09-11-15 Vol. 37 No. 6 by The Leaven

THELEAVEN.ORG | VOL. 37, NO. 6 | SEPTEMBER 11, 2015

AND WE’RE OFF!

The Leaven launches new website, plus paper redesign By Anita McSorley anita.mcsorley@theleaven.org

ANSAS CITY, Kan. — As the parent of two college students this year, I have more reason than most to appreciate Oscar Wilde’s famous line: “I am not young enough to know everything.” But as the managing editor of The Leaven, I make a point of never underestimating the energy, enthusiasm and sheer unadulterated talent of the young Catholics of this archdiocese. In fact, I can even be accused of banking on it. When I proposed to editor Father Mark last spring that we bypass the usual process of constructing a new website — i.e., hiring it out to a third party — in favor of tackling it in-house, I’m sure his “gulp!” could be heard for miles. But when I explained who I planned to tap to do the actual work, he gave a great big thumbs-up — then stayed as far away from the project as possible. We always knew that longtime webmaster Darin Hansen (who doubles as the technology guru at St. Agnes School in Roeland Park) would be a big part of the makeover. Because we would be bringing the site over from an HTML environment to something more userfriendly, we knew we needed his knowledge of the current site and usage patterns, as well as his coding expertise, in on the ground level. But his full-time job didn’t allow him — or us, for that matter — the jillions of hours necessary to build an entire site. As luck would have it, two sisters who had interned with us before — Katie and Libby Hyde of Good Shepherd Parish in Shawnee — were both available for summer work. Although we had previously utilized their writing skills for The Leaven (both have won writing awards for the paper), they had many skills yet to tap. And so, long before the official beginning of summer, we had decided to build a WordPress site, using the appropriately named theme “Fearless.”

CHANGES

The summer of the interns The decision to go with a WordPress site was easy enough. We needed something that anyone in our office could post to — even reporters in the field. But the number of decisions that followed the selection of our theme (a

Pope Francis makes annulment process easier. Asks that it be free. Page 3

template that provides the basic architecture for a WordPress site) was truly staggering. And there were the occasional dispiriting moments. “It was pretty daunting,” admitted Katie. “We had less than four months to design a website, train the staff in how to use it and troubleshoot any technical issues before the interns all

GAME ON

Catholic high school football kicked off, and The Leaven caught the action. Page 8-9

went back to college.” Libby agreed. “Honestly, the biggest problem to overcome with building the site was the sheer size of the project itself,” she said. But working together helped. “Libby actually brought more technical knowledge to the table,” said >> See “NEW” on page 5

TRUE BLUE

Archbishop Naumann honors police and firefighters with a Blue Mass. Page 16

SEPTEMBER 11, 2015 | THELEAVEN.ORG

ARCHBISHOP

“Date night” only one way to strengthen your marriage

ecently, I was invited to participate in the monthly date night sponsored by the School of Love. The School of Love is an archdiocesan-approved ministry that seeks to strengthen the spiritual lives of married couples while simultaneously strengthening their marital and family life. I am 66 years old and I had never been on a date night! The founders of the School of Love are Mike and Kristi Dennihan, who are a 30-something couple and proud parents of three young children. Mike has a master’s degree in biblical studies from the Augustine Institute. Kristi has a master’s degree from the John Paul II Pontifical Institute for Studies on Marriage and Family. Mike and Kristi have dedicated their lives to helping foster vibrant marriages and families that are deeply rooted in Catholic marital spirituality. The Dennihans invited me to give a brief talk to a group of couples, who gather once a month to renew and deepen their love for each other and to equip themselves to live better their marital vows. The main theme of my presentation was to attempt to impress upon these couples how important their marriage is — not only to them and their children, but to the church, our community and the nation. Truly, the fate of our nation and culture rests with the strength of family life. Strong families are built upon vibrant marriages. In the 10-year vision for the archdiocese that was recently promulgated, one of the three key Initiatives is: strengthen the vocation of marriage and family life. One of the goals for this particular initiative is to invite every married couple to participate in a minimum of one marriage enrichment activity by February 2017. There are many marriage enrichment opportunities that are offered in the archdiocese, e.g., “Living in Love” retreats, Marriage Encounter weekends, Dr. Laurie Heap’s “Prescrip-

LIFE WILL BE VICTORIOUS ARCHBISHOP JOSEPH F. NAUMANN

LISTEN to

this article online at: www.theleaven.org.

tion for a Long and Happy Life,” Teams of Our Lady groups, and School of Love events and resources. A unique feature of the School of Love is that it offers marriage and family life enrichment resources online, so that couples can use them at a time that best fits their schedule. While preparing my talk for date night, I read the most recent post at the Princess Prayer blog authored by Emily and Caroline Thompson. Emily and Caroline are 20-something single women who write a weekly blog about living their Catholic faith in the

midst of contemporary American culture. Emily’s topic for the week was the ongoing conversion that is necessary for every serious disciple of Jesus. She compared the dynamics of conversion to those of dating. Emily shared that she often found dating more stressful than fun. Caroline gave her sister a different way to look at dating that helped to release some of the self-imposed pressure. Caroline suggested “that dating is just getting to know someone’s story.” I thought about Caroline’s observation and its application to the couples participating in the School of Love date night. One of the great gifts that married couples bring to each other is their continued desire to know each other’s story. Some of the couples at date night were recently married, but some had already celebrated their

silver anniversary. In one sense, they already knew well each other’s story. Yet, our stories continue to be written each day. There are always new sentences, new paragraphs and new chapters to the story. In vibrant marriages, husbands and wives continue to care about the unfolding stories of each other’s lives. They want to know about the events and occurrences of their spouse’s day. In fact, the interest of their spouse makes a husband or a wife more attune both to the difficulties and experiences of beauty that are part of everyday life. In marriages that are vibrant, spouses are eager to share with each other the highs and lows — as well as the ordinary moments — of their days. They want to keep discovering one another’s story. They cannot wait to read the next chapter! I told the couples at date night I was happy to spend my ordination anniversary with them. At my ordination as a bishop 18 years ago, I received a ring that, in part, symbolized my espousal to the people entrusted into my pastoral care. On my anniversary, I had the opportunity to spend time with some of those to whom I am espoused. I had the opportunity to learn a

little about what was going on in their lives and to share with them how important their striving to live their marital vows of love is to me and the entire church. I confess that I enjoy the summer months, when I take a sabbatical from writing these columns. However, at the same time, I miss the opportunity to share with you some of the beautiful experiences of my life, as well as to reflect upon some of the challenges that we face living our Catholic faith in 21stcentury America. These weekly columns are a vehicle for me to share from my heart to your heart what I consider to be most important as we strive together to live our faith with integrity and fidelity. Many people have expressed to me that they enjoy reading these weekly columns. Thank you for reading these articles and for caring to know what is in my heart. I feel blessed with the spouse Our Lord has provided for me. I look forward to resuming these weekly visits. P.S. If you are married, I encourage you to check out the School of Love website at: schooloflovekc.com. Take advantage of this great resource to help make good marriages even better!

CALENDAR

ARCHBISHOP NAUMANN Sept. 11 Convocation of parish ministries — Savior Pastoral Center Sept. 12 Installation of Father Brandon Farrar and adoration chapel blessing — Sacred Heart, Emporia Sept. 13 Installation of Father Pete O’Sullivan — Holy Trinity, Paola Baptism of third or more child — Cathedral of St. Peter, Kansas City, Kansas Sept. 14 U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Pro-Life Committee meeting — Washington, D.C. Life and Dignity working group — Washington, D.C. Sept. 15 “Shepherd’s Voice” recording Catholic Radio radiothon Ethics Committee meeting — Chancery Sept. 16 Presbyteral Council meeting Catholic Education Foundation board meeting — Our Lady of Unity, Kansas City, Kansas Sept. 17 Kansas City-St. Joseph cabinet meeting — Kansas City-St. Joseph chancery Administrative Team meeting — Chancery USCCB Committee on Communications video conference Sept. 18-21 Knights of the Holy Sepulcher meeting — Minneapolis-St. Paul

ARCHBISHOP KELEHER Sept. 19 State prison Mass and banquet Sept. 20 Federal prison Mass LEAVEN PHOTO BY RACHEL THOMPSON

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann talks to couples at the School of Love date night on Sept. 3. The School of Love is an archdiocesan-approved ministry that seeks to strengthen the spiritual lives of married couples while simultaneously strengthening their marital and family life.

Baptism — Prince of Peace, Olathe

SEPTEMBER 11, 2015 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

LEAVEN PHOTO BY STAFANO SPAZINI

Rewriting a section of the Latin-rite Code of Canon Law and of the Code of Canons of the Eastern Churches, Pope Francis said he was not “promoting the nullity of marriages, but the quickness of the processes” so that Catholic couples are not “oppressed by the shadow of doubt” for prolonged periods.

