get from the event. “The most difficult part of photographing a state swim meet is staying creative for the duration of the event — while dealing with water everywhere,” Soldner said. “I usually wear shorts and bring a few microfiber towels with me. I know I’m going to get wet, but if that’s what it takes to get the shot, I’m all for it.” Kathryn White has been to the National Catholic Youth Conference many times as a youth minister but 2021 was her first time covering the event as a journalist. Her efforts at NCYC were recognized by the CMA as she took first place for Best Multiple Picture Package – Feature.

“Photos effectively and creatively tell the entire story,” the judges said. “Photo package depicts the myriad event elements as well as the fun energy, purpose and accomplishments achieved.” White felt that her time as a youth minister helped her capture that faith and emotional aspects of NCYC. “As a former youth minister, I used to take large groups of students to NCYC,” she said. “Going as a photojournalist versus as a youth minister had its perks and its challenges. Representing the entire archdiocese, I strived to connect with chaperons from every parish (not just those of my own parish) multiple times a day in order to capture how the teens were participating and praying throughout the conference.” A series of articles by Therese Horvat under the banner of “Antisemitism” was praised by the judges for being a “wonderfully put together collection of articles.” This package won two secondplace awards for Best In-Depth News/ Special Reporting and Best Analysis/ Background/Round-Up News Writing. “Everyone should read this,” said the judges. “An in-depth historical presentation of challenges between Christianity and Judaism. The writing is well researched, very clearly presented and informative.”

Horvat said that it was a challenge to compress two millennia of history into its final format. “This feature took a lot of time to research, organize and synthesize while keeping the finished product engaging and easy to read,” she said. She added that it was her hope that the readers would learn from her stories and respond with love. “As Christians and Catholics, we are called to love one another and, as individuals, we are called to make choices that respect life and the dignity of all people — in spite of history and popular sentiments,” she said. In the category of Best Writing One Shot National Event, Cullings took second place for her story, “20 Years after 9/11.” Cullings was a third grader at Nativity School in Leawood when the terrorist attacks of 9/11 happened and remembers being on the playground watching a plane turn around and head back toward the airport. That scene was captured by a photographer at Nativity and the photo was published in The Leaven. “It was fascinating speaking with educators about what took place at their schools that day and comparing how similar the events were to what I experienced. It felt cathartic to mark

the 20th anniversary by sharing the stories of people who were uniquely impacted by 9/11,” she said. In other awards, Bonar took third place for her story, “Reboot on Life,” which told about how Tammy Drake-Gannon found religion in prison and a faith community at Sacred Heart Parish in Sabetha. Cullings and Soldner shared a third place award for “Behind the Scenes,” which gave readers an inside look at how Camp Tekakwitha comes together each year to give campers a faith-filled experience. “Behind the Scenes” also garnered an honorable mention in Best Feature Writing. Another third place award was given to Todd Habiger in Best Sports Journalism for his story about blind runner Jude Nickson, age 9, and his guide and mother Joanna. Habiger also won an honorable mention for Best Front Page. Finally, Cullings capped a stellar performance at the CMAs by taking an honorable mention in the Best Feature Photo category for her photo “Magic,” which features Scott Henderson performing a levitation trick with Nativity School, Leawood, fourth grader Alexa Hancox.

NATION

JULY 15, 2022 | THELEAVEN.ORG

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San Antonio archbishop becomes member of bishops’ club no one wants to join

Left, people react outside the SSGT Willie de Leon Civic Center, where students had been transported from Robb Elementary School after a shooting in Uvalde, Texas, May 24.

CNS PHOTO/MARCO BELLO, REUTERS

Below, Archbishop Gustavo García-Siller of San Antonio comforts people outside the SSGT Willie de Leon Civic Center, where students had been transported after the shooting at their school, Robb Elementary, in Uvalde.

By Rhina Guidos Catholic News Service

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ASHINGTON (CNS) — San Antonio Archbishop Gustavo García-Siller was still tending to the pain of the community of Uvalde, Texas, reeling from a mass school shooting that in late May left 19 children, many of them fourth graders, and their two teachers dead, when another tragedy landed on the doorstep of his Texas diocese. “The office had already closed, but I heard about it and went straight to a hospital,” the archbishop said in a July 8 interview with Catholic News Service, recalling the evening in late June he heard about a group of migrants found dead and dying inside a sweltering trailer near San Antonio. They were being smuggled into the U.S. At first, it was hard to know whether anyone had survived the more than 100-degree temperatures inside the trailer carrying them, but if they did, the prelate figured he’d find them at one of the area hospitals and he went looking for them. The death toll in that incident would eventually reach 53. A little more than a dozen people, including several children, survived. During a recent visit with a survivor who remains in the hospital, the prelate found out about the man’s approaching birthday. Because he had no one to celebrate with, the archbishop gathered a group of migrants that Catholic Charities in San Antonio was helping to mark the occasion and they observed the man’s birthday, a second chance at life, with a party and a cake. The archbishop admitted that it has been tiring. “Cansancio,” he said in Spanish. The days have been full of visits: to victims, survivors, their families and community members who are suffering. In between, he has been presiding over one funeral after the other. In dealing with back-to-back events of such great magnitude, the archdiocesan community has been at his side to respond to those suffering in their midst. Though the community at large has suffered, to be sure, “the ones who lived through [the tragedies] are the ones who suffered the most,” said the archbishop, recalling a harrowing account from one of the survivors he visited. “He’s 21, or 22, and he was inside the trailer, which had no air conditioning, not even a window. . . . They didn’t have water and they didn’t have food,” said the archbishop. The conditions were so terrible that they had no option but to “perform their physical needs” in the space they

