THELEAVEN.COM | VOL. 37, NO. 5 | AUGUST 28, 2015
LEAVEN PHOTO BY JILL RAGAR ESFELD
Deacon Dana Nearmyer (left) assists former Army chaplain and Iraq War veteran Father Peter Jaramillo, SSA, celebrating Mass on the hood of a truck from the Korean War.
A HERO REMEMBERED Jeep Mass honors memory of Father Emil Kapaun By Jill Ragar Esfeld jillesfeld@theleaven.org
W
ILLIAMSBURG — If you drive southbound on Interstate 35 past Prairie Star Ranch here, you’ll soon run into the Matfield Green rest area. Though it is not known for much more than a gas station and a Dunkin’ Donuts, the rest area also has a historical marker that designates it as exactly 38 degrees north latitude — the 38th parallel. Dr. Paul Camarata, producer of SaintCast, a weekly Internet podcast about saints and a parishioner of Church of Nativity Parish in Leawood, referred to that little-known fact when he spoke to campers and guests on Aug. 1 before a jeep Mass hosted by Camp Tekakwitha and Prairie Star Ranch. Camarata hoped their proximity to the 38th parallel would bring home to his audience the reality of a war fought before most of them were born. A circle of latitude on the Northern Hemisphere, Camarata told the group, the 38th parallel
Honor by President Obama and is also being marked the boundary between North and South considered by the Vatican for canonization (see Korea after World War II. sidebar). On June 25, 1950, North Korea crossed that Telling the audience that “here is the voice of boundary and the 38th parallel has since been a hero,” Camarata played the only known recordsynonymous with the Korean War. ing of Father Kapaun from a sermon delivered on The marker at Matfield Green reads: “During Armed Forces Radio two months the Korean Conflict, 415 Kansans before he went to Korea. died or were listed as missing.” In it, Father Kapaun talked Among those who sacrificed about the peace that God gives their lives was Father Emil Kawhich exists “even in times of paun, a Catholic chaplain from If you’d like to learn more suffering.” St. John Nepomucene Parish in about Father Emil Kapaun, “Father Kapaun is a saint for Pilsen. Dr. Paul Camarata recomour times,” said Camarata. Camarata read from Father mended the book “The MiraCamarata’s speech introKapaun’s Bronze Star citation cle of Father Kapaun: Priest, duced an outdoor Mass honoring awarded in August 1951, recountSoldier, and Korean War this brave, self-sacrificing chaping how the chaplain ran through Hero” by Roy Wenzl. Check this website for lain by recreating his practice of enemy fire to drag wounded solmore details about Facelebrating the Eucharist in an diers to safety. ther Kapaun’s life: http:// He told of how Father Kapaun open field on the hood of a jeep. catholicdioceseofwichita. was captured by Chinese Com“Our staff, parents and camporg/father-kapaun. munists in November 1950 and ers, and all our guests were so spent the rest of his short life moved by the jeep Mass,” said caring for the physical and spiritual needs of his Deacon Dana Nearmyer, camp director and archfellow prisoners of war. diocesan consultant for the evangelization and Father Kapaun died of malnutrition and pneuCatholic formation of youth. monia in the prison camp in May 1951. >> See “CHAPLAIN’S” on page 6 He was posthumously awarded the Medal of
FATHER EMIL KAPAUN
2 LOCAL NEWS
THELEAVEN.COM | AUGUST 28, 2015
CALENDAR ARCHBISHOP
NAUMANN
Confirmation — Sacred Heart, Paxico, and Holy Family, Alma
Aug. 28 First profession of vows for Brother Elias Thelen — St. Mary-St. Anthony, Kansas City, Kansas
Sept. 10 Religious Alliance Against Pornography conference call
Sept. 1 Dedication of Divine Mercy Christian Formation Center, Gardner Sept. 2 Gaudeamus honorees’ breakfast and school tour Donnelly College board of trustees meeting
LEAVEN PHOTO BY LORI WOOD HABIGER
Bob and Kathy Dorst, members of St. Patrick Parish in Kansas City, Kansas, join protesters outside Planned Parenthood in Overland Park on Aug. 22. Archdiocesan pro-life consultant Ron Kelsey estimated that more than 500 people took part in the rally.
Memorial Mass for Cardinal William Baum Sept. 3 Kansas City-St. Joseph cabinet meeting — Kansas City-St. Joseph chancery Administrative Team meeting — Chancery School of Love date night — Grand Street Cafe, Kansas City, Missouri Sept. 5 Nativity of Mary procession, Mass and reception — 3 p.m. at Sts. Cyril and Methodius Church, Kansas City, Kansas
LEAVEN PHOTO BY LORI WOOD HABIGER
Don Pomeleo, a member of St. Patrick Parish in Colorado Springs, Colorado, leads a rosary outside Planned Parenthood in Overland Park. Pomeleo said that this was the first time he has traveled to Kansas for a pro-life rally. The rally was sponsored by the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas and Planned Parenthood Exposed.
Mary’s Choice blessing — Topeka
Wyandotte Pregnancy Clinic banquet — Overland Park Convention Center Sept. 11 Convocation of parish ministries — Savior Pastoral Center Sept. 12 Installation of Father Brandon Farrar and adoration chapel blessing — Sacred Heart, Emporia Sept. 13 Installation of Father Pete O’Sullivan — Holy Trinity, Paola Baptism of third or more child — Cathedral of St. Peter, Kansas City, Kansas Sept. 14 U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops ProLife Committee meeting — Washington, D.C. Life and Dignity working group — Washington, D.C. Sept. 15 “Shepherd’s Voice” recording
Sept. 8 St. Lawrence Center Advisory Council meeting — University of Kansas, Lawrence
Catholic Radio radiothon
St. Lawrence Center Mass and kitchen blessing — University of Kansas, Lawrence
ARCHBISHOP EMERITUS
Sept. 9 Apostles of the Interior Life Mass and lunch
Ethics Committee meeting — Chancery
KELEHER
Sept. 8-9 Labor Review Board — Chicago
SECOND FRONT PAGE 3
AUGUST 28, 2015 | THELEAVEN.COM
DEACONS SNAG A ‘ROCK STAR’
LEAVEN PHOTO BY JOE BOLLIG
Theologian, author and evangelist Scott Hahn thrilled and inspired permanent deacons and men in diaconal formation with his message about the new evangelization and their essential role in the effort.
By Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org
K
ANSAS CITY, Kan. — In the world of Catholic celebrities, theologian Scott Hahn is a rock star — an evangelizing heavyweight with the pulling power of a black hole. Recently, Hahn rocked the house in the archdiocese at the fall 2015 Deacon Convocation held Aug. 8 at Savior Pastoral Center in Kansas City, Kansas. It wasn’t any surprise that — between the sessions and before and after lunch — Hahn was constantly asked to pose for selfies and sign books by the permanent deacons, deacon candidates and deacon aspirants. Hahn teaches at the Franciscan University of Steubenville in Steubenville, Ohio, and the St. Vincent Seminary in Latrobe, Pennsylvania. He is the author of many books, articles and audio recordings. “He’s incredible,” said John Langer, a new deacon aspirant, and a member of Christ the King Parish in Topeka. “I’ve always wanted to meet Scott Hahn, and I’ve [now] had that opportunity and a chance to talk with him,” he continued. “He’s an incredible speaker and a unique gift to the Catholic Church and all Christians.” No less excited were the men who had already met and heard Hahn multiple times. “This is the fourth opportunity I’ve had to listen to Scott Hahn over the last 10 years,” said Deacon Michael Hill, a member of the Cathedral of St. Peter Parish in Kansas City, Kansas. “Every time, it’s usually a different
Publication No. (ISSN0194-9799) President: Most Reverend Joseph F. Naumann
subject [and] brings a lot of thought to my mind,” said Deacon Hill, ordained four years ago. “I’ve got six pages of notes from just the two sessions we’ve had. . . . It’s really making me see things differently than I had before.” Hahn handed a hefty mantle to the more than 100 deacons, candidates and aspirants who attended: To be a deacon is to be in the vanguard of the new evangelization. His three talks treated the new evangelization, Scripture and the Mass, and the sacrament of reconciliation, but the theme of the new evangelization ran throughout them all. The new evangelization is the reevangelization of the baptized and sacramentalized for a deepening and ongoing conversion, the reigniting of a Holy Spirit-fired faith in the faithful that realizes a relationship with Jesus that is both personal and covenantal. “Pope Francis has taken it to a whole new level — like he is the new evangelization HD — or as a friend of mine puts it, ‘he is the new evangelization on steroids,’” said Hahn. “He has really taken this to a whole new level by going to World Youth Day in South America and focusing on the joy of the Gospel.” This joy of the Gospel and of the Lord is crucial to the new evangelization, and deacons play a role, said Hahn. “We can see how the joy of the Lord is precisely what we need as well,” he said. “I’m convinced that this is the master key that will unlock the doors of the new evangelization — not only in your diaconal ministry but also in your own homes and, most importantly, in your own hearts.” Two studies have shown that fathers have a profound effect on the religious
practices of their children. “If the new evangelization fails to focus on the family in general — and fathers in particular — it has a great probability of failure,” said Hahn. Meeting and hearing Hahn was a large part of the convocation, but not the only one. In a sense, it was the “debutant” event for the newly formed third group, or cohort of deacons — the aspirants in the deacon program. “The process for this started right about a year ago this time when I was informed that a new cohort was being formed,” said Langer. “It’s kind of surreal. I can’t believe I’m here.” “The process of going through the application [process] and preparing for this stage and the interviews, you really have to be very humble with it,” Langer continued. “You’re not sure if you’re going to be selected or not. The fact that I’ve been selected is surreal. It’s hard to believe God has allowed them to select me. I’m very happy for that.” Dave Crisswell, a deacon candidate from St. Patrick Parish in Kansas City, Kansas, said the convocation was a great opportunity for the three cohorts to mix,
“
If the new evangelization fails to focus on the family in general — and fathers in particular — it has a great probability of failure.”