Pope simplifies annulment process, asks that it be free of charge By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service

ATICAN CITY (CNS) — While a juridical process is necessary for making accurate judgments, the Catholic Church’s marriage annulment process must be quicker, cheaper and much more of a pastoral ministry, Pope Francis said. Rewriting a section of the Latin-rite Code of Canon Law and of the Code of Canons of the Eastern Churches, Pope Francis said he was not “promoting the nullity of marriages, but the quickness of the processes, as well as a correct simplicity” of the procedures so that Catholic couples are not “oppressed by the shadow of doubt” for prolonged periods. The Vatican released Sept. 8 the texts of two papal documents, “Mitis Iudex Dominus Iesus” (“The Lord Jesus, the Gentle Judge”) for the Latin-rite church and “Mitis et misericors Iesus,” (“The Meek and Merciful Jesus”) for the Eastern Catholic churches. The changes, including the option of a brief process without the obligatory automatic appeal, go into effect Dec. 8,

Publication No. (ISSN0194-9799) President: Most Reverend Joseph F. Naumann

POPE FRANCIS SAID THE CHANGES IN THE ANNULMENT PROCESS WERE MOTIVATED BY “CONCERN FOR THE SALVATION OF SOULS,” AND PARTICULARLY “CHARITY AND MERCY” TOWARD THOSE WHO FEEL ALIENATED FROM THE CHURCH BECAUSE OF THEIR MARRIAGE SITUATIONS. Msgr. Pio Vito Pinto, dean of the Roman Rota

the opening day of the Year of Mercy. The rules for the Latin and Eastern churches are substantially the same since the differences in texts refer mainly to the different structures of the hierarchy with Latin churches having bishops and Eastern churches having eparchs and patriarchs. Pope Francis said the changes in the annulment process were motivated by

“concern for the salvation of souls,” and particularly “charity and mercy” toward those who feel alienated from the church because of their marriage situations and the perceived complexity of the church’s annulment process. The new rules replace canons 16711691 of the Code of Canon Law and canons 1357-1377 of the Eastern code. Pope Francis also provided a set of “procedural regulations” outlining how his reforms are to take place, encouraging bishops in small dioceses to train personnel who can handle marriage cases and spelling out specific conditions when a bishop can issue a declaration of nullity after an abbreviated process. Those conditions include: when it is clear one or both parties lacked the faith to give full consent to a Catholic marriage; when the woman had an abortion to prevent procreation; remaining in an extramarital relationship at the time of the wedding or immediately afterward; one partner hiding knowledge of infertility, a serious contagious disease, children from a previous union or a history of incarceration; and when physical violence was used to extort consent for the marriage.

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

Production Manager Todd Habiger todd.habiger@theleaven.org

Managing Editor Anita McSorley anita.mcsorley@theleaven.org

Senior Reporter Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

Advertising Coordinator Julie Holthaus julie.holthaus@theleaven.org

The reformed processes were drafted by a special committee Pope Francis established a year earlier. Among the criteria he said guided their work, the first was the possibility of there being “only one executive sentence in favor of nullity” when the local bishop or judge delegated by him had the “moral certainty” that the marriage was not valid. Previously, an appeal was automatic and a declaration of nullity had to come from two tribunals. Msgr. Pio Vito Pinto, dean of the Roman Rota, a Vatican court, and president of the commission that drafted the new rules, told reporters that Pope Francis asked for updates throughout the year, sought a review by four “great canonists” not involved in the drafting and in the end adopted the changes with “great seriousness, but also great serenity.” The changes made by Pope Francis, particularly the responsibility and trust placed in local bishops, are the most substantial changes in the church’s marriage law since the pontificate of Pope Benedict XIV in the mid-1700s, Msgr. Pinto said. >> See “PROCEDURES” on page 11

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.

SEPTEMBER 11, 2015 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

Archdiocese boasts second largest Serra Club in the world

By Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

Father Junipero Serra

ANSAS CITY, Kan. — Father Junipero Serra never made it to Kansas. During his lifetime, the soon-to-be-canonized Father Junipero traveled extensively across Mexico and California. He died in California in 1784 and is buried at the first of nine missions he personally founded. Imagine his astonishment if the Spanish Franciscan could visit present-day Kansas and see men and women who promote priestly and religious vocations as members of Serra Clubs. “I was born and raised in California, and I’m very familiar with Father Junipero Serra,” said Phyllis Lieb, president of the Atchison Serra Club. “He established missions up and down the coast, and I’ve been to most of them. That man was amazing. . . . He was kind of a one-man wonder, actually.” Serra International is an organization of laymen and women dedicated to promoting vocations and supporting priests and religious. The first Serra Club was formed in 1935 in Seattle, and the first club in the archdiocese was chartered in 1970 in Kansas City, Kansas. There are about 286 Serra Clubs in the United States. “We’re the second largest in the world,” said John Coakley, president of the 144-member Serra Club of Kansas City, Kansas. “We used to be the biggest, but the largest is now St. Louis.” Doctor Robert Luchi, a member of the Serra Club of Kansas City, Kansas, joined after being inspired by a plea from Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann for laypersons to aid vocations efforts. “I thought, ‘Look, here’s something you can do to promote, sustain and affirm vocations,’” said Luchi. “At that point, I decided to join Serra.” In addition to having Serra Clubs in Atchison and Kansas City, Kansas, there are plans to found or expand clubs in Topeka, Lawrence, Leavenworth and in the Nemaha-Marshall Region, said Nancy Gibson. In addition to being a member of the Serra Club of Johnson County, Gibson is the Serra district governor of Serra Region 12-2 Central and vice president of membership of the USA Council of Serra International. “We have Feb. 25 as the charter date for the Nemaha-Marshall club,” said Gibson. “It’s kind of an exciting thing. We have a lot of vocations that come from that area. We obviously need to work on vocations throughout the archdiocese.” Serra Clubs have two basic goals. One is to promote vocations through prayer and activities, and the other is to enrich the spiritual life of its members, said Coakley. Both are important. “The importance of Serra to the church is the presence and prayer of a lay organization promoting, encouraging and seeking out vocations

n Sept. 23, Pope Francis will declare Blessed Junipero Serra a saint at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washing-

The archdiocesan Serra Clubs sponsor many activities to promote and support vocations including, clockwise from top left: a priests’ golf day, the Runnin’ Revs basketball games, the parentseminarian luncheon and a religious Sisters’ appreciation day. to the priesthood and religious life,” said Coakley. “Such importance brings awareness and love for our special people who lead us to the road of salvation. The strengthening of the faith of our Serra members may be called a goal of our club, but such a goal is hardly a secondary item.” The activities of the Serra Clubs are many. Sometimes they’re jointly sponsored by two or more clubs, and sometimes an activity is specific to just one club. Monsignor Michael Mullen, pastor of St. Patrick Parish in Kansas City, Kansas, has been an enthusiastic supporter of Serra Clubs for years and is currently the chaplain of the Serra Club of Kansas City, Kansas. Serrans host a variety of activities, said Msgr. Mullen. Some of the big, annual social events and activities include the Blisters for Sisters Walkathon, the retired priests dinner, the Al Bukaty Golf Outing and Dinner, appreciation dinners and picnics for women religious, Runnin’ Revs basketball games, the sixth-grade vocations essay contest, College Connection for graduating high school seniors, seminary visits and the December dinner for seminarians and their parents. Other events, which the Serrans do not sponsor but support, include the annual fifth-grade vocations days at Catholic schools and the annual Support Our Seminarians dinner and auction. Additionally, the Serrans devote themselves to prayer for those discerning vocations by taking part in the 31 Club (praying on an assigned day monthly), worshiping at a monthly vocations Mass at parishes and being prayer partners with seminarians. “There are vocations that manifest themselves, but we have to foster them,” said Gibson. “We know that there are men and women who may not be conscious of their vocations, and we

need to awaken them through prayer. We have to reassure them that if God is calling them, they need to answer that call.” The clubs generally hold monthly meetings, which have a program featuring interesting speakers. “Anytime we have a program, we put it in the church bulletin,” said Lieb. “A lot of parents bring their kids. The kids get to hear how [the speakers] became priests and religious. We make sure the kids get to hear these stories.” Why should a Catholic join Serra? “For Christian fellowship,” said Joe Strobl. “We meet and make friends — not just from our parish, but from all of Johnson County.” “And to pray for vocations to the priesthood and religious life,” said Phyllis Strobl. The Strobls, now co-presidents of the Serra Club of Johnson County, joined Serra when their son Andrew entered the seminary. They saw firsthand how relationships in Serra make a difference. “I think [seminarians] realize how much support that the Serra Club members give them financially, but also holding them up in prayer,” said Phyllis. “The relationships built when the men are in seminary carry over and keep growing after they become ordained.” Fundamentally, a Serran is being a person of hope — someone who looks forward to the future for the church, according to Gibson. A Serran looks at the “big picture” and sees not only the future, but eternity. “We feel the Serrans are important for the future of the church,” she said. “We look at Serrans as a legacy to our children and grandchildren to continue to pray for and support vocations — not just in the United States, but throughout the world. If you look around, you’ll see priests from other countries serving in our parishes. We need to support vocations throughout the world.”

ton, D.C. Long-honored as one of the founders of California, the Spanish Franciscan is also recognized as a missionary par excellence for founding nine missions from San Francisco to San Diego. Blessed Junipero was born on the island of Majorca, Spain, on Nov. 24, 1713. He attended a Franciscan school where he soon proved his intellectual abilities. He became a novice and was ordained a priest in 1737. He received a doctorate in theology and taught at the Lullian University in Palma de Majorca. Although he was considered a brilliant teacher, writer and homilist, Blessed Serra had a desire to be a missionary. He arrived in Veracruz, Mexico, in 1749 and taught for a while at the College of San Fernando in Mexico City. In 1749, Blessed Junipero volunteered to become a missionary to what is now California. Despite a chronic condition to one leg from an injury soon after he arrived in Mexico, the Franciscan was very energetic in evangelizing the Native Americans of California. In addition to teaching the Gospel and establishing schools, Blessed Junipero also taught many practical things such as agriculture, animal husbandry and useful skills for home and farm. He personally founded nine of the existing 21 colonial Spanish missions. Modern critics disparage him for his relationship with the Spanish colonial authorities, some of his methods of instilling order and discipline at the missions, and the effect of Spanish culture on Native American culture. Blessed Junipero’s defenders, however, note that he also defended the Native Americans from the Spanish colonial authorities, was caring and forgiving, and had a genuine interest in bettering their earthly and spiritual lives. Blessed Junipero died on Aug. 28, 1784, at age 70 and was buried under the sanctuary floor of Mission San Carlos Borromeo in Carmel-by-the-Sea.

