08-29-08 Vol. 30 No. 5

WWW.THELEAVEN.COM

FEEL THE SPIRIT

Freshman Melissa Ingram of the St. James Spirit Team works the crowd at a rally the first day of school.

NEWSPAPER OF THE ARCHDIOCESE OF KANSAS CITY IN KANSAS

LOOK HERE

St. James freshman Evan Donahue tries to attract the attention of a friend during the rally.

•

VOL. 30, NO. 5 AUGUST 29, 2008

DRAMA KING

Drama instructor Brandon Carter enjoys his moment on stage during the new teacher/freshman relay initiation.

FULL SPEED AHEAD LENEXA — St. James Academy here kicked off the new school year Aug. 13 with a full complement of students. The archdiocese’s newest high school has added a freshman class each year since it opened in 2005. The school now boasts more than 600 students and a staff doubled in number since just last year. | PHOTOS BY SUSAN MCSPADDEN

WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS St. James senior Bridget Blowey leads the way through a spirit tunnel as the girls soccer team is recognized for its 2008 state championship.

CELEBRATING 150 One of the first parish communities in

FLAME ON Teachers and students at

CALENDAR NOTICE The Leaven is planning a special issue

the archdiocese, Assumption Parish in Edgerton, celebrated its 150th anniversary on Aug. 16 with a special Mass and dinner.

Page 3

Chirst the King School in Topeka kicked off the new year with the spirit of giving.

Pages 8-9

for Sept. 19. There will be no calendar notices in that issue but the calendar will be updated online at: www.theleaven. com. Please plan accordingly.

LOCAL NEWS

2

ANNIVERSARIES Frances (Martincich) and Royce Adney, members of Christ the King Parish in Kansas City, Kan., will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on Aug. 31 with a family celebration.

The couple was married on Sept. 4, 1948, at Holy Family Church in Kansas City, Kan. They have four children, eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Laverne (Glotzbach) and Bernard Hurla, members of Sacred Heart Parish, Paxico, celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary on July 27 with a Mass, dinner and family reunion.

The couple was married on July 26, 1943, at Sacred Heart Church, Newbury. Their children and their spouses are: Diane and Charles Gros; Lucille Moore; Myron and Kathy Hurla; Gertrude and Refugio Garcia; Catherine and Richard Prue; Ruth and Israel Feliciano; Barbara and David Prue; Theresa and Wayne Johnson; Vincent Hurla and Emily Quntanilla; Roy and Vicky Hurla; Annette and Rick Mulanax; Bernadette and Craig Wilkins; Angela and Dan Lloyd; and Martin and Anita Hurla. They also have 62 grandchildren and 108 greatgrandchildren.

Rudy and Becky (Sambol) Pinter, of members Christ the King Parish in Kansas City, Kan., celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on Aug. 2 with a Mass, dinner and dance. The event was hosted by their children and their spouses: Lori and Tom Wright, Susan and Jim Waldeck, Lynda and Kerry Higgins, Sharon and Martin Cook, Sandy and Jimmy Warford, and Scott and Kara Pinter. They also have 14 grandchildren. The couple was married on Aug. 23, 1958, at St. John the Baptist Church, Kansas City, Kan. Louis and Margaret (Peterson) Pierron, members of Immaculate Conception /St. Joseph Parish, Leavenworth, celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary with a blessing of their marriage on Aug. 23 and a family dinner on Aug. 24. The couple was married Sept. 1, 1948, at the old St. Francis de Sales Church in Lansing by Father Imhof.

Their children and their spouses are: Rita and Frank Watkins, Ronald and Pam Pierron, Kenneth and Vicki Pierron, and Dennis and Kim Pierron.

Joseph and Helen (Schreiner) Schwarzenberger, members of St. Paul Parish, Olathe, celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary on Aug. 2 with a family gathering and dinner. The couple was married on Aug. 23, 1943, at St. Michael Parish, Collyer, by the groom’s uncle Father Uhrich. Their children and their spouses are: Tom and Quinta Schwarzenberger; Patricia and Harold Leiker; James and Kathy Schwarzenberger; Gary and Stephanie Schwarzenberger; and Joetta and Bill Winslow. They also have17 grandchildren and 35 great-grandchildren.

Greetings from friends and relatives can be sent to the couple at: 511 E. Spruce, Olathe KS 66061.

ANNIVERSARY POLICY

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

Announcements are due by 5 p.m. eight days (Thursday) before the desired publication date.

Announcements must be typed. They are for parishioners of Catholic parishes in the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas.Send notices to: The Leaven, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109, attn: anniversaries; or send an e-mail to: Todd@theleaven.com.

THE LEAVEN • AUGUST 29, 2008

Bishop Ward’s Academy of Finance receives high honors KANSAS CITY, Kan. — Students in Bishop Ward’s Academy of Finance here aren’t just money savvy; they are role models for students nationwide.

In July, the high school’s Academy of Finance, which is a subsidiary of the National Academy Foundation, was honored at the foundation’s national conference in Orlando, Fla. After participating in the program for only three years, Bishop Ward was named one of the five highest-performing schools out of the more than 500 that are participating in the program.

AUGUST 29, 2008

•

THE LEAVEN

SECOND FRONT PAGE

3 The parish timeline

PIONEERING PARISH CELEBRATES 150TH ANNIVERSARY

1857 The first Catholic settlers began to arrive. The first Mass was celebrated in the home of John McCarthy.

1858 The first church, St. Columbkille, was built of logs, and a cemetery was established.

1861 Kansas became a state, and the Civil War began.

Mass celebrates apparition of Mary in Lithuania

1867 A stone church was built 75 feet south of the log church.

OVERLAND PARK — The 400year anniversary of the appearance of the Blessed Virgin Mary holding the baby Jesus in Siluva, Lithuania, will be celebrated with a Mass at Queen of the Holy Rosary here at 9 a.m. on Sept. 7. Father Samuel Russell from Conception Abbey, who is of Lithuanian descent, will be the celebrant. The event is sponsored by the Lithuanians of America.

The Virgin Mary appeared to several children in Siluva in 1608.

Siluva is considered to be Mary’s first manifestation in Europe and one of the five manifestations recognized by the Catholic Church.

1870 The railroad came to town.

1889 The first resident pastor arrived, Father B. M. Pujos.

1893 The present church was built, but the parish reverted back to mission status.

1910 The parish regained a resident pastor, and a new rectory was built.

The parish has had a resident pastor ever since.

Leaven photo by Joe Bollig

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann was the main celebrant and homilist at the 150th anniversary Mass of Assumption Parish in Edgerton. The archbishop was joined at the altar by former pastor Father Jerry Sheeds (left) and current pastor since 1997, Father Bill Fisher.

By JOE BOLLIG Leaven staff EDGERTON — A good word to describe Assumption Parish here would be “before.”

The roots of Assumption Parish reach back 150 years: before Lincoln became president, before Kansas was a state, before the Civil War, and before there was a cathedral in Leavenworth or Kansas City, Kan. Members of this historic parish remembered the “before,” and celebrated everything up to the present during a 150th anniversary Mass on Aug. 16, with Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann as celebrant and homilist.

“This is one of the earliest parish communities in the archdiocese, so it’s quite an occasion that we celebrate today,” said Archbishop Naumann in his homily.

“Anniversaries of parish communities are opportunities to remember and give thanks for the many blessings that have been received over the years.”

The 150th anniversary of Assumption was an opportunity to remember and give thanks for the many “miracles of grace” parishioners have received through the sacraments and inspired preaching, he said.

Archbishop Naumann was joined at the altar by Assumption pastor, Father Bill Fisher, and retired Father Jerry Sheeds, pastor from 1987 to 1996. An outdoor parish potluck dinner was held immediately following the Mass.

The roots of Assumption Parish reach

back to six pioneer families who began settling the area in 1857. In time, they were joined by other immigrants — some French, but mostly Irish.

The first two churches — named in honor of St. Columbkille — were located in the present parish cemetery a mile and a half southeast of town. The first was built of logs; the second, of stone. Neither church exists today.

The present white, wood-frame church was dedicated on the solemnity of the Assumption on Aug. 15, 1893. The name was changed to reflect the parishioners’ deep Marian devotion.

Perhaps no parishioner has stronger connections to the parish’s past than 86year-old Ray Braun, a lifelong member.

Two of the three persons named on the bell in the church tower are his grandfathers. The first Masses for the embryonic Catholic community were celebrated in the little stone house of his great-grandfather, John McCarthy. That house, at 199th and Sunflower Road, still stands.

Although Edgerton started out as a stronghold of Catholicism, this began to change in Braun’s lifetime. As a boy, he remembers the Ku Klux Klan becoming a major force in Edgerton. They met in the Masonic Hall and had a cross that lit up with red light bulbs, he said.

Although hooded and robed, their identities were known.

“Everybody knew who was in the Klan by their horse,” he said. “They rode horses in their Klan parades, and everybody knew everybody’s saddle horse.”

Klan prejudice was met with Irish

Catholic obstinacy. When the Klan held their picnic, the Irish Catholics held their own parish picnic, said Braun.

But Braun also has fonder memories.

“I lived in the big house right next door to the church when I was a kid,” said Braun. “I had to serve daily Mass, or Grandma would twist my ears.”

“And then we had summer school,” he added. “The Ursuline nuns from Paola would come and teach summer school. If they didn’t stay in our house, they stayed [in the rectory], and Father [David] Hart stayed in our house. My grandmother, mother and my wife have been dedicated to helping priests all their lives. Every priest who was here has been to our house.”

Father Bill Fisher, pastor of Annunciation Parish in Baldwin and Assumption Parish since 1997, said this parish tradition of supporting pastors remains strong today.

“Whenever anything needs to be done, they get together and they work together to get it done,” he said. “Recently, they built a garage and resealed the asphalt all around [on the parish property].”

Assumption Parish has those qualities that make it an archetype for the smalltown Kansas Catholic parish, said longtime parishioner Kurt Hoffman.

“It’s a nice parish to be a member of,” he said. “It’s a fun parish. Very low key.

You can be as involved or uninvolved as you see fit. But if you want to be involved, there’s always something to do.”

1916 Father David Hall was appointed pastor of Edgerton and mission pastor of Gardner. He served at both places until he died in 1943.

1934 A new altar was built (and replaced with successive new altars in 1951 and 1956.)

1959 to 1966 Father Robert Pool modernized the interior of the church, including installing a new altar, to reflect the changes of the Second Vatican Council.

Additional modifications, such as removal of the altar rail, continued over the years.