Editor Reverend Mark Goldasich, stl frmark.goldasich@theleaven.org
Production Manager Todd Habiger todd.habiger@theleaven.org
Managing Editor Anita McSorley anita.mcsorley@theleaven.org
Senior Reporter Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org
Scott Hahn
Advertising Coordinator Julie Holthaus julie.holthaus@theleaven.org
enjoy fraternal fellowship and share some wisdom with the aspirants. “A lot of the guys we learned from and were mentored by through our first year of aspirancy are here,” said Crisswell, who began formation three years ago. “They gave us confidence to discern whether or not this was the calling for us. Now, we’re in that role of helping other guys who are just coming into the aspirancy, to help them not be so intimidated. It’s kind of an intimidating thing. I tell them to just take it a month at a time.” One of those “elder brothers” is Deacon Hill. “For the new ones, it’s the same thing I told the guys who are candidates right now,” he said. “Trust the process. The process works. Pray, reflect and study.” “If it’s coming very easy for you and you seem to be led this way, it’s God probably speaking that little whisper in your life,” Deacon Hill continued. “If things are hard and you can’t seem to make time to study, you have job conflicts — roadblocks in your way — maybe it’s not now. Maybe it’s later or maybe it’s no. “Prayerfully consider that and talk to your pastor, spiritual advisers and other trusted people to make sure you are doing what God wants you to do.” Deacon convocations are held yearly near the feast of St. Lawrence, a martyred Roman deacon of the third century. The candidate and aspirant cohorts will continue to meet monthly for formation weekends. They will take separate classes, but pray and take their meals together. The 19-member candidate group has two years before ordination, and the 21-member aspirant group is at the start of a five-year formation process before ordination.
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4 LOCAL NEWS
THELEAVEN.COM | AUGUST 28, 2015
The ‘other’ bishop visits his archdiocesan flock By Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org
T
OPEKA — If you think that Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann is the chief shepherd of Catholics in northeastern Kansas, you’re only halfway right. There is another archbishop who has authority within the boundaries of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas: Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio of the U.S. Archdiocese for the Military Services. Archbishop Broglio’s jurisdiction includes a vastly scattered archipelago of all military facilities and 153 Veterans Affairs medical centers across the United States. But Archbishop Broglio doesn’t work alone. Bishop Richard B. Higgins, one of four auxiliary bishops of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, is the Vicar for Veterans. He is based in Washington, D.C. Bishop Higgins visited the ColmeryO’Neil VA Medical Center in Topeka on Aug. 4, and Dwight D. Eisenhower VA Medical Center in Leavenworth on Aug. 5. Those were only two of many stops on his yearly pastoral visits to see how Catholic VA chaplains and their flocks are faring. “The visits are pastoral,” said Bishop Higgins. “The objective is to visit the priests who are assigned to work there. Essentially, [the question is] ‘How is it that we in the Archdiocese for the Military can support the ministry of the priests who are assigned to work here?’” “In addition to that element,” he continued, “we also like to see the position description — what the priest is tasked to do there — because the ministry differs from place to place. We also like to look where he’s working — the environment in which he works. Also, [we look at] the quality of the team of which he is a member. “In most cases, thank God, it’s a highly functional team.” The Archdiocese for the Military Services is unlike any diocese in the world, said Bishop Higgins. “Our priests in the VA come from so many seminary backgrounds and so many cultures and nationalities,” he said. “A lot of these men tend to live alone, and that’s a concern we have. There’s not much in the way of priestly fraternity.” “So we want to make sure that the priests have the opportunity and plug into the local diocese and attend whatever social, educational and fraternal opportunities they offer,” he continued. “We’re concerned about the spiritual health of our priests.” In the VA system, Catholics are ministered to by priests serving as full-time, part-time or fee-based chaplains. Bishop Higgins also wants to make sure his priests are supported in terms of resources and environments — that the priests have religious materials (such as literature and rosaries) available, vestments, sacred vessels to celebrate Mass
LEAVEN PHOTO BY JOE BOLLIG
Bishop Richard B. Higgins, left, the Vicar for Veterans, is one of four auxiliary bishops of the U.S. Archdiocese for the Military Services. The Washington, D.C.-based prelate was in the archdiocese Aug. 4 and 5 while making pastoral visits to Veterans Affairs hospitals. While at Colmery-O’Neil Medical Center in Topeka, he visited and celebrated Mass with the facility’s Catholic chaplain, Father Joseph Chontos. and chapels that meet the requirements to celebrate Mass. This can be a bit tricky at times. By law, VA chapels are neutral. “The chapels, when not being used for worship services, should be maintained in a neutral status,” said Bishop Higgins. “In a nutshell, religious items that could be seen as offensive to other religious denominations must be covered up or removed.” There are good and bad ways to establish this neutrality. One of the “bad ways” he’s seen is the removal of Stations of the Cross and crucifixes when they could have simply been covered. In this regard, it’s very helpful that Bishop Higgins was a U.S. Air Force chaplain for 30 years. “Active duty [military] — we’ve been doing chapel neutrality for years, and we know how to do it well,” he said. “That’s not always the case in the VA. “Thankfully, from my background in the service with 30 years as a chaplain, I can offer suggestions.” Conforming to VA chapel requirements is not, however, his greatest challenge. That would be recruiting more priests to serve as VA chaplains. Not only must the chaplains have a minimum of two units of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE), they must be able to work in an environment quite unlike a parish. It can be quite difficult to find priests who are CPE-qualified, relate well with veterans, can work in an interfaith setting and are willing to live in remote areas with long, harsh winters. Full-time priests are preferred. The priests who make the best VA chaplains are former military chaplains.
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“They’re pure gold,” he said. During his visit to Topeka, Bishop Higgins visited with Father Joseph F. Chontos, a contract chaplain. “I’m very pleased with what I’ve encountered,” said Bishop Higgins. “This is a very, very warm and welcoming group of people. The chaplains get along very well. It’s a great team. I was amazed that there were 60 people at Mass today in the middle of the week.” “Father Chontos is very well known around the facility, which is always great to see. The veterans stop him and say, ‘Hey, Father, I need this,’ or ‘Hey, Father, you got that?’ Everybody knows Father Chontos. People really enjoy his presence.” Bishop Higgins also visited Father George Bertels, who serves as a contract chaplain at the VA hospital in Leavenworth. Father Bertels is “actively” retired. He celebrates Mass for the retired Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth as well as providing the sacraments at the VA hospital. During Bishop Higgins’ visit, they celebrated Mass together and toured the facility. Chaplains are very much needed and necessary at VA hospitals, said Father Betels. “[We’re] indispensable,” he said. “We have a young man who is critical. I visited him and gave him the sacraments. Unless you had someone here, patients would die without the sacraments. It occurs regularly, almost every month. There are individuals who are desperately in need of a priest and so often local priests are not available.” The bottom line for Bishop Higgins is this: Are the veterans being served?
AUXILIARY BISHOP RICHARD B. HIGGINS • Born in Longford, Ireland • Ordained March 9, 1968, at age 24, for the Diocese of Sacramento, California, at the Basilica of St. John Lateran in Rome • Served two pastoral assignments in Sacramento and entered the U.S. Air Force in September 1974 • Served at facilities in the United States, Europe and the Pacific • Is a graduate of the Air Command and Staff College and the Air War College, both in Montgomery, Alabama • Military decorations include the Legion of Merit with one oak leaf cluster and the Meritorious Service Medal with seven oak leaf clusters • Holds an airline transport pilot certificate and several flight instructor certificates. • Retired at the rank of colonel on Sept. 1, 2004 • Was ordained a bishop on July 3, 2004, in the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C.
“The driving force is the entitlement of the veteran to religious freedom and the practice of his religion,” said Bishop Higgins. “The VA is required by law to fulfill those needs. That’s where the military archdiocese comes in. We will do our utmost to make sure those needs are met and protected.”
LOCAL NEWS 5
AUGUST 28, 2015 | THELEAVEN.COM
Religious orders, like the country, are growing more diverse By Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org
K
ANSAS CITY, Kan. — For quite some time now, it seems like the story of women religious has been told by Sister Debbie Downer. You’ve heard “The Downer Report” before: fewer vocations, shrinking and aging congregations, the high cost of care for aging religious and the difficulty of maintaining older ministries such as hospitals and schools. It’s all true — but not the complete truth. If you had been at Savior Pastoral Center in Kansas City, Kansas, from Aug. 6-9, you would have seen something different: happy, laughing and optimistic young Sisters. More than 60 Sisters, from congregations across the United States, were part of the 2015 national gathering of the organization Giving Voice. Giving Voice is described as “a peerled organization that creates spaces for younger women religious to give voice to their hopes, dreams and challenges in religious life.” The theme of the gathering, for Sisters age 50 and younger, was “Crossing Boundaries.” These younger Sisters are coming to the fore in a time that will bring profound changes to religious communities in the next decade. They’re eager pioneers of new models of religious life. “It’s kind of like a reptile that has to shed its skin,” said Sister Rejane Cytacki, a Sister of Charity of Leavenworth and one of the six gathering organizers. “That is where we are,” she continued. “We’re in that process where the old is coming off and something new is emerging. We have to be open to it and realistic as to what our reality is, and that’s where Giving Voice is a new vehicle to help us move forward.”