SEPTEMBER 11, 2015 | THELEAVEN.ORG

>> Continued from page 1 Katie, “because she is three years younger than me and just recently graduated [from] high school. “We also had the help of three other interns — Jennie Littleton, Bridget McSorley and Mitchell Walters. They were instrumental in transferring our archives, word by word, as far back as 2009 to our new site.” “It was deadly boring, I’m sure,” added Katie, “but it will be very useful for our readers.”

‘Our baby’ Of course, there was one little hitch in our grand plan for the summer. Far too soon, it was over! The interns had

to check out THELEAVEN’S LEAVEN’S THE

website

10 Email alerts Want to be among the first to know when there is breaking news? (OK, we don’t get breaking news very often, but are you forgetting the day the pope announced he was stepping down?)

9 Calendar Misplaced your print issue? No problem. The calendar of events is now online!

So what’s in it for me? If you weren’t here to enjoy the cheerful company of bright and funny college kids all summer (in addition to the aging grumpy journalists that usually inhabit our office), you’re probably wondering by now what’s in this for you. In a word, plenty. (For a list of the top 10 reasons to check out our new website, see sidebar.) The new site enables The Leaven staff to post news anytime and from anywhere — and it’s stuffed to the gills with new content. In the past, The Leaven website has pretty much been parts of the print product in a digital format that was updated once a week on the publishing date of the print Leaven. But the new site allows the Web offering to be much more than a poor stepchild to the paper. Leaven designer Todd Habiger describes it now as a “companion piece” instead. “The website isn’t intended to replace the paper — only complement it,” said Habiger. “The paper is still the best way to get the news to the people of the archdiocese. “But online we can offer our readers things that we can’t fit into our 16 pages of print: more photos, audio, video — things that don’t lend themselves to newspapers. “With the new website, we hope to offer more of what people love about The Leaven — just online.”

10 TOP

new

New site features new content every day

REASONS

LOCAL NEWS

8 Spanish language LEAVEN PHOTO BY JOE MCSORLEY

Leaven interns Katie (left) and Libby Hyde built the new Leaven website from the ground up. Theleaven.org officially launches on Sept. 11. to go back to college. So the last few weeks of their time here was crammed with building, then training, then building some more. “Training my coworkers to use WordPress was a really interesting experience for me because . . . I have rarely been responsible for teaching adults new skills,” said Libby, who started as a freshman at the University of Kansas in Lawrence in August. “Being a student, I am so used to learning from others,” she said. “It was challenging in a new way for me to teach those older than me.” Katie, finishing up at American University in Washington, D.C., this December, said it helped that she and Libby both already knew the staff — its strengths and its limitations. “We understood that The Leaven has a small staff and is very busy with weekly deadlines. So we worked hard to create a site that could be maintained by the staff without too much outside support,” she said. Just as it was hard for the regular Leaven staff — even with the help of Hansen and Katie remotely — to shoulder the site at the end of the summer, so, too, was it difficult for the interns to let it go. “We both secretly refer to the website as ‘our baby,’” admitted Katie, “which I think best demonstrates how important this project was to us.”

Paper gets a new ’do As if launching a new website this summer wasn’t challenging enough, Habiger decided that some design changes were in order to show both off to best effect. Readers will notice new photos of our columnists, a newly designed calendar of events and a few tweaks in other places. And, in case you missed him, Habiger and various photographers visited every parish this summer, so entire shoots of every church are available to any pastor who asks for them. Visitors to the website will also see those fresh photos pop up in the weekly video series “Holy Destinations,” which features a different church of the archdiocese each week. There’s too much more in both the redesigned paper and on the website to cover here. But keep reading — and now visiting us at: www.theleaven.org — and give us a chance to impress you. And before you leave the website, be sure and look for the feedback form. Feedback on the new site will be much appreciated, but we’d love even more to hear your story ideas. When it comes right down to it, and despite all the new bells and whistles, at heart we are simply storytellers. Give us the chance to spread His story by sharing yours.

New site showcases photos, parish treasures

Katie Hyde

Darin Hansen

Father Mark Goldasich

Todd Habiger

“I’m a big personal fan of the parish directory. Readers can see pictures of all the spectacularly beautiful churches in the archdiocese as well as find a lot of useful information on Mass times, phone numbers, etc. It combines something that is imminently practical with something that is entertaining and fun to look at.”

“I love that the photo galleries allow our talented photographers to showcase more of their images. It will allow the reader to get a better feel for the stories and put them in the center of the event. “I also like the quick forms on the home page that visitors can use to contact The Leaven staff about anniversaries and story ideas. We welcome your feedback, so if there is something you wish theleaven.org would have — please use the online form to let us know.”

“One of the greatest criticisms of our old site — and it was entirely fair — was that it was hard to find stories from past issues. Now, thanks to the greater searchability of the new site and the tireless efforts of all of our amazing interns, you can quickly find stories dating back almost 10 years. And we’ll keep working on the archives until all the digital files we have are transferred over.”

“It’s easy to overlook, since it’s not actually a new feature, but the fact that we can now all post directly to our website instead of waiting for something to be posted by a webmaster is a huge advantage, I think. As we move forward, I think it’s going to be our new ability to cover the news in a more timely fashion that might matter the most.”

Whether Spanish is your first language or you’re learning it in the classroom, look for the complete coverage of Pope Francis’ trip to the United States to be available in Spanish as well.

7 Parish directory Details on every parish in the archdiocese are yours with the click of a mouse — including Mass times.

Columnists

Follow your favorite columnist — back through the years.

5 Contact us Online submission of wedding anniversaries, ads, story ideas and other feedback makes it easy for you to reach us.

4 Video Watch for short video clips accompanying our stories and Todd Habiger’s “Holy Destinations” video series, featuring a different church of the archdiocese each week.

3 Photos, photos, photos Photo galleries of our major shoots will now go up when the accompanying story is posted.

2 Faster, easier searching The new site makes it easy to search for topics old and new. Just type in a search term and see what pops up! Our stories can also be searched by writer, columnist or category (youth, archdiocese, Vatican, etc.) as well.

1 New content every day In the past, The Leaven website was just much of the regular Leaven duplicated online. Now, not only will you be able to see far more pictures than can be fit into the print edition, but you will see other new content every day. Some will be Web exclusives from The Leaven staff. But the coverage of both national and world church news will be much more robust as well. So look for us online at: www. theleaven.org and let us know what you think!

SEPTEMBER 11, 2015 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

WEB EXCLUSIVE

Ranch offers spiritual opportunities for all ages

W A

Sister Joachim Holthaus, OSB

TCHISON — Sister Joachim Holthaus, 93, a Benedictine Sister of Mount St. Scholastica, died Aug. 27 at the monastery here. Born in Seneca, she entered the Mount community in 1941 after graduating from Sts. Peter and Paul High School, Seneca. She earned a master’s degree in music from the Chicago Musical College and a doctorate in musicology from the University of Southern California, Los Angeles. She also did advanced studies in music at the University of Salzburg, Austria; Loyola University New Orleans; and Columbia University, New York. For five summers, she taught Gregorian chant at the Saratoga Potsdam Choral Institute in New York. A distinguished musician and teacher, Sister Joachim taught music at Mount St. Scholastica College, then at Benedictine College, from 1951 until 1989, chairing the department from 1961 to 1981.

In 1990, Sister Joachim founded the Mount Conservatory of Music, where she continued to teach organ, piano and harp until the age of 90. She also served as monastery schola (choir) director and organist, chair of the liturgy team, vice president of the community senate, and was twice a delegate to the general chapter of the Federation of St. Scholastica. She was vice president of the Atchison Community Concerts Association, a member of the American Benedictine Academy and Benedictine Musicians of America, the American Musicological Society, American Harp Society and Sigma Alpha Iota, and was the first female Rotary International member in Kansas. Named “Educator of the Year” at Benedictine College in 1985, she also performed concerts in several states and composed music used in Benedictine monasteries throughout the country.

ILLIAMSBURG — Prairie Star Ranch is gearing up for two big events in September. Prairie Star Under the Stars will be held from 10 a.m. Sept. 26 to 10 a.m. Sept. 27. All high school youth groups and families are invited for a spiritual campout experience. Participants will have the opportunity to try out canoing, archery, and scaling the camp’s climbing tower. There will also be a Gaga Ball tournament as well as opportunities for prayer, Mass and adoration. Cost is $5 per person. The second event, Family Day, will be held Sept. 27 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. All families, friends, and parish groups are invited to attend. Spend time in the 300 acres of woods, prairie land and waterfront in order to grow closer to one another through Christ in nature. For more information, contact Prairie Star Ranch at (785) 746-5693. Registration for both events can be done online at: www.archkck.org/ ranch.

CHURCH OF THE WEEK The Cathedral of St. Peter, Kansas City, Kansas Address: 409 N. 15th, 66102 Phone: (913) 371-0840 Rector: Father Harold Schneider Mass times: Saturday, 4 p.m.; Sunday, 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 12:45 p.m. (en español), 5 p.m.

Video

A video tour of the Cathedral of St. Peter is available online at: www.theleaven.org.

More photos of this church can be seen online at: www.theleaven.org. The Leaven’s website will feature a video tour and photo gallery of one archdiocesan church each week. Check this space every week to find out what church will be featured.

SEPTEMBER 11, 2015 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS Don and Roseann (Schmitz) Mitchell, members of Sacred Heart - St. Joseph Parish, Topeka, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on Sept. 20 with a lunch for family and an open house from 2-4 p.m. at St. Joseph Church hall, 227 S.W. Van Buren. Hosts will be their children — Sharon Shaw and Rick Mitchell — and four grandsons. The couple was married on Sept. 25, 1965, at St. Mary Church, St. Benedict. Eileen (McNally) and Jim Swearingen, members of Holy S p i r i t Parish, O ve r l a n d Park, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on Sept. 18. The couple was married at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Pittsburg. In June, the couple traveled to Florida with their immediate family to celebrate. Their children are: Sara Swearingen, Julie Schaller, Dave Swearingen and Emily Swearingen. They also have three grandchildren.