CNS PHOTO/MARCO BELLO, REUTERS

CNS PHOTO/JOSE LUIS GONZALEZ, REUTERS

A woman in El Paso, Texas, lights candles during a vigil July 5, to honor the 53 migrants who died in a cargo truck in San Antonio June 27. had carved out for themselves. “There came a time when he said that he felt that his skin was, like wrinkling, as if they were burning, as if they were inside an oven,” the archbishop said. “Then, the desperation began.” The migrant told the archbishop that some in the group began moving toward the center of the trailer. Sensing that perhaps an end to their journey on this earth was near, some grabbed their small Bibles, rosaries and prayer cards with the image of Jesus and of various

saints, and they began to pray. “Lord, have mercy on us. Good Father, hear us. Take care of our families. Protect them,’” they prayed, and even at the end, Archbishop García-Siller said, their concern was for others, their families. Their natural inclination was to draw closer to God instead of cursing him for their plight, he said. Slowly, they started collapsing, fading, the survivor told him. Those who were still conscious “didn’t

know if it was just fainting or if it was death,” Archbishop García-Siller said. It showed, he said, a “natural inclination from within, of trusting oneself to God, to express yourself [to that God]” that many in Latin America have, even within a variety of faith traditions, he said. He has faced criticism for humanizing the migrants in the trailer. “Just because he’s hurt sneaking across the border doesn’t mean he gets to stay,” one Twitter user told the archbishop after he tweeted about the survivor’s phone call with his mother. But he’s been dealing with detractors for a while, and they increased when he called for limits on high-powered weapons, such as the ones used to kill the children at the school in Uvalde. Many brother bishops with whom he recently gathered for a retreat in June also expressed their support, their condolences, including those whose club he’s joined: bishops dealing with mass casualties in their dioceses. There’s a sense of shame each time one picks up the phone to call the other to offer condolences for the latest mass shooting or tragedy in their respective diocese, particularly because there are solutions but little political will for the country to resolve them, he said. “It’s a shame that we need to be dealing with this on a regular basis,” he said.

CLASSIFIEDS

12 EMPLOYMENT Permanent teacher positions - Holy Trinity Early Education Center is currently hiring for permanent teacher positions for all age groups ranging from 2 years to school-aged. All positions have both part-time and fulltime opportunities. Our mission at HTEEC is to provide an environment that supports each child’s intellectual, social, emotional and spiritual growth. If you are energetic, patient and appreciate the joy children inevitably bring to the day, please send your resume to: jpfaff@htslenexa. org and mtodd@holytrinityeec.org for questions and additional information. We would love to discuss if you are the right person to add to our HTEEC teaching team! Director of life and justice - The Diocese of Kansas City–St. Joseph has an immediate opening at the director level that will oversee and direct the ministry offices that serve young adults and students on college campuses within the diocese. This is a new position, and duties include: establishing a vision and implementing the strategy for both offices; managing campus ministry staff and collaborating with campus chaplains; and developing leaders to help support these Catholic communities. This position is full time and benefits-eligible. For more information or to apply, visit: www.kcsjcatholic.org. Evangelization coordinator - St. Michael the Archangel Parish in Leawood is seeking an evangelization coordinator. This role reports to the evangelization, formation & outreach director and works collaboratively with staff and parishioners. Current initiatives include Christ Renews His Parish, “Vine” small groups, Bible studies, young adult ministry, adult formation presentations, and events such as parish missions, speakers and visitation of relics. This is a year-round, full-time position with full benefits. For full job description, go to: stmichaelcp.org/employment. Send cover letter and resume to: denise.greene@stmichaelcp.org. Youth minister - Church of the Ascension, a parish of 3,300 families in Overland Park, is searching for a youth minister. We are looking for a creative, energetic and dedicated individual who desires to witness, serve and form teens and their families. The successful applicant will work with another youth minister and with a volunteer core team to envision, plan and execute a youth ministry strategy in accord with the church’s schema for youth formation and in collaboration with the pastor’s vision for youth engagement. Applicants should be Catholics, well-formed in the faith and faithful to the magisterial teaching of the church. A degree in youth ministry, catechesis, theology or related fields is preferred. Pastoral experience in youth ministry will be considered. Youth ministers are salaried, exempt employees, and working some evening and weekends hours will be required. Salary is commensurate with experience. Hiring will be contingent upon a clean background check and completing the necessary child and youth protection screenings and formation. Qualified applicants should contact Dr. William O’Leary, pastoral associate for youth faith formation, at: woleary@kcascension.org. Applications will be accepted through Aug. 15. Parish business manager – St. Joseph in Shawnee is seeking a full-time business manager. This person must have accounting/financial management expertise; management/supervisory experience; a base of human resources skills; and computer and business skills. This person will be expected to be a proactive leader in: managing and operating the financial aspects of the parish; the annual budget; overseeing the financial aspects of parish grounds and building maintenance; and working closely with the pastor, principal, early education center director, staff, parish committees and parish members. Good oral and written communication are mandatory, along with good organization and prioritization skills with attention to detail. A detailed job description can be found at: www.stjoeshawnee. org. Interested individuals should mail cover letter and resume to the attention of the pastor at St. Joseph Parish, 5901 Flint St., Shawnee, KS 66203 or by email to: frscott@stjoeshawnee.org. For more information, you can call (913) 631-5983. Education and outreach coordinator - New Roots for Refugees is hiring an education and outreach coordinator. This position will manage and develop curriculum for New Roots English and farm classes; provide support in all areas of program assessment and education; plan educational activities for farmers and customers; and create written content for New Roots social media and newsletters. We are seeking a professional experienced in education, writing and providing direct services to refugees. Apply at: catholiccharitiesks.org/ careers. Secretary - St. Joseph Early Childhood Center in Shawnee is seeking a secretary. Competitive salary and great benefits. Flexible hours. Call (913) 248-4589 or email: tgavila@stjoeshawnee.org. Coordinator of youth religious education - Most Pure Heart of Mary in Topeka is seeking candidates for the position of coordinator of youth religious education. This part-time, year-round position will facilitate faith formation for preschool through 8th grade, including sacramental preparation for reconciliation, first Communion and confirmation. This position works in conjunction with the director of faith formation regarding planning and evaluation. To apply, send resume and cover letter to Sarah Holthaus at: sholthaus@mphm. com.