Crossing boundaries The three-and-a-half day event featured opportunities for Mass, prayer, discussion, social time and listening to keynote speakers. The theme of “Crossing Boundaries” related to one of the key concepts presented at the gathering: the concept that women religious currently live in a “liminal space.” It comes from the Latin word “limen,” which means “threshold.” The Sisters have a sense that they are now crossing the threshold of a new reality. “We are in a liminal space right now as women religious in the United States and the world,” said Sister Rejane. “There are fewer of us who are on the younger end of the spectrum, and it’s vitally important that we build our relationships so we can move into the future together. And that has to happen through collaboration.” Keynote speaker Sister Teresa Maya, CCVI, from San Antonio, asked this
LEAVEN PHOTO BY JOE BOLLIG
Sister Teresa Maya, CCVI, from San Antonio, gave one of the keynote addresses of the 2015 national gathering of Giving Voice, an organization of women religious age 50 and younger. She spoke about the tremendous demographic changes within religious congregations around the world and the possible ways congregations and women religious will live out their charisms and vocations. question: “How many of us were born outside of the United States?” At least one-third raised their hands. That demonstration drove home an important point — that the communities of women religious are moving from cultural, racial and linguistic homogeneity to diversity, just like the rest of the United States and the world. The United States is the top migrant destination in the world, particularly from Latin America, she said. In America, Sunday Mass is now celebrated in 87 languages. “We’re becoming people of color,” said Sister Teresa, who spoke in Spanish. “We’re becoming a little ‘browner’ in Europe, and North America, and the whole United States. The Catholic Church is the most diverse of the whole world. What does it mean that the Catholic Church is the most diverse in the whole world? What does it mean to be religious in this diversity?” The religious congregations are changing because the world is changing — and changing rapidly. The assimilation model of religious life, she said, is over.
No longer ‘the machine’ In addition to the demographic reality of increasing diversity, young women religious face two more realities. One reality is that younger women religious are only 10 percent of the whole population of women religious. “We are a little point,” said Sister
Teresa. “We are very few.” Still another reality is that women religious live in a time when five generations are alive at the same time. Each one of these generations is very different from the others in terms of experience, background, expectations and modes of ministry and religious life. “What will have to change?” said Sister Teresa. “We can’t be pieces of a machine that was religious life, this religious life that was institutionalized in the 1950s and 1960s. But it was machinery that needed a lot of pieces to work. We can’t be the pieces to that machine. Sisters, we’re killing each other trying to be pieces of that machine.”
The future will be . . . ? What religious congregational life will be in future is still unknown, but the outlines can be seen. “Western, middle-class and white religious need to refrain from distilling religious life and Gospel values only from the American culture,” she said. The future will likely be very “inter” — intercongregational, intergenerational, intercultural and international. Collaboration will be a key value. “I really appreciated the fact that [Sister Teresa] spoke about the need to be intergenerational,” said Sister Maria Clara Kreis, CDP, who came to Pittsburgh from Germany 12 years ago. She is a licensed psychotherapist and teaches at Duquesne University. “It’s not about the young people do-
ing it. It’s about intergenerational, because the history of religious life has always been about generational,” she continued. “We need each other, but we need to listen to each other. Being in a minority as younger women religious, we need to also be listened to and our voices need to be integrated.” Sister Clara also appreciated Sister Teresa talking about the intercultural aspect of evolving religious life. “I don’t think it’s going to be bilingual or bicultural, just because Spanish is becoming [a more prominent] language in North America, since religious life is international,” said Sister Clara. “As we become smaller, we will have to work internationally and get to know each other internationally,” she continued. “So I think we need to watch in North America that we don’t become bicultural because Spanish is maybe becoming a first language in [some areas of] the United States. I think we have a responsibility to the world and also to Europe.” Trusting God will be the key as women religious begin to innovate new modes, said Sister Rejane. “That’s where God comes into this whole equation,” she said. “I do believe that our vows, our virtues, our charisms and our values are adaptable enough to move us in this ever-evolving world.” “Trust in God gives you the energy to move forward in the hope that whatever evolves out will be something of value and still have the spirit of our charisms,” said Sister Rejane.
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6 LOCAL NEWS
THELEAVEN.COM | AUGUST 28, 2015
BACK TO SCHOOL
ON CAMPUS
Students at Washburn University, Topeka, line up after Mass for a back-to-school barbecue dinner at Washburn’s Catholic Campus Center on Aug. 16.
BACK AT IT
Kylie Hines, left, and Rachel Aistrup, secondgraders at Holy Trinity School in Paola, jump right back into action on Holy Trinity’s first day of school, Aug. 12.
LEAVEN PHOTO BY JOE MCSORLEY
RED CARPET TREATMENT LEAVEN PHOTO BY JOE MCSORLEY
Rosetta (Rethman) and Donald Umscheid, members of St. Joseph Parish, Flush, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on Sept. 6 with a dinner, hosted by their children, with family and friends. The couple was married Sept. 4, 1965, at St. Mary Church in St. Benedict. Their children are Tina Long; Lynne Umscheid; David Umscheid; Karla McGinnis; Dwight Umscheid; and Douglas Umscheid. They also have eight grandchildren. Jeanette and Roy Hanson, members of St. Gregory Parish, Marysville, will celebrate their 70th wedding anniversary on Aug. 29 with a 5:30 p.m. Mass at the church. The couple was married on Aug. 28, 1945, at St. Gregory. Their children are: Jean Benton, Grafton, Massachusetts; and Judy Marquardt, Kansas City, Kansas. They also have four grandchildren, with one grandson deceased, and three great-grandchildren. A card shower is requested. Their address is: 1502 Allston St., Marysville, KS 66508.
Carroll and Rita (Lickteig) Peterson, members of St. John Church, Greeley, celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary on Aug. 22. The couple was married on Aug. 22, 1950, at St. John. Their children are: Patty Wine, Madison; Jane Ledell, McPherson; Judy Beydler, McPherson; Jerry Peterson (deceased); Bill Peterson, Ovilla, Texas; Cathy Estes, Caney; Bob Peterson, Overland Park; and Mary Jo Pillow, Gardner. They also have 18 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. They celebrated with their children and their families. Linda (Reinecke) and Joe Walrod, members of Church of the Ascension, Overland Park, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on Aug. 29 with a family gathering. The couple was married on Aug. 28, 1965, at Sacred Heart Church, Baileyville. Their children are: Leisa Burk, Gardner; Mike Walrod, Overland Park; Darren Walrod, Leawood; and Kelli Seiler, Leawood. They also have eight grandchildren.
In accord with the school’s tradition, Lenexa’s St. James Academy freshman Emily Maurer is escorted up the red carpet into the school by senior Connor Sheridan on Aug. 14, the first day of classes for freshmen.
Carolyn (Kaiser) and Bill Brocker, members of Good Shepherd Parish, Shawnee, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on Sept. 4. The couple was married at the Cathedral of St. Peter in Kansas City, Kansas, by Msgr. J.P. McKenna. Their children are: Kevin Brocker, Fort Stewart, Georgia; Steven Brocker, Shawnee; Christine Bina, Olney, Maryland; and Sarah Gile, Shawnee. They also have eight grandchildren. The couple celebrated at the archdiocesan golden wedding anniversary Mass in June. Ronald and Rosemary (Christ) Masters, members of St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on Sept. 5 with a 5 p.m. Mass at the church, followed by a reception at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Shawnee. The couple was married on Sept. 4, 1965, at St. Patrick Church, Kansas City, Kansas, by Father Richard Burger. Their children are: Rita Owsley; Ron Masters Jr.; and Rhonda Endecott. They also have eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
Mary Lou (Branson) and Charles Deters, members of Mater Dei-Holy Name Parish, Topeka, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on Aug. 14. The couple was married on Aug. 14, 1965, at Holy Name Church, Topeka, by Father Thomas Santa. Their children are: Debora Benson; Elaine Deters; Melanie Haynes; Cathy Walker; and Jenny Deters. They also have 10 grandchildren and one great-grandson. The couple celebrated with a family cruise to Costa Rica and the Panama Canal in March. They also attended the archdiocesan golden wedding anniversary Mass in June. Pat (Martin) and Marvin Gretencord, members of St. Paul Parish, Olathe, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on Aug. 7. The couple was married on Aug. 7, 1965, at St. Therese Church, Richmond, by Father Gilbert Burns. They have a son, Clarence Gretencord, Olathe. They will celebrate with a renewal of vows at St. Therese by Father Gerald Williams, O. Carm.
LOCAL NEWS 7
AUGUST 28, 2015 | THELEAVEN.COM
Willing teens
‘RESTORE HOMES AND HEARTS’ through workcamp
LEAVEN PHOTOS BY ELIZABETH HYDE
Michelle Wilson, director of the Ridgeview Village Community in Olathe, which provides housing for low-income seniors, thanks the campers of Catholic HEART Workcamp for their assistance.