1978 A new parish hall was built.

2000 New stained-glass windows were installed in parts of the church.

2001 A flower garden in honor of the Blessed Mother was built on the east side of the church by the parish youth group.

2006 New religious education classrooms were built by parishioners in the church basement.

LOCAL NEWS

4

THE LEAVEN

• AUGUST 29, 2008

AUGUST 29, 2008

•

LOCAL NEWS

THE LEAVEN

5 Notre Dame professor discusses morality and the environment

‘A place where they can belong’

By BOB HART Special to The Leaven EMPORIA — College can be a time of exciting new opportunities — and overwhelming new temptations.

Father Ray May, director of campus ministry at Emporia State University’s Didde Catholic Campus Center, sees the college experience as a sort of bridge for young men and women finding their way in life.

“You’re going from a child’s way of looking at the world to an adult’s way of looking at the world,” he said. “And it takes a while for your faith to catch up — for it to become an adult faith.

Whenever there’s growth, it’s sometimes painful.”

Campus ministry can play a vital role, said Father May, in keeping the many Catholic students on campus involved in their faith as they navigate the sometimes stormy sea of transition.

“We have a number of students who never really go beyond the scope of the Mass. But what keeps them here is that they have a place where they can belong,” he said. “We have — what, 6,000 students here in Emporia? You can get lost in that.

“Here at the center, you have a closer-knit group that you do things with – some fun things, some more serious things. It’s also a place where, if you’re having a problem, you can find someone to talk to about it.”

Freedom and temptation Out from under their parents’ roofs for the first time in their lives, many college students relish their newfound freedom, but may lack the life skills and experience to make wise choices.

Father May believes that in regard to drugs and alcohol, the college experience isn’t all that different from when he was a student 20 years ago.

Where he does see a change from his own undergraduate days (1984-88 at Benedictine College, Atchison) is in attitudes toward sex.

“I’m sure that casual sex went on when I was in college,” Father May said, “but I just get the sense that temptation is greater now, and that sex outside of marriage is taken a lot more lightly now. I don’t think casual sex was nearly as prevalent then.”

He admits, however, that it’s hard to know for sure, since “at Benedictine,

The academics of faith

Leaven photo by Bob Hart

Father Ray May, director of campus ministry at Emporia State University’s Didde Catholic Campus Center, chats with students during a get-together at the center. everything is Catholic; the very environment is Catholic. That’s just the way things are — whereas here, you stand out. You are different.”

Many of his Emporia State students, however, are OK with that.

“There are real signs of hope,” Father May noted, “and I see that in the students here who really want to live the way the church teaches us we should live. You see that genuine awareness of how we are called to live in Christ, and that real desire to do that.”

“I’m encouraged by what I see,” he added. “I think the students here really try to avoid temptation.”

Helping hands from beyond campus As he begins his fifth year at the Didde Catholic Campus Center, the director of campus ministry acknowledges some of the inevitable problems he’ll face with this year’s crop of students.

“A lot of them, they’ll get here, they’ll realize they’re free to do what they want, and they’ll stop going to church,” Father May said.

“And we’re not necessarily able to locate them. In this age of exaggerated secularism and extreme privacy, it’s hard for us to know who’s over there on campus,” he added. “And I don’t think the university is allowed to tell

us. We just don’t have access to the information about all the Catholic students on campus.”

Parents can help.

“Many parents already do this, but so many more could help if they would just let us know that their young person is coming to the university,” he noted. “Even if they’re going to go home on the weekend for Mass, they’re still going to be here during the week, and we can be there for them then.”

Pastors can lend a hand as well.

“Again, many already do, but pastors could just encourage the young people not to give up on church,” Father May said. “Maybe it even helps to have some sort of group for college students. And to just appreciate the value of college ministry — that it’s there and it’s important when students need it.”

No dice As a minister serving young people in an academic setting, perhaps it’s appropriate that one of Father May’s favorite quotes is from Albert Einstein: “God doesn’t play dice with the universe.”

“I don’t think Einstein was a particularly religious man,” he said, “but there’s great truth in that quote. Many of those students who drift away, who quit going to church . . . they’ll realize something is missing. And they’ll be back.”

There was a time, when he was a young man entering college, that Father Ray May pulled away from his faith a bit.

“I never really abandoned the faith,” he said, “but I went through a crisis of faith.”

He found his path back to the church through what may seem an unlikely source: his college majors, physics and astronomy.

“Think about it,” he said.

“Physicists and astronomers talk about wonder. There’s something mystical, something almost religious, about physics and astronomy. You have principles like entanglement, where it doesn’t matter how far apart two particles are, they’re entangled. . . . They will respond to each other over a distance.”

Students attending the beginning of the year party and barbecue at Emporia State University’s Didde Catholic Campus Center on Aug. 21 said they understand what Father May is talking about.

Josh Johnson, a freshman from Sacred Heart Parish in Gardner, plans to major in English, and he said his choice includes a spiritual component.

“With a firm command of the language, you can fully express your beliefs, the kind of relationships you want to have, the kind of life you want to lead,” Josh explained. “And I want to help others express themselves in a way that is powerful and correct.”

Lauren Halstead, a sophomore originally from Wichita and an active student leader at the campus center, chose elementary education for her major, in part because of the experiences she had helping teach the sacraments to first- and secondgraders in Emporia.

“I’m just reminded how awesome God can be and how precious the sacraments are,” Lauren said, adding that her dream is to teach second grade in a Catholic school.

“A Catholic school is about community,” she said. “I know that I can pray in school. I know that I can always have the comfort of God with me in my work.”

Photo courtesy of Father Gerard Senecal, OSB

STRIKE UP THE BAND

Atchison Elementary School band teacher Stephanie Morris gets right to work with the 5th- and 6th-grade band during the first week of school.

St. Benedict’s Abbey gallery to feature award-winning sculptor, painter ATCHISON — Elizabeth Alisha, an award-winning painter and sculptor with works in galleries and private and corporate collections throughout the United States, Israel and Europe, will be the next featured artist at the St. Benedict’s Abbey gallery.

Alisha, whose works are inspired by extensive studies and travel, will be presenting two showings at the abbey. The first, “Pastels and Paintings,” opens at 1 p.m. on Aug. 30 and will remain open through Sept. 28.

The second showing, “Iconography,”

will be open from Oct. 4 through Oct.30.

For more information on her showings at St. Benedict’s Abbey, send an email to: Elizabeth@ AlishaArtStudio. com or bschultz@ kansasmonks.org; or call Father Blaine Schultz at (913) 3607847.

FALL CONFIRMATION SCHEDULE ARCHBISHOP NAUMANN

Sept. 10

7 p.m.

St. Patrick, Osage City St. Francis of Assisi, Lapeer St. Patrick, Scranton

Oct. 22

7 p.m.

Holy Trinity, Paola

Oct. 29

7 p.m.

Annunciation, Frankfort St. Monica-St. Elizabeth, Blue Rapids St. Joseph, Lillis

Dec. 8

7 p.m.

St. St. St. St.

ARCHBISHOP KELEHER

ABBOT BARNABAS

Sept. 28

2 p.m.

St. Dominic, Holton St. Francis Xavier, Mayetta

Oct. 5

2 p.m.

Oct. 4

9 a.m.

Latin Community at Blessed Sacrament, Kansas City, Kan.

Oct. 12

9:30 a.m. St. Mary, St. Benedict

Oct. 19

3 p.m.

Sacred Heart, Ottawa

Oct. 5

2 p.m.

St. Joseph, Wathena St. Benedict, Bendena St. Charles, Troy

Oct. 26

5 p.m.

Sacred Heart, Sabetha St. Augustine, Fidelity St. James, Wetmore

Oct. 12

2 p.m.

St. Joseph, Nortonville Immaculate Conception, Valley Falls Corpus Christi, Mooney Creek

Nov. 16

2 p.m.

St. Aloysius, Meriden

Patrick, Corning Bede, Kelly Vincent de Paul, Onaga Columbkille, Blaine

“Let us show you the many options available when you prearrange your funeral services.”

St. Michael, Axtell Holy Family, Summerfield

FARMERS INSURANCE GROUP Symbol of Superior Service

Hill Insurance Agency, LLC

Kent Carter & Jack Hill 87th & Monrovia, Suite 310 Lenexa, KS 66215 (913) 541-1555

701 NORTH 94TH STREET * KANSAS CITY, KANSAS 66112 * (913) 334-3366 FUNERAL HOME * CEMETERY * CREMATION SERVICES

FUNERAL HOMES • CREMATORY • MEMORIAL CHAPELS LEGACY CENTER • ACTIVITY CENTER

10901 JOHNSON DRIVE SHAWNEE, KANSAS 66203 TELEPHONE 913-631-5566 FAX 913-631-2236

We have the newest and nicest funeral home in Wyandotte County, right across the street

from St. Patrick’s Church. Personalize a Funeral, Cemetery or Memorial Service all from one office, instead of driving all over town making plans. We even accept many pre-arranged plans from other funeral homes. To receive a free Personal Planning Guide, call or stop in today.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — James Sterba, Ph.D., professor of philosophy at the University of Notre Dame, will present “Why Morality Places Significant Limits On Our Use of Goods and Resources” as part of Rockhurst University’s Visiting Scholar Lecture Series at 7:30 p.m. on Sept.

11, in Mabee Theater.

As one of the leading authorities on environmental philosophy, Sterba argues that morality requires us to place significant limits on our use of goods and resources. He contends that morality can manifest itself in a form that requires us to take only the interests of other human beings into account or one that requires us to take into account the interests of all living beings.

Sterba has published more than 24 books, including “Earth Ethics”; “The Triumph of Practice Over Theory in Ethics”; and “Terrorism and International Justice.”

This event is free of charge and open to the public. To register, call (816) 501-4828.

Mabee Theater is located in Sedgewick Hall on the Rockhurst University campus, 54th Street and Troost Avenue, Kansas City, Mo.

Gregg Amos

www.amosfamily.com

Wagner’s Mud-Jacking Co. Specializing in Foundation Repairs Mud-jacking and Waterproofing.

Serving Lawrence, Topeka and surrounding areas.

Topeka (785) 233-3447 Lawrence (785) 749-1696 In business since 1963

LOCAL NEWS

6

THE LEAVEN

• AUGUST 29, 2008

“We want to help you and your family with real estate”

Re/max Realty Suburban, Inc. 12701 W. 87th Pkwy.

Lenexa, KS 66215 Contact Jim: 913-226-7442 Contact Julie & Marilyn: 913-647-7118 Office Line: 913-647-7132 We LOVE Referals!

jimblaufuss@aol.com | www.BlaufussTeam.com

V i l l a St . Fr a n c i s Skilled Nursing Facility 170 beds

16600 W. 126th Street • Olathe, Kansas 66062 Phone: (913) 829-5201 Fax: (913) 829-5399 Daily Mass in the Chapel at 10 a.m.

