theleaven.com | vol. 35, no. 5 | august 30, 2013
Back to the future
Students return to new school name, longstanding traditions
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TCHISON — Principal Diane Liebsch admits it took some getting used to — answering the phone “St. Benedict Catholic School” after many years of operating as Atchison Catholic Elementary School — or ACES, for short. “We are St. Benedict Catholic School,” Liebsch reminded students as she welcomed them on Aug. 14 — the first day of school.
For some, said Liebsch at the rochial school associated with St. opening assembly, “this is the same Benedict and changed its name to building many of you attended last reflect the new era. year.” “Same school, same awesome But things officially traditions, same changed July 5 when Benedictine legacy,” Story by four parishes — St. said Liebsch, with Benedict’s, St. Joseph, visible pride. and Sacred Heart, all If anything, she of Atchison; and St. feels the new school Photos by Patrick in Atchison name will more deepCounty — consolidatly connect people ed into one new parwith the Benedictine ish: St. Benedict Parish. tradition that has long been the ACES has long educated stubedrock of Atchison’s identity. dents from all four parishes, but Atchison is home to Benedictine with the decree, it became a paCollege, St. Benedict’s Abbey and
Jessica Langdon Elaina Cochran
Margaret Mary Kerr, a third-grader at St. Benedict Catholic School in Atchison, runs under the arms of teachers Brother Christopher Start, OSB, and Melissa Schramp. It’s a school tradition for middle-school students and faculty to build this archway to kick off the school year. This year, the tradition continued, even with a new school name. The school, formerly called Atchison Catholic Elementary School, became St. Benedict Catholic School this summer, sharing the name of the new parish that formed to unify four Atchison-area parishes into one.
the Benedictine Sisters of Mount St. Scholastica. Continuing a time-honored tradition at the school, middle-school students linked hands on the first day, creating an archway for the younger students — and faculty — to run through as they entered the assembly. “It looked like there was a lot of excitement,” Liebsch told the students. “I didn’t see any sad faces coming through that tunnel. That means you are ready for the 20132014 academic year.” >> See “We’re” on page 6
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theleaven.com | august 30, 2013
Birthday wish helps Haiti
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By Jessica Langdon jessica@theleaven.com
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Sept. 3 Benedictine College Convocation
EAVENWORTH — A grin spread across Isaac Dessert’s face when he fanned out the bills he got for his eighth birth-
day. And he’s not even going to keep a penny of it. It’s all going to Haiti to help people move out of “tent cities,” more than three years after a catastrophic earthquake. “These tents are not really tents,” said Isaac’s mother, Sarah Dessert. “They are pieces of trash, cardboard, basically anything that they can find that will provide some sort of shelter with dirt floors.” Food and water are scarce, and many children are dying. Father Glen Baptiste, a visiting priest, told the congregation at Sacred Heart-St. Casimir Church in Leavenworth about the plight of the people a few days before Isaac’s birthday in July. The vivid details — and his plea for help through the Food for the Poor organization — captured the attention of the third-grader at Xavier Elementary School. Parishioners gave about $1,800 to the cause. That same weekend, Isaac surprised his parents with a request. “Instead of presents for my birthday,
Sept. 4 Confirmation — St. Bernard, Wamego Sept. 5 Religious Alliance Against Pornography conference call Seminary visit — Mundelein Seminary Sept. 6 Mundelein Seminary board meeting Sept. 7 “Catholic Way” taping
Photo courtesy of Sarah Dessert
Isaac Dessert, 8, a member of Sacred Heart-St. Casimir Parish in Leavenworth, has raised about $400 toward his goal of $3,200 to provide a home for a family in Haiti through Food for the Poor. I really want to build a house for those people in Haiti,” he said. He set a goal of $3,200 to build a home through Food for the Poor. When his friends and family packed into Abe’s Place in Leavenworth for his party, they stuffed donations into a box Isaac had set out. Even people who weren’t part of the party contributed.
He raised about $400, but isn’t stopping there. He held a lemonade stand in August, and opened a donation site with Food for the Poor so people could donate online. It can be found at: www.food forthepoor.org/isaacsbirthday. “I was really happy that I could help with the poor,” said Isaac.
Father Camillus (Matthias) Wurtz, OSB ATCHISON — Father Camillus (Matthias) Wurtz, 84, a monk of St. Benedict’s Abbey here, died on Aug. 16 at the Heartland Regional Medical Center in St. Joseph, Mo., after a short illness. He was born on Nov. 21, 1928, in Greenleaf, the son of Matthias A. and Rhea (Hogue) Wurtz. Father Camillus attended Greenleaf High School (1942-1944) and finished at Maur Hill Prep School, Atchison, in 1945. He attended St. Benedict’s College in Atchison for two years before entering the novitiate on July 10, 1946. Father Camillus professed his first vows on July 11, 1947. After further studies at St. Benedict’s College, he received bach-
Appointments Father John A. Riley, chancellor, announces the following appointments made by Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann for two priests of the Missionaries of St. Francis de Sales, Visakhapatnam Province (India): Father Jomon Palatty, MSFS, to parochial vicar at Church of the Nativity, Leawood, effective Sept. 3. Father Mariadas Sesetty, MSFS, to parochial vicar at St. Michael the Archangel Church, Leawood, effective Sept. 6.
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August 30, 2013 | theleaven.com
elor’s degree in music in 1950, and also professed solemn vows on July 11, 1950. He was ordained to the priesthood on May 30, 1953, by Archbishop Edward J. Hunkeler at St. Benedict’s Church, Atchison. In the summers of 1953-1958, Father Camillus studied music at Northwestern University, spending the academic year there in 1958-1959 and receiving a master’s degree in music education. This was followed by summer studies at the University of Wisconsin and Marquette University from 1965-1972. He earned another master’s degree, this time in European history, from Marquette in 1972. He also received a licensed practical nurse diplo-
ma in February 1974, and did further studies in Spanish in Mexico in the summers of 1976-1978. Father Camillus taught at Maur Hill for 50 years, from 1954 to 2004, in music, history, geography, religion, Latin, English as a Second Language, and as assistant to the librarian. In addition he served as chaplain for Camp St. Maur in 1960 and as director of Camp St. Maur from 1961 to 1964. From 2004 until the day he died, Father Camillus was the refectory assistant at the abbey. With meticulous care, he made sure that the monks’ dining room was kept clean and everything was in its proper place.
Nun to have artwork displayed
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Sister Pam Hinkle, SCL, will display several of her unique art pieces, including blessing bowls, Madonnas, and vessels of remembrance made of glazed stoneware, from 6-8 p.m. on Sept. 13 at the Power & Light Building here, located at 1330 Baltimore. The display is part of Saint Mary
alumni art, sponsored by the University of Saint Mary Greater Kansas City Alumni Council. The exhibit will feature the artwork of 12 Saint Mary alumni. To make reservations, email Sharon Clay at: Sharon.Clay@stmary.edu or Jan Kramer at: lkramer2@kc.rr.com, or call (913) 758-6108.
Installation of Father Michael Peterson — St. Bernard, Wamego Sept. 8 Installation of Father Peter O’Sullivan — Queen of the Holy Rosary, Overland Park Sept. 9-10 U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Pro-Life Committee meeting — Washington, D.C. Sept. 11 Donnelly College board meeting
Leaven photo by Joe Bollig
After seven years at the helm of Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas, Jan Lewis has been succeeded by Ken Williams, who formerly held executive positions at Black & Veatch and World Vision International. He plans to build on Lewis’ efforts to reconnect Catholic Charities with the average Catholic in the pew.
Mass and reception — private appeal to benefit Hayden High School, Topeka Sept. 12 Donnelly College Convocation Mass Administrative Team meeting Confirmation — Sacred Heart, Paxico Sept. 14 Dedication of the Little Monastery of the Little Sisters of the Lamb “Vocation Boom!” radio show St. James Academy leadership dinner — Lenexa
archbishop
keleher Sept. 3-6 Teaching class — Mundelein Seminary Sept. 9-13 Teaching class — Mundelein Seminary Sept. 14 Mass and banquet — Lansing State Prison
It helps to be a rocket scientist n new CEO of catholic charities brings unusual skill set By Joe Bollig joe@theleaven.com
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ANSAS CITY, Kan. — You don’t have to be a rocket scientist to lead Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas. But it can’t hurt. Ken Williams, the new president and chief executive officer of Catholic Charities, boasts both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in aerospace engineering from the University of Kansas. He’s even met some astronauts — including the ultimate “top of the pyramid” test pilot, Gen. Chuck Yeager. But having heard enough jokes already, said Williams with a laugh, “I don’t tell people that I’m an aerospace engineer very often anymore just to avoid it.” Williams succeeded Jan Lewis on Aug. 12. Williams, along his wife Diane, grew up in the Kansas City area, and the family now belongs to St. Michael the Archangel Parish in Leawood, Despite his degrees, the better part of Williams’ professional life has been spent working for various firms at the executive level in finance, business development, marketing, project management, operations and strategy development.
Publication No. (ISSN0194-9799) President: Most Reverend Joseph F. Naumann
Just before coming to Catholic Charities, Williams was senior vice president and global treasurer for the global engineering and construction firm Black & Veatch, headquartered in Overland Park. Lest you think the move to a faithbased social service entity is a bit of a stretch, you should know that before Black & Veatch Williams was chief financial officer of World Vision International, the faith-based nonprofit that has worked to help lift children out of poverty all over the world. But the two endeavors are not as unrelated as they might appear at first glance. “[Engineering taught] me to think, to solve problems,” said Williams. “The logic and thought processes that I go through to solve any problem . . . I learned in engineering school.” Williams succeeds Lewis, who herself has an engineering and construction background. Lewis took the helm of Catholic Charities seven years ago. “Some health issues in our family came up, and that caused me to take a time out and take a look at where God wants me to spend my time now,” said Lewis, a member of St. Francis de Sales Parish in Lansing. “I truly believe he’s calling me back home to focus on my first vocation as a wife and mother,” she continued. “I’ve been praying for the Holy Spirit to bring forward a really strong leader to follow me, and God has answered that prayer.”
Lewis’ tenure has been marked by change and the challenge of the worst economy since the Great Depression, which quadrupled the demand for Catholic Charities services. The watchwords under her leadership have been “Catholic identity” and “Catholic mission.” “[My greatest achievement] was reconnecting Catholic Charities to its Catholic roots and Catholic identity,” she said, “and refocusing the organization around how we serve and the work we do with an overarching value of love.” Williams, for his part, is delighted to be back with a nonprofit organization, especially one so important to his own Kansas City community. “There’s nothing like being in an organization where everyone has that call and passion to serve,” he said. He wants to carry on and build on the work of Lewis, who has stressed not only the importance of the quality of services, but also the importance of how one serves. Lewis stressed that there can be no charity without love. Charity — from the Latin “caritas” — is not about reaching down, but reaching across to brothers and sisters. A big problem, believes Lewis, in Catholic Charities operations across the country had been that disconnect between the people in the pews and entities like Catholic Charities. “I plan to continue the work and build on the work that Jan has already
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done,” said Williams. “She has done so much of the hard stuff for me, so we can focus on the growth and integration of Catholic Charities in the church, bridging that gap that still exists to some extent.” That gap can only be bridged, he said, by mobilizing the people in the pews. To do this, they must first understand the needs of their communities. And then they must act. “We must help them get past empathy,” he said. “Empathy is great, but it’s not enough. Catholic Charities will grow beyond where it is today through volunteers.” “Empathy takes you [only] so far,” said Lewis, “but what we are called to as church is solidarity — to stand with the one in need.” This great challenge comes at a great time, when Pope Francis is telling the church to go out and engage the world in true Christian witness and charity. Catholic Charities can’t be all things to all people or meet all the needs in the community. That’s impossible. However, much is possible and can be done. “We’ve got to get out of our own pews, out of our own homes, out of our comfort zones, and help,” said Williams. “Then and only then will we have a thriving Catholic Charities and church, meeting the mission that Christ called us all to — to serve the hungry and the needy.”
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.