By Elizabeth Hyde Special to The Leaven
T
he No Trespassing signs lining the street seemed to be a stark contrast to the welcoming and loving nature of Cathy Martin’s home in Kansas City, Kansas. Since the first moment Bryce Autry, Carson Kame, Maria Sumcizk and Trey Ybos met her on their first day at Catholic HEART Workcamp, they felt like her beloved grandchildren. Kame, Autry, Sumcizk and Ybos learned about Catholic HEART through their respective youth groups in Tennessee and Texas. Catholic Heart invites teens and adults from youth groups across the country to come together to serve, connect and grow in Christ. Catholic Heart “provides parish youth groups, teens and adult leaders service opportunity to restore homes and hearts” as well as other kinds of service to the dear neighbor.
Clients embrace their ‘angels’ For Martin, this help could not have come at a more crucial time in her life. After many months in the hospital, her home was left in shambles, without someone to keep it clean and organized. Her “angels” came in the form of these four teenagers, ready and willing to serve and make her home hers again. Throughout their four days at Martin’s house, they painted shutters, cleaned chandeliers and reorganized her home. They shared much laughter, joy and hard work. Throughout their short stay, they also developed a deep relationship with their almost-grandmother Cathy. “These kids were such an amazing blessing,” said Martin. “They cleaned the chandelier, painted the windows and so many more things. Before they got here, I had a four-page list of things for them to do! “I mean they were truly amazing.”
Pregnancy Clinic also benefits With almost 300 kids and adults participating in Catholic HEART in Kansas City, Martin was not the only deeply grateful client helped by the camp. Other agencies, including the Wyandotte Pregnancy Clinic and TurnStyles, also employed the help of willing volunteers. Donna Kelsey, director of Wyandotte Pregnancy Clinic in Kansas City, Kansas, was especially grateful for the help of her work teams. Kelsey asked them
Above, Joseph Lang, Natalie Ingold, Savannah Sickler and Hannah Zaleski move a chair outside the Wyandotte Pregnancy Clinic during Catholic Heart Workcamp July 16. Left, Brenna Sacra, who directed the Kansas City Catholic HEART Workcamp, addresses campers July 16. After full days of repairing homes and buildings in the area, the campers retired to St. James Academy in Lenexa where they watched skits, prayed together and shared meals.
to rearrange some of the rooms, roll up onesies for donation and other tasks throughout the clinic. Kelsey said that without the dedicated work of teens from Catholic HEART each year, Wyandotte Pregnancy Clinic would struggle to meet the basic needs of its clients. “They have enabled us to have better use of our space. This has allowed us to begin to set aside a new counseling space, which will be used to counsel clients about the pregnancy test, to counsel them about the life that they’re carrying and to educate them about the decision between life and abortion,” said Kelsey. “This service done by Catholic HEART Workcamp will allow us to
continue to help women from pregnancy until three years afterwards.”
Catholic hearts grow in Christ While it is clear that the clients of Catholic HEART Workcamp benefit greatly from the program, participants insist that they, too, experience a renewal in their fervor to worship and serve. “The most impactful thing [about the workcamp] is that there are so many teens from so many different places that
have come here for the sole intention of doing good things and go into the community and try to help people without expecting anything from it,” said Emma Pershinger, a participant from Sacred Heart Parish in Emporia. “I think it’s really beautiful that we can see young people, especially, going out to help not even their own community, but outside of themselves and what they know,” she added. “It’s cool to see people get together and help spread the word of God and help build their relationship with God through service.” Though Pershinger experienced a connection to God unparalleled in her lifetime through Catholic HEART, she was also just happy to know that she could help her client, Carol Martin, have an easier time of it with day-to-day activities like yard work and laundry. “I hope that she has less to worry about her house and can focus more energy on her husband and herself,” she said.
RALLY POINT
S
PHOTOS BY JULIE HOLTHAUS
inger, speaker and songwriter Steve Angrisano helped kick off three youth events in the archdiocese Aug. 14-16. The Southern Region got things started with a rally in Scipio. The 18th annual Kelly Youth Rally was the next stop. Horton finished things off in style on Aug. 16. Hundreds of youth from the archdiocese took advantage of the events. For more photos from these three events, go to The Leaven’s website at: www.theleaven.org.
HAY, HAY, HAY
Christopher and Katelynn Barnett, children of Dustin and Davina Barnett, parishioners of Holy Angels in Garnett, enjoy the haybale seats at the Scipio youth rally on Aug. 14. The event featured Angrisano and concluded with a Mass celebrated by Father Gerald Williams, O. Carm., as presider and Father David McEvoy, O.Carm., as the homilist.
A LITTLE HELP
Angrisano gets a little help with the singing and dancing from Abby Ross, left, and Kylie Hutfles, members of St. Leo Parish, Horton, at the regional youth rally in Horton on Aug. 16.
LET’S DANCE
Brother Placidus Lee, OSB, left, and Father Jeremy Heppler, OSB, help Angrisano lead the audience in song and actions in Horton on Aug. 16.
THE MAIN EVENT
Catholic singer and songwriter Steve Angrisano talks with youth on the theme “May Your Kingdom Come” on Aug. 14 at the Southern Region Youth Rally in Scipio. This was the first of three youth events where Angrisano was the featured performer.
READY TO RALLY
From right (in purple T-shirts), Taylor, Jordan, Danielle and Alexis Bittner follow along in song with speaker Steve Angrisano at the Scipio youth rally on Aug. 14.
PROCESSING
Youth representatives fr to process into Mass at gest running youth even
IN
rom parishes throughout the Northern Region of the archdiocese prepare t the 18th annual Kelly Youth Rally on Aug. 15. This rally is one of the lonnts in the archdiocese.
HANDS UP
Kristin Becker from St. Mary Parish, Purcell, participates in a game of “Egg, Dinosaur, Monkey, Ninja, Yoda” to kick off the area youth rally on Aug. 16 in Horton.
GAGA BALL
Horton area youth join in on a game of Gaga Ball with speaker Steve Angrisano during a break at the Horton youth rally on Aug. 16.
WET ONES
Archdiocesan youth enjoy a water balloon toss at the Horton youth rally. The rally featured Angrisano and ended with Mass celebrated by Father Scott Wallisch and concelebrated by Father Dan Gardner.
LOCAL NEWS 11
AUGUST 28, 2015 | THELEAVEN.COM
Chaplain’s sacrifice not in vain, says South Korean officer >> Continued from page 1 “The inspiring story of Father Kapaun as told by Doctor Camarata,” continued Nearmyer, “the singing of the Korean and U.S. national anthems, Lieutenant Colonel Kim’s speech, Father Peter’s powerful homily, Micheal Mette leading music, the playing of taps on bugle and the singing of the ‘Salve Regina,’ were frequently mentioned as highlights.” But it wasn’t only campers and their families that comprised the congregation. Guests also included veterans, the Korean community, Korean military officials and Kapaun Guild leaders. When Lt. Col. Kwansoo Kim, liaison officer from the Republic of South Korea, spoke before the Mass, he told the audience it was a “great honor” to be there and talk about Father Kapaun. “Even in POW camp,” he said, “he showed kindness and generosity.” Kim reflected on South Korea today, especially the great influence of the Catholic Church there. “I think American solders’
Father Kapaun and Father Kapaun’s sacrifice were not in vain,” he said. The centerpiece of the Mass was a 1952 M-57 military truck used in the Korean War. Former Army chaplain and Iraq War veteran Father Peter Jaramillo, now pastor at St. Mary-St. Anthony, St. John the Baptist, and Holy Family parishes in Kansas City, Kansas, celebrated the Mass on the hood of the truck. Concelebrants were Father Jerry Spencer of Curé of Ars
Parish in Leawood and Father Anthony Ouellette of All Saints Church in Kansas City, Kansas. In his homily, Father Jaramillo said that, as a chaplain, he had celebrated Mass on jeep hoods and buses “hundreds of times.” “I am privileged to celebrate this Mass with you,” he said. Father Jaramillo talked about the difficult process of preparing for deployment, knowing that you may never see your family again. “When one sees another laying down their life,” he said, “it is unforgettable.” He also shared his own experiences ministering to soldiers in difficult situations with the knowledge that “the Lord had me there for a reason.” “Kapaun is my hero and your hero,” he said. “He’s our hero imitating the life of Jesus Christ in his humble way.” The jeep Mass ended with a moment of silence remembering Father Kapaun and all the soldiers who have sacrificed their lives for the good of others.
LEAVEN PHOTO BY JILL RAGAR ESFELD
Before the Father Emil Kapaun Jeep Mass, visitors to Prairie Star Ranch were invited to hike its rosary trail, where prayer requests could be hung in the trees at each decade station.