Archdiocese thanked WASHINGTON, D.C. — Sister Janice Bader, CPPS, executive director of the Retirement Fund for Religious, sent a letter of thanks to the people of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas for the $112,601.83, they contributed in 2014. “Your generosity . . . enables our office to distribute critical funding to help religious communities meet the day-to-day needs of senior members,” she said in her letter.

Judy (Redmond) and John Baltuska, members of Holy Spirit Parish, Overland Park, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on Sept. 4. The couple was married at St. Therese Little Flower Church, Kansas City, Missouri. Their children are Mark Baltuska, Diane Clark and David Baltuska. They also have five grandchildren. They will celebrate with a trip to New England in October.

Joyce and Bud Burris, members of St. John the Baptist Parish, Greeley, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary with family and friends on Sept. 19. The couple was married Sept. 18, 1965, at St. John by Father Jack Harrington. Their children are: Annette Husted, Christina Shaw, Veronica Burris, Jacqueline Burris, Michelle Burris, Dawnelle Shelley and Charles “Tony” Burris. They also have six grandchildren and five step-grandchildren.

Dick and Angela (Hutfles) Rosebrough, members of St. Aloysius Parish, Meriden, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on Sept. 5 with an open house, followed by Mass and a dinner party hosted by their children. The couple was married on Sept. 4, 1965, at Sacred Heart Church, Colby. Their children are: Stephen, Daniel, David and Matthew. They also have 10 grandchildren.

Janet and George French, members of St. Joseph Parish, Waverly, will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary on Sept. 17 with their immediate family. The couple was married on Sept. 17, 1955, at St. Joseph Parish, Waverly. Their children are: Gary French, Melvern; Diane Chapman, Ottawa; and Marcia Thompson, Emporia. They also have six grandchildren and four greatgrandchildren.

Lynda (Blocker) and Fred Mehrtens Jr., members of Christ the King Parish, Topeka, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on Sept. 18. The couple was married by Father Alfred Koestner, OSB, at St. James Church in Wetmore. Their children are: Fred Mehrtens, Eskridge; Renessa Mehrtens, Baldwin City; and Angele Mehrtens, Fort Worth, Texas. They also have two grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Donna and Pat Mulligan, members of Christ the King Parish, Topeka, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary with a family dinner. The couple was married on Sept. 11, 1965, at Church of the Assumption, Topeka. Their children are: Brian Mulligan, Berryton; Michael Mulligan, Lenexa; and Carrie Mulligan, Lawrence. They also have seven grandchildren.

Announcement

he Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas has recently received credible allegations of abuse of minors against Father Edward Roberts, a priest of the archdiocese who died in 1997. Ordained in 1941, Father Roberts was assigned to the following parishes: the Cathedral of St. Peter, Kansas City, Kansas; St. Teresa, Westphalia; Sacred Heart, Baileyville;

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St. Gregory, Marysville; St. Joseph, Nortonville; and Holy Name, Topeka. If you have information regarding allegations of abuse against Father Roberts, please call the Confidential Report Line at (913) 647-3051; Dr. Dennis Schemmel, victim assistance coordinator, at (913) 909-2740; and/ or local law enforcement officials. The archdiocese asks anyone who has knowledge of inappropriate con-

duct by any priest, deacon, employee or volunteer to please contact the Confidential Report Line at (913) 6473051 or civil authorities. The archdiocese respects the sincere concerns of all individuals who bring forth allegations of misconduct and is fully committed to conducting thorough investigations of all such allegations and cooperating with law enforcement officials.

Father Roberts

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ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL? A rchdiocesan Catholic high schools kicked off

their respective football seasons recently, and The Leaven was there catching all the game

action. Check out these photos from each school’s opening games and then go to our new website — www.theleaven.org — to see extended photo galleries from the games.

BISHOP WARD HAYDEN Senior linebacker Charles Kump leads the Ward defensive assault on Sumner Academy running Hayden’s offense watches from the sidelines as the defense tries to keep Seaman High School out of the back Leonard Green III. Ward fell behind 21-0 but rallied in the fourth quarter for 16 unanswered points. The comeback attempt fell just short, as Ward lost 21-16. (PHOTO BY DOUG HESSE)

Stag Nation was out in force for Bishop Miege’s home opener. Miege gave the student section plenty to cheer about with a convincing 57-14 victory. (PHOTO BY DIANA LUPPENS)

end zone in the third quarter of Hayden’s opening night game. Ranked third in Kansas 4A high schools, Hayden emerged with a 28-7 victory. (PHOTO BY JULIE ANDERSON)

Maranatha running back and Immaculata High School senior Cory Holcomb has his knee examined following a run. Holcomb ended up completing the game. (PHOTO BY ERIC POWELL)

Junior wide receiver Anthony Sanchez Jr., tries to evade two defenders in Bishop Ward’s 21-16 lost to Sumner Academy. (PHOTO BY DOUG HESSE)

BISHOP MIEGE vs BLUE VALLEY NORTHWEST

MARANATHA vs OSWEGO

BISHOP WARD vs SUMNER ACADEMY

Bishop Miege, the top ranked team in Class 4A and defending state champions, flexed their muscle against Blue Valley Northwest with a dominating 57-14 victory.

Immaculata High School is co-oping with Maranatha Christian Academy in Shawnee in 2015 for football. Maranatha and Oswego put on a good show with Oswego ending up with the 20-16 win.

Bishop Ward fell behind 21-0, but mounted a furious comeback attempt in the second half. The rally fell short, however, as Ward lost 21-16.

Aquinas defensi look for a way to The Saints fell 3

ST. JAMES St. James offensive lineman Connor Mayfield cools

down during a timeout in the first quarter of St. James’ game against Pleasant Hill (Missouri) High School. The Thunder picked up an impressive 28-8 victory. (PHOTO BY LORI WOOD HABIGER)

AQUINAS Aquinas quarterback Karter Odermann tries to bring the Saints back against a tough Mill Valley team. Odermannn and the Saints came up short, falling 38-20. (PHOTO BY DOUG HESSE)

MARANATHA MIEGE Maranatha junior running back Micha Webb slashes through the Oswego defense for a score to give Marana- The Bishop Miege offense surrounds a Blue Valley Northwest defender as he pounces on a Miege tha a 16-14 lead. Oswego would come back and take home a 20-16 victory. Maranatha Christian Academy and Immaculata High School are combining forces this year to form one team. (PHOTO BY ERIC POWELL)

fumble. Miscues were few and far between for the Stags as they routed Blue Valley Northwest 57-14 at their home opener. (PHOTO BY DIANA LUPPENS)

MAUR HILL-MT. ACADEMY

ive coordinator Chad McKinnis and his defense o stop a potent Mill Valley offense but couldn’t. 38-20. (PHOTO BY DOUG HESSE)

ST. THOMAS AQUINAS vs MILL VALLEY The preseason No. 1-ranked Aquinas Saints went up against the fifth-ranked Mill Valley Jaguars. Three turnovers doomed the Saints, who fell 38-20.

The Hayden defensive line, led by Justin Eichman (66) and Jake Heit (50) put forth a huge effort, holding Seaman to one touchdown. Hayden won 28-7. (PHOTO BY JULIE ANDERSON)

HAYDEN vs SEAMAN

Hayden, the 2014 Class 4A state runner-up and No. 3-ranked team in Kansas, got its season off on the right foot with an impressive 28-7 victory over Seaman High School.

Sophomore receiver Mason Dunsmore hauls in a pass from quarterback Trey Keith during St. James’ 28-8 victory over Pleasant Hill High School. (PHOTO BY LORI WOOD HABIGER)

ST. JAMES ACADEMY vs PLEASANT HILL, MO. St James was impressive in its victory as running back Jake Burgmeier rushed for 112 yards and two TDs. Quarterback Trey Keith added 70 yards on the ground and 43 yards passing.

What about Maur Hill? Maur Hill originally was scheduled to play Immaculata but, due to Immaculata’s co-op with Maranatha Christian Academy, the game was forfeited. Maur Hill opens its season on Sept. 11 at home against Jackson Heights. The Leaven will be there catching all the action. Check out our website for game highlights.

JOIN US AT THE MONTHLY HOLY ROSARY RALLIES OF KANSAS CITY In Honor of Our Lady of Fatima In reparation for sins to help restore Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s peace to the hearts of mankind

e meet one Sunday each month from 3 to 4:15 pm at a parish in the Greater Kansas City Area to pray the Joyful, Sorrowful and Glorious Mysteries of the Holy Rosary followed by Benediction and the opportunity for attendees to enroll in the Brown Scapular.