• Medicare and Kansas Medicaid certified • 24 - hour nursing care • Dementia/Alzheimer’s unit • Physical, occupational and speech therapist on staff/ Rapid recovery • Nutritious Home cooked meals • Private and Semi Private rooms • Beauty and Barber Shop • 24 hour snacks Affiliated with the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas

Want to help someone heal from an abortion?

Call Toll Free 888-246-1504

THE LEAVEN

LOCAL NEWS

7

JOSEPH F. NAUMANN’S SEPTEMBER CALENDAR 3 4

Truth Illuminated seeks youth pro-life witness

By JOE BOLLIG Leaven staff

The Blaufuss Team

•

ARCHBISHOP

KELLY YOUTH RALLY ENLISTS HUNDREDS OF ‘SOLDIERS FOR CHRIST’ More than 500 youth from 17 parishes in the Nemaha-Marshall Region and beyond gathered Aug. 16 at St. Bede Church in Kelly (right) for the 11th annual Kelly Youth Rally. From there, the teens hitched a hayrack ride to the rally site below, where they enjoyed a magician, inspirational speaker Stephanie Wood, a picnic, and a closing Mass celebrated by archdiocesan vocations director Father Mitchel Zimmerman.

AUGUST 29, 2008

KANSAS CITY, Kan. — Pro-life leaders want to shine the light of truth on the world by engaging its brightest light: pro-life youth.

The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas and the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph are working together to launch Truth Illuminated, a new youth pro-life program.

“The focus [of the program] is really to engage the youth in using their faith and their pro-life values to be public witnesses,” said Ron Kelsey, archdiocesan pro-life consultant.

“It’s not just educational,” he continued. “It’s also doing something with that knowledge — getting out in the culture and illuminating the truth. You might say that we’re removing the bushel basket.”

The goal is to create local Truth Illuminated chapters across both dioceses, said Kelsey. The chapters would be involved in social and educational programs on the local level, and gather for area-wide activities such as Life Chain and peaceful, public witnesses at abortion clinics.

“We’re trying to get a [movement] across both dioceses with a common identity,” he said. “The intent is for this group to support the U.S. bishops’ pastoral plan for pro-life activities and to be involved in four key areas: prayer, education, public policy and pastoral activity.”

An organizational meeting for persons interested in forming and leading local Truth Illuminated chapters was held at the archdiocesan offices on Aug. 25.

Interest in forming Truth Illuminated chapters has already been expressed by individuals in Topeka, Mayetta and Olathe.

Kelsey hopes that local chapters will be formed in parishes and schools.

“Each chapter needs two adult leaders,” said Kelsey. “Anyone who is interested in getting a chapter started should contact me.”

For information call Kelsey at (913) 647-0350, or send an email to: prolife@archkck.org.

Hayden High School auction dinner Lunch with winners of Camp Tekakwitha Golf Tournament Mass and dinner — Apostles of the Interior Life 5 Meeting with new president of Donnelly College, Dr. Steven LaNasa Mass — St. Joseph, Leavenworth, conclusion of 150th jubilee 6 Mass — Bishop Miege High School’s 50th anniversary, Roeland Park Donnelly Scholarship Dinner 7 Mass — Holy Family, Kansas City, Kan., 100th anniversary Vespers and picnic with chancery staff 8 U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops pro-life meeting — Washington 9 Administrative Team meeting Priests Personnel meeting Mass and dinner — Little Sisters of the Lamb 10 Confirmation — St. Patrick, Osage City; St. Francis of Assisi, Lapeer; and St. Patrick, Scranton Meeting with seminarians at Mundelein Seminary 11 12 Mundelein Seminary board meeting Mundelein opening Mass with Cardinal Francis George 13 Profession of Sister Lucero Garcia — Sisters, Servants of Mary, Kansas City, Kan. 15 Presbyteral Council meeting Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas and Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph joint priest appreciation dinner 19 Kansas City, Kan./Kansas City, Mo., Red Mass — Redemptorist, Kansas City, Mo. 19-20 Knights of the Holy Sepulchre convention — Omaha, Neb. Mass with Korean Community — Savior Pastoral Center 21 Mass — Sacred Heart, Delia, 100th anniversary 22-25 Priests’ workshop — Conception Abbey 25 Immigration Award 27 Mass and blessing of new building — Good Shepherd, Shawnee 28 Install Father Anthony Putti as pastor of St. Malachy, Beattie, and St. Gregory, Marysville 29 Conference call for Task Force, Life and Dignity of Human Person, of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops 30 Administrative Team meeting Johnson County Pastoral Planning meeting

ARCHBISHOP EMERITUS

JAMES P. KELEHER’S SEPTEMBER CALENDAR 7

Mass — Holy Family, Kansas City, 100th anniversary Vespers and picnic with chancery staff 13 Mass and dinner — St. Michael the Archangel, Leawood 14 Prison Mass 15 Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas and Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph joint priest appreciation dinner 21 Mass — St. James Academy, Lenexa Mass —St. Mary’s 150th anniversary at St. Mary/St. Anthony, Kansas City, Kan. 22-25 Ethical Review Board, New York 27 St. Lawrence Campus Center, Wine Fest honoree 28 Confirmation — St. Leo, Horton, and St. Francis Xavier, Mayetta

M-F 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Sat. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. | Summer Months: Sat. 10 a.m to 3 p.m.

We plan for many major events in our lifetime, such as birthdays, anniversaries, baptisms, weddings, graduations and more.

Why should your funeral be any different?

Let us assist you in planning the funeral that best represents your wishes. It is a great gift that you can give your children.

Call 785-354-7706 today to make an appointment

Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home 800 West Sixth Ave., Topeka, Kansas 66603 www.brennanmathenafh.com

KEATING Mud Jacking Serving NE Kansas Since 1976

FOUNDATION REPAIR Cracked • Bowed • Settled Wall Repair ¬ Wall Bracing ¬ Waterproofing ¬ Steel Underpinning

FREE ESTIMATES

MUD JACKING Raise & Level ¬

Patios Drives Garage Floors Slab Houses

Locally Owned & Operated

Kansas City (913) 262-9352

Piers Driven to Load-Bearing Strata or Bedrock

Lawrence (785) 865-0006

Topeka (785) 246-0128

With fire in their bellies CTK teachers kick off the year with lessons in caring

Photo courtesy of Kelly Kelley

Lilli Winkler, a student in Christina Turner’s kindergarten class, makes cards for a family with a loved one in the hospital.

By KELLY KELLEY Special to The Leaven

Photo courtesy of Kelly Kelley

Christ the King kindergarteners Ava Tanking, Stephen Moore, and Blake Keating work on cards for a family that is utilizing the services of Topeka’s Ronald McDonald House.

E

ven though I’m entering my 17th year of teaching middle school, I still get this question all the time: “So, are you ready to go back?”

I think most people are surprised when I say that I am. I am ready to see my kids, I am ready to organize supplies, and I am one of the lucky ones who can honestly say I am ready for in-service days. For it is at the end of our in-service that our principal’s new theme will be “unveiled.”

Each year our principal establishes a theme that sets the tone for the year and inspires us to approach our work with “fire in our bellies,” as she says. This year’s theme touched our staff so deeply, moved us so dramatically, that we felt we really needed to share it.

The process started with the viewing of a video called “Johnny the Bagger,” a motivational story about providing service through caring gestures, and we were challenged to establish our own “signature” for caring this year. But the final day of our meetings has always been marked with an activity that is fun and sometimes just a little outrageous. I couldn’t imagine what our principal, Relynn Reynoso, had cooked up to go along with “Johnny’s” story.

It didn’t take long to find out. All of us were assigned to one of six teams. Each team was given $40 cash, about 90 minutes, and an assignment much like “Oprah’s Big Give”: Go out and make a difference in whatever way you choose.

Judges would then decide how we’d done.

At first the time restraints were really bogging us down. We had dozens of ideas. We focused on preparing kids for school — maybe providing shoes or school supplies — but we needed time to contact other resources for help. Finally, my team decided that we’d better make our decisions en route — to wherever — or we’d run out of time before we even got started.

Once we hit the road, the creative juices started flowing, and some suggested we buy flowers and distribute them in hopes of making some folks’ day a little brighter. One team member knew of a small care home nearby, so I called to make arrangements, while two others went to procure flowers. We were given a good price, so we decided to put a few dollars of gas in someone’s tank as well.

It was harder than you would think!

Our society has been so trained to distrust that our kindness was at first met with suspicion. Finally, one gentleman graciously accepted, and we were on our way. But we were already changing; we were giddy.

Seventh-grader Justin Montney, at the board, identifies parts of a sentence as his teacher Kelly Kelley, looks on.

Leaven photo by Jane Graves

Kelly Kelley (left), 7th-grade teacher at Christ the King School in Topeka, communicates with Chester Evans Sr., by writing questions on a dry erase board. Evans, 96, has difficulty hearing. Kelley and Claudia Feeney (right), a first-grade teacher at Christ the King School, were part of a group of teachers that visited Westwood Manor, where Evans lives, as part of a teacher in-service.

The four of us were smiling so hard, we could hardly wait to reach the care home where we hoped we would take that giddy feeling and multiply it by the 54 residents we would meet.

When we arrived, we saw a gentleman sitting outside, and we stopped to talk for a moment. But we quickly realized that we’d never get back to school in time if all of us met each resident of the home, so we each pulled a few roses from the bucket and dispersed.

The workers let us know which men were veterans, so we could thank them for their service. With some folks, we were able to look at family photos and hear a few memories.

We weren’t ready to leave, but we knew we had to. We entered our school building feeling peaceful and grateful for all that those strangers had given us in a half-hour.

One woman thanked my colleague, saying, “Oh, I’m getting married soon, and this will be perfect!”

One gentleman couldn’t hear me, so I was able to leave our message on his white board — which, even telling it now, brings tears to my eyes because he reminded me of my grandpa. They were good tears. No, they were cathartic tears.

How better could I honor my grandpa than to care for someone in his situation?

The flowers didn’t really matter. They were nothing more than a conversation starter. If we had come empty-handed, we would have been as well received.

We weren’t ready to leave, but we knew we had to. We entered our school

building feeling peaceful and grateful for all that those strangers had given us in a half-hour. Then it was time to hear what the other teams had accomplished. It was so amazing to listen to all of the people who were moved by this activity — and in such a short time.

Then came the verdict from our judges — members of our school community.

“Oh no!” I thought. “Having one ‘winner’ is going to ruin it all!”

But I could tell from the look on my principal’s face that she had already thought of that, and I settled in to enjoy what followed.

Allen Towle, our school council president did the honors, and I wish I had

tape-recorded what followed so I could share it word-for-word. But it went something like this: “Team 1,” he said, “you earned the award for most spontaneous. You jumped in and went from place to place, touching people’s hearts along the way.