Accountant - The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas is hiring a full-time, benefits-eligible position for an accountant. This accountant will be responsible for performing various accounting duties, including journal entries, reconciliation of bank accounts, analysis, accounting system maintenance, report preparation, communication with various ministry offices and sales tax filing. This accountant will also assist with the annual budget process utilizing Oracle’s Planning & Budgeting Cloud System. This candidate should possess a high attention to detail and accuracy and the ability to recognize and analyze issues, develop solutions and improve processes. This position will work with all members of the accounting team, including the accounting director and CFO. This position requires a bachelor’s degree in accounting with at least two years of relevant accounting experience. This position will work in the chancery office and also have the ability to work remotely. To apply, please visit: www.archkck.org/jobs. Position open until filled. Director for the Catholic Campus Center at Washburn University - The Catholic Campus Center (CCC) at Washburn University (WU) is accepting resumes for a full-time director. This position is responsible for administering and promoting the mission of the Catholic Campus Center. The director, in cooperation and with support of the chaplain, is responsible for planning, facilitating and administering the programs of the center. In the absence of a campus minister, the director will fulfill the campus minister’s responsibilities. The director is a fully initiated member of the Catholic Church, nourishes his/her faith through ongoing spiritual formation and prayer, and publicly adheres to church teachings. If you are interested in this position, please send a cover letter and resume to: jtorrez@archkck.org. Human resource generalist - The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas is looking for a qualified candidate to fill a full-time human resource generalist position on our chancery human resources team. With over 120 entity locations and nearly 5,000 employees throughout the archdiocese, this position will collaborate, consult and support entity administrators with benefit, payroll and employee relations information. The HR generalist position contributes to the development and administration of significant initiatives and strategic projects. In addition, this position is responsible for chancery office recruiting and assisting with priest and religious immigration activities. The ideal candidate will have previous human resources or similar experience, business acumen and the ability to recognize opportunities and convert challenges into success stories. Additionally, the ideal candidate is a practicing Catholic. This position does offer a hybrid work arrangement. If you are ready for a new position, one that is faith filled and provides an opportunity to further develop your skills, please consider sharing your talents with the archdiocese. To apply online, please visit our website: www. archkck.org/jobs. Caregiver needed - Curé of Ars parishioner needs someone to care for husband with dementia 12 hours per week. Two six-hour days from 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. No meal preparation needed. Light housekeeping on first floor. Husband stays in recliner on first floor. Dogs to be let in and out. If interested, respond by text to (913) 481-5169. Youth minister - St. Michael the Archangel Parish in Leawood is seeking a youth minister for grades 7 - 12, including confirmation prep. This position requires an active spiritual and sacramental life; the ability to work collaboratively within a pastoral team; and have a heart for working with youth. This role works with another youth minister on staff and is expected to disciple core team members; create new and support existing programs including theology of the body; coordinate volunteers; and manage resources dedicated to youth ministry. This is a year-round, full-time position eligible for full benefits. Complete description at: stmichaelcp. org/employment. Send cover letter and resume to: denise.greene@stmichaelcp.org. Adjunct faculty job openings - Donnelly College, Kansas City, Kansas, a Catholic college offering higher education for those who may not otherwise be served. Adjunct faculty job openings include: biology; clinical nursing, math and information systems coordinator. Find job descriptions and details at: www.donnelly.edu/ careers. Stylists needed - Are you addicted to the TV show “Say Yes to the Dress”? Are you self-motivated, love fashion and enjoy helping people look their best? If so, we want to talk to you! Sincerely Susan, a unique destination shop boutique is a warehouse environment where clients come in by appointment only. You must have a sense of style and a great personality to be able to interact with our “moms.” Hours are flexible. Must be willing to work a minimum of one evening per week and weekends. Must be able to stand and walk on concrete for long periods of time and reach overhead to pull gowns. Previous retail experience preferred, but not necessary. Hourly rate is based on experience. If interested, call (913) 730-8840. Eighth grade English/reading teacher - Ascension School in Overland Park is seeking a full-time eighth grade homeroom and English/reading teacher for the 2022-23 school year. This candidate will join an awesome team of junior high teachers! Applicants should send their resume, references and teacher’s license to Becky Wright at: bwright@acseagles.org.

JULY 15, 2O22 | THELEAVEN.ORG

Scientific equipment technician - Would you like to make a difference in a small growing company? Seeking individuals looking for flexible part-time work maintaining and repairing small equipment for our family company, which has been in the local area for over 40 years. Service is completed at customers’ locations locally and within a four-state area. Dependable transportation is a must. Positive attitude, dependability, time management and self-motivation skills, as well as being quality and customer-oriented, are required. Mostly OTJ training. Electrical knowledge a plus. Please send resume to: Yourcareer101@gmail.com.

Caregivers - Daughters & Company is looking for several compassionate caregivers to provide assistance to 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 up hours desired. Contact Gary or Laurie at (913) 341-2500 if you want to become part of an excellent caregiving team.

Director of human resources - The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas is seeking qualified candidates to fill the position of director of human resources. This position is both challenging and rewarding! The archdiocese provides shared services for 120 associated organizations employing 5,000 full- and part-time positions. Shared services include benefits administration, workers’ compensation, retirement plans and a standardized payroll process. Applicants must be a practicing Catholic in good standing and an active and faithful steward in their parish. Applicants must have expertise in creating and implementing HR policies and processes; client employee services and support; legal compliance; HRIS and data management; employee benefit management and administration; workers’ compensation, leave management and related processes; employee relations and performance management; and employer/employee communications. This position manages a staff of four HR professionals; is the chief human resources consultant to parishes, schools and other archdiocesan organizations; and manages all human resource functions at the chancery. The successful candidate will have expertise in multiple HR disciplines, demonstrated skill with innovation and process improvement and have excellent people skills. For a complete job description, please visit: www.archkck.org/ jobs. Position open until filled.