AUTUMN 2015 HOLY ROSARY RALLIES OF GREATER KANSAS CITY SCHEDULE* September 13th Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception 416 W 12th St. Kansas City, MO 64105 October 11th St. Andrew the Apostle Parish 6415 NE Antioch, Gladstone, MO 64119 November 15th Our Lady of Sorrows Parish 2552 Gillham Rd. Kansas City, MO 64108 December 13th Christ the King Parish 8510 Wornall Rd. Kansas City, MO 64114 Visit our website to join our mailing list and receive regular monthly reminders and any updates on our schedule: www.rosaryrallieskc.org * Please check our website two weeks prior to each Holy Rosary Rally to confirm location/date

WORLD

SEPTEMBER 11, 2015 | THELEAVEN.ORG

Pope calls on parishes in Europe to take in refugees By Carol Glatz Catholic News Service

ATICAN CITY (CNS) — Given the ongoing crisis of people fleeing from war and poverty, Pope Francis asked every parish and religious community in Europe to take in a family of refugees as a concrete sign of hope and God’s mercy. “The Gospel calls us, asks us to be near the least and the abandoned. To give them concrete hope, not just say ‘Hang in there, have patience!’” he said in an appeal after praying the Angelus with those gathered in St. Peter’s Square Sept. 6. “Christian hope has a fighting spirit with the tenacity of someone who is heading toward a sure goal,” he said, while he encouraged all of his “brother bishops of Europe — true shepherds,” to support his appeal in their dioceses. “In the face of the tragedy of tens of thousands of refugees, who are fleeing death because of war and hunger” and are seeking a new life, the pope called on “parishes, religious communities, monasteries and sanctuaries all across Europe to give concrete expression of the Gospel and receive a family of refugees.” God’s mercy is expressed through the works of regular men and women,

CNS PHOTO BY MARKO DJURICA, REUTERS

A migrant from Syria cries as she stands with her children on a field after crossing into Hungary from the border with Serbia near the village of Roszke Sept. 5. he said, reminding people that Christ taught that “whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.” He said the gesture would also be a concrete way to prepare for the Year of Mercy, which begins Dec. 8. The Vatican newspaper, L’Osservatore Romano, said St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican’s St. Anne Church

would sponsored their first refugee families soon as well as seek employment for each head of the household. The pope asked that two apartments near the Vatican be made available for the two families, said Cardinal Angelo Comastri, archpriest of St. Peter’s Basilica. “The pope wants the apartments to be near where he is, also to guarantee

health care” and other services available in Vatican City State and not put a burden on the Italian government, the cardinal said. Before the Angelus prayer, the pope said Christians must not be closed up inside themselves, as is often the case. “We create so many inaccessible and inhospitable islands,” he said. The most basic relationships sometimes can become incapable of openness and mutual exchange, such as families, associations, parishes, even nations, demonstrating yet another example of human sin, he said. He reminded Christians they are called to open themselves up to God and his word, and to others, sharing the word with those who “have never heard it or to those who have forgotten it — buried under the brambles of the worries and deceptions of the world.” Meanwhile, people of all religious beliefs must never give up and give into war, the pope said in a message to an international gathering for peace in Tirana, Albania. “We must never resign ourselves to war, and we cannot remain indifferent before those who suffer because of war and violence,” he said in a written message to those gathered for the interreligious meeting sponsored by the Catholic lay movement, the Community of Sant’Egidio.

Procedures go into effect Dec. 8, opening day of Year of Mercy

>> Continued from page 3

Even with the 1917 and 1983 new Codes of Canon Law, the process for recognizing the nullity of a marriage remained “substantially unchanged,” he said. “Putting the poor at the center is what distinguishes the reform of Pope Francis from those made by Pope Pius X and Pope Benedict XIV,” Msgr. Pinto said. In fact, Pope Francis ordered that the “gratuity of the procedure be assured so that, in a matter so closely tied to the salvation of souls, the church — by demonstrating to the faithful that she is a generous mother — may demonstrate the gratuitous love of Christ, which saves us all.” Pressed by reporters about how quickly the new procedures will go into effect in dioceses around the world, Msgr. Pinto said it will take some dioceses longer than others to adapt to the new

norms and to find ways to finance their tribunals other than charging couples. People must remember, he said, that the canon lawyers who are not priests deserve to be compensated and need to support their families. The rules are not retroactive, he said; however, any initial sentence issued Dec. 8 or later would fall under the new rules and not require an automatic appeal if both parties agree. Cardinal Francesco Coccopalmerio, president of the Pontifical Council for Legislative Texts, who also was a member of the commission, insisted the pope’s new rules were not about “annulling marriages,” but about recognizing and declaring the nullity of a marriage, in other words, declaring that it never existed as a valid sacrament. Although the new rules remove the obligation that a declaration of nullity automatically be appealed, he said, it

does not remove the right of one of the parties to appeal the decision. However, he said, “and this is a great innovation,” if the appeals court believes the appeal is “obviously a delaying tactic,” the appeals court can issue a decree confirming the nullity of the marriage without a full process. Msgr. Alejandro Bunge, secretary of the commission and a member of the Roman Rota, said the new processes are motivated by recognition of the church as a “field hospital,” as Pope Francis has described it. “For those who have special injuries — a marriage null from the beginning — we will have intensive care” in the form of more rapid annulment procedures. While many marriage cases will continue to require time in order to arrive at the truth, he said, the longer procedure will be reserved to those cases in which it is not obvious that the marriage was

null from the beginning and in which the couple does not agree that a real marriage never existed. Byzantine Bishop Dimitrios Salachas of Greece, also a member of the commission that drafted the new rules, said they were urgent for his Eastern church. Some 90 percent of his married faithful are married to a member of the Greek Orthodox Church, which permits second marriages under special penitential provisions. Most Catholics who have divorced an Orthodox “don’t wait years and years” for the Catholic Church’s double declaration of nullity, he said. “They just leave,” finding it easier to follow the Orthodox Church’s procedures and begin a second union in the Orthodox Church. The changes, he said, “were necessary, including to keep the Catholics” in the church.

SEPTEMBER 11, 2015 | THELEAVEN.ORG

CLASSIFIEDS EMPLOYMENT 401(k) and 403(b) compliance specialist - The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas is seeking a full-time 401(k) and 403(b) compliance specialist. Position requires a practicing Catholic; bachelor’s degree in accounting, business administration, or related field; with a minimum of three years in accounting or auditing environment; preferred experience and understanding of tax-deferred retirement plans and federal regulations. Applicant must be: detail-oriented, knowledgeable of 401(k) and 403(b) plans, have mathematical aptitude, and be a multitasker. A complete job description is available on the archdiocese’s website at: www.archkck. org/jobs. Interested individuals should mail cover letter, resume and application by Sept. 15 to Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, Office of Human Resources, 401(k) and 403(b) Compliance Specialist Search, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109, or send via email to: jobs@archkck.org. Drivers - Special Beginnings Early Learning Center is seeking part-time drivers for its school-age program located in Lenexa. Candidates must be able to drive a 13-passenger minibus, similar to a 15-passenger van. CDL not required, but must have an excellent driving record. Candidates would pick up children from area schools and then work directly with them when arriving back at the center. Experience preferred. Must have strong work ethic and the ability to work with children. Insurance provided. Background check will be conducted. Great opportunity for retired persons or those seeking a second job. Job responsibilities include: ensuring safety and well-being of children who are being transported at all times, including loading and unloading. Driving short, round-trip routes to elementary schools in Lenexa/Olathe area. Summer only: Driving short, roundtrip routes to two Lenexa city pools. Maintaining mileage log. Keeping interior of vehicle clean. Apply by sending an email to chris@specialbeginningsonline.com or in person at 10216 Pflumm Rd., Lenexa KS 66215. Part-time retail sales - Retail sales clerk for locally owned southern Johnson County neighborhood wine and spirits store. Must be personable, hardworking and trustworthy. Some wine and spirits knowledge preferred, but not mandatory. We will train the right individual. Weeknight and weekend shift available. Send resume by email to: srogler@casstel.net. Counselor/executive director - Nonprofit organization seeking a counselor/executive director. Master’s level counseling (or related) degree and license required. Administrative experience preferred. Send cover letter and resume by email to Cindy Whitmer, All Faith Counseling Center, at: cindy@afccweb.org and Tracy Kanning, All Faith Counseling Center, at: tracy@afccweb.org. Drivers needed - Medi Coach Transportation is looking for caring and reliable drivers for nonemergency transportation. CDL is not required. Contact Jeff at (913) 8251921. Finance office administrator - Most Pure Heart of Mary Parish, Topeka, is seeking to fill the full-time finance office administrator position. Responsibilities include coordination of the daily operations of the finance office; providing accurate filing, record keeping and reporting system for the parish; administration of cash flow management system with payment schedules clearly defined: processing of payroll and payroll taxes; month-end reconciliations and financial reports. This position is eligible for the archdiocesan benefits package. For complete details, please visit the website at: www. mphm.com. Lead technician - Servpro of Lawrence, an industry leading cleaning and restoration company, is looking for a lead technician. This position will work on water mitigation projects, mold remediation, fire cleanup and restoration, and air duct cleaning. The desired candidate will be a self-starter, motivated, reliable and have a good work history. Please send your resume by email to: toneill@embarqmail.com. Teachers - The Goddard School, 21820 W. 115th Terr., Olathe, is looking for a full-time infant assistant teacher and full-time floating assistant teacher. In our warm, loving atmosphere, our highly qualified teachers support the healthy development of children from 6 weeks to 6 years. Our teachers write and implement their own lesson plans based on our FLEX program, Goddard Developmental Guidelines and our monthly school theme. Lead teachers also complete other duties such as electronic daily attendance reports, progress reports and parent conferences. The hands-on efforts of the school owner and directors allow our teachers to focus on their children, their lesson plans and teaching to ensure a fun-filled day of learning. Full-time benefits include competitive pay, paid time off, opportunities for professional development and career growth, and a great working environment. Qualified candidates must meet or exceed Kansas regulations, have strong communication skills and desire to learn and implement the Goddard School programs. Lead teachers should have an early childhood education degree or a CDA or a degree in a related field with an emphasis in early childhood education. Prior experience in a child care setting is preferred. Please specify for which position you are applying. To apply, please forward your resume to: olathe2ks@goddardschools.com, attention: Mandy Ellis, director. Youth director - The Church of Nativity, a 2,100-family parish in Leawood, has an immediate opening for a fulltime youth director. Applicants must be faith-filled, practicing Catholics with appropriate skills and educational background. For immediate consideration, please download and submit application online at: www. kcnativity. org. Position will remain open until filled. For more information, please call (913) 491-5017.