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‘Princess Prayer’ blog shares faith in modern format
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Daughters of the King When they decided on the “Princess Prayer” title, they weren’t referring to Disney movies or fairy tales, but rather to their place as princesses because they’re daughters of God, the king. “Living as a princess of God means striving to grow in holiness and be-
Totus Tuus program takes off in the archdiocese By Joe Bollig joe@theleaven.com
By Jessica Langdon jessica@theleaven.com EAWOOD — Avid runners Caroline and Emily Thompson have logged many miles together, and the sisters have covered a lot of ground during those long runs. “Somehow we’d always get into these big talks or philosophical conversations — just deeper things, like ‘What is our purpose?’” said 21-yearold Caroline. As she and Emily, 24, grew up, they explored some tough questions together. Things like — “How do we keep being normal teenage girls, having fun, but living to our true potential?” From their days in grade school at Church of the Nativity in Leawood, through St. Teresa’s Academy in Kansas City, Mo., and then their college years at the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Ind., the two have shared much of their lives with each other. And have had each other to lean on when the going got tough. But sometimes they wondered where other girls turned to for a sounding board on living as a Catholic in today’s world. It wasn’t until last fall, when Caroline was studying abroad in Ireland, that she and Emily realized how important their ongoing conversation about life had become to them. They really missed their regular conversations and craved that sisterhood connection. Emily, who had graduated in 2012, was already back in Kansas City. Communicating via Facebook, the sisters hit on the idea of starting a blog. Both had blogged before while traveling, and that accessible and inexpensive avenue seemed like a natural way to invite others into the conversation. “If we’re learning from it, maybe other people could, too,” said Emily. They launched their “Princess Prayer” blog in December 2012. “In this blog, we offer to you the musings, antics, stories, prayers, questions, reflections and challenges of two young women trying to live out their faith,” they wrote, introducing themselves. “We don’t have all the answers,” assured Emily. But they’re willing to seek information — and this seemed like a great way to dig deeper into their faith.
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Above, Emily (left) and Caroline Thompson, whose family belongs to Church of the Nativity in Leawood, launched their “Princess Prayer” blog last December. Since May, their blog, seen at right, has had more than 2,600 views. coming the woman that God intended seeds were you to be,” explain the authors. “What planted does that mean in our daily lives? Well, much earthat’s what this blog is all about! It’s lier — at not an easy road, but we can endure its home. trials when we travel it together.” They are two of five chilThe theme builds on an idea Emily dren — three girls and two boys — of and Caroline encountered — first as Paul and Mary Thompson. campers, and later as staff members — “We feel that the relationship beat Camp Kateri Tekakwitha at Prairie tween our parents — and the family Star Ranch in Williamsburg. life that has come from it — has been A camp tradition calls for the comour first foundation in faith,” said Emimunity to recognize women each ly. “More than anything we read or that Wednesday. Female staff members we heard in church, the first thing was gather for a Bible study, and the sisters that we saw it. found the reflections “extremely re“We saw a love between our parwarding and helpful.” ents. We saw a Inspired by that, love between our Caroline and Emily siblings.” update the blog evDeborah NearCaroline and Emily Thompson’s ery Wednesday. myer, camp direc“Princess Prayer” blog can be found Recent posts tor and director of online at: www.myprincessprayer. have touched on faith formation at wordpress.com. everything from St. James Acadekeeping friends my in Lenexa, easwho don’t share the same beliefs, to ily picked up on the Thompsons’ witliving the single life well, to dressing ness to family life. modestly — yet fashionably — for the “Caroline and Emily are two young summer. women whose love for their family They even researched why some and their faith has inspired their junior women wear veils to Mass (answer- high, high school, college and career ing a question one of their guy friends colleagues,” she said. asked — and yes, they have male readHer husband, Deacon Dana Nearers, which they encourage). myer, is the lead archdiocesan consultant To address the veil question, they for evangelization and Catholic formaturned to a fellow Camp Tekakwitha tion of youth, and he is excited to see the staffer who has worn one. young women reaching out. The bloggers also quote insights “Faith-filled young voices like Carofrom a wide network of expert sourcline and Emily are critical to the new es, from priests and campus ministers evangelization because young people to Jason and Crystalina Evert, who are need beacons of Christ’s grace and authors and well-known presenters on goodness that speak the ancient truths the topic of chastity. in language of today about the subjects that they care about,” said Deacon Nearmyer. To decide on those subjects, the women examine their own lives, pull ideas Catholic education and camp fed from their readers, and ask for thoughts Emily and Caroline’s faith, but the from their 15-year-old sister Meg.
Spread the message
Family roots
‘What I needed to hear’ Luke Doyle, a seminarian for the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, got to know the Thompsons at Camp Tekakwitha. Doyle, now in his second year of theology at the Pontifical North American College in Rome, has passed their blog on to some of the women in his life. “Our culture practically screams to the women of our world that in order to be beautiful and able to be loved, they have to fit the right measurements, dress a certain way, or act in a certain manner,” he said. “I believe Emily and Caroline’s blog should be shared with the women of our generation because it promotes and upholds the truth that all women are beautifully and wonderfully made, and that they have been given a sacred and priceless gift to live their lives as beloved daughters of the King.” The bloggers are constantly brainstorming elements to add, and they’ve found the feedback touching. “Some girls will Facebook message us or text us things like, ‘That post was just what I needed to hear,’” said Emily. More than anything, they want people to join the conversation and know they’re not alone. “We just want girls to know they are allowed and encouraged to ask themselves these questions,” said Caroline. “It is possible to have a faith life and also have a Twitter account and watch a sitcom and live your life and go out on the weekend with your friends.”
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ANSAS CITY, Kan. — If it can be said that Totus Tuus is a summer religious education “boot camp” for kids, then it must be among the few boot camps that kids love — and want to do again and again. Just ask Jessie Johnson from Wichita, now a junior at the University of Dallas. She was a Totus Tuus kid while growing up in Wichita. “I remember how I always admired the teacher a lot,” said Johnson. “More than anything else, I appreciated their interest, and how often they taught things about the faith I knew and illuminated it with their personal stories.” She liked it so much that she wanted to become a team member herself. Johnson was a Totus Tuus teacher in the Archdiocese of Kansas City in 2012, and found it so fulfilling she came back this year. Totus Tuus is Latin for “Totally Yours,” the papal motto of Blessed John Paul II. He took it from the spiritual writings of St. Louis de Montfort, and it expresses the late pontiff’s personal devotion to the Virgin Mary. Totus Tuus has been getting rave reviews since its inception in the Diocese of Wichita in 1988. Since then, it has spread to dioceses all over the United States, including the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas. Father Jerry Volz, pastor of St. Matthew Parish in Topeka, brought Totus Tuus to the archdiocese in 2002 when he was leading the campus ministry at Emporia State University. Today, he administers the program with Father Andrew Strobl, parochial vicar of Prince of Peace Parish in Olathe. The program has enjoyed steady growth, and this year had to add another four-person team. The Summer 2013 Totus Tuus program was held at 23 parishes and saw participation by 1,823 grade school, junior high, and high school youths. Totus Tuus is very different from the usual vacation Bible school. It is distinctively and unabashedly Catholic, serving up the riches of the faith for hungry young souls. “Totus Tuus is very much focused on our Catholic faith,” said Father Volz. “Each summer, we spend our time teaching a section of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. This past summer, our theme was the sacraments. And we also teach, each summer, one of the mysteries of the rosary.” The Totus Tuus session lasts one
Leaven photo by Joe McSorley
Thomas Maddock, a third-year college student at Conception Seminary in Conception, Mo., teaches a group of children at the Cathedral of St. Peter in Kansas City, Kan., as part of Totus Tuus. week. It is led by college-aged young adults who undergo a week’s worth of training themselves. Most parishes have one team, comprised of two women and two men, of which one is a seminarian. Briana Murphy, from Holy Trinity Parish in Lenexa, became involved in Totus Tuus while a freshman at Benedictine College in Atchison. “The thing I love about Totus Tuus is that everything — the whole day — is centered around the Mass,” said Murphy, now a junior at Benedictine. “We have Mass every day. Leading up to it, we’re preparing for it, and after, we reflect on it.” Murphy taught at five parishes, and was trained at Savior Pastoral Center. She was delighted by the kids that she taught and impressed by their inquisitiveness. They’re not afraid to ask questions, she said, and they have a lot of questions. “They really open up to you, especially the first- and second-graders,” said Murphy. “Color with them and you are their best friend.” “A lot of people say the junior high kids are the hardest to work with, because they’re at a weird transitional stage, but
I think they’re misunderstood,” she said. They want to know things. They are seeking the truth and trying to figure things out on their own. It’s great to help guide them and to hear their questions, and see where they’re at.” These young adults do a tremendous job, said Father Richard McDonald, pastor of Holy Angels Parish in Basehor. “By having theological and/or catechetical backgrounds, these young adults impact the children and teenagers much more forcefully because of the knowledge they gained and the joy they have spreading that knowledge,” said Father McDonald. “The effect has been for [the students] to appreciate not just that they are Christians, but they are Catholic,” he continued, “to appreciate singing out in fulsome voices and more fully participate in Mass, and allow their own individual prayer lives to blossom.” Several parents have told Father McDonald that their children are more reverent and attentive at Mass, and get more out of worship as a result of their participation in the program. Father Pat Sullivan — pastor of An-
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nunciation in Frankfort, St. Columbkille in Blaine and St. Monica-St. Elizabeth in Blue Rapids — said the program was a tremendous success. “I was extremely pleased with it,” said Father Sullivan. “I had high hopes and expectations because I heard how great the program is, but it surpassed my expectations. And I know it did for my parishioners, too.” He’s really encouraged that the high school students asked that it come back next year. “It’s Catholic,” he said. “It’s fun and Catholic, and the team members who put on the Totus Tuus are energetic, happy and alive with their faith. And they challenge the kids. They don’t mince words or water down the faith. They teach lovingly, but they challenge our young people the way Jesus did.” The results of Totus Tuus in his parishes have been positive all the way around, and that’s exactly what Father Sullivan has been looking for. “This was the first time we’ve had it in Frankfort, but it will not be the last time,” he said. “I want to have it back every year, if I can.”
Deadline extended The deadline for the fall pilgrimage to Conception Abbey in Conception, Mo., has been extended to Sept. 1. The pilgrimage will be held Sept. 14 - 15. To register, call Susan Draftz at (913) 6746172.
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‘We’re all one’ at new St. Benedict Parish >> Continued from page 1
Visible changes Liebsch then proceeded to introduce the students to some of the new things that will accompany their school’s new name. Already, the students had started a service project. Cans and boxes of food donations spelled out the new initials — SBCS — on the gymnasium floor. Liebsch also pointed to the giant raven mascot painted on the wall behind her. “This summer, he got a brand new T-shirt, and instead of sporting an ‘A’ on his T-shirt, he is sporting a nice big ‘B,’” she said. Even the youngest kids had no doubt what the new “B” stood for. “Benedict!” they all yelled “I hope you like him,” said Liebsch. “He’s still holding a cross that reminds us of our Catholic faith in all that we say and do.”
Benedictine tradition The Benedictine connection really hit home for Amy Funk, who is beginning her 13th year of teaching kindergarten at the school. “We feel like we’re a part of that,” she said. There are a lot of firsts. Her kindergartners will be the first kindergarten class of St. Benedict Catholic School. The eighth-graders will be its first graduating class. The Benedictine and Catholic roots extend from pre-kindergartners through college in this community, she said. She’s also excited about the new parish. “We’re all one,” said Funk. Liebsch pointed the students’ attention to an image of the Benedictine cross, which she feels really describes who they are at this school. That image will appear on every envelope sent from St. Benedict School, she said. Then she told the students a little about St. Benedict himself. “He taught his monks lots of important things, but here are the three things that he taught that are very important for us,” said Liebsch. “He taught his monks to pray. He taught his monks to work really hard. And he taught his
Left to right, Nora Colwell, Bethany Urban and Daniel Klingele start their second-grade year at St. Benedict Catholic School in Atchison with some service. The newly renamed school spelled out its initials — SBCS — in nonperishable food donations on the floor, celebrating a new year with a new name. monks to be humble.” said Funk. — received fliers about a dinner at St. Those are things everyone can do, She and Liebsch were thrilled that Joseph Church. she explained. all members of the new St. Benedict “And I thought, ‘Oh, this is good,’” “Focusing on St. Benedict’s values, Parish — no matter which of the four said Liebsch. “This is how it’s supI don’t think you can start too early,” churches they considered home before posed to be.”
The road to one Catholics in Atchison have been working toward unifying into one parish family for several years. The pastoral plan for the Atchison Pastoral Region was finalized in 2010. It called for St. Benedict’s Parish, St. Joseph Parish and Sacred Heart Parish in Atchison as well as St. Patrick Parish in Atchison County to be suppressed, and one new parish to be formed. Early in the process, a consolidation committee was formed and its first task was to reduce the number of weekend Masses, which had been 11, said Rose Hammes, archdiocesan director of communications and planning.