Seventh/eighth grade science teacher - St. Ann School, Prairie Village, is seeking a seventh grade homeroom and science teacher for the 2022-23 school year. This teacher will also teach eighth grade science classes through a rotation. Applicants should apply online through the archdiocesan website at: archkckcs. org and email principal Kelli Minshall at: kminshall@ stannpv.org.

Director of faith formation – St. Bernard Catholic Church, Wamego, is seeking a full-time director of faith formation. This position is a key pastoral leadership and formation role that requires collaboration with the pastor, staff members, volunteers and parishioners to provide Catholic education for all parishioners. The ideal applicant will be a practicing Catholic in good standing with the church who: holds a bachelor’s degree in theology or philosophy, catechesis or similar academic discipline; has some experience in teaching/leading young children, teens and/or RCIA; and leadership and supervisory experience in a Catholic parish setting. Applicant should be motivated and effective in communication and be knowledgeable of current media and technology. Some nights, weekends and occasional travel required. This position is eligible for the archdiocesan benefits package with a start date of June 15. Position open until filled. Please send a letter of application, resume and three references to: stbernard66547@gmail.com. Instructional assistants - St. Ann School, Prairie Village, is seeking both full- and part-time instructional assistants for the 2022-23 school year to help in various grade levels. Interested applicants should email principal Kelli Minshall at: kminshall@stannpv.org.

Music teacher K - 8 - Ascension School in Overland Park is seeking a full-time multi-talented individual who will teach music to K - 8th grade classes, prepare choir students for Mass and other singing programs for the 2022-23 school year. Full-time and part-time opportunities. They might also assist in our drama productions as well, if interested. Applicants should send their resume and references to Becky Wright at: bwright@ acseaagles.org Part-time teacher in our after-school care program - Prince of Peace Early Education Center is seeking a year-round, part-time teacher in our after-school care program who has a love for children. You may find the application on our website: popolathe.org/earlyeducation-center. Experience in early childhood or background in early childhood is NOT required and we provide training.” You may find the application on our website: popolathe.org/early-education-center. Early childhood educators – With multiple locations in Johnson County, Special Beginnings Early Learning Center provides high quality child care in a safe, loving Christian environment. Our classrooms are full, and we are looking to add to our amazing team. We are looking for both full-time and part-time teachers for all ages of children. If you have an excellent work ethic, a heart for children and a willingness to learn more about early childhood education, we would love to meet you. For more information or to apply, call Carolyn Andruss at (913) 894-0131, ext. 102. Drivers and aides - Assisted Transportation is now hiring safe drivers and aides to transport students with special needs in Johnson, Wyandotte and Clay County, Missouri, in company vans. Drivers earn $14 - $16 per hour. Aides earn $12 per hour. Part-time and full-time schedules available. CDL not required. Retirees encouraged to apply. Make a difference in your community by helping those in need. Call (913) 521-4955 for more information. EEO

HOME IMPROVEMENT

Staff job openings - Donnelly College in Kansas City, Kansas, has the following staff job openings available: systems administrator; ADN specialist; business office controller and systems administrator. Find job descriptions and details at: www.donnelly.edu/careers.

STA (Sure Thing Always) Home Repair - Basement finish, bathrooms and kitchens; interior & exterior repairs: painting, roofing, siding, wood replacement and window glazing. Free estimates. Call (913) 579-1835. Email: smokey cabin@hotmail.com. Member of Holy Trinity, Lenexa.

DSPs needed - Direct care professionals needed in Overland Park in an intentional living community for adults with intellectual disabilities. Training provided. Live-in or live-out options. Weekends, evenings and overnight shifts available now. $13 - $15 per hour. Email: heartland@larcheks.org.

Popcorn ceiling texture removal Interior wall painting specialist. Jerry at (913) 206-1144. 30 years’ experience. Member St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee.

Full and part-time assistant preschool teachers – St. Ann Young Child Center is currently seeking assistant preschool teachers for the 2022-23 school year. Interested candidates should have a love for children and a willingness to learn more about early childhood education. We offer competitive wages based on education level and experience. If you are interested, please contact Cara Schwarz, preschool director, at (913) 362-4660 and/or send resume and cover letter to: cschwarz@stannpv.org. Nonmedical caregivers - Saint Rita Home Care is hiring nonmedical caregivers for seniors. Seeking compassionate individuals to fill all shifts. Call or text Renee Margush at (913) 229-4267, or rmargush@saintritahc. com. Member of Prince of Peace Parish, Olathe. Second grade teacher - St. Ann School is seeking a second grade teacher for the 2021-22 school year. Applicants should apply online through the Archdiocesan website and email Principal Kelli Minshall at: kminshall@ stannpv.org. Full and part-time lead preschool teachers - St. Ann Young Child Center is currently seeking lead preschool teachers for the 2022-23 school year. The lead teacher is responsible for creating lesson plans and implementing teacher-led activities. All potential candidates should have a love for children and for maintaining the principles of Catholic education. We offer competitive wages based on education level and experience. If you are interested, please contact Cara Schwarz, preschool director, at (913) 362-4660 and/or send resume and cover letter to: cschwarz@stannpv.org.

Gearing up for spring! We now offer financing on all your home improvement projects with approved credit. Here is a list of the construction services I offer: flooring; tile; interior/exterior painting, as well as deck and fence staining; ceiling scraping/retexturing; bathroom, kitchen and basement remodeling; siding; decks and covered porches. We also do cabinet refinishing! Look me up on Facebook at “Father & Son Home Exteriors & Remodeling.” I work on all jobs, no subcontractors. Thank you to all my clients! (913) 709-7230. Concrete construction - Tear out and replace stamped, stained or colored patios and drives. Retaining walls, footings, poured-in-place safe rooms, excavation and hauling. Asphalt drives and lots. Fully insured; references. Call Dan at (913) 207-4371 or send an email to: dandeeconst@aol.com. Local Handyman - Painting int. and ext., wood rot, masonry (chimney repair), gutter cleaning (gutter covers), dryer vent cleaning, sump pump (replace, add new), windows, doors (interior and exterior) honey-do list and more! Member of Holy Angels Parish, Basehor. Call Billy at (913) 927-4118.