From paying bus fares to MDA donations to providing toothbrushes for children in need, you have reminded us that kindness doesn’t have to be orchestrated in order to be appreciated.

“Team 2, you earned the award for a gift that is long lasting. You connected with one family through The Ronald McDonald House and have made plans to keep in touch and bring their story to your students, so that the caring continues. You have reminded us that the gift doesn't have to be big to be appreciated.

“Team 3, you earned the sunshine award. You thought of a group of people who often spend a day without outside contact, and you gave them the gifts of

your attention and conversation. You have reminded us that there are people out there who crave a smile and a 'hello' more than anything else, and that the simplest kindness is appreciated.

“Team 4, you earned the ‘aha’ award.

At first your group was looking for the most needy to receive your kindness.

Then you had an epiphany and said, ‘This is our lesson! Everyone needs kindness.’

You have reminded us that we don’t have to look far to make a difference in someone’s day. If we can remember that, surely we will all appreciate it.

“Team 5, you have earned the ‘outside-the-box’ award. You found ways to increase your resources, but the things people gave you didn’t really fit into your plan, so you created new plans for each of those gifts and let nothing go to waste.

You have reminded us that, even if it’s not what we asked or hoped for, we need to appreciate what we are given.

“Team 6, your award is for being the

Leaven photo by Jane Graves

most sentimental. In choosing to go to hospice, you offered your kindness to several people who were unable to show you their appreciation. Yet your giving touched you deeply, because some of your families have been through it and you know it was worthwhile. You have reminded us that much of what we give may never earn us a ‘thanks,’ but it’s not because it wasn’t appreciated.”

When he concluded the presentations, the room went quiet — at least for our crew. But it was swelling with emotion.

We were ready!

The fire in our bellies had been reignited and we were ready to share what we had learned with our students.

I am always amazed by how much a little giving gives back to me.

Kelly Kelley teaches 7th grade at Christ the King School in Topeka.

AUGUST 29, 2008

•

THE LEAVEN

11

LOCAL NEWS

Men’s program launches in additional parishes

By JOE BOLLIG Leaven staff KANSAS CITY, Kan. — Jim Kafka has three words for men who want to know if “That Man Is You” is for them.

“Come and see,” he said. “This is a great program. It’s just the best Catholic men’s program that I’ve seen in 30 years.”

Beginning in September, Catholic men in the archdiocese will have more opportunities to “come and see” when That Man Is You groups will meet at five different parishes.

That Man Is You is a Catholic men’s program that seeks to “call men to be the husbands, brothers and sons that God meant them to be,” said Kafka, a member of the That Man Is You group at Church of the Nativity in Leawood.

The program originated with the lay organization Paradisus Dei, founded in 2003 by Steve Bollman, a Catholic layperson in Houston. The program takes its name from the Second Book of Samuel, where the prophet Nathan pronounces God’s rebuke to King David, saying, “That man is you” (12:7).

That Man Is You offers a 26-week program that is divided into two 13-week semesters, fall and spring, to match the typ-

ical academic year.

According to Kafka, That Man Is You seeks to bring men together for friendship, fellowship, mutual support, and recommitment to living a Christ-centered life. The mechanism for this is the weekly meeting.

In the archdiocese, a typical weekly meeting begins with a quick breakfast, followed by a 30-minute video, and then small-group discussions lasting some 45 minutes. The whole meeting lasts about an hour and a half.

The first year, approximately 100 men met weekly at That Man Is You at Church of the Nativity.

“The outcome was a much deeper appreciation of their Catholic faith and how it undergirds everything in their lives,” said Kafka. “And this was very surprising to a good percentage of the men, who have never allowed their faith to go to that depth in their lives.”

“I think part of the reason for that is that the program is so Christ-centered and so authentically Catholic, that that combination was really dramatic for a lot of the guys,” he said. “There were a lot of real commitments made to living out their roles as leaders in their families, their marriages, their parishes and the

marketplace.”

That Man Is You was introduced to the archdiocese through pilot programs at Immaculate Conception Parish in St. Marys and Church of the Nativity. This year, the program is expanding to St. Ann Parish in Prairie Village, and Mother Teresa of Calcutta Parish and Most Pure Heart of Mary Parish, both in Topeka.

“The second year has been totally revamped,” said Kafka. “The intent was to meet guys where they were in their daily lives and encourage them and challenge them to be faithful in whatever role God has given them in life — primarily in their homes as husbands and fathers if they’re married; [as] single adults, if they aren’t — and certainly to integrate their faith in their daily life.”

A man does not have to be Catholic or to have attended previous meetings to participate, said Kafka. Nor does he have to be a member of the parish where the That Man Is You program is hosted.

For more information, call the sponsoring parish, or go to the That Man Is You Web site at www.paradisusdei.org/ tmiy. On the left-side menu, click on the “Find Location” button, and then click on the states map.

MuehLocally lebacowned h Fu&noperated e ral Ho me

South of the Plaza Across from Forests Hill and Calvary Cemeteries 6800 Troost, Kansas City, Mo. • (816) 444-2060 James S. Harrington Member International Order of the Golden Rule

‘That Man Is You’ in the archdiocese St. Ann Parish • 7231 Mission Rd., Prairie Village • Fridays, beginning Sept. 5 • 6 to 7:15 a.m.

Immaculate Conception Parish • 208 W. Bertrand, St. Marys • Thursdays, beginning Sept. 11 • 5:30 to 7 a.m.

Most Pure Heart of Mary Parish • 1800 S.W. Stone Ave., Topeka • Saturdays, beginning Sept. 13 • 6 to 7:45 a.m.

Mother Teresa Parish • 2014 N.W. 46th St., Topeka • Wednesdays, beginning Sept. 10 • 6 to 7:30 a.m.

Church of the Nativity Parish • 3800 W. 119th St., Leawood • Tuesdays, beginning Sept. 9 • 6 to 7:30 a.m.

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

Harvey M. Kascht (913) 262-1555

There are a lot of good reasons to make Catholic Community Hospice your choice when selecting a hospice.

We are grateful to have served this community since 1929 and we are proud to continue the Skradski Family Tradition of compassion and caring.

Helen Skradski Funeral Director

• Our pain management expertise

SKRADSKI FUNERAL HOME 340 N. 6th • Kansas City, Kan. 66101 • (913) 371-1404

• Our low nurse-topatient ratio • Our Catholic identity

Or maybe you have your own reasons for wanting to feel as good as you can, as long as you can.

If so, we can help.

Catholic Community Hospice.

Ask for us by name.

Catholic Community Hospice Because life matters.

913-621-5090 • 785-357-5107 • www.catholiccommunityhospice.com

CLASSIFIEDS

12 EMPLOYMENT Director of development - For the Catholic Education Foundation of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas. This individual will assist the executive director, foundation board, and committees in developing/ implementing a strategic community relations and fundraising plan. Responsibilities include: managing fundraising and special events; cultivating donor relations; coordinating advertising, public awareness, and communications for the foundation; managing Blackbaud/ Raiser’s Edge database; and managing grant applications. We are seeking the following qualifications: excellent written and verbal skills; interactive and collaborative capabilities; organizational and planning skills; spreadsheet and database management skills; writing experience. Most importantly, must demonstrate good stewardship and have a passion for Catholic education! Candidates should have a bachelor’s degree; sales, fundraising, and not-for-profit experience; and a demonstrated competency with Blackbaud/Raiser’s Edge and Microsoft Access. A working knowledge of Catholic school operations would be helpful. Interested applicants may send a letter of interest, resume, and references to: Executive Director of C.E.F., 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109, or send via e-mail to: mmorrisey@archkck.org.

Director of diocesan human rights office - The Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph, through the work of our human rights office, is engaged in educational initiatives and other activities promoting economic and racial justice, peace, and human rights in accord with Catholic social justice teaching. We are seeking a skilled and inspiring leader with a passion for the church’s social doctrine and justice to serve as the diocesan director of human rights. The selected individual must be an active practicing Catholic who supports the authentic magisterium and is ready to work with other agencies and offices of the church for an integrated approach to charity, human rights, and advocacy for justice. For a complete job description and required qualifications, visit our Web site at: www. diocese-kcsj.org. The diocese offers a generous benefit package and competitive salary.

For immediate consideration, send your resume via e-mail to: stucinski@diocesekcsj.org.

Maintenance/custodial - Queen of the Holy Rosary Parish, Bucyrus, is taking applications for an experienced, part-time maintenance/custodial worker. Duties include: daily cleaning and maintenance of the school, church and parish grounds; performing minor repairs; and assisting with setup and cleanup of special parish events. Good communication skills and the ability to work well in a team environment are essential. This is a yearround position. The hours are Mon. - Fri. from 5:30 - 9:30 p.m. during the school year, and Mon. - Fri. from 7 a.m. - noon during the summer. Additional hours will be required for special school and parish events. Queen of the Holy Rosary Parish is located at 227th and Metcalf Ave. For an application, contact the parish manager at (913) 533-2462, ext.

101, or by e-mail at: art@holyrosarywea.org.

Music director/organist position St. Peters Parish, Kansas City, Mo. Approximately 25 hrs/week beginning in Sept. Responsibilities include planning liturgical music, rehearsing choirs/cantors, planning and playing for weddings/funerals and other special celebrations. The applicant must possess an academic and pastoral knowledge and experience with Catholic liturgy and music. The applicant must be able to work effectively with a large, urban parish community and an active staff. St. Peter’s has a long history of exceptional liturgical music.

The parish seeks an individual dedicated to continuing this tradition. Salary is based on the diocesan salary scale. For information, contact Father Joseph Sharbel, pastor, 815 E. Meyer Blvd., Kansas City, MO 64131; call (816) 363-2320; or send an e-mail to: jsharbel1@aol.com.

Financial representative - Due to the success and growth of the Knights of Columbus, we are adding a financial representative in the Kansas City Metro and Topeka areas. This position is ideal for a de-

termined, high-energy, high-expectation, professional, self-disciplined, independent individual desiring to serve others, yet earn a betterthan-average income. We provide top-rated financial products to our members and their families and will provide excellent benefits and training. For more information or an interview, contact John A. Mahon, 307 Dakota, Holton, KS 66436; or call (785) 364-5450.

Nursery workers - Central United Methodist Church, 5144 Oak, Kansas City, Mo., is seeking 3 - 5 workers from 8 a.m. 12:30 p.m. every Sunday. $10 per hour. Call Teresa Stewart at (913) 432-7738, the church office at (816) 753-1844, or send an e-mail to: teresa@centralcares.com.

Admin. asst. - Regents Flooring Co., located near 99th and Lackman, Lenexa, is seeking a full-time administrative assistant to answer the phone, order materials, do filing and to coordinate projects with salespeople. E-mail your resume to: brandy@ regentsflooring.com, or fax to (913) 4691372.