The committee was made up of two representatives of each of the parishes; the Catholic school principal; Father Gerard Senecal, OSB, pastor of Sacred Heart and St. Benedict’s; and Father Gabriel Landis, OSB, pastor of St. Joseph and St. Patrick. Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann evaluated the situation in Atchison this year as priest assignments were made and determined it was time to finish the process, said Hammes. Although a new name is usually selected for a new parish, in this case, the committee and the Atchison community overwhelmingly supported the use of the name St. Benedict. “It’s been the spirit of the city for-
“We constantly hear how grateful children are that their parents had things taken care of. Have you done this for your children?”
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ever, from a Catholic perspective,” said Hammes. All four church buildings will remain open. Father Gabriel serves as pastor of St. Benedict Parish, while Abbot Barnabas Senecal, OSB, serves as parochial vicar. The abbot gave the blessing on the first day of school. Although there were heated discussions at times, the committee came together, people respected and listened to one another, and they crafted a plan that would meet the needs, said Hammes. “It’s a good example of how pastoral planning should work,” she said.
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August 30, 2013 | theleaven.com Royce and Frances Adney, members of Christ the King Parish, Kansas City, Kan., will celebrate their 65th wedding anniversary on Sept. 4. The couple was married at Holy Family Church in Kansas City, Kan., on Sept. 4, 1948. Their children and their spouses are: Sharon and Bill Ethridge, Kansas City, Kan.; Kathy and Ron Adney, Overland Park; Jane and Rod Carson, Overland Park; and Jackie and David Adney, Oklahoma City. They also have eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. The family will celebrate the anniversary with Mass at 9:30 a.m. on Sept. 8 at Christ the King, followed by brunch. Bill and C.C. Giles, members of St. Benedict Parish, Atchison, will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary on Sept. 7 at 2 p.m. at Atchison’s Jackson Park Pavilion with a gathering of family and friends. The couple was married Sept. 7, 1953, by Father Basil Finlon at St. Joseph Church in Atchison. Their children and their spouses are: Eileen and Eddie Frad; David Giles; Mary Jeanne and Darryl Kuntz; and Barbara Baker. Their eldest son Richard is deceased. They also have 13 grandchildren (one deceased), three step-grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren, and 16 stepgreat-grandchildren. A large gathering is planned but, if you can not attend, cards may be sent to the couple at 7562 Hwy. 59, Cummings, KS 66016.
Jerry and Lola (Heinen) Otting, members of Holy Angels Parish, Basehor, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on Aug. 31 with Mass, followed by a dinner for family and friends. The couple was married on Aug. 31, 1963, at St. Bede Church in Kelly. Their children are: Barry Otting, Basehor; Eric Otting, Topeka; Randy Otting, Kansas City, Kan.; and Dana Walker, Olathe. They also have 12 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. William and Lavon (Hopkins) Gryska, members of Holy Cross Parish, Overland Park, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on Aug. 31. The couple was married on Aug. 31, 1963, at St. Joseph Church in Grand Rapids, Minn. Their children and their spouses are: Tom Gryska, Overland Park; Steve and Jennifer Gryska, Lenexa; and Andy and Joy Gryska, Fairbanks, Alaska. They also have five grandchildren. Patricia (Kain) and Jack Eskew, members of Church of the Nativity, Leawood, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on Sept. 7, 1963, at St. Patrick Church, Kansas City, Kan. Their children and their spouses are: Eric Eskew, Gaithersburg, Md.; and Kirk and Mendi Eskew, Overland Park. They also have three grandchildren.
Marikay (Zemek) and Jerry Fox, members of Immaculate Conception Parish, St. Marys, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on Aug. 24 with a Mass of thanksgiving, followed by a dinner in the church hall. The couple was married at the Immaculata Chapel at St. Marys College in St. Marys on Aug. 24, 1963. Their children and their spouses are: Debbie and Bill Mulligan, Kevin and Jolene Fox, Kristi Marshall, and Lori and Rich Schoenfeld, all of St. Marys. They also have 14 grandchildren. The family enjoyed a trip to the Smoky Mountains in Tennessee in July. Joe and Ann Stimetz, members of Holy Angels Parish, Basehor, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on Aug. 31. The couple was married on Aug. 31, 1963, at Holy Family Church, Kansas City, Kan. To celebrate, they attended the golden wedding anniversary Mass at the Cathedral of St. Peter in Kansas City, Kan., on June 23. They will also receive a blessing on their marriage at Holy Angels on Aug. 31, followed by dinner for family and friends. Their children and their spouses are: Kay and John Vaca, Basehor; and Jim and Pam Stimetz, Kansas City, Kan. They also have five grandsons and six great-grandchildren. Send notices to: The Leaven, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109, attn: anniversaries; or send an email to: Todd@theleaven.com.
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Meet the new class of deacon candidates Chris Slater
Age: 43 Wife: Aracely Number of children: 2 Career/job: Insurance underwriter, Farmers Insurance Parish: Prince of Peace, Olathe What has been the most difficult part of the process? Two things come to mind here — coming to grips with the idea of becoming a public person and learning to sing (or at least making a joyful noise) in Latin. How has your spirituality changed since you began this process? As I have given more and more of myself to others spiritually, I have found myself relying more and more upon the spirituality of others. If you wouldn’t mind, please pray for us.
Mike Denning
Age: 53 Wife: Karen Number of children: 5 Career/job: Career Marine officer (retired 2010). Currently serving as the director of graduate military programs, University of Kansas Parish: Prince of Peace, Olathe What should a person know before beginning the deacon process? If you don’t think you’re qualified, join the club. We were told since the beginning of the process that “God doesn’t call the qualified; he qualifies the called.” What gifts/experiences do you have that would be of service to the church as a prospective ordained minister? I have blessed to have faith-filled parents who raised me as a Catholic . . . despite some of my early rebellious years. Late in life, I was fortunate to be surrounded by strong Catholics during my time in the Marine Corps — the Marine Corps can cure any rebellious attitude. I believe my experiences as a Marine instilled a “servant leader” attitude which coalesces naturally with the role of a deacon.
William A. Moffitt III
Age: 60 Wife: Jacque Number of children: 2 Career/job: Psychologist and co-owner of Professional Association, a multispecialty mental health practice with offices in Olathe and Leavenworth Parish: St. Paul, Olathe How has your spirituality changed since you began this process? My prayer life, love for my faith and desire to participate in the liturgy and sacraments have all increased exponentially. My soul has been on a retreat since the beginning of the program. . . . The knowledge I have received during our formation weekends is shared with everyone I come into contact with, both personally and professionally. I am excited to forge ahead on this journey of faith. What should a person know before beginning the deacon process? The diaconate training is a commitment that will affect your entire being. It begins with a desire to serve. The act of committing yourself requires not only the monthly training sessions, academic preparation and output, but the willingness to surrender to God’s will.
Nicholas Moragues
Age: 34 Wife: Brenda Number of children: 1 Career/job: Director of religious education Parish: St. Bernard, Wamego What has been your favorite part of the deacon program? The community during the weekends What has been the most difficult part of the process? Getting used to doing homework again. How has your spirituality changed since you began this process? I don’t think it has. I still enjoy the same types of prayer. Only the conversation changes.
Steve Lemons
Age: 58 Wife: Marilyn Number of children: 2 Career/job: Farmers Insurance Group for 28 years; director of administrative services, Good Shepherd Parish, Shawnee, since 2008 Parish: Holy Trinity, Lenexa What should a person know before beginning the deacon process? Full support of your family is essential, especially support of the wife of a married applicant. A full understanding of the time commitment that is required during formation is also very important. The archdiocese and the first cohort of deacons were very good at providing straightforward insight about the time commitment. A full belief that all things are possible with God is important. What gifts/experiences do you have that would be of service to the church as a prospective ordained minister? As a 58-year-old husband, father, convert from the Methodist faith and longtime manager, I think I have significant life experiences that will enhance my ability to be of service as an ordained minister. Challenges facing families, youth, those with marital issues, those in RCIA, and our challenging employment climate will likely be issues clergy will address for my lifetime. Since deacons work and live in the secular world every day, this experience could be used to great advantage by a deacon when communicating with those he will be counseling.
Ronald F. Zishka
Age: 51 Wife: Paula Number of children/grandchildren: 3 children; 3 grandchildren, and one on the way Career/job: Transportation operation manager Parish: Sacred Heart, Tonganoxie What has been your favorite part of the deacon program? Learning more about my faith and coming closer to God. Your year of discernment overlapped some exciting times in the church. How has the conclave and election of Pope Francis affected this process for you? To see and hear how Pope Francis is a servant to the poor and handicapped. This is exactly what a deacon is called to be in his diocese. What gifts/experiences do you have that would be of service to the church as a prospective ordained minister? Use my leadership and organizational skills to help with new ministries in the parish and archdiocese.
Marcos O. Navarro
Age: 60 Wife: Angela Number of children/grandchildren: 4 children; 6 grandchildren Career/job: Retired Army officer; currently Dept. of the Army Civilian Parish: Good Shepherd, Shawnee What should a person know before beginning the deacon process? Becoming a deacon is a vocation, a calling from God. It is very important that as they go through the initial discernment process, prayer should be an integral part of the process. Additionally, don’t forget your wife, extensively discuss your intentions with her and make sure that she is part of it. For married couples, being a deacon is not an individual undertaking; it involves the family. What gifts/experiences do you have that would be of service to the church as a prospective ordained minister? Being one of the older candidates, I feel that I bring a vast amount of life experiences to the church. I feel I bring an ability to relate to many of the challenges faced by today’s Catholic.
Joe Allen
Age: 42 Wife: Tina Number of children: 4 Career/job: Account manager at Freightquote Company Parish: Prince of Peace, Olathe What has been your favorite part of the deacon program? Many good things to choose from but my favorite would simply be the people involved. Father Gary (Pennings), Father Greg (Hammes), Leon Suprenant and this group of deacon aspirants have all been extremely inspiring men and all of them bursting with faith. This group of aspirants will become a huge treasure for the archdiocese. Releasing these faith-filled future deacons into the parishes will have a gigantic ripple effect of great things to come. What has been the most difficult part of the process? The large amount of time involved and being away from family during that time. It’s a sacrifice, but it’s an investment as well.
Ralph J. Schramp
Age: 64 Wife: Mary Kay Number of children/grandchildren: 3 children; 9 grandchildren Career/job: Finance/banker Parish: Church of the Nativity, Leawood Your year of discernment overlapped some exciting times in the church. How has the conclave and election of Pope Francis affected this process for you? This is the sixth pope elected in my lifetime; each one reminds me of the continuity of the leadership in our church and the intercession of the Holy Spirit in this process. How has your spirituality changed since you began this process? It has deepened and grown in many ways. Daily prayer and Mass have helped me to be open to the guidance of the Holy Spirit. What should a person know before beginning the deacon process? Listen to what God is asking of you. If you feel his call, pursue the process. The year of aspirancy will help you to discern if this opportunity to serve is the right call for you and your family.
Dean Gilbert
Age: 51 Wife: Rhonda Number of children: 5 Career/job: Dept. of the Army Civilian — military analyst Parish: Immaculate Conception / St. Joseph, Leavenworth Your year of discernment overlapped some exciting times in the church. How has the conclave and election of Pope Francis affected this process for you? With Pope Benedict declaring the Year of Faith just as we started our aspirancy year, Pope Benedict’s historical resignation, and the election of Pope Francis, it has been an exciting time to be starting this formation program. It has been really great being able to experience these events with our team members and other aspirants and discuss their insights as they were happening. How has your spirituality changed since you began this process? I’ve seen the need to focus more on my prayer life and have appreciated the opportunities the program has given me to grow in that area.
Dave Cresswell
Age: 48 Wife: Rosie Number of children: 5 Career/job: IT project management Parish: St. Patrick, Kansas City, Kan. How has your spirituality changed since you began this process? My personal prayer life has grown tremendously since beginning the deacon program. Part of each monthly deacon weekend includes tips on prayer: methodology of prayer, what to do, distractions, etc. I really enjoy morning and evening prayer in the Liturgy of the Hours. My days go more smoothly when I begin with praise to God for bringing about a new day and for the merciful love he shows us no matter what our sinfulness looks like. What should a person know before beginning the deacon process? This is a long five-year process with a good amount of selfdoubts in the first year. The first year is really about getting to know yourself and what God wants for you and your family. If you enjoy serving others and would like to know God better, that’s what the diaconate is all about.