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12 CLASSIFIEDS EMPLOYMENT Reporter - The Leaven is seeking a full-time reporter to join its national award-winning staff. Position requires a practicing Catholic with excellent news and feature writing skills; a journalism degree and basic photography skills a great plus. Applicant must have a strong work ethic, a good working knowledge of the Catholic Church, and be available to work nights and weekends with the ability to travel for assignments within the archdiocese. Ideal candidate will be a quick and eager learner, and be enthusiastic about sharing the faith stories of the people of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas. Proficiency in Microsoft Word is required; experience with social media, InDesign, and WordPress desired. A complete job description is available on the archdiocesan website at: www.archkck. org/employment. Interested individuals should mail cover letter, resume, application AND at least three published writing samples to: Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, Office of Human Resources, Feature Writer Search, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109, or send via email to: jobs@archkck.org. Applicants with samples of photography (three to five digital images only or a link to your online portfolio) may submit via email to the same email address. Application deadline: Sept. 4. Advertising coordinator and bookkeeper - The Leaven is seeking a full-time advertising coordinator and bookkeeper to join its national award-winning staff. Position requires a practicing Catholic with a minimum of two years bookkeeping or accounts payable/receivable experience or college degree in related field. Applicant must be: detail-oriented, able to work well independently and with others, a quick and enthusiastic learner, and eager to contribute to the larger mission of The Leaven. Interest in writing, photography and website management a huge plus. A complete job description is available on the archdiocesan website at: www.archkck.org/employment. Interested individuals should mail cover letter, resume and application by Sept. 4 to Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, Office of Human Resources, Leaven Advertising Search, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109, or send via email to jobs@archkck.org. 401(k) and 403(b) compliance specialist - The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas is seeking a full-time 401(k) and 403(b) compliance specialist. Position requires a practicing Catholic; bachelor’s degree in accounting, business administration, or related field; with a minimum of three years in accounting or auditing environment; preferred experience and understanding of tax-deferred retirement plans and federal regulations. Applicant must be: detail-oriented, knowledgeable of 401(k) and 403(b) plans, have mathematical aptitude, and be a multitasker. A complete job description is available on the archdiocese’s website at: www.archkck. org/jobs. Interested individuals should mail cover letter, resume and application by Sept. 15 to Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, Office of Human Resources, 401(k) and 403(b) Compliance Specialist Search, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109, or send via email to: jobs@archkck.org. Tax credit process manager - An educational ministry of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas is seeking a part-time employee to assist with the new tax credit for low-income students scholarship program. This position will manage processes to ensure compliance with program requirements, while also building awareness with prospective families. This position reports to the director of tax credits. Applicants must be practicing Catholics in good standing, be able to speak authentically about Catholic education, have a bachelor’s degree, and a minimum of three successful years of experience working with schools. The ideal candidate must be self-motivated, detail-oriented and extremely organized. Applicants must demonstrate advanced proficiency in Excel and database management skills. Applicants must have effective communication and presentation skills to speak compassionately about Catholic education with a variety of constituencies to include families seeking scholarship assistance. Interested individuals should email cover letter and resume to: tcl@archkck.org no later than Sept. 4. Liturgy coordinator - St. Michael the Archangel Church, Leawood, seeks a full-time liturgy coordinator to prepare liturgical ministers, spaces and artifacts for the celebration of the sacred mysteries. The successful candidate will be a practicing Catholic in good standing, familiar with all aspects of Roman Catholic liturgical tradition, possessing a working knowledge of pertinent liturgical documents, books, rubrics and artifacts. The position requires strong organizational and communication skills, initiative, responsibility and flexibility. Regular weekend and some evening hours. Minimum academic requirement: bachelor’s degree or equivalent in related field. Background screening and completion of the Virtus “Protecting God’s Children” course are mandatory. Salary commensurate with education and experience. Benefits according to archdiocesan policy. For a copy of the complete job description, please go to employment opportunities online at: www.stmichaelcp.org. Send a cover letter, resume and three professional references to Dr. Kevin Vogt, director, by email at: kevin.vogt@st michaelcp.org.
THELEAVEN.COM | AUGUST 28, 2015 Youth director - The Church of Nativity, a 2,100-family parish in Leawood, has an immediate opening for a fulltime youth director. Applicants must be faith-filled, practicing Catholics with appropriate skills and educational background. For immediate consideration, please download and submit application online at: www.kcnativity.org. Position will remain open until filled. For more information, please call (913) 491-5017. Secretary/bookkeeper - Sacred Heart - St. Casimir Parish, Leavenworth, is looking for a full-time secretary/ bookkeeper. Position requires a practicing Catholic, with a four-year college degree or three years of secretarial experience. Additionally candidates should have strong computer skills with Microsoft Word, Excel, Publisher and QuickBooks. Applicant must have excellent communication ability to interact in person or by telephone with a broad range of individuals. Facilities management skills are a plus. Salary and benefits offered will be established in keeping with the social teachings of the church with regard to just compensation for human work. The job description can be viewed online at: www.shsc.org. Please submit resume and references to: Sacred Heart-St. Casimir Parish Office, 521 Linn St., Leavenworth, KS 66048 or online to: cleo@shsc.org. Lead technician - Servpro of Lawrence, an industry leading cleaning and restoration company, is looking for a lead technician. This position will work on water mitigation projects, mold remediation, fire cleanup and restoration, and air duct cleaning. The desired candidate will be a self-starter, motivated, reliable and have a good work history. Please send your resume by email to: toneill@embarqmail.com. Teachers - The Goddard School, 21820 W. 115th Terr., Olathe, is looking for a full-time infant assistant teacher and full-time floating assistant teacher. In our warm, loving atmosphere, our highly qualified teachers support the healthy development of children from 6 weeks to 6 years. Our teachers write and implement their own lesson plans based on our FLEX program, Goddard Developmental Guidelines and our monthly school theme. Lead teachers also complete other duties such as electronic daily attendance reports, progress reports and parent conferences. The hands-on efforts of the school owner and directors allow our teachers to focus on their children, their lesson plans and teaching to ensure a fun-filled day of learning. Full-time benefits include competitive pay, paid time off, opportunities for professional development and career growth, and a great working environment. Qualified candidates must meet or exceed Kansas regulations, have strong communication skills and desire to learn and implement the Goddard School programs. Lead teachers should have an early childhood education degree or a CDA or a degree in a related field with an emphasis in early childhood education. Prior experience in a child care setting is preferred. Please specify for which position you are applying. To apply, please forward your resume to: olathe2ks@goddardschools. com, attention: Mandy Ellis, director. Data entry - Busy veterinary office in Kansas City, Missouri, (Waldo area) is looking for a part-time data entry professional to assist the practice manager/owner. Hourly wage is $10-12 per hour dependent upon skills, experience and education. Must possess strong computer skills, be a quick learner, and have impeccable professional integrity, discretion and a wonderful sense of humor. To submit a resume or to receive a complete job description, please contact the practice manager directly by email at: jtrowe@everestkc.net. Part-time facility maintenance assistants - St. Michael the Archangel Parish, Leawood, is seeking one part-time (morning hours) facility assistant. Responsibilities will include light janitorial duties, setup and tear down for meetings and other functions, miscellaneous cleaning and maintenance projects. For complete details, please see our website at: www.stmichaelcp.org. Teachers - St. Agnes Early Education Center, Roeland Park, is currently looking for teachers to work with children ages 1-5 years of age. These positions are for teachers to work in the toddler, two’s, and pre-K classrooms. The teaching positions would be between the hours of 7 a.m. - 6 p.m., Mon. - Fri. The right candidate will need to be at least 18 years old, be physically able to meet the demands of working with young children, have a positive attitude and be energetic, flexible, creative and patient. A high school diploma or GED is required and one year or more of experience working in a Kansas licensed child care facility or early education college coursework is a plus. Applicant must meet the Kansas Department of Health and Environment qualifications for lead teachers. If you are interested in being considered for these openings or know of anyone who might be interested, email your resume to Susie Smith, director, at: smith.susan@ stagneskc.org or call (913) 262-1689. Assistant teachers - St. Joseph Early Education Center, Shawnee, has positions available for its school age after-school care program. Mon. - Fri., 3:30 - 6 p.m. The right candidate must be at least 17 years of age. Please call (913) 248-4589 or send an email to: tgavila@stjoe shawnee.org.
Caregiving - Full- or part-time position open for companionship care in Overland Park. Must have experience and good references. Call (913) 681-3427. Director of clinical services - Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Denver is seeking a Colorado licensed or license-eligible psychologist to serve as director of our faith-based psychology services ministry, Regina Caeli Clinical Services (RCCS). RCCS provides comprehensive psychological services consistent with the teachings of the church. In addition, RCCS serves as a national APPIC internship and residency training site. Supervisory experience is required. Must be a Catholic. Please apply online at: www.ccdenver.org. EEO/AA. Food service - Full- and part-time positions available. Day, night and weekends. Please send an email with work history, hours available, name and phone number to Ross’s Catering at: rosscatering@kc.rr.com. School counseling consultant - Part-time (1-2 days per week) in St. Peter and St. Paul Elementary School in Seneca. Master’s in counseling, social work or related field required. Complete online application found online at: www.catholiccharitiesks.org/jobs. Assistant teachers - St. Joseph Early Education Center, Shawnee, has positions available in its infant rooms. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age. Please call (913) 248-4589 or send an email to: tgavila@ stjoeshawnee.org. Substitute teachers - St. Joseph Early Education Center, Shawnee, is looking for substitutes in our center, ranging from the infant to elementary age programs. Please call (913) 248-4589 or send an email to: tgavila@ stjoeshawnee.org. Safe drivers needed - Assisted Transportation seeks caring and reliable drivers to transport K-12 students in Overland Park, Olathe and/or Kansas City, Kansas, in our minivans. CDL not required. Retirees encouraged to apply. Learn more or apply online at: www.assisted transportation.com or call (913) 262-5190 for more information. EOE. Teacher assistant - Special Beginnings, Lenexa, is seeking full- or part-time teacher assistants at all locations. We are looking for a teacher assistant candidate who has an excellent work ethic, heart for children, and a willingness to learn more about early childhood education. Experience and/or education is a plus but we will train the right candidate. Teacher assistants will work with the lead teacher to care for and educate the children. Primary responsibilities include assisting the lead teacher with: care and supervision of children, lesson plan implementation, parent communication, cleanliness and organization of classroom. Starting hourly pay ranges based on experience and education. Pay increases are based on job performance. Opportunities for advancement are available as the company prefers to promote from within. Apply by sending an email to chris@special beginningsonline.com or in person at 10216 Pflumm Rd., Lenexa, KS 66215. Drivers - Special Beginnings Early Learning Center is seeking part-time drivers for its school-age program located in Lenexa. Candidates must be able to drive a 13-passenger minibus, similar to a 15-passenger van. CDL not required, but must have an excellent driving record. Candidates would pick up children from area schools and then work directly with them when arriving back at the center. Experience preferred. Must have strong work ethic and the ability to work with children. Insurance provided. Background check will be conducted. Great opportunity for retired persons or those seeking a second job. Job responsibilities include: ensuring safety and well-being of children who are being transported at all times, including loading and unloading. Driving short, round-trip routes to elementary schools in Lenexa/Olathe area. Summer only: Driving short, roundtrip routes to two Lenexa city pools. Maintaining mileage log. Keeping interior of vehicle clean. Apply by sending an email to chris@specialbeginningsonline.com or in person at 10216 Pflumm Rd., Lenexa KS 66215.