SERVICES Garage Door Repair New Garage Doors A Total Door - KC family owned since ‘83. www.ATotalDoor.com or (913) 236-6440 A Total Door (913) 236-6440. (913)205-0926 cell >> Classifieds continue on page 13

CLASSIFIEDS

JULY 15, 2022 | THELEAVEN.ORG >> Continued from page 12 Masonry work - Quality new or repair work. Brick, block and chimney/fireplace repair. Insured; secondgeneration bricklayer. Member of St. Paul Parish, Olathe. Call (913) 271-0362. Painting - Diamond Painting, (913) 648-4933, Residential/Commercial, Exterior/interior, Free Estimate, Affordable, Decks, DiamondPaintKc.com, Kcmo/Overland Park Metropolitan area. Catholic counseling - For individuals, couples, families, adolescents and young adults. Sam Meier, MA, LPC. Call (913) 952-2267 or book an appointment at: StillwatersKC.com, in-person or Telehealth. Tutoring - for K - Adult. Sessions are fun and meaningful. For more information please call Kathleen at (913) 206-2151 or email: Klmamuric@yahoo.com. Pressure washing: Driveways, sidewalks, patios, decks, fences and garage floors Call John for a free estimate. Serving Johnson County KS (913) 827-8616 St. Joseph parishioner & St. James Academy graduate 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. EL SOL Y LA TIERRA *Commercial & residential *Lawn renovation *Mowing *Cleanup and hauling *Dirt grading/installation *Landscape design* Free estimates Hablamos y escribimos Ingles!! Call Lupe at (816) 252-1391 Memory quilts - Preserve your memories in a keepsake quality quilt, pillows, etc. Custom designed from your T-shirt collection, baby clothes, sports memorabilia, neckties . . . Quilted Memories. (913) 649-2704.

ACT Prep - Founded by a Bishop Miege graduate, Pathway Prep has helped over 250 students during the last four years improve their scores. In-person or virtual sessions available. For more information, visit: path wayprepkc.com and contact Alex Pint at (913) 991-8217 or: alex@pathwayprepkc.com. Free estimates - We are offering free estimates to all those thinking about painting this year. At Stone Painting, we put the customer first. We provide interior, exterior house painting along with deck staining, fence painting, etc. Stone Painting ensures a professional, clean and fair-priced job. Call today for your free estimate. (913) 963-6465. Custom countertops - Laminates installed within 5 days. Cambria, granite and solid surface. Competitive prices, dependable work. Call the Top Shop, Inc., at (913) 962-5058. Members of St. Joseph, Shawnee.

CAREGIVING Saint Rita Home Care - Compassionate care in the comfort of home. We serve people in Miami and south Johnson counties. Kansas state licensed, nonmedical home care agency. Contact us today for supportive care at: www. saintritahc.com; rmargush@saintritahc.com; (913) 2294267; owner, member of Prince of Peace Parish, Olathe. 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. Family member with dementia or need help at home? - We specialize in helping seniors live SAFELY at home, where they want to live! We also offer free dementia training and resources for families and caregivers. Benefits of Home - Senior Care, www. Benefitsofhome.com or call (913) 422-1591. Caring companion - I am a certified nursing assistant with ten-plus years experience with stroke, Alzheimer’s and dementia patients. I assist with personal care services and offer non emergency medical transportation. Call (913) 558-9061.

13 WANTED TO BUY

Wanted to buy - Antique/vintage jewelry, paintings, pottery, sterling, etc. Single pieces or estate. Renee Maderak, (913) 475-7393. St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee. Thinking about downsizing? - Just want to get some stuff gone? I am always buying: old jewelry, old coins, pocket watches, pocket knives, old trains, crocks, oil lamps, old toys, glassware, old clocks, old fans, Coca Cola items and spool cabinets. Most old items considered. Call Patricia at (913) 515-2950. Will buy firearms and related accessories - One or a whole collection. Honest evaluation and top prices paid. Contact Tom at (913) 238-2473. Member of Sacred Heart Parish, Shawnee. Wanted to buy - Do you have a car or truck that you need to get rid of? If you do, CALL ME! I’m a cash buyer. We’re Holy Trinity parishioners. My name is Mark. (913) 980-4905.

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

Barrett Insurance Agency Inc Erin Barrett CLU ChFC, Agent 13139 Shawnee Mission Parkway erin@insurewitherin.com Bus: 913-648-1100 Hablamos Español St. Joseph, Shawnee, parishioner State Farm, Bloomington, IL 2001738

SAINT RITA HOME CARE State Licensed Home Care Agency www.saintritahc.com 913-229-4267 rmargush@ saintritahc.com Member of Prince of Peace, Olathe

WE’RE HIRING

Caregivers training provided

Accepting New Clients

REAL ESTATE We buy houses and whole estates - We are local and family owned, and will make you a fair cash offer. We buy houses in any condition. No fees or commissions and can close on the date of your choice. Selling your house as is never felt so good. Jon & Stacy Bichelmeyer (913) 599-5000. Tired of being a landlord? I’ll buy it. Call Mark Edmondson. (913) 980-4905. Local parishioners

NEED HELP HEALING FROM A PAST ABORTION?