Steve White
Age: 54 Wife: Lisa Number of children: 2 Career/job: Veterinarian Parish: Curé of Ars, Leawood Your year of discernment overlapped some exciting times in the church. How has the conclave and election of Pope Francis affected this process for you? It’s interesting in that I see a message that Pope Francis frequently proclaims is that the church needs to be missionary in her attitude, to get out from behind her walls (so to speak), go to the periphery and engage the world, bringing Christ to the world. And deacons have a unique opportunity to do that as they are ordained clerics, yet deeply immersed in the world, due to their secular jobs (most deacons). I find myself thinking frequently about how this might look for me should I be ordained. I recall Father Gary (Pennings) telling us we will be deacons 24/7 — that it should permeate and affect everything we do. What a tall order, but I trust God will give me the grace. What gifts/experiences do you have that would be of service to the church as a prospective ordained minister? As a veterinarian, I speak and engage every day with people who are worried, stressed, scared or just highly concerned about the well-being of their beloved pets. I think God has given me this experience to learn and grow in my ability to help people, to communicate with them and to grow in the virtues of kindness, gentleness and patience (and I still have a long way to go).
John Stanley
Age: 59 Wife: Connie Number of children/grandchildren: 4 children; 7 grandchildren Career/job: Attorney Parish: Church of the Ascension, Overland Park What has been your favorite part of the deacon program? The weekends of formation; the new friends; feeling like a school kid again. Learning it; Loving it; Living it. What should a person know before beginning the deacon process? It is a two-way commitment. The archbishop has made a huge commitment in the education and formation of the candidates. We are being instructed and formed by the best. It is a blessed opportunity to grow in your faith. In return, we are to give ourselves for the building of the Kingdom. It is not a part-time job. You are a deacon 24/7 — in the workplace, at home, in the parish, in your service to those in need.
Age: 53 Wife: Linda Number of children/grandchildren: 7 children; 1 grandchild Career/job: Community liaison for Valeo Recovery Center, Topeka Parish: Mother Teresa of Calcutta, Topeka Your year of discernment overlapped some exciting times in the church. How has the conclave and election of Pope Francis affected this process for you? I believe without a doubt that the Holy Spirit moved the men of the conclave in a special way and that is how Cardinal Bergoglio found himself as pope. It was evident from the very beginning of his pontificate that he was very humbled by the realization that he is now Peter. Our new pope has been an outstanding example of Christ the servant, which is exactly what a deacon represents for the church. Pope Francis remembers that he is a deacon first before he is priest and bishop, and it is obvious he puts that diaconal spirituality to work. Watching him interact with the poorest of the poor is very inspirational. What gifts/experiences do you have that would be of service to the church as a prospective ordained minister? My work in the addiction profession has allowed me to be part of creating wonderful collaborations that make available services to those individuals most in need. Mother Teresa said that the greatest poverty in the world is the poverty of relationships. The things we do for the poor — like providing meals, clothing, shelter, etc. — are really only tools that allow us to engage individuals that have been marginalized by society and begin a relationship with them. Through that relationship, we acknowledge them as children of God and valued members of our society.
Phillip Nguyen
Age: 45 Wife: Marina Number of children/grandchildren: 2 Career/job: BHS general manager at Automatic Systems, Inc. Parish: Holy Spirit, Overland Park Your year of discernment overlapped some exciting times in the church. How has the conclave and election of Pope Francis affected this process for you? I learned a lot about the process of electing a pope during this conclave. It was sad to see the first pope retire in more than 600 years. But my heart filled with joy after the election of Pope Francis, and I am inspired by his humility and his love and care for the poor and the unfortunate. How has your spirituality changed since you began this process? I feel that I have engaged in a deeper conversation with God in my prayers.
Bill Scholl
Steve Nguyen
Age: 45 Wife: Leah Number of children: 6 (+ 2 in heaven) Career/job: IT supervisor Parish: St. Ann, Prairie Village Your year of discernment overlapped some exciting times in the church. How has the conclave and election of Pope Francis affected this process for you? It has been a blessing during this past year of discernment for me and my family to be able to witness a major historical event in the church. It is also reaffirming to see how well and ALIVE the church is and I am honored to be a part of it, whether I will be ordained as a deacon or not. What should a person know before beginning the deacon process? Pray often to the Holy Spirit for guidance, then talk with your wife about it. And if you feel called to the diaconate, then let go and let the Holy Spirit lead you. “Do not be afraid.”
Bradley F. Sloan
Age: 43 Wife: Bethanne Number of children: 7 Career/job: Social justice consultant for the archdiocese Parish: St. Agnes, Roeland Park What should a person know before beginning the deacon process? Trust the process and don’t presume that just because God is calling you to search out the calling of a deacon that he is calling you to be a deacon. Show up, listen and be ready for whatever answer you get. Did anything cause you to hesitate to take this next step? What helped you overcome your hesitation? The five-year time commitment caused me some hesitation at first. When I applied I wondered, “Does it really need to take so long?” But after the first few months, this skepticism changed to, “Is five years really long enough?”
Deacon candidates take next step
K
ANSAS CITY, Kan. — It was a simple rite that took place during Mass, but one of profound import to the 19 men who participated, their families and all Catholics of the archdiocese. On Aug. 25, the second cohort of men seeking to become permanent deacons passed from aspirancy to candidacy during a Mass and Rite of Admission to Candidacy for Holy Orders at Savior Pastoral Center in Kansas City, Kan. The main celebrant and homilist was Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann. Also present were Father Gary Pennings, archdiocesan director of the office of the permanent diaconate, and Father Greg Hammes, associate director. The Mass and rite capped off a weekend retreat for the men, led by Father Roger Landry of Fall River, Mass., called “Deacons in the Year of Faith: Toward a Lifetime of Faithful Service.” The 19 men became candidates for the diaconate almost one year to the day they were first welcomed as aspirants. The past year has been one of spiritual formation and discernment, leading up to the commitment to candidacy. Now, the men will spend the next three-and-a-half years in further formation, in preparation for ordination to the permanent diaconate for the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas.
Leon Suprenant
Age: 53 Wife: Maureen Number of children/grandchildren: 6 children; one granddaughter Career/job: Office of the permanent diaconate Parish: Prince of Peace, Olathe What has been the most difficult part of the process? Balancing all the ingredients — prayer, family, friends, work, formation, study, service, etc. What should a person know before beginning the deacon process? That it is a process, that it’s much more than just “taking classes,” and that if you’re open to the process, the Lord can do great things. Did anything cause you to hesitate to take this next step? What helped you overcome your hesitation? I don’t think anyone really feels “worthy” or “ready” for this, but the Lord takes us where we are and as we are, and how could I say “no” to his invitation?
Tim Ruoff
Age: 47 Wife: Nancy Number of children: 2 Career/job: Supply chain supervisor — Cox Communications Parish: Mother Teresa of Calcutta, Topeka What has been the most difficult part of the process? Recognizing and accepting some of my opportunities to improve as a person and potential ordained minister. This formation has really forced me to take a hard look at some areas of my life that needed some attention. While not always easy, it has been a healthy process. How has your spirituality changed since you began this process? I’ve experienced growth in my prayer life and my focus/participation in the Mass has certainly improved. I’ve experienced a greater love for the church through the teachings and opportunities we’ve had through this year of aspirancy. The best part has been increased prayer time with my wife Nancy and sharing this experience with her.
10 nation
theleaven.com | august 30, 2013
‘Mystery priest’ hopes hype won’t obscure message
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“I try to be a priest, not a hero. And I did what a priest does. And every priest that I know, if they would pass by an accident, they would stop and do what I did.”
By Jay Nies Catholic News Service
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EFFERSON CITY, Mo. (CNS) — An unlikely chain of events made him not only a national celebrity but a stand-in for every priest who has ever ministered to the faithful in an emergency. But Father Patrick Dowling — who was dubbed a “mystery priest” and a “guardian angel” after praying with a woman trapped in a wrecked car in northeastern Missouri — hopes all the hype surrounding his simple deed won’t overshadow the real message. “God loves us, he is here close to us, and when we’re in trouble, he’s there,” said Father Dowling. That, he believes, is why God gave him, a priest of the Jefferson City Diocese, a chance Aug. 4 to minister to 19-year-old Katie Lentz while firstresponders worked to free her from her mangled car on Highway 19 near Center, Mo. “I try to be a priest, not a hero,” he stated. “And I did what a priest does. And every priest that I know, if they would pass by an accident, they would stop and do what I did.” Father Dowling encountered a line of stopped cars and flashing lights while traveling between Sunday Mass assignments. He asked a local sheriff’s deputy for permission to approach the car and pray with its occupant. The deputy at first said no, thinking the sight of a priest would scare Lentz. But after asking her, he told Father Dowling to go ahead. “The rescue workers are people of faith and prayer,” Father Dowling told The Catholic Missourian, the diocesan newspaper. “They were all praying. I have no doubt that the Most High heard their prayers, and I was part of his answer . . . but only one part.” The priest approached the young woman, who was looking out from the mangled vehicle that had been struck head-on with such force that it was tipped up on its side. Father Dowling anointed her, gave her absolution and prayed with her while she and the rescue personnel waited for stronger equipment to arrive so they could free her from the sturdily built automobile. He then stood out of the way, praying the rosary silently for about an hour while she was being extricated from the car and moved to a medical helicopter. “I did the priest part, but gosh, how
Father Patrick Dowling
CNS photo/courtesy Diocese of Jefferson City
Father Patrick Dowling, who serves in prison ministry and in parish ministry to Spanishspeaking Catholics in the Diocese of Jefferson City, Mo., is pictured in an undated photo. Father Dowling has come forward as the “mystery priest,” as he was called by the media, who anointed and prayed with Katie Lentz, 19, at the scene of an accident near the small town of Center, Mo. that rescue proceeded from that time on was amazing,” he said. “They’re all people of faith and love. I’m convinced that the Most High Himself took care of them — you know, blessed their work.” Once he was confident that the woman would be OK, he shook the deputy’s hand, walked to his car and drove away. A few days later, KHQA-TV in Quincy, Ill., aired a segment about the incident, noting the priest seemed to come from nowhere and that his image had not been captured in any of about 70 photos taken at the scene. The story spread from there to numerous media outlets and branched out all over social media, fueling rampant speculation about the “mystery priest’s” possible identity. Several people interviewed noted that Lentz’s prospects for survival seemed to turn while the priest was ministering to her. Some wondered aloud if he could have been a guardian angel or even if his arrival had been miraculous. Father Dowling, who does not watch TV, mentioned anointing the woman to a fellow priest, who told him, “The media is looking for you!” By then, the story had been reported
all over the world. Father Dowling contacted the family and later went to Quincy to visit Lentz in Blessing Hospital’s intensive care unit. When Lentz saw him, she reached out, shook his hand and cried. Media learned Father Dowling’s identity when, in clarifying some points in an article about the incident on the National Catholic Register website, he included his name in the readers’ comments section. Dozens of TV, radio, print and Internet outlets all over the country inundated Deacon Dan Joyce, diocesan communication director, with requests to interview the priest. The requests keep coming and Father Dowling’s telephone has been ringing about 200 times a day. A native of Kilkenny, Ireland, he was ordained a priest of the Jefferson City Diocese in 1982. He currently serves in prison ministry and in parish ministry to Spanish-speaking Catholics. Highlights of the media attention include interviews on ABC’s “Good Morning America,” EWTN’s “The World Over” with Raymond Arroyo, and Telemundo, a Spanish-language cable network; and in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, USA Today, a national newspaper in Ireland, and the priest’s hometown paper in Kilkenny. He has been quick to point out that God’s grace is at the heart of every priest’s ministry, and that moments such are these are part of why God called each of them to the priesthood. Having received the sacrament of anointing of the sick himself, Father Dowling is abundantly aware of its power to give hope and healing. “The sacramental anointing . . . it means hope,” he said. “You can very easily fall into despair when you’re in trouble. And it restores hope.”
Catholic Charities respond to influx of trafficking victims WASHINGTON (CNS) — An influx of human trafficking victims seeking assistance is leading Catholic Charities agencies nationwide to develop a wider range of specialized service to enable victims to rebuild their lives. From life skills and parenting classes to helping victims adjust to a life free of coercion and mistreatment, the agencies are adapting operations so that those who have escaped a trafficking situation are not victimized again by unscrupulous traders in human lives. The new services are emerging as more trafficking victims are identified by social workers and law enforcement officers, explained Marissa Castellanos, human trafficking program manager for Catholic Charities in the Archdiocese of Louisville, Ky. She credited ongoing training that victim advocates and Catholic Charities workers have directed toward police, prosecutors, judges, social workers and other interested people for the rise in the number of victims being identified. Whereas in earlier years a victim may have been identified as a prostitute or as being in the country illegally, officials are better recognizing the telltale signs that someone is being trafficked. The result is that a victim ends up being sent to a reliable social service agency rather than to jail. “The education and training we’re doing throughout the country is vital to identifying victims,” Castellanos told Catholic News Service.