Manufacturer/installer - Kansas sign company is seeking an experienced, full-time manufacturer/installer. Call (816) 589-3474.

Work at home - No selling, no inventory, no risk!!! For details, visit the Web site at: www.AtHomeFullTime.com.

Accounting clerk - Must be proficient in Excel, MS Great Plains. Full-time position in a great atmosphere. Great opportunity with a growing company. Salary, bonus, benefits, plus 401(k). Send resume via e-mail to: HR@ cobraguard.net. EOE. Help desk/support - Customer-driven, friendly, service-oriented people needed.

Proficiency in MS applications; ability to assist Web users with demos, navigation of our Web application, and other support related issues. Great opportunity with a growing company. Salary, bonus, benefits, plus 401(k).

Send resume via e-mail to: HR@cobraguard. net. EOE.

SERVICES Do you remember the “Footsteps” poem? God will carry us through difficult times if we ask for help. Spirituality-based counseling for depression, anxiety, family and relationship difficulties provided by social worker Lois A. Miller, LSCSW, in the Mission area. Call (913) 980-7336.

Bulk mulch for sale - $40 /cubic yd. delivered; $65/cubic yd. delivered and spread; three yard minimum. Will deliver within 20 miles of our address. Call Joe Keehn at (913) 631-7217.

Neat ‘n’ Sweet Cleaning LLC Residential and business Contact Cheryl Pantoja at (913) 669-2327 or (913) 766-1813 Preserve your memories by telling your life story! I can type your memoirs from handwritten or recorded notes. Also provide secretarial services. Call All About Words at (913) 438-5922.

Bankruptcy - When debt becomes overwhelming, seek professional help.

Experienced, compassionate Catholic attorney Teresa Kidd. For a confidential, no obligation consultation, call (913) 422-0610; or send an e-mail to: tkidd@kc.rr.com.

Computer services - In-home computer repair by senior with 20-plus years experience. Senior discount. Call (816) 769-8020.

Mountain Movers Inc. - Big or small, we move it all. Insured movers specializing in antiques. Call Dennis Higgins, owner, at (913) 285-3399.

Quality piano instruction - Caring and positive teaching environment. Call Mrs. A. McGuire at (913) 338-3022.

Piano tuning - Touch-up and full chromatic piano tuning for residential and business clients in the KC metro area. Call Bob at (816) 510-3125.

Granite, Cambria and Silestone countertops - See our new showroom at 5820 Barton, in the heart of beautiful downtown Shawnee. Call The Top Shop, Inc., at (816) 898-8685 or (913) 962-5058.

Does your car have dimmed, clouded-looking headlight lenses? We will come to your location and recondition your automobile headlight lenses for $57.

Call Zep at (816) 741-0999.

Husband and wife cleaning team Reasonable rates; references provided. Call (913) 940-2959.

Machine quilting - by Jenell Noeth, Basehor. Also, quilts made to order. Call (913) 724-1837.

Retired nurse - Is willing to care for your loved one evenings, or nights or weekends.

Excellent, recent references; reasonable hourly rates. Hospice experience. Willing to provide light housekeeping and meal preparation.

Call Pam at (913) 579- 5276.

I am the part-time nanny of seven children and I love it! - I will aid you or your loved one as a companion, housekeeper, caregiver, and/or meal provider. Day, night or both. I am the eldest of 17 children.

References by letter or phone from those whom I serve. Call me! I’m Emma Huser, member of St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee. (913) 422-0733.

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) 3412500 and speak with Andrea, Sara or Gary.

Need help caring for Mom or Dad? We provide in-home support with a variety of personal care and household functions to keep seniors safe and active at home. For as little as $50 per week, we can provide extra support for your loved ones, or help you get a “night off” from your daily caregiving responsibilities. Call Benefits of Home - Senior Care at (913) 422-1591.

Is money tight because of interest rates this year? If you want a better return on your money, consider a gift annuity with the Catholic Foundation of Northeast Kansas. Effective interest rates can be higher than 10 percent. You may designate your parish or another Catholic organization to receive the remainder gift. For a free consultation, call the foundation at (913) 647-0365 or visit the Web site at: www.cfnek.org.

HOME IMPROVEMENT Tim the Handyman - Insured; free estimates. Carpentry: new and repair deck, doors, windows, siding, screens. Plumbing: faucet, garbage disposals, toilets. Electrical: switches, outlets, ceiling fans, light fixtures.

Light landscape: fill dirt, trimming, planting, garden tilling and mulching. Serving Johnson County. Call Tim at (913) 859-0471.

House painting Free estimates; quality work Member St. Agnes Parish Call Bob at (913) 236-5047 Custom-kitchen countertops Laminate tops manufactured and installed within 5 days. Competitive prices, dependable work. St. Joseph Parish member. Call The Top Shop, Inc., at (816) 898-8685 or (913) 962-5058.

Adept Home Improvements Where quality still counts!

Basement Finishing Kitchens and baths Electrical and Plumbing Licensed and insured (913) 599-7998 House painting - Interior and exterior; wallpaper removal. 20 years experience.

Reasonable rates. References. Call Joe at (913) 620-5776.

THE LEAVEN • AUGUST 29, 2008 Masonry work - Quality, new or repair work. Brick, block, and chimney/fireplace repair. Insured; second generation bricklayer.

Call (913) 829-4336.

FOLEY’S LAWN CARE * Mowing * Leaf Cleanups * * Bed Mulching * * Landscape Maintenance * www.foleyslawncare.com Serving Johnson County, Kansas (913) 825-4353 Electrician - Free estimates; reasonable rates. JoCo and southern KC metro area. Call Pat at (913) 963-9896.

EL SOL Y LA TIERRA * COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL * LAWN RENOVATION * MOWING * CLEAN-UP AND HAULING * DIRT GRADING/INSTALLATION * LANDSCAPE DESIGN * FREE ESTIMATES HABLAMOS Y ESCRIBIMOS INGLES!!

Call Lupe at (816) 252-3376.

STA (Sure Thing Always) Home Repair - Basement finish, bathrooms and kitchens; interior & exterior repairs: painting, roofing, siding, wood replacement and window glazing. Call for free estimates. Cell: (913) 579-1835; phone: (913) 491-5837; email: smokeycabin@hotmail.com. Member of Holy Trinity Church, Lenexa.

Organizing & handyman services Basements, garages, attics and shop spaces organized! Your items sorted, boxed & labeled; areas cleaned when finished! Wall repair, interior painting, tile work, handicap bars and ramps. Great references and insured. For pictures of current projects, view my Web site at: www.swalms.com. Call Tillar Swalm at (913) 375-9115.

Lawn and landscape work - College student looking for landscaping and mowing work. Four years’ experience. Will do trees, mulching, deck refurbishment and landscape design and install. Johnson County. Call Josh at (913) 709-7230.

REAL ESTATE Overland Park - 4 BR, 3-1/2 BA home for sale. Meticulously maintained Kenilworth home, located just east of Nall on 96th Terr.

Hardwoods under carpet; circle drive; covered front porch; newer comp. roof; beautiful yard/landscaping with in-ground sprinkler.

Finished bsmt/bar are ideal for entertaining.

Come take a look at all this home has to offer. $319,900. For information, or to view this home, contact Jake Zilner, Realty Executives, at (913) 963-7355.

Beautiful home, great location! 907 W. Red Bridge Rd., 1/2 blk. east of State Line and College Blvd. The most ideal location in KC metro area for private schools!

Plus exceptional shopping and excellent health care nearby. This energy-efficient 5 BR, 5-1/2 BA, three-car garage home sits on a huge, beautiful, treed lot and boasts a rec. rm., sun porch, and a brick patio off Trex deck. $460K; lease-to-buy option. For details or a showing, call (913) 839-8015 or (816) 210-7815.

Leawood home for sale – Curé of Ars Parish; Town and Country Estates. Spacious 4 BR, 3 -1/2 BA, split-level on ¾-acre. Must see! $399,950. Call Shirley McKay at (816) 2894230. Reece & Nichols.

Overland Park - Best buy in Wilshire Woods, just 1 blk. south of Ascension Church.

4 BR, 4 BA, two-story home with lots of room for everyone. Only $299,900 for more than 3700 square feet. For information, call Kristina at (816) 668-3867.

Sugar Valley Lakes Resort - Mound City, Kan. Only 65 miles from Kansas City.

70 ft. furnished trailer with large covered deck. 12 by 12 wood shed. Beautiful 9-hole golf course, fishing, beach and pool. $25K. Call (913) 768-4663.

(Classifieds continued on page 13)

AUGUST 29, 2008

•

THE LEAVEN

CLASSIFIEDS (continued from page 12)

REAL ESTATE Lake house for sale - Beautiful and private Lake Kahola, less than 2 hours from the KC area. Only 10 miles off I-35 at the Emporia exit. This home sleeps 10+ with a 2car garage, plus a private boat ramp and dock. Located at the water’s edge on a quiet cove with great neighbors. Call Cy at (316) 262-0888.

VACATION Lake of the Ozarks rental - Osage Beach, million-dollar view, fully furnished; 2 BR, 2 BA; sleeps six. No smoking, no pets.

For special rates, call Steve or Sheryl Roederer at (913) 244-2022, or take a visual tour at: www.visualtour.com/shownp. asp?T=338261.

Summer vacation - Winter Park, Colo.

2 BR, 1 BA, sleeps 6. Fully furnished, fireplace, rec center w/pool, fishing, golf, hiking, rafting, close to nat’l park. $100/night; $600/week. Call Joe Frederick at (913) 385-5589.

Mountain cabin – Winter Park, Colo.

2 BR, 1 BA. Mountain view, near all recreation areas. $95/night. Call (785) 8321518. To view, visit the Web site at: cabin.forcadeassociates.com.

FOR RENT Room for rent - Private room and bath in beautiful Overland Park condo. Kitchen privileges; community pool; utilities paid.

Near 75th and Nall. Call (913) 362-7159.

Looking to home share? Retired nurse trying to reduce living expenses is seeking private space at low or no cost. Willing to negotiate a work exchange. Call Pam at (913) 579-5276.

FOR SALE For Sale - Holy Redeemer mausoleum, crypt #53 for two, tier B-east IV, at Mount Olivet Cemetery, Kansas City, Mo. Call Mary Perez after 2 p.m., at (816) 842-2883.

CHILDCARE After-school care wanted - In our home, four days per week, for our 1st-grade child. Previous nanny or teaching experience required. Perfect opportunity for a college student with a clean driving record. Call (913) 248-1449.

Childcare needed - Our family is seeking daycare four afternoons a week from 1:30 - 5:30 p.m. for two boys ages 5 and 7 in our home. Must have excellent driving record and references. Members of Church of the Nativity, Leawood. Call (913) 5939559.