Call or text 913-621-2199 Compassionate, Confidential, Free

Family Owned and Proudly Serving Our Community Since 1929 During this pandemic, we are still able to make arrangements and conduct services to honor your loved one in a meaningful way. Arrangements and Advanced Planning can be completed virtually or in the comfort of your own home. We are here to guide you every step of the way. 913-371-1404 | 340 N. 6th St. Kansas City, KS

THE SHEPHERD’S VOICE 8:30 a.m. Sundays on 92.9 FM and KEXS AM 1090 Encore Monday at 11:30 a.m.

| www.skradskifh-kc.com

14

COLUMNISTS

DAILY READINGS SIXTEENTH WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME July 17 SIXTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME Gn 18: 1-10a Ps 15: 2-5 Col 1: 24-28 Lk 10: 38-42 July 18 Camillus de Lellis, priest Mi 6: 1-4, 6-8 Ps 50: 5-6, 8-9, 16b-17, 21, 23 Mt 12: 38-42 July 19 Tuesday Mi 7: 14-15, 18-20 Ps 85: 2-8 Mt 12: 46-50 July 20 Apollinaris, bishop, martyr Jer 1: 1, 4-10 Ps 71: 1-4a, 5-6b, 15, 17 Mt 13: 1-9 July 21 Lawrence of Brindisi, priest, doctor of the church Jer 2: 1-3, 7-8, 12-13 Ps 36: 6-7b, 8-11 Mt 13: 10-17 July 22 MARY MAGDALENE Sg 3: 1-4a Ps 63: 2-6, 8-9 Jn 20: 1-2, 11-18 July 23 Bridget, religious Jer 7: 1-11 Ps 84: 3-6a, 8a, 11 Mt 13: 24-30 SEVENTEENTH WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME July 24 SEVENTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME Gn 18: 20-32 Ps 138: 1-3, 6-8 Col 2: 12-14 Lk 11: 1-13 July 25 JAMES, APOSTLE 2 Cor 4: 7-15 Ps 126: 1b-6 Mt 20: 20-28 July 26 Joachim and Anne, parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary Jer 14: 17-22 Ps 79: 8-9, 11, 13 Mt 13: 36-43 July 27 Wednesday Jer 15: 10, 16-21 Ps 59: 2-4, 10-11, 17-18 Mt 13: 44-46 July 28 Thursday Jer 18: 1-6 Ps 146: 1b-6b Mt 13: 47-53 July 29 Martha, Mary and Lazarus Jer 26: 1-9 Ps 69: 5, 8-10, 14 Jn 11: 19-27 July 30 Peter Chrysologus, bishop, doctor of the church Jer 26: 11-16, 24 Ps 69: 15-16, 30-31, 33-34 Mt 14: 1-12

“S

low down, you move too fast.” I sing this line from Simon & Garfunkel’s “The 59th Street Bridge Song (Feelin’ Groovy)” quite often. It’s become a sort of mantra as I navigate this hurry-up world. Things were different in the summers when I was growing up and air-conditioning was not that common. I experienced firsthand the “dog days” of summer, traditionally from July 3 to Aug. 11. The term originates from olden times when the hottest part of the year occurred when Sirius, known as the Dog Star, rose before the sun. The ancients saw this as a time of heat, drought, sudden thunderstorms, lethargy, fever, mad dogs and bad luck. Nature’s heat made sure that we had no choice but to slow down. Fast-forward to today, and everything

JULY 15, 2O22 | THELEAVEN.ORG

Get over in the slow lane 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.

has changed. Summer is as busy — if not more so — than the school year. I don’t know how parents can keep straight — let alone keep up with — all the activities their kids are engaged in, from sports and camps to swimming and sleepovers. Even vacations are rarely so, with so many folks checking work emails while “away”

or posting their every adventure or meal to social media. And when they do return home, the tasks have so piled up that they work doubly hard just to catch up! We need to be reminded often of Simon & Garfunkel’s words. When I lived in Rome for almost six years, I was convinced that the Italians “got it.” The entire city shut down for several hours in the afternoon so people could enjoy a leisurely “pranzo,” have a glass of wine with that meal and take a siesta. They also exemplified the attitude

that anything worth doing was worth doing “domani” (“tomorrow”). Romans didn’t stress out about deadlines. In addition to my “slow down” mantra, I rely on another saying to keep me grounded. It comes from Father Greg Boyle’s book “Barking to the Choir” where he suggests the words: “Now. Here. This.” That is to say, “Listen here and now and only to the person in front of you.” It also means: Do here and now only the task in front of you. It’s amazing how slowing down helps us to truly live life, to be attentive to what’s there around us. You’ll find yourself savoring the food you eat, the feel of a cool breeze, the smell of freshly mown grass, the sound of the carefree laughter of children and the colorful sight of a Kansas sunset. If you need a bit of help escaping the

breakneck speed of life, ponder this portion of an inspiring poem by Wilfred Arlan Peterson, entitled “Slow Me Down, Lord”: “Slow me down, Lord./ Ease the pounding of my heart by the quieting of my mind./ Steady my hurried pace. Give me,/ amidst the day’s confusion,/ the calmness of the everlasting hills. . . . “Help me to know the magical, restoring power of sleep./ Teach me the art/ of taking minute vacations . . . / slowing down to look at a flower,/ to chat with a friend, / to read a few lines from a good book. “Remind me/ of the fable of the hare and the tortoise;/ that the race is not always to the swift;/ that there is more to life than measuring its speed.” Slow down, and in no time, I’ll bet you’ll be feelin’ groovy.