Philadelphia to sell nursing homes to help finances PHILADELPHIA (CNS) — The Archdiocese of Philadelphia, as part of its ongoing effort to achieve financial stability, intends to market six nursing homes and one assisted-living facility for possible sale, according to an Aug. 20 announcement. The consulting firm KPMG is helping the archdiocese assess potential offers for the facilities. The archdiocese also will seek to outsource management or lease the 11 active archdiocesan cemeteries and two cemetery sites reserved for future use. According to the archdiocesan Catholic Health Care Services’ annual report, the nursing homes had an operating deficit of $1,420,705 in the fiscal year ending 2012. The Catholic Cemeteries Office showed about a $5 million decrease in net assets for the year, according to its audited financial statement. “Our difficult financial situation must be addressed and the actions that we need to take may be painful ones,” Philadelphia Archbishop Charles J. Chaput said in a statement. “I understand this fact fully, but it is of critical importance that we rebuild our financial foundations so that we can continue our collective good works.”
world 11
august 30, 2013 | theleaven.com
Beer opens new avenues for monks By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service
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ATICAN CITY (CNS) — Even before retired Pope Benedict XVI set up a pontifical council for new evangelization and convoked a world Synod of Bishops on the theme, a new group of Benedictine monks was using Latin and liturgy to reach out to those whose faith was weak or nonexistent. Now they’ve added beer to the blend, and people are flocking to the monastery in Norcia, the birthplace of St. Benedict, about 70 miles northeast of Rome in the Umbrian countryside. But for the 18 members of St. Benedict’s Monastery, life is still about prayer. “If the prayer doesn’t come first, the beer is going to suffer,” said Father Benedict Nivakoff, director of the Birra Nursia brewery and subprior of the monastery. The monks in Norcia initially were known for their liturgical ministry, particularly sharing their chanted prayers in Latin online — http://osbnorcia.org/ blog — with people around the world. But following the Rule of St. Benedict means both prayer and manual labor, with a strong emphasis on the monks earning their own keep. After just a year of brewing and selling their beer in the monastery gift shop and through restaurants in Norcia, financial self-sufficiency seems within reach, and the monks are talking expansion. “We didn’t expect it to be so enormously successful,” said Father Cassian Folsom, the U.S. Benedictine who founded the community in 1998 and serves as its prior. “There’s been a huge response, and our production can’t keep up with the demand . . . and the demand continues to grow.” But even with the talk of expanding the brewery, and perhaps exporting some of the brew to the United States, the Mass and the liturgical hours are still the centerpiece of the monks’ lives. “Our life is very much unified by the liturgy, which forms a kind of skeleton around which everything else takes shape,” Father Folsom said. Many visitors tread a path between the church and the gift shop and, increasingly, from the crates of beer to the church. Father Nivakoff said the monks began brewing Aug. 15, 2012, with three goals: contributing to the monastery’s
CNS photo/Henry Daggett
Benedictine Brother Francis Davoren, left, “head brewmonk” or brewmaster, and Benedictine Father Benedict Nivakoff, director of Birra Nursia, toast with their blond brew Aug. 14 at the brewery of St. Benedict’s Monastery in Norcia, Italy. self-sufficiency; solidifying bonds with the town; and reaching out to people who are “turned off by religion.” For those who wouldn’t think of going to Mass, he said, the monastery gift shop gives them a contact with the monks “in a setting and over a product they feel comfortable with. There’s a spiritual gain for them, even though they aren’t looking for it.” In many circumstances, Father Nivakoff said, “we have to preach the Gospel without preaching the Gospel — just through the example of Christian charity and being kind to people.” After years of study and research, including Father Folsom’s visits to Trappist breweries in Belgium to see how the monks ensure their business does not disrupt their prayer and community life, the monks in Norcia decided to make two Belgian-style beers — a “blond” and a dark. Celebrating their one-year anniversary Aug. 14 with an open house and beer tasting, the monks imbibed along with their visitors — something that does not happen every day, or even every feast day. “It’s too valuable to drink ourselves,” Father Nivakoff said. However, when mistakes are made in the brewing or bottling, some of the foamy liquid makes it to the refectory table and “no one’s upset.” Making sure the mistakes are kept to a minimum is the responsibility of Brother Francis Davoren, a native of
Dallas who is the brewmaster or “head brewmonk.” He had some experience helping a home-brewing friend before joining the monastery, but is still learning even after studying at breweries in Belgium and having a Belgian brewer travel to Norcia to teach. “The biggest challenge for me has been going from learning theory to actually putting that into practice,” he said. “Because beer is a natural product — it has live yeast in it — it can tend to have a mind of its own.” “Beer is something that often can break down barriers,” he said. “The beer is a catalyst” for bringing people together and giving them something to talk about, but the conversations at the monastery often do not end with the beer. Father Basil Nixen, the novice master, said the beer enterprise has raised the morale of the monks and reinforces their sense of community because all the monks are called on to help with some aspect of producing, bottling, distributing and selling the beer. “Here in Norcia, we’re at a very important place for evangelization” because so many tourists and pilgrims come through the town, he said. “We’re continually sharing with others our life, above all the liturgy.” “People come to the monastery for the beer,” he said, but they leave realizing God brought them to Norcia to meet him.
Pope celebrates Mass using hosts made by prisoners VATICAN CITY (CNS) — During summer vacation season, when there is no congregation of Vatican workers and no homily, Pope Francis continues to celebrate daily Mass in his residence and, since mid- July, has been using hosts made by women incarcerated in an Argentine prison. The hosts were delivered to the pope July 16 by Bishop Oscar Ojea of San Isidro, who regularly visits the San Martin Penitentiary outside Buenos Aires. The prisoner in charge of making the hosts, Gabriela Caballero, 38, has served three years of a seven-year sentence, according to Il Sismografo, a blog close to the Vatican. In an interview with the Argentine news agency NOVA, Caballero said: “I know Bishop Ojea because he often comes to visit us. When I heard that he was going to visit the pope, I had no doubt it was the time to donate to the pope some of our handmade hosts and photographs of our workshop.” The pope began using the hosts at his morning Mass July 18, and he wrote a personal thank-you letter to Caballero July 19, telling her that celebrating Mass with the hosts was “moving,” and also thanking her for her prayers. “I never imagined he would write to me,” Caballero told NOVA, although some of her fellow prisoners tried to convince her that he would because “he wants to be close to people and we are people.”
Cardinal says leaders must unite to save Lebanon BEIRUIT (CNS) — Cardinal Bechara Rai, Maronite patriarch, visited a predominantly Muslim city hit by explosions and called on political leaders to come up with a plan to save Lebanon. The cardinal visited Lebanon’s largely Sunni Muslim city of Tripoli Aug. 25 to extend his condolences to the families of victims of twin bombings there two days earlier. “Isn’t all this innocent blood enough reason for reconciliation?” he asked. At least 45 people were killed and 500 injured Aug. 23 when car bombs exploded outside two Sunni mosques, including one where Friday prayers were in progress. Tripoli, 50 miles north of Beirut and less than 25 miles from the Syrian border, has experienced sporadic brutal clashes between Sunni supporters of Syria’s opposition movement and Alawites connected with the regime of Syrian President Bashar Assad. An explosion Aug. 15 in the mostly Shiite Muslim Beirut suburb of Ruwais, considered a stronghold of the Islamist group Hezbollah, killed more than 25 people and injured more than 300 others. During his visit to Tripoli, Cardinal Rai visited Sunni clerics and political representatives and made clear that Muslims and Christians were united in their sorrow.
12 classifieds Employment Executive director - Catholic Charities of Northern Kansas. Catholic Charities, a ministry of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Salina, is accepting resumes for the position of executive director. The works of Catholic Charities are a ministry which flows from the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church. The executive director supervises four regional offices which cover the 31 county social services mission of the Diocese of Salina. The executive director supervises the employees and volunteers who minister in the name of Catholic Charities as well as oversees fundraising activities, grant programs, and ongoing program development. The successful candidate will be able to witness to the church’s teachings by personal example as well as enjoy competence in the following areas: the hiring and retention of support staff; working in a collaborative manner with the board of directors and the bishop of Salina; effective communication within the Catholic Church’s structures; and networking with social service agencies and other professional organizations outside the Catholic Church. Minimum qualifications include a bachelor’s degree and experience in a social service setting. A graduate degree and experience in the Catholic Church’s social service ministry is preferred. Interested candidates are invited to submit a resume and cover letter no later than Sept. 15 to Search Committee, Catholic Charities, 103 N. 9th St., Salina, KS 67401, or send an email to: chancery2@ salinadiocese.org. Graphic design specialist - Bishop Miege High School is seeking a graphic design specialist to be responsible for the production of various publications which include writing, editing, and layout with design software. The position also holds the responsibility of website management and media communications and reports to the vice president of development. Competitive salary and benefit package based upon experience. Send letter of interest, resume, references, salary expectations and three writing samples to: Susan Tremonti, Bishop Miege High School, 5041 Reinhardt Dr., Shawnee Mission, KS 66205, or send an email to: stremonti@bishopmiege.com. Administrative assistant - St. Agnes School is seeking an administrative assistant. The ideal candidate is a practicing Catholic with exceptional office management skills which include, but are not limited to, organization, computer proficiency and interpersonal communication. Interested individuals may email a cover letter and resume to: bach koramar@stagneskc.org. School nurse - St. Agnes School is seeking a part-time school nurse. The ideal candidate is a registered nurse with some pediatric experience. Interested individuals may email a cover letter and resume to: bachkoramar@ stagneskc.org. Assistant nursing home administrator - 170 bed nonprofit Catholic long-term care facility is seeking an assistant nursing home administrator. LTC management background or similar. Nursing home administrator license preferred. EOE. To apply, email resume to: james@villasf. org, or fax to (913) 829-5399. Villa St. Francis, 16600 W. 126th St., Olathe, KS 66062. Nurses - Seeking CMAs/CNAs for the state of Kansas to join our team! ComfortCare Homes of Kansas City has unique, eight resident or less, actual home settings that provide care for the elderly living with Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia. Must have a good attitude and be willing to work as a team. For more information, visit the website at: www.comfortcarekc.com. Online is an application that must be filled out. Email the completed application to: info@comfortcarekc.com, stating your interest in a position and contact information, or mail to 3848 W. 75th St., Prairie Village, KS 66208, or fax to (913) 273-1520. Financial representatives - Due to the success and growth of the Knights of Columbus, we are adding a financial representative in the Kansas City metro, Lawrence, Topeka and the Seneca - Sabetha area. Ideal for a determined, high energy, high expectation, professional, self-disciplined, independent individual desiring to serve others, yet earn a better-than-average income. We provide top-rated financial products to our members and their families and will provide excellent benefits and training. Please contact John A. Mahon, general agent, for more information or an interview by sending an email to: john.mahon@kofc.org, by phone at (785) 408-8806 or at 1275 Topeka Blvd., Topeka, KS 66612. Activity facilitator - Park Meadows Senior Living is looking for a fun, energetic, creative and compassionate person to do activities with our senior citizens. Experience with health care/activities is not necessary, but excellent customer service skills and a love for senior citizens is. The position is part time, approximately 15 hours per week. The hours are Sat. from 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. and Sun. from 9:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. The wage $11.50 per hour. Drug screen and background checks will be required. If you think you are a good fit and can commit to this schedule, please email your resume to: ralexander@spectrumretirement. com. For more information, visit our website at: www. parkmeadowsseniorliving.com. After-school teachers - Now hiring before- and after-school teachers in Shawnee, Mon. - Fri. Please call Theresa at (913) 248-4589. Safe drivers - Assisted Transportation seeks caring and reliable drivers in the Kansas City metro area to transport K-12 students in our minivans. CDL not required. Retirees encouraged to apply. Learn more or apply online at: www. assistedtransportation.com or call (913) 262-5190 for more information. EOE.