SERVICES Professional window cleaning - Residential only. Insured and bonded. Over 40 years experience. Free estimates. Contact Gene Jackson at (913) 593-1495. Tree service - Pruning trees for optimal growth and beauty and removal of hazardous limbs or problem trees. Free consultation and bid. Safe, insured, professional. Cristofer Estrada, Green Solutions of KC, (913) 378-5872. www.GreenSolutionsKC.com. Junkyard Dawg - Can do cleanup, debris removal and any other odd job you have. Call (913) 575-8522 for an estimate. Faith-based counseling to cope with life concerns - Kansas City area. Call Mary Vorsten, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, at (913) 909-2002.
K-12 tutoring available - Tutor is degreed and has experience in the K-12 curriculum in various subjects and can help in test preps (ACT, SAT, GED, etc.) as well as French, Spanish, piano, guitar, voice and music theory. Sessions are fun and meaningful in context. Sessions are one-onone and family discount available. For more information, please call or text Kathleen at (913) 206-2151 or send an email to: klmamuric@yahoo.com. Machine quilting - by Jenell Noeth, Basehor. Also, quilts made to order. Call (913) 724-1837. Complete plumbing and bath Master plumber for your entire home. Painting, tile install, bath remodeling. Onyx Collection Distributor. Serving Johnson County for 20 years. Member Ascension Parish; call Mike at (913) 488-4930. 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. Agua Fina Irrigation and Landscape The one-stop location for your project! Landscape and irrigation design, installation and maintenance. Cleanup and grading services It’s time to repair your lawn. 20% discount on lawn renovations with mention of this ad. Visit the website at: www.goaguafina.com Call (913) 530-7260 or (913) 530-5661 Bankruptcy consultation - If debts are overwhelming you, seek hope and help from compassionate, experienced Catholic attorney, Teresa Kidd. For a free consultation, call (913) 422-0610; send an email to: tkidd@kc.rr. com; or visit the website at: www.teresakiddlawyer. com. Please do not wait until life seems hopeless before getting good quality legal advice that may solve your financial stress. Garage door and opener sales and service - 24-hour, 7-day-a-week service on all types of doors. Replace broken springs, cables, hinges, rollers, gate openers, entry and patio doors, and more. Over 32 years of experience. Call (913) 227-4902.
HOME IMPROVEMENT Local handyman and lawn care - Water heaters, garbage disposals, toilets, faucets, painting, power washing,doors, storm doors, gutter cleaning, wood rot, mowing, carpet, roofing, etc. Member of Holy Angels Parish. Basehor. Call Billy at (913) 927-4118. The Drywall Doctor, Inc. - A unique solution to your drywall problems! We fix all types of ceiling and wall damage — from water stains and stress cracks to texture repairs and skim coating. We provide professional, timely repairs and leave the job site clean! Lead-certified and insured! Serving the metro since 1997. Call (913) 768-6655. EL SOL Y LA TIERRA *Commercial & residential * Lawn renovation *Mowing * Clean-up and hauling * Dirt grading/installation * Landscape design * Free estimates Hablamos y escribimos Ingles!! Call Lupe at (816) 252-1391 NELSON CREATIONS L.L.C. Home remodeling, design/build, kitchens, baths, all interior and exterior work. Family owned and operated; over 25 years experience. Licensed and insured; commercial and residential. Kirk and Diane Nelson. (913) 927-5240; nelsport@everestkc.net Masonry work - Quality new or repair work. Brick, block and chimney/fireplace repair. Insured; second-generation bricklayer. Member of St. Paul Parish, Olathe. Call (913) 829-4336. Cleaning lady - Reasonable rates; references provided. Call (913) 940-2959. CLUTTER GETTING YOU DOWN? Organize, fix, assemble, install! “Kevin Of All Trades” your professional organizer and “HONEY-DO-LIST” specialist. Call today for a free consultation at (913) 271-5055. Insured. References. Visit our website at: www.KOATINDUSTRIES.com. Larry Laney Construction Co. - Specializing in kitchen/ bathroom remodeling and home renovation. Finished carpentry, painting, drywall and tile. I’m an honest, hardworking, dependable, and very skilled, licensed contractor. Insured, with references. Call Larry at (913) 963-3434. >> Classifieds continue on page 13
CALENDAR 13
AUGUST 28, 2015 | THELEAVEN.COM
August Christ the King Parish, 53rd and Leavenworth Rd., Kansas City, Kansas, will host its annual ice cream social on Aug. 29. There will be homemade Polish sausages, hot dogs and pulled pork sandwiches, a DJ, games, bingo and a povitica booth.
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September The monthly pro-life Mass and rosary will be held Sept. 5, beginning with Mass at 8:15 a.m. at Church of the Nativity, 3800 W. 119th, Leawood, and proceeding to Planned Parenthood, 4401 W. 109th St., Overland Park, to pray the rosary. Pro-life signs and banners will also be provided to anyone wishing to participate in that portion of sidewalk witness.
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Queen of the Holy Rosary Church, 71st and Metcalf, Overland Park, will host a taco dinner on Sept. 5 from 1 - 6 p.m. Tickets are available at the door. The dinner is a fundraiser for the Our Lady of Guadalupe Society Ministry.
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A class in using the sympto/ thermal method of natural family planning during the post-
>> Continued from page 12 Housecleaning - Old-fashioned cleaning, hand mopping, etc. A thorough and consistent job every time. References from customers I’ve served for over 17 years. Call Sharon at (816) 322-0006 (home) or (816) 801-0901 (mobile). Serving the 913 area code area. Quilted Memories - Your Kansas City Longarm Shop - Nolting Longarm Machines, quilting supplies and machine quilting services. We specialize in memorial quilts - Custom designed memory quilts from your T-shirt collections, photos, baby clothes, college memorabilia, etc., neckties etc. For information or to schedule a free consultation, call (913) 649-2704. Visit the website at: www.quiltedmemoriesllc.com. Adept Home Improvements Where quality still counts! Basement finishing, Kitchens and baths, Electrical and plumbing, Licensed and insured. (913) 599-7998 HARCO Exteriors LLC Your Kansas City fencing specialists Family owned and operated (913) 815-4817 www.harcoexteriorsllc.com Water damage restoration - Framing, insulation, painting, sheet rock, mold treatment, and lead safe certified. Fully insured. Serving Wyandotte and Johnson Counties for 25 years. Call Jerry at (913) 206-1144. Brick mason - Brick, stone, tile and flat work. 22 years of residential/commercial experience. FREE QUOTES - KC metro area. Small and large jobs accepted. Call Jim at (913) 485-4307. www.facebook.com/faganmasonry. Detail construction and remodeling - We offer a full line of home remodeling services. Don’t move — remodel! Johnson County area. Call for a free quote. (913) 709-8401. Get the job done right the first time Kansas City’s Premier Services Decks and fences Power washing, staining and preserving Call for a FREE estimate Brian (913) 952-5965, Holy Trinity parishioner Jim (913) 257-1729, Holy Spirit parishioner 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
partum period will take place in Room 208 at St. John the Evangelist School, 1208 Kentucky St., Lawrence, on Sept. 9 at 6:30 p.m. In addition, a basic series of classes in this NFP method begins Sept. 10 at 6:30 p.m. in Topeka. Call Dana or Eric Runnebaum at (785) 380-0062 for the location of this class, or call the Couple to Couple League of Kansas City at (913) 894-3558 for more information about either class. Online preregistration is required at: www.ccli.org. Father Bill McCarthy, a spiritual leader in the Marian Movement, will have a talk and healing Mass from 6 - 9 p.m. on Sept. 9 at Sacred Heart Church, 312 Freeman, Topeka. Confessions will be heard by Father Tom Hesse at 6 p.m. For information, contact Touch of Heaven at (785) 232-2543. A women’s Bible study will begin Sept. 10 at Holy Trinity Parish, 9150 Pflumm Rd., Lenexa, from 9:30 - 11 a.m. in the Father Quigley Center. All are welcome. Catechesis of the Good Shepherd program is offered for 3- to 12-year-olds during the Bible study. Children under 3 are welcome in the nursery or they can stay with Mom in a “Mom’s study group.” For a registration form, visit the website at: www.htlenexa. org. For more information, contact Laura Haeusser at (913) 341-9057 or Kathryn Burditt at (913) 451-3680.