WANTED TO BUY COINS WANTED Buying old coins.

Single coins and/or collections.

(913) 642-8269 (913) 593-7507 ***ANTIQUES WANTED*** Postcards, old photos, military items, trains, coins, watches jewelry, political buttons, signs, old toys and banks, Red Wing crocks, Indian rugs, sterling silverware.

Call Chris (913) 642-8269.

ENTERTAINMENT Disc jockey - For your wedding, kolos, nightclubs, corporate parties, teenage celebrations, holiday parties, sock-hops, ethnic, birthdays, holiday parties, hip-hop/rap, golden oldies. Member of St. Therese Parish, KCMO. Call Zepster’s A to Z Party DJ’s at (816) 741-4777.

13

CALENDAR Education The Keeler Women’s Center, a ministry of the Benedictine Sisters located at 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kan., will offer the following classes: • “Financial Fitness – Financial Literacy for Women Under the Age of 35,” a free workshop for women, will be offered from 6 - 8 p.m. on Sept. 2.

• “Women Reconstructing the Self,” a six-week series, will meet from 6 9 p.m. on Tuesdays, beginning Sept. 9.

• “Daring to Parent with Love and Logic,” a two-part series, will be offered on from 1 - 2:30 p.m. on Sept. 9 and 16.

• Literacy Kansas City, in partnership with the Keeler Women’s Center, will provide basic literacy tutors for adult men and women. Tutors meet with students twice a week.

Classes are offered free of charge; however, space is limited and advance registration is required. For information or to register, call (913) 906-8990, or visit the Web site at: www.mountosb.org.

Meetings The Johnson County Unos will hold their monthly meeting and potluck dinner at 6 p.m. on Sept. 5 at St. Pius X Church, 5601 Woodson, Mission.

Bring meat casseroles, salads, vegetables or desserts — enough to feed 8 — or $5 to pay for your meal.

The T o p e k a C a t h o l i c S i n g l e s group will host its monthly meeting at 7 p.m. in the parish hall at Most Pure H e a r t o f M a r y , 17th and Stone, Topeka, on Sept. 16.

Miscellaneous Donnelly College will honor the Benedictine Sisters of Mount St. Scholastica at its second annual schola r s h i p d i n n e r on Sept. 6 at the Reardon Center, Kansas City, Kan. Proceeds from the dinner will be used to establish a scholarship in their name to benefit Donnelly students. Over 80 Sisters have served at Donnelly since its beginning in 1949. All former students and friends of Donnelly are invited to attend a free open house from 3:30 - 5:30 p.m. at the college, followed by dinner at the Reardon Center at 6 p.m. For information or to purchase tickets for the dinner, call Marva Dace at (913) 621-8746.

The “Half Way to St. Pat’s Day” fundraiser for the Colleen Conway Holloway scholarship will be held from 7 11 p.m. on Sept. 13 at Notre Dame de Sion, 10631 Wornall Rd., Kansas City, Mo. The evening will include live and silent auctions, a raffle, martini bar, and live music. The cost of $35 includes appetizers and beverages. For tickets or information, call (816) 942-3282.

The U n i v e r s i t y o f S a i n t M a r y , Leavenworth, will host its annual golf classic on Sept. 15 at Shawnee Golf and Country Club, 6404 Hedge Lane Terr., Shawnee. Registration begins at 11 a.m., followed by lunch and golf. The cost is $150 per player; $600 per foursome. All proceeds will go to student scholarships. Sponsorships are available. For information or to register, call Molly Sirridge at (913) 758-6302 or visit the Web site at: www.stmary.edu.

Save the date for the third annual Hope Benefit, a fundraiser for the Sanctuary of Hope Prayer and Retreat Center, 2601 Ridge Ave., Kansas City, Kan. It will be held on Nov. 8. For information, visit the Web site at: www.hopebenefit. org.

Religious events The Johnson County Unos will gath-

er for 4:30 p.m. Mass on Aug. 30 at St. P i u s X C h u r c h , 5601 Woodson, M i s s i o n . D i n n e r will follow at Applebee’s, 6800 Johnson Dr. The Knights of Columbus, Council No. 2332, will host its quarterly Knights in Spiritual Solidarity (KISS) Mass at 8:15 a.m. on Aug. 30 at St. Joseph C h u r c h , 5901 Flint, S h a w n e e . A rosary will be prayed before Mass. All are welcome to attend.

The M i l i t i a o f I m m a c u l a t a will meet every first Saturday of the month from 10:30 a.m. to noon at the Redemptorist Social Service Center, 207 W. Linwood, Kansas City, Mo. For more information, call Christine Rossi at (913) 268-0208.

We are seeking women of all ages to join us this fall for an inter-parish Bible study of the Book of Revelation, based on lessons by Scott Hahn and Mark Shea.

We will also have the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd program for children ages 3 - 9. Children younger than 3 years old are welcome to stay with their moms in a moms’ study group. The group will meet for 24 weeks, beginning Sept. 4, from 9:30 - 11 a.m. on Thursdays at Holy Trinity Church, Lenexa. For information to register, call Laura Haeusser at (913) 341-9057 or Kathryn Burditt at (913) 451-3680.

St. Matthew Parish, 2700 S.E. Virginia Ave., T o p e k a , will host a parish mission from Sept. 7 - 10. For information, call the parish office at (785) 232-5012.

The Singles of Nativity, for all singles 35 and better, welcome newcomers to their weekly Bible study on Sundays at 9 a.m. in the Nativity conference room, 119th & Mission Rd., Leawood, followed by 10:30 a.m. Mass. For more information or questions, send an e-mail to Tom or Mike at: Spiritual@son-ministry.org.

Retreats Savior Pastoral Center, 12601 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, Kan., will host a men’s Ignatian retreat weekend from Sept. 11 - 14. The theme will be “The Importance of Gratitude in Our Spiritual Life.” The retreat leader will be Reverend Robert Costello, SJ, who is a former teacher at Rockhurst University and currently on staff at St. Louis University. The cost of $150 includes a private room, all meals and refreshments, and a good will offering. Financial assistance may be available. Reservations are being accepted through Aug. 29. For information or to register, call (913) 721-1097.

Social The Holy Family Social Club will host a Labor Day polka dance featuring the Don Lipovac Orchestra from 7 - 11 p.m. on Aug. 30 in its hall, located at 513 Ohio Ave., Kansas City, Kan. Food and beverages will be available. For information or to purchase tickets, call Richard Schutte at (913) 724-2388 or Mike Waliczek at (913) 342-1785.

The T o p e k a C a t h o l i c S i n g l e s group will host a TGIF at 5:30 p.m. on Sept. 5 at the Shack, 2842 S.E. 29th St., Topeka. For information, call Beverly at (785) 723-5510.

All Saints Parish will host its annual Josefesta from noon - 11 p.m. on Sept. 6 on the grounds of St. Joseph Church, 809 Vermont, Kansas City, Kan. There will be food, games, prizes, a dance, and entertainment for all. For information, call (913) 371-1837.

Mother Teresa of Calcutta Church, 2014 N.W. 46th St., Topeka, will host its inaugural Holy Smokin’ Jamboree from 4 - 10 p.m. on Sept. 6

and from 9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. on Sept. 7.

Enjoy great food, a dance, and a beer garden Saturday night, along with auctions and a car raffle. On Sunday, ribs, pulled pork sandwiches and homemade sides will be served. There will be games for the kids, arts and crafts booths, an auction, and a raffle. For information, contact the church office at (785) 286-2188.

Holy Cross Parish, 8311 W. 93rd St., Overland Park, will celebrate its 40th anniversary with a free outdoor concert from 7 - 10 p.m. on Sept. 13. The Knights of Columbus will be selling food and beverages beginning at 6 p.m. All are invited; bring your lawn chairs.

The Cathedral of St. Peter, 409 N. 15th, Kansas City, Kan., will host its annual fall festival from 5 - 9 p.m. on Sept. 13. Mexican food, sausages, hot dogs, cake and ice cream will be available. There will be many booths, games for the kids, live music, bingo and a raffle.

Support Groups A weekly support group for moms who are experiencing emotional difficulty with pregnancy or the birth of a new baby will be held from 9:30 - 11 a.m. on Thursdays at the K e e l e r W o m e n ’ s Center, a ministry of the Benedictine Sisters located at 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kan. For information, call (913) 906-8990, or visit the Web site at: www.mountosb.org.

Mark Fenton, of Catholic Community Hospice, will host a six-week grief supp o r t g r o u p from 6:30 - 8 p.m. on Tuesdays, beginning Sept. 16, at Catholic Charities, 9720 W. 87th St., Overland Park. Advance registration is encouraged. For information or to register, call (913) 433-2016.

Do you or your loved one need support to break free from pornography, infidelity, or lust? The My House Men’s Group provides prayer and accountability for sexual integrity. Sam Meier, MA, LPC, is available for men’s groups and counseling; call him at (913) 647-0378, or send an e-mail to him at: smeier@archkck.org. The My House Women’s Group provides hope and healing for women who are dealing with their loved one’s struggles. Contact Beth Meier at (913) 647-0379, or send an e-mail to her at: bmeier@archkck.org. Sam and Beth work for the archdiocese and are thankful for the healing they have experienced in their marriage. Support is confidential and from a Catholic perspective.

A loss support group for anyone who has experienced the loss of a loved one will meet from 3:30 - 5 p.m. on Sept.

2 and the first Tuesday of each month at the Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kan. For information or to register, call (913) 6218749, or visit the Web site at: www. mountosb.org.

St. Monica home school support meets monthly. For information and locations, call Stephanie Jacobson at (913) 766-0412.

“Kids Voice” is grief support for children ages 5 - 12 who are in families experiencing the pain of separation or divorce. For information, call Jean at (913) 262-9037.

Calendar items must be received nine days (Wednesday) before the publication date. Items will be edited for length. No telephone submissions will be taken. E-mail submissions are preferred; send to: jennifer@theleaven.com; fax to: (913) 721-5276; or mail to: 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109.

14

COMMENTARY

President MOST REVEREND JOSEPH F. NAUMANN Editor REVEREND MARK GOLDASICH, STL frmark@theleaven.com Associate Editor ANITA McSORLEY anita@theleaven.com

Advertising Representative JENNIFER SIEBES jennifer@theleaven.com

Senior Reporter JOE BOLLIG joe@theleaven.com

Reporter KARA HANSEN kara@theleaven.com

Production Manager TODD HABIGER todd@theleaven.com

Intern Seán T.D. Kane

Catholic Press Association Award Winner 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006 Archbishop Edward O’Meara Award Winner 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2001, 2002, 2003 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) 721-5276; or e-mail at: sub@theleaven.com.