Teacher assistant - Special Beginnings, Lenexa, is seeking full- or part-time teacher assistants at all locations. We are looking for a teacher assistant candidate who has an excellent work ethic, heart for children, and a willingness to learn more about early childhood education. Experience and/or education is a plus but we will train the right candidate. Teacher assistants will work with the lead teacher to care for and educate the children. Primary responsibilities include assisting the lead teacher with: care and supervision of children, lesson plan implementation, parent communication, cleanliness and organization of classroom. Starting hourly pay ranges based on experience and education. Pay increases are based on job performance. Opportunities for advancement are available as the company prefers to promote from within. Apply by sending an email to chris@special beginningsonline.com or in person at 10216 Pflumm Rd., Lenexa, KS 66215.

SERVICES Professional window cleaning - Residential only. Insured and bonded. Over 40 years experience. Free estimates. Contact Gene Jackson at (913) 593-1495. Tree service - Professional and complete tree services, includes restoration, pruning, trimming, removal and stump grinding. Certified arborist, fully licensed and insured. Visit www.zaarly.com for recommendations. Call (785) 218-1531. Housecleaning - 2 Girls and a Mop! We are very reasonable, thorough and dependable. Years of experience and references. Several openings in the Johnson County area. We offer a variety of cleaning services depending on your needs. Call (913) 832-2589. Tree service - Pruning trees for optimal growth and beauty and removal of hazardous limbs or problem trees. Free consultation and bid. Safe, insured, professional. Cristofer Estrada, Green Solutions of KC, (913) 378-5872. www.GreenSolutionsKC.com. Junkyard Dawg - Can do cleanup, debris removal and any other odd job you have. Call (913) 575-8522 for an estimate. Machine quilting - by Jenell Noeth, Basehor. Also, quilts made to order. Call (913) 724-1837. Complete plumbing and bath - Master plumber for your entire home. Painting, tile install, bath remodeling. Onyx Collection Distributor. Serving Johnson County for 20 years. Member Ascension Parish; call Mike at (913) 488-4930. Mike Hammer local moving - A full-service mover. Packing, pianos, rental truck load/unload, storage container load/unload, and in-home moving. No job too small. Serving JoCo since 1987. St. Joseph, Shawnee, parishioner. Call Mike at (913) 927-4347 or send an email to: mike@mikehammermoving.com. Agua Fina Irrigation and Landscape The one-stop location for your project! Landscape and irrigation design, installation and maintenance. Cleanup and grading services It’s time to repair your lawn. 20% discount on lawn renovations with mention of this ad. Visit the website at: www.goaguafina.com Call (913) 530-7260 or (913) 530-5661 Bankruptcy consultation - If debts are overwhelming you, seek hope and help from compassionate, experienced Catholic attorney, Teresa Kidd. For a free consultation, call (913) 422-0610; send an email to: tkidd@kc.rr. com; or visit the website at: www.teresakiddlawyer. com. Please do not wait until life seems hopeless before getting good quality legal advice that may solve your financial stress. Garage door and opener sales and service - 24-hour, 7-day-a-week service on all types of doors. Replace broken springs, cables, hinges, rollers, gate openers, entry and patio doors, and more. Over 32 years of experience. Call (913) 227-4902.

HOME IMPROVEMENT Local handyman and lawn care - Water heaters, garbage disposals, toilets, faucets, painting, power washing,doors, storm doors, gutter cleaning, wood rot, mowing, carpet, roofing, etc. Member of Holy Angels Parish. Basehor. Call Billy at (913) 927-4118. The Drywall Doctor, Inc. - A unique solution to your drywall problems! We fix all types of ceiling and wall damage — from water stains and stress cracks to texture repairs and skim coating. We provide professional, timely repairs and leave the job site clean! Lead-certified and insured! Serving the metro since 1997. Call (913) 768-6655. EL SOL Y LA TIERRA *Commercial & residential * Lawn renovation *Mowing * Clean-up and hauling * Dirt grading/installation * Landscape design * Free estimates Hablamos y escribimos Ingles!! Call Lupe at (816) 252-1391 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.

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. NELSON CREATIONS L.L.C. Home remodeling, design/build, kitchens, baths, all interior and exterior work. Family owned and operated; over 25 years experience. Licensed and insured; commercial and residential. Kirk and Diane Nelson. (913) 927-5240; nelsport@everestkc.net Housecleaning - Old-fashioned cleaning, hand mopping, etc. A thorough and consistent job every time. References from customers I’ve served for over 17 years. Call Sharon at (816) 322-0006 (home) or (816) 801-0901 (mobile). Serving the 913 area code area. Quilted Memories - Your Kansas City Longarm Shop - Nolting Longarm Machines, quilting supplies and machine quilting services. We specialize in memorial quilts - Custom designed memory quilts from your T-shirt collections, photos, baby clothes, college memorabilia, neckties, etc. For information or to schedule a free consultation, call (913) 649-2704. Visit the website at: www. quiltedmemoriesllc.com. Last year was a great year, thank you to all my customers! We do decks, windows, doors, house painting, (interior & exterior), wood rot, deck staining, and siding. You name it, we can do it. No job too big or small, just give us a call. Insured. Call Josh at (913) 709-7230. Adept Home Improvements Where quality still counts! Basement finishing, Kitchens and baths, Electrical and plumbing, Licensed and insured. (913) 599-7998 HARCO Exteriors LLC Your Kansas City fencing specialists Family owned and operated (913) 815-4817 www.harcoexteriorsllc.com Water damage restoration - Framing, insulation, painting, sheet rock, mold treatment, and lead safe certified. Fully insured. Serving Wyandotte and Johnson Counties for 25 years. Call Jerry at (913) 206-1144. Brick mason - Brick, stone, tile and flat work. 22 years of residential/commercial experience. FREE QUOTES - KC metro area. Small and large jobs accepted. Call Jim at (913) 485-4307. www.facebook.com/faganmasonry. Detail construction and remodeling - We offer a full line of home remodeling services. Don’t move — remodel! Johnson County area. Call for a free quote. (913) 709-8401. Get the job done right the first time Kansas City’s Premier Services Decks and fences Power washing, staining and preserving Call for a FREE estimate Brian (913) 952-5965, Holy Trinity parishioner Jim (913) 257-1729, Holy Spirit parishioner Concrete construction - Tear out and replace stamped, stained or colored patios and drives. Retaining walls, footings, poured-in-place safe rooms, excavation and hauling. Asphalt drives and lots. Fully insured; references. Call Dan at (913) 207-4371 or send an email to: dandeeconst@aol.com. Cleaning lady - Reasonable rates; references provided. Call (913) 940-2959. Custom countertops - Laminates installed within 5 days. Cambria, granite, and solid surface. Competitive prices, dependable work. Call the Top Shop, Inc., at (913) 962-5058. Members of St. Joseph, Shawnee. DRC Construction We’ll get the job done right the first time. Windows - Doors - Decks – Siding Repair or replace, we will work with you to solve your problems. Choose us for any window, door, siding or deck project and you’ll be glad you did. Everything is guaranteed 100% (913) 461-4052 www.windowservicesoverlandpark. com drcconswindows@gmail.com Lawn/Landscaping - Mowing, mulch, dirt work, sod, tree trimming, landscape rock, gutter cleaning, and power washing. Mention this ad for special pricing. Call (816) 509-0224. House painting Interior and exterior; wall paper removal. Power washing, fences, decks. 30 years experience. References. Reasonable rates. Call Joe at (913) 620-5776. STA (Sure Thing Always) Home Repair - Basement finish, bathrooms and kitchens; interior & exterior repairs: painting, roofing, siding, wood replacement and window glazing. Free estimates. Call (913) 491-5837 or (913) 579-1835. Email: smokeycabin@hotmail.com. Member of Holy Trinity, Lenexa. Swalms Organizing - Downsizing - Clean Out Service. Reduce clutter - Any space organized. Shelving built on site. Items hauled for recycling and donations. 20 years exp, insured. Call Tillar: (913) 375-9115. WWW.SWALMS ORGANIZING.COM.

CAREGIVING Caregiving - We provide personal assistance, companionship, care management, and transportation to the elderly and disabled in home, assisted living and nursing facilities. We also provide respite care for main caregivers needing some personal time. Call Daughters & Company at (913) 341-2500 and speak with Laurie, Debbie or Gary. Caregiving - Do you or your parents need help at home? Benefits of Home Senior Care will provide assistance with appointments, shopping, personal care, and will prepare a light meal and assist with other needs. Dependable, experienced woman who enjoys helping others. References upon request. For more details, call (913) 257-5303. Residential care for your loved one in my home - For those who need or want the extra TLC that we would be so willing to provide. If your loved one needs longterm care, 24-hour-care after a surgery, stroke, fall, heart attack, or just a place to stay while you take a muchneeded break or vacation, please give us a call. We offer one-on-one, personal, 24-hour-care, homemade meals, tuck-in service, heat packs for those cool nights, massages, private room with balcony, laundry service, bathing and grooming. We believe in making everyone’s life as full as possible. A lot of time is spent enjoying the simple pleasures, such as socializing, dancing, enjoying the outdoors, crafting and baking. If you are looking for the special place for your loved one to spend the rest of their days in comfort and love, we are here to help. My home is equipped with an elevator and is handicap accessible. I am certified in dispensing medication, CPR/ FA. References are available upon request. Send an email to: thshealth@yahoo.com or call (816) 746-1564 and ask for Patti. CMA - 17 years experience for clients with various health needs. Nonsmoker. Background check. Call (913) 9994340. Nanny - Daytime, after school, Leawood/Overland Park area. Many years of experience. References. Call (913) 257-5303. Caregiver - 45 year old female. Lots of caregiving experience. Flexible hours. Excellent references. Please call Kara at (913) 909-6659. 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.