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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. DRC Construction We’ll get the job done right the first time. Windows - Doors - Decks – Siding Repair or replace, we will work with you to solve your problems. Choose us for any window, door, siding or deck project and you’ll be glad you did. Everything is guaranteed 100% (913) 461-4052 www.windowservicesoverlandpark.com drcconswindows@gmail.com Lawn/Landscaping - Mowing, mulch, dirt work, sod, tree trimming, landscape rock, gutter cleaning, and power washing. Mention this ad for special pricing. Call (816) 509-0224. House painting Interior and exterior; wall paper removal. Power washing, fences, decks. 30 years experience. References. Reasonable rates. Call Joe at (913) 620-5776. STA (Sure Thing Always) Home Repair - Basement finish, bathrooms and kitchens; interior & exterior repairs: painting, roofing, siding, wood replacement and window glazing. Free estimates. Call (913) 491-5837 or (913) 579-1835. Email: smokeycabin@hotmail.com. Member of Holy Trinity, Lenexa. Swalms Organizing - Downsizing - Clean Out Service. Reduce clutter - Any space organized. Shelving built on site. Items hauled for recycling and donations. 20 years exp, insured. Call Tillar: (913) 375-9115. WWW.SWALMS ORGANIZING.COM.
CAREGIVING Caregiving - We provide personal assistance, companionship, care management, and transportation to the elderly and disabled in home, assisted living and nursing facilities. We also provide respite care for main caregivers needing some personal time. Call Daughters & Company at (913) 341-2500 and speak with Laurie, Debbie or Gary.
The 2015 annual Holy Smokes cook-off and family event/ 12-13 campout will be held at Prairie Star Ranch, Williamsburg, on Sept. 12 - 13. This annual kickoff event for the Scouting year is geared to Scouts of all ages and their families. There is a cooking contest, open-air Mass, activities and optional camping under the stars. All youth and their families are invited. For more information, contact Mike Schopper at (913) 226-8345 or Gary Smith at (913) 433-6899. Singles of Nativity will host a country western dance on Sept. 12 from 7 - 11 p.m. at Church of the Nativity Parish hall, 3800 W. 119th St., Leawood. The cost to attend is $20 for guests; $15 for SON members. For more information, contact Maria Meli by email at: mmeli62@gmail.com or call (913) 314-9844.
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Our Lady of Unity Parish, 2646 S. 34th St., Kansas City, Kansas, will host its fifth annual OLU Unity Fest at Sacred Heart field on Sept. 12 from 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. There will be all day fun and family entertainment, live music groups, carnival games, a talent contest, American and Mexican style food and drinks, and more. For more information, contact Virginia by email at: viroropeza@aol. com or ajoropeza@aol.com. For the auction, send an email to Sherry at: johnson7980@ sbcglobal.net or call (913) 207-0900.
Looking for high quality home care? - Whether you’re looking to introduce care for your family or simply looking to improve your current home care quality, we can help. Our unique approach to home care has earned us a 99% client satisfaction rating among the 1,000-plus families we have assisted. We are family-owned, with offices in Lenexa and Lawrence. Call Benefits of Home Senior Care, Lenexa: (913) 422-1591 or Lawrence: (785) 727-1816 or www.benefitsofhome.com. Catholic caregiver - CNA home health care. CPR certified. Experienced in vital signs, personal care, 2-hour care. Years of experience. MO and KS certified. Call Mary at (816) 308-6259. Residential care for your loved one in my home - For those who need or want the extra TLC that we would be so willing to provide. If your loved one needs long-term care, 24-hour-care after a surgery, stroke, fall, heart attack, or just a place to stay while you take a much- needed break or vacation, please give us a call. We offer one-on-one, personal, 24-hour-care, homemade meals, tuck-in service, heat packs for those cool nights, massages, private room with balcony, laundry service, bathing and grooming. We believe in making everyone’s life as full as possible. A lot of time is spent enjoying the simple pleasures, such as socializing, dancing, enjoying the outdoors, crafting and baking. If you are looking for the special place for your loved one to spend the rest of their days in comfort and love, we are here to help. My home is equipped with an elevator and is handicap accessible. I am certified in dispensing medication, CPR/FA. References are available upon request. Send an email to: thshealth@yahoo.com or call (816) 746-1564 and ask for Patti.
FOR SALE
Church of the Holy Cross, 8311 W. 93rd St., Overland Park, will host its annual festival on Sept. 12, beginning with a 4 p.m. Mass. Following Mass, there will be food grilled by the Knights of Columbus, a Mexican feast by Rudy’s Tenampa, and more. There will also be inflatables, bingo, piñatas and craft activities for all ages. Enjoy live music from the ’80s until dark. The Mother Teresa of Calcutta Parish Holy Smokin’ 5K run and walk will be held Sept. 12 at 8:15 a.m. at 2014 N.W. 46th St., Topeka. A free children’s run for those under 10 will precede the 5K run at 8 a.m. To enter, download a registration form online at: http://mtcctopeka. org/documents/171-5k-run-registration/ file or register online at: www.runsignup. com. For questions, contact Tom by email at: holysmokinrun@gmail.com. This run is being held in conjunction with the Holy Smokin’ Jamboree. The jamboree is a twoday event with food, crafts, children’s games, a car show, farmers’ market and dance.
CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS
• Email submissions to: calendar@theleaven.com • Mail to: 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109, attn: calendar • Calendar notices are due 10 days before the desired publication date.
WANTED TO BUY Wanted to buy - 1950’s, 1960’s, 1970’s convertible wanted in running condition. Call (913) 593-7507 Wanted to buy - Antique/vintage jewelry, lighters, fountain pens, post card collections, paintings/prints, pottery, sterling, china dinnerware. Renee Maderak, (913) 631-7179. St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee Wanted to buy - Lionel trains. Call (913) 485-6700. 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.
VACATION Great Colorado Getaway! - Completely furnished threestory condo, sleeps 10. 3 BR, Wi-Fi, all cooking facilities, satellite, deck with gorgeous views! Hunting, fishing, hiking, train rides through the mountains and much more! For rates and reservations, visit the website at: www.cuchara vacationrentals.com, then Aspen Valley Lookout. Branson getaway - Walk-in condo on Pointe Royale Golf Course. Sleeps six. Close to lakes and entertainment. Fully furnished. Pool and hot tub available. No cleaning fee. Nightly rates. Wi-Fi available. Discounts available. Call (913) 515-3044.
ROOMMATE
Residential lifts - Buy/sell/trade. Stair lifts, porch lifts, ceiling lifts and elevators. Recycled and new equipment. Member of St. Michael the Archangel Parish, Leawood. Call Silver Cross KC at (913) 327-5557.
Roommate - Looking for a roommate in Johnson County Community College area. Condo, room with private bath. Furnished. Quiet location, pool. Available Sept. 1. Call (913) 579-5276.
For sale - Two plots, side by side, at Chapel Hill Garden of Valor. $4,200 or best offer. Retails at $5,390. Please call David Nichols at (816) 686-1131 or send an email to: susannichols811@yahoo.com.
MISCELLANEOUS
FOR RENT
Work wanted - Short stays, available Labor Day weekend. Available overnights. Medical background, reasonable rates. Experience in pediatrics and geriatrics. Some shift work. Call Pam at (913) 579-5276.
Great ranch - 4 BR with master suite, 1.5 BA, complete kitchen with appliances, fenced yard, storage shed. Shawnee. $1,250 per month. Contact Ken at (913) 484-6942.
Caregiver - 45 year old female. Lots of caregiving experience. Flexible hours. Excellent references. Please call Kara at (913) 909-6659.
Shawnee ranch - Pristine condition, 2 BR, 1.5 BA, all kitchen appliances, deck and storage shed. $1,100 per month. Contact Ken at (913) 484-6942.
Host families - Welcome an international student into your home by hosting a student attending St. Thomas Aquinas. Hosting is an exciting and rewarding experience. Please contact Jody Shelton Stephen for more information at: jodys@twinnpalms.com, or call (913) 220-8707.
BUYING A CLASSIFIED
Cost to advertise is: $18.50 for five lines or less; $1.50 each additional line; Email: julie@theleaven.com; Phone: (913) 647-0327
14 COMMENTARY SCRIPTURE READINGS
THELEAVEN.COM | AUGUST 28, 2015
MARK MY WORDS
TWENTY-SECOND WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME Aug. 30 TWENTY-SECOND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME Dt 4: 1-2, 6-8 Ps 15: 2-5 Jas 1: 17-18, 21b-22, 27 Mk 7: 1-8, 14-15, 21-23 Aug. 31 Monday 1 Thes 4: 13-18 Ps 96: 1, 3-5, 11-13 Lk 4: 16-30 Sept. 1 Tuesday 1 Thes 5: 1-6, 9-11 Ps 27: 1, 4, 13-14 Lk 4: 31-37 Sept. 2 Wednesday Col 1: 1-8 Ps 52: 10-11 Lk 4: 38-44 Sept. 3 Gregory the Great, pope, doctor of the church Col 1: 9-14 Ps 98: 2-6 Lk 5: 1-11 Sept. 4 Friday Col 1: 15-20 Ps 100: 1b-5 Lk 5: 33-39 Sept. 5 Col 1: 21-23 Ps 54: 3-4, 6, 8 Lk 6: 1-5 Sept. 6 TWENTY-THIRD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME Is 35: 4-7a Ps 146: 7-10 Jas 2: 1-5 Mk 7: 31-37 Sept. 7 Monday Col 1:24 – 2:3 Ps 62: 6-7, 9 Lk 6: 6-11 Sept. 8 THE NATIVITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY Mic 5: 1-4a Ps 13: 6abc Mt 1: 1-16, 18-23 Sept. 9 Peter Claver, priest Col 3: 1-11 Ps 145: 2-3, 10-13ab Lk 6: 20-26 Sept. 10 Thursday Col 3: 12-17 Ps 150: 1b-6 Lk 6: 27-38 Sept. 11 1 Tm 1: 1-2, 12-14 Ps 16: 1b-2a, 5, 7-8, 11 Lk 6: 39-42 Sept. 12 The Most Holy Name of Mary 1 Tm 1: 15-17 Ps 113: 1b-7 Lk 6: 43-49
O
Are you taking shortcuts with love?