Abraham story shows we are all more than parts in God’s plan

I

n Sunday’s first reading, God appears to Abraham in the form of three men traveling past his tent. Abraham invites them to stay for a meal, and they accept. When the travelers have dined, one of them announces to Abraham that within a year his wife Sarah will bear a son. This strange incident raises many questions, one of which is simply: Why did God repeat himself? He had already made the promise of a child to Abraham (in the preceding chapter). Since Abraham was almost 100 years old and Sarah close to 90, Sarah had laughed. (How would you respond?) Did God

,

KEVIN PERROTTA Perrotta is the editor and an author of the “Six Weeks with the Bible” series, teaches part-time at Siena Heights University and leads Holy Land pilgrimages. He lives in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

now want to make sure that Abraham took his promise seriously? Maybe. But perhaps, having

alerted Abraham to this miraculous conception, God wanted to communicate with Sarah, too. The means to the miraculous outcome were going to be entirely ordinary, so she would need to be on board with this undertaking. Working within the limitations of cultural protocols, according to which the woman of the house would not sit down to a meal with male visitors, God does not speak

with Sarah but repeats the promise to Abraham, knowing that she will be near enough to the tent to hear what he says. Sarah’s laughing leads into a conversation directly between her and the divine Guest. There seems to be even more than sensitivity to Sarah in God’s visit. He could have continued to communicate in the mysterious manner he used from the beginning to the end of his dealings with Abraham. We read statements such as: “The Lord said to Abraham. . . .” God’s words came to Abraham, but God himself remained hidden. Yet this time, God

went out of his way to be with Abraham and Sarah. In the matter of promising a child, God wanted to get close and personal with them. He made himself knowable and accessible as a traveler whose need for refreshment they could fill. God was intent on a plan for humanity that was much greater than Abraham and Sarah grasped. But the elderly couple were important to him not only for the part in the plan that he wanted them to play. God had a longing to be with them. Indeed, God longs to be with each one of us.

In interview, pope condemns abortion, says he’s not resigning VATICAN CITY (CNS) — In a wide-ranging interview with the Reuters news agency, Pope Francis condemned abortion, dismissed the idea that he’s preparing to resign and said he still hopes to be able to visit Russia and Ukraine in the fall. Pope Francis also told Philip Pullella, the Reuters’ Vatican correspondent, that while the Vatican’s 2018 deal with China on the nomination of bishops was not ideal, it was what was possible,

and he hopes it will be renewed again in October. The pope spoke to Pullella July 2, and portions of the interview were published July 4 and 5, including in the Vatican’s own media outlets. Asked about the Vatican’s controversial, and still unpublished, agreement with China on the appointment of bishops, Pope Francis said, “The agreement is moving well, and I hope that in October it can be renewed.” Originally signed in 2018 and

renewed in 2020, the agreement reportedly allows the pope to approve or veto bishops nominated by the Chinese Communist Party. So far, only six bishops have been appointed, ordained and installed under the agreement; the last was announced in September 2021. The deal has been criticized by Cardinal Joseph Zen Ze-kiun, the retired bishop of Hong Kong, as well as by religious freedom advocates.

CALENDAR

JULY 15, 2022 | THELEAVEN.ORG

BEREAVEMENT MEETING Curé of Ars Parish (Father Burak Room) 9405 Mission Rd., Leawood July 16 at 8 a.m.

The bereavement ministry at Curé of Ars will have a grief support meeting after Mass. For more information, call (913) 649-2026.

SPAGHETTI DINNER AND BINGO St. Patrick Parish 1086 N. 94th St., Kansas City, Kansas July 16 at 6 p.m.

Dinner and bingo are being sponsored by the St. Patrick Green Club. Spaghetti and meatballs, salad, bread stick, dessert, and tea or lemonade will be served. The cost is: $10 for adults; $5 for kids; and $30 for a family. For more information, call Fritz Vertz at (913) 515-0621.

CALLED TO LOVE AGAIN DIVORCE MINISTRY: HEALING LOVE SUMMER SATURDAY SERIES Stone Pillar Winery 11000 S. Woodland St., Olathe July 16 from 5:30 - 8 p.m.

Divorce is hard. We’ve been there. Join us for great conversation, meet new friends and learn tools to heal from this difficult situation and prepare for what’s next.

PANCAKE BREAKFAST St. Patrick Parish 1086 N. 94th St., Kansas City, Kansas July 17 from 8 - 11 a.m.

The St. Patrick Knights of Columbus will host a breakfast featuring pancakes, sausage, scrambled eggs, and biscuits and gravy. The cost is a freewill offering.

ST. AUGUSTINE PICNIC St. Augustine Parish 1948 Acorn Rd., Fidelity July 17 at 4:30 p.m.

There will be a chicken dinner served buffet style. Dine-in or carryout available. Waiting line is in the air-conditioned church. The cost is: $12 for adults; $6 for kids ages 4 - 10; and free for kids under the age of three.

There will also be a beer garden and lunch stand beginning at 5 p.m. with grilled hamburgers, hot dogs, drinks and more. There will be a cakewalk at 7 p.m. and live music by The Ramblers at 7:30 p.m. There will be a drawing for prizes at 8:30 p.m.

‘HEALING THE DIVORCED HEART’ DIVORCE SUPPORT GROUP St. Michael the Archangel Parish (Gabriel Room, lower level) 14251 Nall Ave., Leawood July 20 at 7 p.m.

We who have experienced divorce understand, as perhaps few others can. We too were sad, lonely, scared and angry, but we have found that with God, time and the support of others, healing is possible. For more information, go online to: www.stmichaelcp.org/divorce-support.

MONTHLY BOOK CLUB The Keeler Women’s Center Zoom only July 20 from 7 - 8:30 p.m.

The book that will be discussed is “The Engineer’s Wife” by Tracey Enderson Wood. For more information, call (913) 708-0286.

SOCIAL SECURITY WORKSHOP Sacred Heart Parish 1405 2nd Ave., Leavenworth July 26 from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

There will be a free comprehensive Social Security guidebook for attendees. The speaker will discuss how to decide when to start taking benefits, taxes, IRAs and life insurance. No products will be sold. RSVP to Terri Lynn, archdiocesan office of stewardship and development, at (913) 647-0365 or call Sheila at Sacred Heart at (913) 772-2424.