theleaven.com | August 30, 2013 Community relations officer - 170 bed nonprofit Catholic long-term care facility is seeking a community relations officer. Marketing background or similar preferred but willing to train the right candidate. This is a shared position with Catholic Community Hospice, and the position will require visits to the parishes on weekends, with flexible hours. EOE. To apply, email resume to: james@villasf.org, or fax to (913) 829-5399. Villa St. Francis, 16600 W. 126th St., Olathe, KS 66062. Safe drivers - Assisted Transportation seeks caring and reliable drivers to transport K-12 students in minivans in the Johnson County area. Drivers will start their day at our facility located at I-635 and Metropolitan, Kansas City, Kan. CDL not required. Retirees encouraged to apply. You can apply in person at 1521 S. 45th St. Kansas City, Kan., or by visiting the website at: www.assistedtransportation. com. EOE. Outside yard help - 15 - 20 hours per week. $10 an hour. Raking leaves, mowing yard, picking weeds, and upkeep of outside of home. If interested, call (913) 7441709, or email Marie at: marieschulte@me.com. Religious services director - 170 bed nonprofit Catholic long-term care facility is seeking a religious services director. Ministry background or similar preferred but willing to train the right candidate. Part-time position. Basic function is to handle and coordinate daily Mass and promote the mission and values of Villa St. Francis. EOE. To apply, email resume to: james@villasf.org, or fax to (913) 829-5399. Villa St. Francis, 16600 W. 126th St., Olathe, KS 66062. Child care teachers - Now hiring child care teachers in Shawnee. Experience in early education preferred but not required. No weekends. Please call Theresa at (913) 2484589. Preschool teachers - Now hiring preschool teachers in Shawnee, early education background required. Please call Theresa at (913) 248-4589. Part-time accountant - Advice and Aid Pregnancy Centers, Inc., is seeking a part-time accountant responsible for payroll, financial reporting, budgeting, bank reconciliations and deposits and general administrative responsibilities — accounting degree is required. Qualified applicants may submit cover letter, resume and salary expectations by email to: director@adviceandaid.com. Applications must be received on or before Sept. 1. Accountant - Advice and Aid Pregnancy Centers, Inc., is seeking a part-time accountant responsible for payroll, financial reporting, budgeting, bank reconciliations and deposits and general administrative responsibilities. The ideal candidate will meet the following criteria: Committed Christian and pro-life advocate. Full agreement with statement of faith and principles. Accounting degree required. 2 - 3 years experience in an accounting position for a small company (nonprofit experience a plus). Experience with all basic bookkeeping task,: A/R, A/P, GL, and reconciliations. 2 - 3 years experience using QuickBooks and all aspects of accounting. Proficient in Work, Excel and Office Outlook. Well-organized with an ability to prioritize multiple projects and have a system for following up on pending issues. May be required to work some evenings and weekends. Must be willing to travel and work between various AAPC locations. Excellent leadership and communication skills. Experience working in Christian ministry is a plus. Advice and Aid Pregnancy Centers, Inc., is a faith-based, 501(c)3 organization headquartered in Overland Park with an additional office in Shawnee. Advice and Aid Pregnancy Centers has been in operation since 1983 with the objective of providing emotional, practical and spiritual support to women and families facing an unplanned pregnancy. Qualified applicants may email cover letter, resume and salary expectations to: director@adviceandaid.com. Only applicants meeting the above qualifications will be considered. No phone calls or employment agencies. EOE.
Services Masonry work - Quality new or repair work. Brick, block and chimney/fireplace repair. Insured; second-generation bricklayer. Member of St. Paul Parish, Olathe. Call (913) 829-4336. Piano lessons - Give your child the gift of music! 15 years experience. Great method; caring, positive, and motivating teacher. Children excel quickly. South Johnson County. (913) 680-7018. Mike Hammer local moving - A full-service mover. Packing, pianos, rental truck load/unload, storage container load/unload, and in-home moving. No job too small. Serving JoCo since 1987. St. Joseph, Shawnee, parishioner. Call Mike at (913) 927-4347 or send an email to: mikehammer moving@aol.com. Housecleaning - Looking for a dependable housekeeper. Consistent and thorough every time. I also make a great guest. Years of experience and references. Serving your area. Call (816) 214-0156 (mobile). T-shirt Quilts! Graduation Quilts! Quilted Memories is now accepting graduation quilt orders. Let’s work together to design a unique memory quilt for your grad! 7913 Santa Fe Dr., Overland Park. (913) 649-2704 or (913) 492-8877. Full service long arm quilting shop! Local handyman - Drywall, flooring, plumbing, painting, texturing, wood rot, power washing, staining, cleaning gutters, lawn care, landscaping, etc. Free estimates. Call Billy at (913) 927-4118.
House painting - Good Shepherd parish member. 25 years experience. Up to 15 year warranty. Caulking and priming, better then any other job in town. Call (913) 991-3955. Quality craftsmanship at a reasonable price! - Wood rot and house painting. Fiber cement siding/James Hardie. Window replace or repair, decks, basements and baths. Interior and exterior painting. Call Mike at (913) 991-3955. Electrician - Free estimates; reasonable rates. JoCo and south KC metro. Call Pat at (913) 963-9896. Cleaning lady - Reasonable rates; references provided. Call (913) 940-2959. Bankruptcy consultation - If debts are overwhelming you, seek hope and help from compassionate, experienced Catholic attorney, Teresa Kidd. For a free consultation, call (913) 422-0610; send an email to: tkidd@kc.rr.com; or visit the website at: www.teresakiddlawyer.com. We moved! Come check out our new office in Lenexa. Brick mason - Brick, stone, tile and flat work. 19 years of residential/commercial experience. FREE QUOTES - KC metro area. Small and large jobs accepted. Call Jim at (913) 485-4307. www.facebook.com/faganmasonry. Agua Fina Irrigation and Landscape The one-stop location for your project! Landscape and irrigation design, installation and maintenance. Cleanup and grading services It’s time to repair your lawn. 20% discount on lawn renovations with mention of this ad. Visit the website at: www.goaguafina.com Call (913) 530-7260 or (913) 530-5661 Rodman Lawn Care - Mowing, leaf removal, mulch and more. Call John Rodman, member of Holy Cross Parish, Overland Park, at (913) 548-3002 or send an email to him at: Rodman.Lawn@yahoo.com. Lawn Mowing Spring Cleanups/Landscaping Local Parishioner Insured/References Free Estimates Call Tony (913) 620-6063 Garage door and opener sales and service - 24-hour, 7-day-a-week service on all types of doors. Replace broken springs, cables, hinges, rollers, gate openers, entry and patio doors, and more. Over 32 years of experience. Call (913) 227-4902. Financial advisor to the Catholic community – I’m Bill McMahon with Morgan Stanley, dedicated to helping Catholics accumulate and grow, or derive more income from your wealth. To find out how, please contact me for a complimentary portfolio review. Bill McMahon | Financial Advisor (913) 402-5267 bill.j.mcmahon@morganstanley.com 11161 Overbrook Road, Leawood, KS 66211 Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC. Member SIPC. MEDICATION SETUP & MANAGEMENT - RN support visits for filling weekly pill boxes & managing medication. Affordable and convenient. To learn more, call Home Connect Health Services at (913) 627-9222. ALL AREA CATHOLICS WELCOME Christ the King Parish Federal Credit Union 5417 Leavenworth Rd., Kansas City, Kan. Good Car Loan and Share Loan Rates (913) 287-8448 or (913) 980-2192 Hours: 7 - 9 p.m., Mon., Wed., Fri.
Home Improvement Ceiling, wall crack and water stain repair Ceilings retextured or painted. Interior painting, no mess! Serving Kansas City, Kan., and the Johnson County area for 23 years. Call Jerry at (913) 206-1144. Helping Hand Handy Man - Home maintenance upgrades and chores available by the hour. Special rate for senior and single-parent households. Electrical, painting, wood refinishing, deck repair, yard work, small to medium tree trimming, gutter cleaning, shelving and organizing. Most home problems and needs solved. Member of Prince of Peace, Olathe. Call Mark Coleman at (913) 526-4490. Wood rot and house painting - 25 years experience painting houses and working with wood rot and window repairs. I honestly believe you cannot find a better job out there. Up to 15-year warranty on your paint job! No job too big or small, and I will be on your job working every day - no subcontracting out work to someone else. Fully insured and plenty of references. Call me today! Mike at (913) 991-3955. House painting and all home repairs. 20 years experience. References. Call (913) 206-4524. The Drywall Doctor, Inc. - A unique solution to your drywall problems! We fix all types of ceiling and wall damage — from water stains and stress cracks to texture repairs and skim coating. We provide professional, timely repairs and leave the job site clean! Lead-certified and insured! Serving the metro since 1997. Call (913) 768-6655.
CLUTTER GETTING YOU DOWN? Organize, fix, assemble, install! “Kevin Of All Trades” your professional organizer and “HONEY-DO-LIST” specialist. Call today for a free consultation at (913) 271-5055. Insured. References. Visit our website at: www.KOATINDUSTRIES.com. House painting Interior and exterior; wall paper removal. Power washing, fences, decks. 30 years experience. References. Reasonable rates. Call Joe at (913) 620-5776. STA (Sure Thing Always) Home Repair - Basement finish, bathrooms and kitchens; interior & exterior repairs: painting, roofing, siding, wood replacement and window glazing. Free estimates. Call (913) 491-5837 or (913) 579-1835. Email: smokeycabin@hotmail.com. Member of Holy Trinity, Lenexa. Detail construction and remodeling - We offer a full line of home remodeling services. Don’t move — remodel! Johnson county area. Call for a free quote. (913) 709-8401. Custom countertops - Laminates installed within 5 days. Cambria, granite, and solid surface. Competitive prices, dependable work. Call the Top Shop, Inc., at (913) 962-5058. Members of St. Joseph, Shawnee. Swalms Organizing Service - Reducing Clutter - Enjoy an Organized Home! Basement, garage, attic, shop, storage rooms - any room organized! Belongings sorted, boxed and labeled, items hauled or taken for recycling, trash bagged. For before and after photos, visit: www.swalms organizing.com. Over 20 years of organizing experience; insured. Call Tillar at (913) 375-9115. Adept Home Improvements Where quality still counts! Basement finishing, Kitchens and baths, Electrical and plumbing, Licensed and insured. (913) 599-7998
Heating and cooling repair and replacement - Call Joe with JB Design and Service. Licensed and insured with 20 years experience. Member of Divine Mercy Parish. Call Joe at (913) 915-6887. 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
Caregiving Day care - Lenexa in-home day care has an opening for one 18-month or older. 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Mon. - Fri. Holy Trinity mom. Call Tracie at (913) 909-7927. Caregiving - CNA home health care specialist provides quality home comfort and care for the elderly. Available anytime. References. Affordable/seasoned/non-smoker. Call (816) 521-1336. Caregiving - We provide personal assistance, companionship, care management, and transportation to the elderly and disabled in home, assisted living and nursing facilities. We also provide respite care for main caregivers needing some personal time. Call Daughters & Company at (913) 341-2500 and speak with Laurie, Debbie or Gary. Have a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease? Inquire about our fresh, unique approach to care. ComfortCare Homes, a local, family-owned care option, opened its first home in 2005. We have now grown to four homes located in Overland Park and Leawood. All of our homes are located minutes from highways I-35 or I-435, allowing easy access from anywhere in the Kansas City metropolitan area including Lee’s Summit, Shawnee, Liberty and Olathe. To learn more or take a tour, call Courtney Minter at (913) 609-1891 or visit the website at: www. ComfortCareKC.com. Looking for high quality home care? - Whether you’re looking to introduce care for your family or simply looking to improve your current home care quality, we can help. Our unique approach to home care has earned us a 99% client satisfaction rating among the 1,000-plus families we have assisted. We are family-owned, with offices in Lenexa and Lawrence. Call Benefits of Home - Senior Care, Lenexa: (913) 422-1591 or Lawrence: (785) 727-1816 or www.benefitsofhome.com.
vacation Branson getaway - Walk-in condo on Pointe Royale Golf Course. Sleeps 6. Close to lakes and entertainment. Furnished, pool and hot tub. No cleaning fee. Nightly and weekly rates. Discounts available. Call (913) 515-3044. Mountain cabin in Winter Park, Colo. - 2 BR, 1 BA, fully furnished; sleeps four. View of Continental Divide from deck. Close to points of interest and activities. $95/night. Call (913) 642-3027. For pictures, visit the website at: www. tillmancabin.com. Classifieds continue on the next page >>
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vacation Bahamas beachfront condo - Enjoy the crystal clear waters, beachfront pool and beautiful sunrises from our newly remodeled condo that sleeps four. $125/night; $750/week. Local owner will rent to mature adults and families. To view, visit the website at: www.coralbeach1602.com or send an email to: coralbeach1602@ gmail.com.
for sale For sale - Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Topeka, prime burial space, Henry addition. Relocated and need to sell. Asking $1,200. Call (785) 249-5482. For sale - Four cemetery lots in Ascension Garden of Resurrection Cemetery, 83rd and Quivira, Lenexa. Will not sell single lots. Groups of two or all four. Call (660) 492-2822. For sale - Location, location, location! Queen of the Holy Rosary patio niche, tier A, at Resurrection Cemetery. Price $3800 includes fidelity urn. Call Terry at (913) 2056620. For sale - Exclusive rights for two burial easements at Resurrection Cemetery, 83rd and Quivira Rd. These easements are located in the mausoleum, corridor Queen of Holy Rosary, tier C, crypts 107. Today’s selling price at this level would be $12,000. We are offering this space for $9,000 (or best offer). Contact Ambrose Kelly at (913) 649-9691. Residential lifts - Buy/sell/trade. Stair lifts, porch lifts, ceiling lifts and elevators. Recycled and new equipment. Member of St. Michael the Archangel Parish, Leawood. Call Silver Cross KC at (913) 327-5557. Heirloom quality American Girl doll furniture Bedsandthreads.com Avoid shipping charges; pickup in Shawnee Call John Hember at (913) 631-4060. St. Joseph, Shawnee, parishioner Residential lifts - Buy/sell/trade. Stair lifts, porch lifts, ceiling lifts and elevators. Recycled and new equipment. Member of St. Michael the Archangel Parish, Leawood. Call Silver Cross KC at (913) 327-5557.