POSTMASTER : Send address changes to The Leaven, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109. For change of address, provide old and new address and parish. Subscriptions $18/ year. Periodicals postage paid at Kansas City, KS 66109.

SCRIPTURE

READINGS TWENTY-SECOND WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME Aug. 31 TWENTY-SECOND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME Jer 20: 7-9; Ps 63: 2-6, 8-9; Rom 12: 1-2; Mt 16: 21-27 Sept. 1 Monday 1 Cor 2: 1-5; Ps 119: 97-102; Lk 4: 16-30 Sept. 2 Tuesday 1 Cor 2: 10b-16; Ps 145: 8-14; Lk 4: 31-37

THE LEAVEN • AUGUST 29, 2008

I

short. Take a few weeks ago, for example, when the Sunday Gospel was the story of the multiplication of the loaves and fish. I preached about trusting in the word of Jesus. If Jesus asks you to do something — like feed the crowd with just a tiny bit of food — do it! Trust him, even when your mind tells you otherFATHER wise. Jesus will proMARK vide in great abunGOLDASICH dance, if we do things in his name.

Fast forward about a half hour later that same Sunday. I’d just finished the announcements and then invited our three- to six-year-olds to come forward to get a kid’s bulletin. (This special bulletin presents the Gospel of the day on the kids’ level, with pictures and little games.)

It was the last Mass of the weekend and way more than the usual number of kids poured into the main aisle. I looked down at the paltry number of bulletins I was holding and panicked.

Turning to our parish youth minister who was at that Mass, I said into the microphone, “You’re probably going to have to run more copies of this!”

The words were barely out of my mouth when those eager little hands started to grab for the bulletins, amid a jumble of comments: “Can I have an extra one for Sissy?” “Thank you, God!” “I need two more!” “I love you, Fodder!” “Where’s my seat?”

After the bedlam died down, there I was left in the main aisle: alone . . .

and with three bulletins to spare.

I turned out to be a lousy commercial for the faith that day. After just preaching about trusting Jesus, I hadn’t even lasted through Mass before I doubted! I could almost see Jesus in the crowd, raising his eyes to heaven and shaking his head.

As we celebrate Labor Day weekend, take a few moments to ask the question: What kind of commercial am I for the faith? When people see me, can they tell that I’m a follower of Jesus? Can they hear encouragement and hope in my words? Can they see compassion and gentleness in my actions? Let’s not be like that fan in the opening story.

If we truly do draw inspiration from Jesus and the Scriptures, let’s make sure that we put those words into action in our lives.

Perhaps this Labor Day, after we’ve thanked the Lord for our jobs and the health to do them, we might want to ask for help in the spiritual work that we are called to do: coming to know Jesus better in our hearts and following his example of love and service in our families, our parishes and our workplaces.

Labor Day for most of us signals the official end of summer. This year the day ushers in a new month, the perfect time to renew our commitment to working diligently on our main vocation: to be more like Christ.

As people around us watch our commercial for the faith, will they be inspired to buy what we’re selling . . . or will they just change the channel?

Words not enough to explain Paschal mystery

Sept. 7 TWENTY-THIRD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME Ez 33: 7-9; Ps 95: 1-2, 6-9; Rom 13: 8-10; Mt 18: 15-20 Sept. 8 THE NATIVITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY Mi 5: 1-4a; Ps 13: 6abc; Mt 1: 1-16, 18-23 Sept. 9 Peter Claver, priest 1 Cor 6: 1-11; Ps 149: 1b-6a, 9b; Lk 6: 12-19 Sept. 10 Wednesday 1 Cor 7: 25-31; Ps 45: 11-12, 14-17; Lk 6: 20-26 Sept. 11 Thursday 1 Cor 8: 1b-7, 11-13; Ps 139: 1b-3, 13-14b, 23-24; Lk 6: 27-38 Sept. 12 The Most Holy Name of the Blessed Virgin Mary 1 Cor 9: 16-19, 22b-27; Ps 84: 3-6, 8, 12; Lk 6: 39-42 Sept. 13 John Chrysostom, bishop, doctor of the church 1 Cor 10: 14-22; Ps 116: 12-13, 17-18; Lk 6: 43-49

15

A steward’s yearning for lifelong learning

Sept. 4 Thursday 1 Cor 3: 18-23; Ps 24: 1bc-2, 3-4ab, 5-6; Lk 5: 1-11

TWENTY-THIRD WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME

COMMENTARY

Will others buy our faith? recently heard about a much-anticipated event at a bookstore: A famous author was there, autographing his latest work and visiting with his many fans.

During a slight lull in the action, a rather rotund, clearly out-of-shape man lumbered to the author’s table and wheezed in a loud voice that boomed around the store: “I can’t believe I’m actually meeting you in person! I’ve read all of your books, cover to cover! Everyone should read them! You’ve been an incredible inspiration to me!”

The author immediately jumped up, went around the table and put his arms around the huge man’s shoulders. As he did so, the writer nervously scanned the area and whispered desperately to his portly fan, “Thank you so much, sir. But if it’s all the same to you, could you please keep your voice down?”

Why such an unusual request? Well, the author wrote a series of popular books on fitness . . . and this rotund fan was hardly a good advertisement for those volumes!

Now, imagine the scene above with Jesus as the author and the book in question as the Bible. As a “fan,” each of us approaches Jesus. What will be his reaction to us? In other words: What kind of commercial am I for the faith?

More often than not, I come up

TWENTY-SECOND SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIME Mt 16: 21-27 ow do you tell someone that they have to die? Do you beat around the bush?

Do you blurt it out all at once? Do you gradually build up to your point?

In Sunday’s Gospel reading, Mt 16: 21-27, Jesus shares with his disciples the fact that he must suffer and die. That message also points to the fact that they also must die. Let us investigate how he goes about that.

Matthew repeats almost word for word the account of this exchange between Jesus and the disciples provided

by Mark’s Gospel. But at the very beginning of his account, Matthew introduces some small changes.

Where Mark writes: “And he began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things,” Matthew instead writes: “Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer greatly.”

Setting aside for a moment Matthew’s omission of the phrase “Son of Man” and his insertion of the word “Jerusalem,” I direct your attention to Matthew’s switching from the word “teach” to the word “show.”

H

THE LEAVEN

SIMPLY STEWARDSHIP

THE GOSPEL TRUTH

Sept. 6 Saturday 1 Cor 4: 6b-15; Ps 145: 17-21; Lk 6: 1-5

•

MARK MY WORDS

Sept. 3 Gregory the Great, pope, doctor of the church 1 Cor 3: 1-9; Ps 33: 12-15, 20-21; Lk 4: 38-44

Sept. 5 1 Cor 4: 1-5; Ps 37: 3-6, 27-28, 39-40; Lk 5: 33-39

AUGUST 29, 2008

Admittedly, Matthew is making basically the same point as Mark. At the same time, Matthew is introducing an interesting nuance, the difference between teaching and showing. One teaches a doctrine. On the other hand, one shows, or reveals, a mystery.

Matthew’s use of the FATHER word “show” sugMIKE gests that Jesus wishSTUBBS es to point to a mystery, rather than to state a simple fact.

After all, in a few days Jesus will take Peter, James and John up the mountain to reveal himself in glory, in the transfiguration (Mt 17:1-8). In doing that, Jesus will show them the mystery of his divinity.

In Jesus’ conversation with the disciples, shortly before Jesus predicts his suffering and death, Peter confesses Jesus’ messiahship. Jesus acknowledges Peter’s insight with the words: “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah.

For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father.”

Once again, it is a question of mystery; in this case, the mystery of Jesus’ identity. While words help us to grapple with the mystery, it is impossible to reduce the mystery to mere words.

When Matthew’s Gospel writes that “Jesus began to show the disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer

greatly,” Matthew is telling us that Jesus is introducing his disciples to a mystery that goes beyond the mere stating of a few words, a mystery that cannot be immediately absorbed, a mystery that must be explored and probed through faith.

Theologians call that the “paschal mystery.” Jesus introduces his disciples to that mystery by means of his teachings. But later, they experience it through Jesus’ death on the cross and his resurrection to new life.

Ultimately, they will penetrate that mystery to its deepest level by their own martyrdom and entrance into eternal life. Only then will they realize the full meaning of Jesus’ words on that fateful day in Galilee.

That holds true for us as well. The words of Jesus in the Gospel reading introduce us to the paschal mystery, the mystery of death and resurrection.

But that mystery goes far beyond words.

Only as we experience suffering and death ourselves — not only biological death, but the little deaths we go through every day — will we penetrate to the heart of that mystery.

And in that we will find new life.

Father Stubbs is the pastor of St. Francis de Sales Parish, Lansing.

ids are back in school. How do I know? The school supply displays at the stores are bare. A yellow school bus rumbles down my street twice a day. School zone warning lights flash.

The neighborhood is strangely quiet until about four o’clock.

It’s been decades since I was a youngster sharpening pencils and pounding erasers at the little Catholic schools I attended in western Kansas, but I still get excited when autumn rolls around.

A clean, fresh spiral notebook, a new pen — don’t you want to get back into a classroom?

Last winter, my husband and I took part in a Bible study class at our parish.

The small group study provided opportunities to discuss Scripture and

K

Catholic teaching with other curious Catholics. We liked it so much we signed up to join a group again this fall.

Studying the Catechism of the Catholic Church at our age? We loved it.

LESLE The opportunity to exKNOP plore our faith with other adults, with the perceptions and sensibilities we have acquired with maturity, was like unfolding another layer of understanding that blankets our lives and insulates us from our larger world.

What I learned in my pre-Vatican II Catholic school days, I quickly discovered in our class, is not all there is to know about our church. As the wife of a convert, it was beneficial for me to hear my husband’s questions and explore answers right along with him.

Those “aha!” epiphanies were thrilling. I learned that our life experiences are blessings that allow us to comprehend the mysteries of our faith much better than when we were youngsters.

In the pursuit of knowledge that you can pass along to others as stewards and disciples of Christ, I would urge you to attend at least one of the programs your parish offers this year, or turn to one of the many Catholic organizations within the archdiocese for a retreat or workshop.

Catholic resources, such as the International Catholic Stewardship Council and the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, provide articles, encyclicals, and books to fill our minds, our lips and our hearts with a greater understanding. I have found that the holy Bible online at the USCCB site is

one of the greatest conveniences of my busy days.

To be a Christian steward requires perseverance and determination to live a life of joyful sacrifice, always aware that Christ sacrificed himself to save us from our sins. According to the U.S. bishops’ pastoral letter on stewardship, stewardship is ultimately the work of the Holy Spirit, inspiring us each day to accept our gifts gratefully and to share them generously. What better way to grow in the Spirit than to go “back to school.”