FOR SALE 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. For sale - Resurrection Cemetery Charity Garden, lots 108 B 3 and 4, including vaults. Current cost is $8,060. Sell price is $7,250. Nativity Corridor Mausoleum Niche 228 A (single). Current cost is $4,485; sell price is $3,400. Transfer cost is $200 each; sell price is $100 each. Contact Wayne at (913) 850-4753. For sale - At Resurrection Cemetery, two easements in mausoleum. Contact A. Kelly at (913) 649-9691. For sale - Two plots, side by side, at Chapel Hill Garden of Valor. $4,200 or best offer. Retails at $5,390. Please call David Nichols at (816) 686-1131 or send an email to: susannichols811@yahoo.com.

WANTED TO BUY Wanted to buy - 1950s, 1960s, 1970s convertible wanted in running condition. Call (913) 593-7507. Wanted to buy - Antique/vintage jewelry, lighters, fountain pens, post card collections, paintings/prints, pottery, sterling, china dinnerware. Renee Maderak, (913) 631-7179. St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee Wanted to buy - Lionel trains. Call (913) 485-6700. Will buy firearms and related accessories - One or a whole collection. Honest evaluation and top prices paid. Contact Tom at (913) 238-2473. Member of Sacred Heart Parish, Shawnee.

VACATION Great Colorado Getaway! - Completely furnished three-story condo, sleeps 10. 3 BR, Wi-Fi, all cooking facilities, satellite, deck with gorgeous views! Hunting, fishing, hiking, train rides through the mountains and much more! For rates and reservations, visit the website at: www.cucharavacationrentals.com, then Aspen Valley Lookout.

SEPTEMBER 11, 2015 | THELEAVEN.ORG

CALENDAR HOLY SMOKES COOK-OFF AND FAMILY EVENT/CAMPOUT Prairie Star Ranch, Williamsburg Sept. 12 - 13

www.savealifenow.org, and enter sponsor code: knightsofcolumbus/12960. For additional details, contact Rick Kuhle at (785) 229-5897 or send an email to: rickuhle@ yahoo.com.

“MEET THE MISSIONARIES” St. Paul’s Outreach young adult house, 9711 W. 104th Terr., Overland Park Sept. 16 from 5:30 - 7 p.m.

This annual kickoff event for the Scouting year is geared to Scouts of all ages and their families. There is a cooking contest, open-air Mass, activities and optional camping under the stars. All youth and their families are invited. For more information, contact Mike Schopper at (913) 226-8345 or Gary Smith at (913) 433-6899.

Saint Paul’s Outreach (SPO) invites you to “Meet the Missionaries.” SPO actively invites college students and young adults into faith-filled environments locally in Kansas City. All are welcome.

BINGO St. Mary - St. Anthony Parish hall, 615 N. 7th St., Kansas City, Kansas Sept. 13 at 2 p.m.

SINGLES OF NATIVITY COUNTRY WESTERN DANCE Church of the Nativity Parish hall, 3800 W. 119th St., Leawood Sept. 12 from 7 - 11 p.m.

The cost to attend is $20 for guests; $15 for SON members. For more information, contact Maria Meli by email at: mmeli62@ gmail.com or call (913) 314-9844.

FIFTH ANNUAL OLU UNITY FEST AT SACRED HEART FIELD Our Lady of Unity Parish, 2646 S. 34th St., Kansas City, Kansas Sept. 12 from 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.

There will be all-day fun and family entertainment, live music groups, carnival games, a talent contest, American- and Mexicanstyle food and drinks, and more. For more information, contact Virginia by email at: viroropeza@aol.com or ajoropeza@aol.com. For the auction, send an email to Sherry at: johnson7980@sbcglobal.net or call (913) 207-0900.

CHURCH OF THE HOLY CROSS ANNUAL FESTIVAL Church of the Holy Cross, 8311 W. 93rd St., Overland Park Sept. 12, beginning with a 4 p.m. Mass.

Following Mass, there will be food grilled by the Knights of Columbus, a Mexican feast by Rudy’s Tenampa, and more. There will also be inflatables, bingo, piñatas and craft activities for all ages. Enjoy live music from the ’80s until dark.

HOLY SMOKIN’ 5K RUN AND WALK Mother Teresa of Calcutta Parish, 2014 N.E. 46th St., Topeka Sept. 12 at 8:15 a.m.

A free children’s run for those under 10 will precede the 5K run at 8 a.m. To enter, download a registration form online at: http:// mtcctopeka.org/documents/171-5k-runregistration/file or register online at: www. runsignup.com. For questions, contact Tom by email at: holysmokinrun@gmail.com. This run is being held in conjunction with the Holy Smokin’ Jamboree. The jamboree is a two-day event with food, crafts, children’s games, a car show, farmers’ market and dance.

BLOOD DRIVE Corpus Christi Church Hall, 6001 Bob Billings Pkwy., Lawrence Sept. 12 from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Book your appointment today online at:

and all materials. Find comfort and counsel consistent with Catholic teachings. To enroll or for more information, call Julie Knoche at (913) 710-7083.

The cost to attend is $5 for a bingo card, desserts, popcorn and coffee. Beer and soda will also be available for purchase. For more information, call Carol Shomin at (913) 8974833 or the rectory office at (913) 371-1408. Tickets may be purchased at the door the day of the event.

GRIEF AND LOSS SUPPORT Church of the Nativity, 3800 W. 119th St., Leawood Sept. 10 - Oct. 8 from 7 - 9 p.m.

A four-session grief and loss support program for couples, individuals or others who are living with the loss of an infant due to miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, stillbirth or early infant death will be held on four Thursday evenings: Sept. 10 and 17, and Oct. 1 and 8. For more information or to register, call Mary Helen Dennihan at (913) 491-4268 or send an email to: dennihan6@kc.rr.com.

HOLY ROSARY RALLY Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, 416 W. 12th St., Kansas City, Missouri Sept. 13 from 3 - 4:15 p.m.

HOW TO SUBMIT CALENDAR ITEMS The Leaven has made a slight change to the way it lists calendar items. Please follow this format: • List the event • List where the event will take place. • List the date and time of the event. Then you may list some the details about the event as well as contact information if revent. Send calendar items to: julie.holthaus@ theleaven.org.

MARY L. FELLIN LECTURE Benedictine College, 1020 N. 2nd St., Atchison Sept. 20 at 7:30 p.m.

The lecture will feature Dr. Carolyn Woo, president and CEO of Catholic Relief Services. She will speak on “Common Ground, Uncommon Excellence” in the O’Malley McAllister Auditorium. The event is free and open to the public.

POPE WATCH PARTY Rockhurst University Arrupe Hall, 1100 Rockhurst Rd., Kansas City, Missouri Sept. 24 at 8 a.m.

Pope Francis will be addressing a joint meeting of Congress, and Rockhurst University will have a live-stream in its new auditorium. Never before has a Roman pontiff or any major religious leader spoken to both houses of the U.S. Congress. For more information, visit the website at: www.rockhurst.edu.

For driving instructions or future dates for the Kansas City monthly holy rosary rallies, visit the website at: www.rosaryrallieskc. org.

FALL FESTIVAL St. Joseph Parish, 11311 Johnson Dr., Shawnee Sept. 18 at 5 p.m.

PARISH PICNIC Sacred Heart Church, 1031 S. 12th St., Sabetha Sept. 13 at 4:30 p.m.

A family-style chicken and ham dinner with all the trimmings will be served beginning at 4:30 p.m. The cost to attend is $10 for adults; $5 for children under the age of 10. Entertainment includes a cakewalk, bingo, cards, country store, raffles and more.

SHEPHERDS OF HOPE MEETING Good Shepherd School library, 12800 W. 75th St., Shawnee Sept. 14 at 7 p.m.

Shepherds of Hope is a group dedicated to providing support to all those whose lives are affected by mental illness, whether personally or as family member or friend. The first meeting is a general meeting with information and discussion of the nature of a variety of mental illnesses, the impact of those on our lives and how we can respond as members of a faith community. For more information, send an email to: barb.burgoon @gmail.com.

A picnic dinner with fried chicken and side dishes will be served from 5 - 7 p.m. Cost for the dinner is $8 for adults; $4 for children. The event also includes games, raffles and family entertainment. For more information, call Rod and Judy Coday at (913) 268-3145.

FALL FESTIVAL Cathedral of St. Peter, 409 N. 15th St., Kansas City, Kansas Sept. 19 at 5 p.m.

The Cathedral of St. Peter is celebrating “90 Years in the Making” with a themed fall festival. There will be bingo, a silent auction, a taco dinner, games for all ages, raffle items, good fun and good food.

MEMORIAL LITURGY Curé of Ars Parish, 9405 Mission Rd., Leawood Sept. 19 at 8 a.m.

WEEKEND RETREAT Christ’s Peace House of Prayer, 22019 Meagher Rd., Easton Sept. 19-20 at 9 a.m.

The class runs for 10 weeks, every Tuesday night. The cost to attend is $50 per person, which includes a personal survival guide

Bishop Ward High School will host its 37th annual auction, with a silent auction, food and more. The live auction will begin at 7:30 p.m. For more information, visit: www.wardhigh.org/auction2015 or call (913) 371-6901.

PRAIRIE STAR UNDER THE STARS Prairie Star Ranch, 1124 California Rd., Williamsburg Sept. 26 at 5:30 p.m.

Following the Mass, the bereavement ministry will have its monthly support meeting in the Father Burak Room. The topic will be: “Coping with the Effects of Loss.” For more information, call (913) 649-2026.

HEALING FROM DIVORCE Prince of Peace Parish, 16000 W. 143rd St., Olathe Sept. 15 from 6:15 - 7:45 p.m.

“THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE WARD” Bishop Ward High School, 708 N. 18th St., Kansas City, Kansas Sept. 26 at 5:30 p.m.