Real estate For sale - Cuchara, Colo., condo. Southern Front Range 9000+ feet. 2 BR, 1 BA, 2 decks. $65,000. Great views, hiking, fishing, hunting. Send an email to: cbohaty@ kc.rr.com for photos and details. Drastically reduced - Beautiful family home in Leawood. Classic white colonial. 4+ BR, 4-1/2 BA open plan, finished walkout basement, deck, patio, treed, fenced yard. Walk to Nativity; neighborhood pool; incredible value. Open Sunday. 12500 Alhambra, Leawood. Welcome Home Realty. Contact Rosemary at (913) 661-9744. For sale - Spacious ranch home, Roeland Park. Walk to Bishop Miege High School. 4 BR, 4.5 BA, kitchen/hearth room with pantry and island. Finished lower level with 5th BR/office and full bath. 1st floor utility room, screened porch. $269,900. Call (913) 384-0680 after 6 p.m. Lovely Lawrence townhome - 3 BR/2 BA patio, washer and dryer included. Snow removal included. Great for young families or retirees; wonderful neighbors. Call Mary Ryan, Prince of Peace parishioner, at (913) 8140574. For sale - 1 BR, 1 BA condo, 8704-4 Noland Rd., Lenexa. 600 square feet. $530 per month. Remodeled and new inside and out. Co-op keeps up inside and out. Great location. Must meet income limit qualifications: 1 family member/$39,050 or 2/$44,600. Selling price, $5,530. Market value, $8,837.81. Apply for Section 8 housing. Call (913) 888-0414 to make an appointment. Consult credit union for low interest loan. Buyers call (407) 852-4028, and leave name, phone number, and offer.
wanted to buy Wanted - Old drugstore soda fountain. Apothecary and candy jars, signs, slot machines, Coca-Cola. Spool, thread, dye. Nut and bolt cabinets. Advertising clocks, small antique display case and store displays. Hunting and fishing old duck decoys and fishing lures. Autographed baseballs. Call (913) 593-7507 or (913) 642-8269. *** Wanted to buy *** Antique/vintage jewelry, paintings, pottery, prints, sterling, etc. Renee Maderak (913) 631-7179 St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee Will buy firearms and related accessories - One or a whole collection. Honest evaluation and top prices paid. Contact Tom at (913) 238-2473. Member of Sacred Heart Parish, Shawnee.
August Queen of the Holy Rosary Parish, 71st and Metcalf, Overland Park, will host a taco dinner on Aug. 31 from 1 p.m. - 6 p.m. The cost to attend is $6.50 for adults, $3 for children.
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September St. Ann’s Altar Society will hold its annual Labor Day picnic on Sept. 1 at Sts. Peter and Paul Parish, Seneca. A roast beef and ham dinner will be served beginning at 4:30 p.m. The cost to attend is $8 for adults; $5 for children. Take-out will be available at the west door of the parish hall. There will be bingo, games, a beer garden, and an auction. A dance will be held from 8:30 - 11:30 p.m. at Sts. Peter and Paul auditorium.
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The deadline for the fall pilgrimage to Conception Abbey in Conception, Mo., has been extended to Sept. 1. The pilgrimage will be held Sept. 14 - 15. To register, visit the website at: www.2013accwkckpilgrimage.eventbrite.com, or call Susan Draftz at (913) 674-6172. “Helping Teens Manage Anger,” a three-part program, will be offered on Wednesdays, Sept. 4 - 18, from 9:30 – 11 a.m., at Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kan. For more information, call (913) 906-8990.
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Holy Trinity Parish, Lenexa, will host a Bible study on Thursdays, starting Sept. 5, at 7:30 p.m. in the church social room, and repeated Tuesdays, starting Sept. 10, at 9:15 a.m. in the liturgical gathering room. For more information, call (913) 451-6486, or send an email to: ht.biblestudy@gmail.com.
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“Medical Care and the Person” will be presented by Dr. Gerard Brungardt at 7 p.m. on Sept. 5 in the St. Matthew Room of Savior Pastoral Center, 12615 Parallel, Kansas City, Kan. The topic will cover how we sustain our desire of giving ourselves to others in a way that changes our gaze on the one who suffers. To register, contact Jean Hinman by sending an email to: jhinman@kcascension.org or by calling (913) 681-3348. A Taize prayer will be held on Sept. 5 at 7 p.m. in Annunciation Chapel on the campus of the motherhouse of the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth, 4200 S. 4th Street, Leavenworth. For more information, visit the website at: www.marillac center.org or call (913) 680-2342. Dale Ahlquist, host of EWTN’s “G.K. Chesterton: The Apostle of 6-7 Common Sense,” will be the featured speaker on Sept. 6 - 7 at the Militia Immaculata Midwest Conference, Savior Pastoral Center, Kansas City, Kan. Father Stephen McKinley, rector of the National Shrine of St. Maximilian Kolbe, will also speak. There will be concerts with accomplished musical artist Michael McGlinn and performance artist Mike Debus. The day includes Mass, Benediction, and the Divine Mercy chaplet. Breakfast and lunch are available. For more information, fees, and to register, send an email to Christine Rossi at: immaculata8@kc.rr.com. All are welcome. Our Lady of Unity Parish will host its “Unity Fest” on Sept. 7 at Sacred Heart field, 2646 S. 34th St., Kansas City, Kan., from 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. There will be barbecue, traditional Mexican-style food and drink, games, entertainment, bingo, a silent auction, and much more. For more information, contact Augustine Oropeza at (913) 236-6271.
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Help a local family with medical and funeral expenses for their daughter, and raise awareness of anencephaly, by attending a spaghetti dinner and dance on from 6 - 11 p.m. on Sept. 7 at the FOP Hall, 7846 Leavenworth Rd., Kansas City, Kan. For more information, send an email to: boatwrightbabyfundraiser@gmail.com, or visit the website at: www.jenningse. wix.com/BoatwrightBabyFund. Nativity House KC, 3209 N. 52nd Terr., Kansas City, Kan., will host an open house on Sept. 7, from 1 - 4 p.m. Nativity House KC is a maternity home for young unwed mothers in Wyandotte County. An information session on a pilgrimage to Lourdes and Lisieux will be held on Sept. 7 at 10 a.m. at St. Therese Parish hall, 5814 Euclid Ave., Kansas City, Mo. The pilgrimage will take place from Sept. 8 – 19, 2014. For more information, send an email to Father Ernie Davis at: edavis@ sttheresekc.org. Mother Teresa Church, 2014 N.W. 46th St., Topeka, will host 7-8 its “Holy Smokin’ Jamboree” on Sept 7 - 8. Saturday will begin with a 5K walk/run, pancake feed, car show, and live evening music from the Mikey Needleman Band. Sunday will begin with Mass on the Plaza at 9 a.m., traditional roast beef dinner, John Deer gator/$10k giveaway, and other prize giveaways. Both days feature bounce toys for the kids, silent auction, beer garden, bingo, and craft booths. For more information, visit the website at: www. mtcctopeka.org. Fall in love all over again by attending the next Marriage Encounter weekend from Sept. 7 - 8 at St. Francis Retreat Center, Independence, Mo. For more information, contact Jim and Barb Goering at (913) 888-3906, or visit the website at: www.nmekc.org. Benedictine College, Atchison, will host a consecration to the Blessed Virgin Mary on Sept. 8. The consecration ceremony, which will include a procession through campus and a blessing of Marian religious articles, will begin at 11 a.m., following a special 10 a.m. Mass at St. Benedict’s Abbey church. Abbot James Albers, OSB, will be the celebrant for Mass and for the consecration ceremony. The public may bring Marian objects — such as pictures, statues, and rosaries — to be placed on the steps of Ferrell Academic Center to be blessed.
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Seton Center, Inc. is hosting an “Open House for Friends” from 3:45 - 5 p.m. on Sept. 8 at Seton Center, 2816 East 23rd St., Kansas City, Mo. RSVP by sending an email to: tbrown@setonkc.org, or call (816) 581-4754. Advice and Aid Pregnancy Centers, Inc., is in need of volunteers and will be offering a volunteer informational meeting on Sept. 9, from 7 - 9 p.m. The meeting will be held at 11644 W. 75th St., Shawnee. For more information on volunteering in this ministry or to RSVP, contact Mary Newcomer at (913) 962-0200, or send an email to: volunteer@adviceandaid.com.
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The regular meeting of the KCK Serra Club will be held at the Hilton Garden Inn, 5th and Minnesota, Kansas City, Kan., at noon on Sept. 11. Father Scott Wallisch, vocation director, will be the speaker.
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“Money Management for Your Senior Years” will be offered on Sept. 12 from 10 - 11:30 a.m. at Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kan. The presentation is sponsored in partnership with Heartland Habitat for Humanity and Wells Fargo Bank. To register, call (913) 906-8990.
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Come enjoy an early autumn evening of sacred and secular 13-14 a cappella concert music presented by the Kansas City women’s ensemble, Siren Song, at 7 p.m. on Sept. 13 and 14 at St. Agnes Parish, Roeland Park. Under the direction of Katie Beyers, the group consists of five professional and semiprofessional singers. A freewill offering benefits the music ministry of St. Agnes and Siren Song. The Little Sisters of the Lamb invite you to the inauguration of their new monastery, 36 S. Boeke St., Kansas City, Kan., on Sept. 14. Mass begins at 10:30 a.m. on the front lawn, celebrated by Archbishop Joseph Naumann. Please bring your own chair. An open house and refreshments will follow. RSVP online by Aug. 31 by visiting the website at: www.archkck.org/ littlemonastery, or by calling (913) 621-1727.
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Benedictine Sister Marie Ballmann will conduct a retreat at the Sophia Spirituality Center, Mount St. Scholastica, Atchison, on Sept. 14 from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. The retreat is entitled “Becoming Real.” The cost to attend is $50. For more information or to register, call (913) 360-6151, or visit Sophia Center’s website at: www. sophiaspiritualitycenter.org. Hayden High School class of 1961 will celebrate the classmates’ 70th birthdays on Sept. 14 from 2 - 5 p.m. at the Blind Tiger Restaurant, 37th & Kansas Ave., Topeka. For more information, send an email to: ldkrische@gmail.com, dlsuzy@ aol.com, or caroldeghand123@gmail. com. St. Matthew Church, 2700 S.E. Virginia Ave., Topeka, will host its St. Matthew Gala dinner auction on Sept. 14. Cocktails start at 6:15 p.m. Reservations are $40 per person, or $360 per table of eight. The attire is semiformal. Reservations include hors d’oeuvres, full bar and a three-course dinner. Attendees will have the opportunity to help raise money for the parish by bidding on both silent and live auction items. The reservation deadline is Sept. 6. For more information or to make a reservation, contact the parish office at (785) 232-5012, or send an email to: parishoffice@saintmatthews.org. Holy Cross Parish, 8311 W. 93rd St., Overland Park, will host its annual festival on Sept. 14 from 2 - 5 p.m., followed by Mass at 5 p.m. JJ’s All-Star Band will perform live from 6 - 9 p.m. The concert is free and will include hits from the ’60s, ’70s and ’80s. All are welcome.