DONATE BLOOD. HELP SAVE LIVES Savior Pastoral Center (gym) 12601 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, Kansas July 29 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

To schedule an appointment, call 1 (800) 733-2787 or visit the website at: RedCrossBlood.org and enter: Savior Pastoral to schedule an appointment.

TRUCK RACE Prince of Peace Parish 16000 W. 143rd St., Olathe July 30 at 6:15 p.m.

Fourth degree Knights of Columbus St. Philippine Duchesne Assembly 2260 is hosting the truck race. A hamburger or hot dog meal will be available for $5 with beer and wine available for a freewill donation. Proceeds will benefit the assembly’s support of charities and seminarians. Race participation fee is $10 per person. Contact Chris Dieterman at (913) 306-3586 for additional information.

SIPS FOR SCHOLARSHIPS FOR RESURRECTION CATHOLIC SCHOOL Boulevard Brewery 2501 Southwest Blvd., Kansas City, Missouri July 31 from 5 - 8 p.m.

Catch up with friends, enjoy a drink, play some yard games and help us raise money for need-based scholarships. Ninety-seven percent of Resurrection students rely on financial aid to attend our school. Tickets are $50 and can be purchased online at: rcskck.org or by mailing payment to the school at 425 N. 15th St., Kansas City, KS 66102.

‘VALUE THEM BOTH’ PRAYER VIGILS Various churches (see below)

Join others across the archdiocese in prayer for the successful passage of the “Value Them Both” amendment and the protection of preborn children and women facing unplanned and challenging pregnancies in Kansas. The following parishes will be hosting communal prayer opportunities before the Aug. 2 statewide vote. This list may not be complete, so please check with your parish. July 31 • Annunciation Church, Baldwin City, Day of Eucharistic Adoration Aug. 1 • St. Benedict Church, Atchison, 6 p.m., all-night eucharistic adoration • Holy Angels Church, Garnett, 6 p.m., eucharistic adoration, rosary, Benediction • St. Michael the Archangel Church, Leawood, 7-10 p.m., prayer vigil

15 • Sts. Peter and Paul Church, Seneca, 6 p.m., prayer vigil • St. Joseph Church, Wathena, 6 p.m., eucharistic adoration and Benediction

ANNUAL ROAST BEEF DINNER Sacred Heart/St. Casimir Parish (Sacred Heart hall) 1402 2nd St., Leavenworth Aug. 7 from 11:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.

A roast beef dinner will be served. The cost is $13 for adults and $6 for kids ages 12 and under. Carryouts will be available.

‘SPIRITUAL EXERCISES IN EVERYDAY LIFE’ Ignatian Spirituality Center 1001 E. 52nd St., Kansas City, Missouri 2022 - 2023 series

The Ignatian Spirituality Center offers the Spiritual Exercises in Everyday Life retreat every year from September to May. This retreat is designed to dispose prayers to more readily receive God’s love and grace. You will pray daily with specific exercises and then go about your day. It is individually directed, in that you will be accompanied weekly by an Ignatian prayer guide who will be your companion for this retreat. We are currently taking applications for the 2022-23 season. To find out more, go online to: www.ignatiancenterkc. org, click on “Community,” and then on “Make the 8-Month Exercises.” For more information, send an email to Stephanie Hudson at: shudson@ignatiancenterkc. org or call (816) 381-9186. Applications are due by July 15.

BISHOP WARD HIGH SCHOOL REUNION Class of 1972 Oct. 7 - 8

Please go to the website at: www. BWHS72reunion.com to register your contact information. You may also call Janet Basler Guilfoil at (913) 948-4201 or Barbara Griffin Lewis at (913) 481-3473. The planning committee needs to know how to reach you!

JULY 15, 2022 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

16

A MINISTRY OF HOPE AND COMPASSION

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PHOTOS BY KATHRYN WHITE

rchbishop Joseph F. Naumann celebrated Mass with the residents of the Topeka Correctional Facility along with masters of ceremonies Father Anthony Saiki and Deacon Tim Ruoff. It was the first time since the pandemic that there has been the opportunity to baptize and confirm new Catholics. Deacon Ruoff has been helping out with the women’s prison for twoand-a-half years. “We are so grateful for our volunteers,” he said. “This ministry is not easy, but it is rewarding, and the residents often minister to us more than we minister to them.” The Topeka Regional Prison Ministry volunteers visited twice a week for over a year preparing residents for the sacraments. Deacon Ruoff worked with three other deacons from Topeka along with 14 lay volunteers.

Angelica Kulp was confirmed by Archbishop Naumann, flanked by her sponsor, fellow resident Therese Roever. All residents were dedicated to their faith studies and reading Scripture, often coming to RCIA with good questions and praying the rosary after every Communion service.

Erica Burling talks with Warden Gloria Geither, left, and fellow residents Brooke Colling and Shari Webber. Burling was overcome with emotion before and after her baptism and confirmation. Geither, a parishioner of St. Joseph Parish in Shawnee, has worked for the Kansas Department of Corrections for 32 years. “These residents come in at the lowest point in their lives. Just because of one bad mistake. I believe in providing hope for these residents. To promote dignity and respect. I hope they can re-enter society, get jobs and have an opportunity to share their faith,” she said.

Yesenia Sesmas gave newly baptized and confirmed Brooke Colling one of the flowers she fashioned out of toilet paper. Both maximum and minimum security residents joined together — a rare occurrence — to attend Mass with Archbishop Naumann.

Autumn Arb was baptized by Archbishop Naumann with the support of her sponsor, Topeka Correctional Facility lay prison ministry volunteer Joy Thompson. Father Anthony Saiki, master of ceremonies, assists the archbishop. The excitement of the residents was apparent in their smiles, hugs and tears of joy. “They were genuinely happy to re-engage with their Catholic faith,” said Deacon Tim Ruoff. “Their emotion was a culmination of loneliness, life situations and ability to finally celebrate Mass.” While they regularly participate in Communion services and reconciliation, this was the first time for some residents to experience the Mass.