ne of the songs I remember singing in high school seminary would probably give liturgists dyspepsia today. But I liked the peppy, fun tune, “God Loves a Cheerful Giver.” Its refrain went like this: “God loves a cheerful giver/ give it all you’ve got./ He loves to hear you laughing/ when you’re in an awkward spot./ When the odds add up against you,/ it’s time to stop and sing,/ ‘Praise God,’ to praise him is a joyous thing.” Certainly high on the list of cheerful givers is Miss Ellie, a woman introduced to the world by Lutheran pastor Heidi Neumark in her book, “Breathing Space.” When she was a college student, Neumark worked for a year in a volunteer program on Johns Island, off the Carolina coast. The residents there were sons and daughters of plantation slaves. Miss Ellie, one of those residents, lived down a small dirt road in a one-room, wooden home. She and Neumark would often sit in old rocking chairs on the front porch, drinking tall glasses of sweet tea, while Miss Ellie regaled her with stories. Miss Ellie, who was somewhere between 90 and 100, had a friend named Netta, whom she’d known since they were small.
FATHER MARK GOLDASICH Father Mark Goldasich is the pastor of Sacred Heart Parish in Tonganoxie. He has been editor of The Leaven since 1989. To get to Netta’s house, Miss Ellie had to walk for miles through fields of tall sweet grass that was also home to numerous poisonous snakes. Even though Netta’s home wasn’t that far from Miss Ellie’s place, a stream cut across the fields, forcing you to walk quite a distance to get to the place where it narrowed enough to pass. I’ll let Neumark pick up the story: “Poor Miss Ellie, I thought, old and arthritic, having to walk all that way, pushing through the thick summer heat, not to mention avoiding the snakes. I hit upon the perfect plan. I arranged with some men to help build a simple plank bridge across the stream near Miss Ellie’s house. I scouted out the ideal place — not too wide, but too deep to cross. Our bridge was built in a day.
I was so excited that I could hardly wait to see Miss Ellie’s reaction. I went to her house and practically dragged her with me. ‘Look!’ I shouted, ‘a shortcut for you to visit Netta!’ Miss Ellie did not look grateful. Instead, she shook her head and looked at me with pity. ‘Child,’ she said, ‘I don’t need a shortcut.’ Then she told about all the friends she kept up with on her way to visit Netta: Mr. Jenkins, with whom she always swapped gossip; Miss Hunter, who so looked forward to the quilt scraps she’d bring by; the raisin wine she’d taste at one place in exchange for her biscuits; and the chance to look in on the “old folks” who were sick. ‘Child,’ Miss Ellie said, ‘you can’t take shortcuts if you want friends in this world. Shortcuts don’t mix with love.’” (Found in “1001 Illustrations That Connect,” by Craig Brian Larson and Phyllis Ten Elshof, general editors.) Miss Ellie certainly speaks with the wisdom of years. How often, though, we do take shortcuts with the people that we love, giving gobs of time instead to what truly doesn’t last and ultimately isn’t fulfilling. A new school year should
be a time of learning for everyone. Aren’t we all students of life? Don’t we strive and want to become holier people? Lessons won’t be learned by magic, however; we have to commit ourselves to our coursework. And that takes discipline. Labor Day weekend, the unofficial end of summer, is a good time to get back “into the groove.” Start by enrolling in the class called “Shortcuts don’t mix with love.” The first lesson is to take stock of where you are now in your lives and how you spend your days. Next, you’re instructed to look deeply into your heart to see what important people you never seem to have time for. Finally, your homework is to discipline yourself to give up those shortcuts that you’ve mixed in with love over the years. Old Miss Ellie is a wonderful, inspiring teacher of how best to spend the time of our lives. Following her example, let’s become cheerful givers, giving all we’ve got, of our time, attention, energy and love — not only to family and friends, but also especially to those who are lonely and forgotten. Let’s not take shortcuts when it comes to love . . . or our days may be cut short of all that truly makes life worth living.
IN THE BEGINNING
Wise nations practice blend of justice, mercy
W
hat makes a nation great? Is it military might? Is it economic prosperity? Or, perhaps the number of gold medals its athletes win at the Olympic games? Sunday’s first reading — Dt 4:1-2, 6-8 — suggests a different measure of greatness. It imagines the peoples of the earth exclaiming: “This great nation is truly a wise and intelligent people.” And what inspires this praise? It is Israel’s closeness to God and its observance of God’s law: “For what great nation is there that has gods so close to it as the Lord, our God, is to us whenever we call upon him? Or what great nation has statutes and decrees that are as just as this whole law which I am setting before you today?” The Book of Deuteron-
POPE FRANCIS
FATHER MIKE STUBBS Father Mike Stubbs is the pastor of Holy Cross Parish in Overland Park and has a degree in Scripture from Harvard University. omy presents a system of law for the people of Israel. It is meant to reflect God’s will. In that law, the two ideals of justice and mercy join together. As Psalm 85:11 poetically puts it, “Love and truth will meet; justice and peace will kiss.” It is one thing to have a law. It is quite another to observe it. That is why the reading exhorts the people: “Now, Israel, hear the
Pope Francis asked thousands of people gathered in St. Peter’s Square to be quiet for a moment and ponder the question, “Who is Jesus to you?” After the moment of silence Aug. 23, the pope introduced the midday Angelus prayer by asking Mary to help Christians purify their faith, removing “worldly in-
statutes and decrees which I am teaching you to observe, that you may live.” It is only through observance of the law that the people will give evidence of their wisdom and intelligence. The Book of Deuteronomy proposes observance of God’s law as the way for Israel to attain greatness. It leaves as an open question whether or not Israel will achieve that goal. Deuteronomy also assumes that, upon Israel arriving at a certain measure of wisdom and intelligence through its observance of the law, the other nations of the world will recognize its greatness in that regard. That may be questionable. Is it not more likely that nations will continue to admire those who can defend themselves through military force, those who grow wealthy and
crustations and fears.” Commenting on the day’s Gospel reading from St. John, the pope said people were scandalized when Jesus told them he was the “bread of life” and “clearly alluded” to the fact that he would sacrifice his life for them. The people were upset, he said, because such talk did not fit in with their idea of the Messiah. They thought “he should speak and
prosperous? That has been the case in the past. Why should it not continue? Perhaps it requires a certain amount of wisdom and intelligence for a nation to appreciate those qualities in another. It takes one to know one. Those nations that praise Israel for its wisdom and intelligence in observing God’s law will also have found wisdom and intelligence themselves. They will have set their goals on something more than military might and economic prosperity. One thing more: Doing God’s will, acting with justice, is the way to arrive at wisdom and intelligence, the way to find greatness. But it is an ongoing journey. The Book of Deuteronomy proposes that for Israel, but it is a goal for all nations of the earth.
act in a way that his mission would have success immediately. They understood Jesus’ words so well that they did not want to listen to him because they were words that put their mentality in crisis,” he said. The words of Jesus challenge people’s ideas today, as well, he said. — CNS
16 LOCAL NEWS
THELEAVEN.COM | AUGUST 28, 2015
BAYOU BOUND
Archdiocesan seminarians joined Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann for a summer pilgrimage to Louisiana, checking out the holy sites as well as plantations, museums and a swamp.
Arturo Hernandez, a first-year college student at Conception Seminary College in Conception, Missouri, tours the Oak Alley Plantation slavery exhibit in Vacherie, Louisiana. Hernandez said he felt a connection to the cabins, as it reminded him of his home in Mexico where he lived as a child.
While waiting for a bus, Father Scott Wallisch, archdiocesan vocations director, spends time with some street people in the French Quarter. When asked about the visit, Father Scott said, “They asked for money, but instead they got conversation.” Most pilgrimages include some time in nature. There were no mountains to climb, so there was a swamp tour to learn about bayou life. At one point, the captain brought out a 5-year-old alligator. Then he let anyone hold it (if they were brave enough). Monsignor Michael Mullen, co-director of seminarians in the archdiocese, was up to the challenge and is watched (at a distance) by seminarians, from left, Cesar Gomez, Andrew Gaffney, Kenn Clem and Joel Haug.
Anthony Mersmann, Theology I at Kenrick-Glennon Seminary in St. Louis, listens to the tour guide at the Cathedral of St. Louis, King of France, in New Orleans. During the tour, seminarians heard the cathedral is slowly sinking and that area firemen come to clean and replace the lights in the Baccarat chandelier that hangs in the background. The guide also shared the escape plan for Pope John Paul II when he celebrated Mass there in 1987.
Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann celebrates the Mass at the Cathedral of St. Louis in New Orleans that is televised and watched by the homebound, prisoners and many others. Just before the end of Mass, the archbishop asked seminarians to sing the “Salve Regina,” the sounds of which filled the cathedral and moved some in attendance to tears. After the Mass, seminarians heard from the cathedral staff that they had received several calls complimenting this special Mass.
Photos and captions by
MELANIE SAVNER assistant to the vocations office