14 commentary Scripture Readings
theleaven.com | august 30, 2013
mark my words
twenty-second week of ordinary time Sept. 1 Twenty-second sunday in ordinary time Sir 3: 17-18, 20, 28-29 Ps 68: 4-7, 10-11 Heb 12: 18-19, 22-24a Lk 14: 1, 7-14 Sept. 2 Monday 1 Thes 4: 13-18 Ps 96: 1, 3-5, 11-13 Lk 4: 16-30 Sept. 3 Gregory the Great, pope, doctor of the church 1 Thes 5: 1-6, 9-11 Ps 27: 1, 4, 13-14 Lk 4: 31-37 Sept. 4 Wednesday Col 1: 1-8 Ps 52: 10-11 Lk 4: 38-44 Sept. 5 Thursday Col 1: 9-14 Ps 98: 2-6 Lk 5: 1-11 Sept. 6 Friday Col 1: 15-20 Ps 100: 1-5 Lk 5: 33-39 Sept. 7 Saturday Col 1: 21-23 Ps 54: 3-4, 6-8 Lk 6: 1-5 TWENTY-THIRD WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME Sept. 8 TWENTY-THIRD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME Wis 9: 13-18b Ps 90: 3-6, 12-17 Phlm 9-10, 12-17 Lk 14: 25-33 Sept. 9 Peter Claver, priest Col 1:24 – 2:3 Ps 62: 6-7, 9 Lk 6: 6-11 Sept. 10 Tuesday Col 2: 6-15 Ps 145: 1-2, 8-11 Lk 6: 12-19 Sept. 11 Wednesday Col 3: 1-11 Ps 145: 2-3, 10-13 Lk 6: 20-26 Sept. 12 The Most Holy Name of Mary Col 3: 12-17 Ps 150: 1-6 Lk 6: 27-38 Sept. 13 John Chrysostom, bishop, doctor of the church 1 Tm 1: 1-2, 12-14 Ps 16: 1-2, 5, 7-8, 11 Lk 6: 39-42 Sept. 14 THE EXALTATION OF THE HOLY CROSS Nm 21: 4b-9 Ps 78: 1-2, 34-38 Phil 2: 6-11 Jn 3: 13-17
Pray that it all works out
“F
ather, say a prayer for us when you have time. My wife and I are both unemployed now. Things are a little tight, but we’ll get by.” I heard these words after a Sunday Mass last weekend. While most of us are enjoying a leisurely holiday on Labor Day, my heart goes out to those who would love to have a job to return to after Labor Day. Work: What does it mean? Let the following story give you some food for thought: A man and a teenager checked into a hotel. The two receptionists noticed the quiet manner of these guests, and the boy’s pale appearance. When the man and boy ate dinner in the hotel restaurant, the staff noticed that the two guests were very quiet and that the boy seemed disinterested in his meal. After eating, the boy went immediately to his room and the man approached the reception desk, where he asked to see the manager. The receptionist politely asked if there was a problem and offered to fix things. After reassuring her that all was fine, the man
Father Mark Goldasich Father Mark Goldasich is the pastor of Sacred Heart Parish in Tonganoxie. He has been editor of The Leaven since 1989. repeated his request to see the manager. When the manager appeared, the man asked to speak with him privately. Once settled into the manager’s office, the man explained that he was there in the hotel with his 14-year-old son, who was seriously ill, possibly terminally so. The boy was to undergo chemotherapy very soon, which would cause him to lose his hair. They’d come to the hotel for a little break together. In fact, the boy planned to shave his head that night, rather than lose his hair due to the chemotherapy and feel that the illness was beating him. The father was going to shave his own head, too, in solidarity. The father simply asked that the staff be respectful when
the two of them came to breakfast with their heads shaved. The manager reassured the father that the staff would behave appropriately. The following morning, the father and son entered the restaurant for breakfast. There they saw the four male restaurant staff, attending to their duties quite normally, all with shaved heads. I don’t know about you, but I’d hire those four guys from the restaurant in a heartbeat. They “get” what work can potentially be: not only a way to earn a living, but an opportunity to make the lives of those around you better. Those in the service professions can experience this directly, but so can others who don’t usually work one-on-one with customers; it just takes a little more imagination on their part. For example, if you’re on an auto assembly line, picturing the family that will be riding one day in the SUV you’re building can give meaning to why you make sure all the parts you work on are assembled correctly and safely. But back to my parishioners who are out of work. On Labor Day — and maybe all through September — make
a special effort to remember the unemployed. First and foremost, pray. To get you started, you might want to use this one that I adapted from the website: www. catholicemploymentnetwork. org. “Dear Lord Jesus Christ, you wanted all who are weary to come to you for support. Lord, many are worn out by their inability to find work. Guide their steps to a righteous path. Give them the patience to find opportunities with a future. Calm their worries and fears as their financial responsibilities mount. Strengthen their resolve; embolden their hearts to open doors. Open their eyes to see life beyond rejections. Help them to believe in themselves. Guard them against bitterness and discouragement, so they may emerge from this trial spiritually enriched and with even greater blessings. Amen.” And, by the way, if you hear of an opening at your place of employment, let your parish know. Perhaps that information can be posted in the bulletin or on the parish website. It just might be the answer to someone’s prayer.
In the beginning
“T
True wisdom is knowing God’s will
he early bird catches the worm.” A proverb typically combines a wise insight with an image which grabs our attention. We hear a perfect example in Sunday’s first reading — Sir 3:1718, 20, 28-29 — which closes with the words: “Water quenches a flaming fire, and alms atone for sins.” That proverb follows the observation, “The mind of a sage appreciates proverbs, and an attentive ear is the joy of the wise.” In fact, the Book of Sirach largely consists of a string of proverbs, or wise sayings. In that respect, it resembles its sister book, which actually bears the title, Proverbs. Those belong to the category of biblical books called wisdom literature. Other books
Father Mike Stubbs Father Mike Stubbs is the pastor of Holy Cross Parish in Overland Park and has a degree in Scripture from Harvard University. which fit into that classification are: Ecclesiastes, Job and Wisdom. They appeared in the period shortly before Christ, at a time in which prophecy had all but disappeared. In its place arose a movement to discern God’s will through the reasoning of the human mind, through wisdom. Those who sought after wisdom were called the
Pope francis Not wanting to disappoint 200 Japanese junior high school students, Pope Francis held a special audience Aug. 21 in the San Damaso Courtyard of the apostolic palace. The students from Seibu Gakuen Bunri Junior High School in Tokyo had planned their trip to Rome and the Vatican long before the Vatican announced that Pope Francis would not hold his weekly general audiences in August. The pope told the students that
sages. They often included scribes, learned individuals, teachers. While this movement was religious, it was also profoundly humanist, in that it focused upon the problems of human existence. It wrestled with the questions of our origin and ultimate destiny, our search for happiness in this life, why the innocent must suffer, why eventually we must die, and what lies beyond the grave. As the sages sought to think through these issues, they also looked to God for the answers. They recognized that they never would be able to find the answers on their own. Accordingly, they identified true wisdom as knowing God’s will and living in harmony with it. In that respect, they remained deeply religious.
traveling, getting to know people who are different from themselves, learning about other cultures and religions “is good for you, it helps you grow.” Growth, he said, is impossible if a person stays closed in on himself. “If we go out to encounter other people, other cultures, other religions, we grow and we begin that beautiful adventure called dialogue,” he told the students. “Dialogue is what brings peace,” the pope told the group, which included Christians and Buddhists. “Peace is impossible without dialogue.”
Besides these wonderful books which we preserve as part of the Old Testament, these sages have left us the legacy of their approach toward wisdom: to view it not as solely a human endeavor, but also as a gift from God. That approach can prevent us from falling into secularism, while we attempt to deal with the difficult issues of our times. That approach demands intellectual honesty on our part, and humility as well, to recognize the limitations of the human mind, while still stretching it as far as it will go. Perhaps that is the humility that the writer of Sirach had in mind, when he wrote: “Humble yourself the more, the greater you are, and you will find favor with God.” It is in that humility that our true wisdom lies.
After the students sang for him, Pope Francis told them that give-and-take is important in dialogue, but he was very sorry that he couldn’t reciprocate with a song of his own. “I don’t know how to sing; I can’t,” he explained. A young girl, in correct but halting Italian, thanked the pope for giving the students some of his precious time, and she promised they would try to follow his advice. “Are you from Naples?” the pope asked her. “Your Italian is so good.” — CNS
16 Local news
theleaven.com | august 30, 2013
Photo courtesy of Jonathan Dizon
Photo courtesy of Jonathan Dizon
Msgr. Charles Stoetzel, rector of the Cathedral of St. Joseph the Worker in the La Crosse, Wis., shares the history of the cathedral with, from left, Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann, Deacon Anthony Saiki and seminarian Colin Haganey.
Justin Hamilton takes some time to reflect in front of a sculpture of St. Joseph teaching Jesus carpentry at the Our Lady of Guadalupe Shrine in La Crosse, Wis.
Photo courtesy of Jonathan Dizon
Deacon Jaime Zarse leads the Stations of the Cross during a pilgrimage to Wisconsin Aug. 7-10 with 33 archdiocesan seminarians and Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann. This in the fifth time the archbishop has taken seminarians on a pilgrimage.
Pilgrims’ progress
Pilgrimage serves to deepen seminarians’ faith By Joe Bollig joe@theleaven.com
K
ANSAS CITY, Kan. — To a lot of people, a pilgrimage to Green Bay can only mean one thing. That would be to tread the “Frozen Tundra” of Lambeau Field and reverently remember the 1967 NFL championship “Ice Bowl” game between the Dallas Cowboys and Green Bay Packers. But why settle for a distant secondbest, anyway? Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann, two priests and 33 seminarians took a far better pilgrimage from Aug. 7 to 10, visiting two cathedrals, the beautiful Our Lady of Guadalupe Shrine in La Crosse, and the Shrine of Our Lady of Good Hope near Green Bay — the only approved Marian apparition site in the United States. This was the fifth time that Archbishop Naumann has taken archdiocesan seminarians on a pilgrimage. Father Scott Wallisch, the archdiocesan vocations director, went on the first in 2009 when he was a transitional deacon and was on this pilgrimage, too. The tenor of road trips for most college-age men is more raucous than reverent, but in this case the agenda was good times, good friends and good spirituality. “As with any pilgrimage, [the purpose] was to deepen everyone’s faith,” said Father Wallisch, “and to build fraternity among the seminarians.” That’s important, because not only do archdiocesan seminarians differ in age, but they also go to four different seminaries — Conception in northwest Missouri, Kenrick-Glennon in St. Louis, the Pontifical North American College in Rome, and the University of St. Mary of the Lake-Mundelein Seminary near Chicago. Someday, most of these men will be ministering together in the same archdiocese, so it’s important that they aren’t strangers. “Archbishop Naumann said he wanted to have a large block of time set aside to make a pilgrimage with our seminarians,” said Father Mitchel Zim-
Photo courtesy of Jonathan Dizon
Sonia Hitt, a staff member of the Cathedral of St. Francis Xavier in Green Bay, Wis., leads Archbishop Naumann and archdiocesan seminarians on a tour of the cathedral. merman, archdiocesan co-director of seminarians and pastor of Christ the King Parish in Topeka, who also was on the pilgrimage. “[The archbishop] wanted this to be a time of formation with him, “ Father
Zimmerman continued, “where he had a chance to get to know them personally and talk about the priesthood and his goals for them, so they know his mind and heart a little bit better.” There was plenty of time during the
nine-hour bus trip for the seminarians to bond, and the “old hands” to let the “newbies” know what seminary life was all about. Among the new seminarians on their first pilgrimage with the archbishop were Dustin Holthaus from St. Matthew Parish in Topeka and Kenn Clem from St. Patrick Parish in Osage City. Holthaus appreciated the opportunities to pray the rosary and the Liturgy of the Hours with the other seminarians and have some time with the archbishop. “I got to sit with the archbishop during dinners and lunches,” said Holthaus. “Several times I talked to him one-on-one. It was really nice to see him let loose a bit. He really has a great sense of humor.” Although they agreed that all the pilgrimage sites were impressive, Clem had a definite favorite. “The Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe was the most beautiful place ever,” said Clem. “It’s a grand, amazing church. It just blew me away. The walls had 20-foot high murals of saints and relics at their bases.” Their time up north wasn’t all saints, relics and shrines. They also played ultimate Frisbee on the La Cross chancery grounds. “Dean Wheeler [from St. Pius X Parish in Mission] made some pretty neat grabs in the end zone,” said Father Wallisch. “He was the MVP of seminarian ultimate Frisbee.” Although it was easy for Father Wallisch to pick the MVP, it was hard for him to pick a high point. Certainly getting to know and interact with the seminarians was one, and the common prayer was another. Perhaps it was how the seminarians made him recall his own seminary days. “It’s humbling for me to spend some time with these guys and to see their devotion to the Lord, how seriously they take their discernment and formation, and to see their camaraderie,” said Father Wallisch. “They inspire me to want to be a better priest, a better member of the presbyterate and a better vocations director.”