Have a great year studying. Hope you get an “A.” Lesle Knop is the executive director of stewardship and development. You can email Lesle at: lknop@archkck.org.

FROM THE SUPER

Success stories illustrate the spirit of our schools ear friends of Catholic schools, Each of the columns I write for The Leaven this publication year will focus on one hallmark of Catholic schools in our archdiocese. This was a suggestion made to me

by Anita McSorley, managing editor of The Leaven, and I think it is a great idea. In the course of sharing this information, I pray that even more families will choose Catholic schools as a result.

I recently have heard three stories about Catholic schools that I thought would be appropriate to share in this “Back to School” column.

The first is the story of a family who transferred their child at the start of

D

the 6th grade to a Catholic elementary school in our archdiocese. The student then enrolled in a Catholic high school.

The parents of this student credited the Catholic schools with “saving [the] child’s life.” The parents deKATHY scribed the welcoming and the O’HARA community kindness and compassion that their child was shown in our Catholic schools that made such a positive difference for their entire family.

The second story is from a former Catholic school staff member who now works in a public school system. This individual is ready to come back to Catholic schools because of the same community strength the previously

mentioned parents experienced.

The staff member said, “It’s not that the public school isn’t a caring community; it’s just that the Catholic schools offer so much more.”

When I asked about the “more,” the individual said, “It’s the freedom to pray openly for each other. The public schools can’t do that, and it makes all the difference in the world.”

The third story is about a family who was considering relocating to the Kansas City metro area for a job opportunity. Before they committed to the job, they wanted to know more about our Catholic schools.

To make a long story short, they toured at least seven Catholic schools in the archdiocese and were so enthusiastic about what they saw: excellent leadership, very strong Catholicity,

and extremely high-quality programming. The parents commented that they came away from their visit excited, but also confused — how would they choose?!

These are stories that those of us who serve in the ministry of Catholic schooling love to hear. We strive to create the type of Catholic communities in our schools that these three stories illustrate, but it is always affirming that, through the grace of Our Lord, our efforts appear to be bearing fruit.

Please join me in praying also for a successful school year — one in which all in our school communities feel the touch of Jesus. ¡Vaya con Dios!

Kathy O’Hara is the superintendent of archdiocesan schools.

VOCATION CORNER

More vocations lost to sin of pride than anything else

“‘I

life, and this story is a great illustration.

On the surface, this story cautions against greed, and it is true that materialism damages our young people’s ability to attach themselves intiFATHER mately to Jesus, rather MITCHEL than to the things of this ZIMMERMAN world. Yet I believe that I do not usually start greed is the smoke and my vocation articles not the fire when it with a “downer” story, comes to losing vocalike this one of the young man in tions. The fire is really pride.

Matthew’s Gospel. But I do think it is In Matthew’s story of the young important for us to understand why man, it seems to me the young man’s pride runs deeper than his greed. In his the church continues to lose many voopinion the young man believed he cations to the priesthood and religious f you wish to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give it to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me,’ said Jesus. When the young man heard this statement, he went away sad, for he had many possessions” (Mt 19:21-22).

was already living a pretty good life, and he wished Jesus to confirm this.

When Jesus asked him to do something outside of his expectations, however, the young man balked.

Since Jesus offers to us as his disciples “everything” that he received from his heavenly Father, it only follows that he asks us to leave “everything” to follow him. Yet this young man in Matthew’s story was bewildered that Jesus asked for so much.

Most often it is our pride that tries to reduce Jesus’ call to leave everything, so that it fits into the expectations we have for our own lives. In essence, because of our pride, we oftentimes ask Jesus to follow us rather

than us following him. The result, I am afraid, is that many of our church’s callings to the priesthood and religious life are being lost.

Through prayer, may we all grow in humility, and become more like the Blessed Virgin Mary. God’s plans for her life could not have fit into the expectations she had for her future.

Yet because of her humility, she was ready and excited to “let it be done to her according to God’s word” (cf. Lk 1:38). Mary, Queen of Vocations, pray for us!

Father Mitchel Zimmerman is the archdiocesan vocations director.

LOCAL NEWS

16

THE LEAVEN • AUGUST 29, 2008

A CHINESE DREAM

From the blog

By KARA HANSEN Leaven staff KANSAS CITY, Kan. — Sarah Orscheln will have no trouble with that perennial back-toschool essay assignment: How did you spend your summer?

She spent hers at the recent Olympic games in Beijing.

Orscheln, a convergence journalism major at the University of Missouri, was a volunteer for the Beijing Organizing Committee for the Games of the 2008 Olympics (BOCOG). She started her position on July 1, trading in the Midwestern summer for an unforgettable Olympic experience in China.

The Church of the Nativity, Leawood, parishioner worked as a member of the Press Operations team of the National Indoor Stadium in Beijing, more commonly known as the Bird’s Nest.

Although daily tasks varied depending on the need, Orscheln was involved in everything from running the press conferences to escorting Olympic medalists Nastia Liukin and Shawn Johnson back to their seats after the gymnastics all-around competition.

“I think I might have Olympic fever. In the past week I’ve watched Usian Bolt sprint to his spot as the world’s fastest man, Nastia Liukin get robbed of a gold on bars, and Shawn Johnson beam with pride as her first, well-deserved, gold medal was placed around her neck,” said Orscheln in a post on her blog. She has been faithfully updating it as a way for family and friends to keep current with her adventure.

Orscheln’s position as a journalist-in-training also entailed interviewing specific Olympic athletes and then entering their quotes into an online database. News organizations from around the world could access those quotes for use in their own stories.

“I'm working one-on-one with journalists, clearing seats for AP (Associated Press) and Reuters (the British news agency), watching the Olympics in action behind BBC broadcasters and running press conferences from start to finish with the help of our Chinese moderator and simultaneous translation booths,” said Orscheln. “Just being at the Olympics and working with some of the finest media the world has to offer has been a phenomenal launching point to a career in what feels like a current state of limbo, mostly because I

Sarah Orscheln spent her summer as a member of the Press Operations team of the National Indoor Stadium in Beijing, more commonly known as the Bird’s Nest. Still, she had time to view some of the sites along China’s ancient Hutongs (above). Her work took her close to some of the Olympic stars like women’s gymnastic all-around champion, Nastia Liukin (right). have a year left of school.”

The process for getting to China in the first place was nothing short of rigorous. The pool was slim, drawing from just 13 universities internationally.

Journalism students from these universities went through multiple interview processes including written tests, oral debates, and one-on-one interviews.

Care was taken to ensure the students would be able to understand — and still provide accurate quotes — from athletes with strong accents. Orscheln, who is participating in this program along with 59 other University of Missouri journalism students, attended weekly classes for her entire spring semester to help prepare for her experience in China.

“We took in bits and pieces of Olympic news, reporters’ advice and teachings about Beijing,” said Orscheln. “I can tell you now that nothing in those few months could have adequately prepared me for the culture shock that I have experienced in the past few months.”

First, there was the challenge of getting around in a foreign city where few people speak English.

And then there was the food.

Orscheln learned to appreciate Chinese cuisine while she was in the country, but a Pizza Hut or McDonald’s was always a welcome sight just the same.

Not that the Mizzou senior is complaining. The challenges of her Olympic experience have

been far outweighed by the unique opportunities that have come her way. The chance to immerse in a completely foreign, Eastern culture has both intrigued and inspired Orscheln.

“Politically, China is the place you want to be as a student, journalist, American, you name it.

There’s a reason to be here, and there is too much to learn. The Chinese are not only a rising superpower, but the country offers so much in the way of insight toward how to relate to Easterners in general, who make up onefourth of the world’s population,” said Orscheln.

Orscheln has experienced both frustration with a culture that asserts its power so absolutely, and, conversely, been humbled by the graciousness of her Chinese hosts.

“This experience has restored my faith in humanity, while at the same time forcing me to question how in the world people can live in harmony under a state of government that rarely, if at all, resembles what we try to define as a democracy,” said Orscheln.

Besides the practical aspects of training, Orscheln took it upon herself to train for the twomonth stint spiritually as well.

Though it meant spending less time with family before leaving for China, Orscheln worked at Camp Tekakwitha in Williamsburg throughout the early part of the summer.

“I knew I had to get my heart in the right place before traveling across the world to a place I could have never accurately imagined,” said Orscheln, who had worked at the camp in the summer of 2007 as well.

“I had the opportunity to choose a community of love right in the vicinity of my own hometown,” she said, “and there wasn’t a question in my mind where I wanted to spend the month and a half leading up to a summer away in China.”

Now that the Olympic flame has been doused and Orscheln is headed home, she recognizes her Chinese journey as a decidedly unique experience whose lessons are not lost on the aspiring journalist and faithful Catholic.

“Each day is a personal choice as to whether or not I’m ready to commit myself to the unfamiliar.

It’s a prayer and gift of choiceless vulnerability that has forced me to grow more and more into an independent adult with real decisions about where I fit into this crazy world,” she said.

Aug. 15 blog excerpt: I have gotten to see my first two international soccer games surrounded by a sea of Chinese people who know very little about my favorite sport. It was nothing short of bizarre to walk into a stadium filled with sweaty men, women and children cheering for the Nigerian team as they beat the U.S. men 2 to 1 (Side note: the U.S. played a man down from the third minute on.) Oh, but five minutes before the whistle, when the United States had pulled within a goal and attempted to get one more, unfortunately only coming close enough to hit the crossbar, it was as if Chinese sentiment had changed and they were all cheering for the Americans. I was super confused, and it wasn’t until the next game, Argentina v.

Serbia, that I realized what was happening. The crowd chanted “Messi, messi” (it was really more like, “Meshi meshi”) as Argentina tore up on the Serbians. It wasn’t until the last ten minutes that the crowd changed teams and started booing every time the Argentineans touched the ball. It hit me; something I never imagined hit me. The Chinese weren’t picking a team to cheer for; no, they were cheering for a good match. It felt as if a Chiefs’ fan suddenly started cheering for the Raiders because the Chiefs had too good a game and they needed to close the gap. In reality, it’s more like a fine arts professor, with no care for American football in the world, won tickets to a Chiefs’ game and found him- or herself indifferent to the outcome.

ERA Manning & Associates, Inc. 9870 Quivira Rd. Lenexa, KS 66215 Office: (913) 754-3106 Residence: (913) 492-8649 E-Mail: don@dkmayerteam.com Web Site: www.dkmayerteam.com Don & Kathy Mayer

Your Catholic connection to residential real estate.

MULTIPLE LISTING SERVICE

MLS™ Each ERA® Office is Independently Owned and Operated

For more information on our services, and our unique photo gifts, go to www.centerstagephotos.net Johnson County location (913) 271-0703 lori@centerstagephotos.net