The weekend retreat is entitled “Discernment: Spiritual.” There will be five talks, daily eucharistic adoration, Mass at the local parish and time for private prayer, spiritual reading, discussion, walking in the forest and resting. The cost is $85 for individuals and $125 for couples. For more information, send an email to: info@christspeace.com or call (913) 773-8255.

Youth groups and families are invited to join Prairie Star Ranch for a day of adventure followed by a night of camping under the stars. Prairie Star’s annual family day event will also take place on Sept. 27.

SLOVENEFEST Holy Family Church, 274 Orchard St., Kansas City, Kansas Sept. 26 at 4 p.m.

The festival begins with Mass at 4 p.m., followed by festivities from 5 - 10 p.m. at the church hall, gym and school grounds. There will be music and dancing featuring The Brian McCarty Band and Hrvatski Obicaj. Activities also include a traditional Slovenian dinner, silent auction, raffles, games and cultural booths. For more information, contact the church office at (913) 371-1561 or send an email to: holyfamilychurchkck.com.

SEND STORIES

If you have any stories that you may relate about Msgr. Henry Gardner, please send by email to: siegristmotherhenrie@ yahoo.com or write to: Mhm Siegrist, P.O. Box 172476, Kansas City, Kansas 66117. All stories would be appreciated.

SEPTEMBER 11, 2015 | THELEAVEN.ORG

COMMENTARY TWENTY-FOURTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME Sept. 13 TWENTY-FOURTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME Is 50: 5-9a Ps 116: 1-6, 8-9 Jas 2: 14-18 Mk 8: 27-35 Sept. 14 THE EXALTATION OF THE HOLY CROSS Nm 21: 4b-9 Ps 78: 1b-2, 34-38 Phil 2: 6-11 Jn 3: 13-17 Sept. 15 Tuesday Our Lady of Sorrows 1 Tm 3: 1-13 Ps 101: 1b-3b, 5-6 Jn 19: 25-27 Sept. 16 Cornelius, pope, and Cyprian, bishop, martyrs 1 Tm 3: 14-16 Ps 111: 1-6 Lk 7: 31-35 Sept. 17 Robert Bellarmine, bishop, doctor of the church 1 Tm 4: 12-16 Ps 111: 7-10 Lk 7: 36-50 Sept. 18 Friday 1 Tm 6: 2c-12 Ps 49: 6-10, 17-20 Lk 8: 1-3 Sept. 19 Januarius, bishop, martyr 1 Tm 6: 13-16 Ps 100: 1b-5 Lk 8: 4-15

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“I

We’re spinning an new web(site)

promise I’ll do better, I promise I’ll do better. . .” This is my mantra for September. Although it could apply to a number of areas of my life, I’m directing the promise specifically to website activity. Honestly, I’m pitiful there. For example, my parish launched its new website on Ash Wednesday 2014. I was asked to write a welcome and introduction, which I did . . . and it’s still up there — the exact same one — much to my shame. On my (endless) list of to-dos is to have our 5-year-olds in the kindergarten religious ed class show me how to upload something new to the site. Happily, other parts of the site are well used, maintained and updated . . . just not by me. So, imagine my distress — I mean, delight — when Anita, our Leaven managing editor, approached me with the idea for a new Leaven website. To my credit, I don’t think that I sobbed more than an hour or two. I have a love/strangle relationship with technology, particularly the Web. While I use it

MARK MY WORDS

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

daily, at heart I’m still a hard-copy, paper person. Someone once said that folks my age are immigrants to the Web, while members of the younger generations are natives. How true. As you’ll read on pages 1 & 5 in this paper, we had young interns at every available desk or table in the Leaven office this summer doing “computery” things. They sat in front of their laptops typing away — earbuds or headphones attached — for hours on end. One day, I foolishly asked what they were

doing. They responded in what I would assume was English, though I didn’t understand a word. So, at the end of most days, I’d smile at the interns, nod encouragingly and thank them for doing their, uh, “thing” (whatever in the heck that was). Seeing all of the work going into the website, I thought that, as editor, it might be a good idea for me to visit it. My initial impression was: Wow, that’s purdy! I then started to explore the various areas. If you, like me, are a little skittish when on a new website, take heart. By clicking on a particular area, you will not: 1) launch a missile somewhere; or 2) erase all of the information on the site . . . or your computer. My first lesson was

one of patience. As I clicked on the “Nation” tab, nothing happened. So, I clicked on the “World” tab and, again, nothing. As I shook my head in dismay, the stories began to appear. Can you believe I had to wait a whole 5 or 10 seconds for that to happen? Don’t be like me: Click and wait those few seconds for things to load. Secondly, it was a real treat to see so many pictures on the website. Our photographers do a fantastic job of covering events, but we can only use a few of their photos — sometimes only one — in the actual paper. Seeing lots more photos gives you a better feel of the entire event. There is so much happening in the church each week, nationally and globally. Unfortunately, we have at most two pages to devote to this news in each issue. And sometimes, because of important local events, the “World” and “Nation” pages get bumped. It’s great now to be able to post more national and international church news on the website, from a source as trusted as Catholic News Service, just about

daily. And then there is the video component of the website. I just watched “Pitching for Priests.” Since I couldn’t be there in person, it was nice to experience the fun in a virtual format. One of my gripes about the old site was its difficulty in searching the archives. The new website is a master at finding stories from past issues in a convenient way. It was a huge project, but our interns were able to catalog about 10 years of the paper online (so far)! I’ve used it many times already and have not been disappointed. And, beginning next week — really, I promise — I’ll be doing an audio recording of my column as well. (It should come in handy for any folks battling insomnia.) Seriously, check out the new website at: www.theleaven.org and tell us what you think about it. Until then, I’m calling in my panel of those 5-year-olds to explain to me what hashtags, Twitter and Instagram are!

Suffering Servant anticipates Christ’s passion

hen the Babylonians destroyed the city of Jerusalem in 587 B.C., they were responding to actions which they interpreted as the Israelites’ rebellion against the Babylonian king, Nebuchadnezzar. Similarly, when the Romans destroyed the city in 70 A.D., 500 years later, it was because of the Jewish Revolt against the Roman Empire. Clearly, there was a history of rebellion among the people of Israel. Perhaps that is how the image of rebellion came to describe sin against God, their rightful Lord. Refusing to obey God’s law would constitute rebellion in the truest sense of the word. It would be more

POPE FRANCIS

IN THE BEGINNING

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

serious than disobeying an earthly king. In Sunday’s first reading, Is 50:5-9a, the speaker assures us:

“Do something to put a stop to the violence and oppression,” Pope Francis asked the international community after calling attention once again to the fate of persecuted Christians, especially in the Middle East. After reciting the Angelus Aug. 30, Pope Francis told thousands of people in St. Peter’s Square

“I have not rebelled, have not turned back.” In other words, he has obeyed God’s commandments. This restates what he said in the preceding verse: “The Lord GOD opens my ear that I may hear.” God’s grace has opened and enabled him to hear God’s word, and to live according to it. The person speaking is that mysterious figure

sometimes called the Suffering Servant. This verse describes those torments in vivid detail: “I gave my back to those who beat me, my cheeks to those who plucked my beard; my face I did not shield from buffets and spitting.” This mistreatment of the Suffering Servant has led Christians to identify him with Jesus during his passion, who was similarly beaten and insulted. But perhaps the most important point of correspondence lies in the Suffering Servant’s complete trust in God. Twice, the Suffering Servant proclaims: “The Lord GOD is my help.” Despite those tortures, the Suffering Servant knows that God will come to his aid. This confidence in God strengthens the

that, the previous evening in Lebanon, martyred Syriac Bishop Flavien-Michel Malke was beatified. “In the context of a tremendous persecution of Christians, he was an untiring defender of the rights of his people, exhorting all of them to remain firm in their faith,” the pope said. “Today as well, in the Middle East and other parts of the world, Christians are per-

Suffering Servant and enables him to withstand this abuse: “I have set my face like flint.” His reliance upon God will carry him through. The figure of the Suffering Servant anticipates Jesus in his passion and death. It offers us insights into Jesus at this most significant moment of his life. At the same time, the figure of the Suffering Servant provides us with a model to follow. It shows us how to find strength in the face of suffering, by relying upon God, and not upon ourselves. As we acknowledge God as our king, as we open our ears to hear and obey God’s word, we will remain God’s true and loyal servant, as Jesus was.

secuted,” the pope added. “May the beatification of this bishop and martyr fill them with consolation, courage and hope.” Departing from his prepared text, Pope Francis told people in the square, “There are more martyrs [today] than there were in the first centuries” of Christianity. — CNS

SEPTEMBER 11, 2015 | THELEAVEN.ORG

COMMENTARY

Stewardship means showing mercy to others

ecently, a friend posted on social media a little gripe: When we suffer loss, she said, it isn’t very helpful to be told to “be strong.” I “liked” her post because I agreed that, at times, we need kindness, compassion and understanding — not platitudes, as well-intended as these words might be. People have rallied troops (and each other) to withstand hardships with these words, but we can’t “stay calm and carry on” without help. Truthfully, I believe I need my Redeemer to help me because I can’t do anything by myself.

I also think God wants us to demonstrate for others what Christ’s love looks like by our actions. The Pharisees were a pretty self-righteous group. In fact, mercy was not very popular in the Holy Land when Jesus first formed disciples. The Romans despised pity. Perhaps that’s why Jesus, in the Sermon on the Mount, offered radical new ideas to help us live joyfully. Human happiness is not always derived by “being strong” — sometimes the blessing is received by simply giving and accepting mercy and love. Saint James wrote: “If a brother or a sister has nothing to wear and

SIMPLY STEWARDSHIP

LESLE KNOP Lesle Knop is the executive director of the archdiocesan office of stewardship and development. You can email her at: lknop@archkck.org.

has no food for the day and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, keep

warm, and eat well,” but you do not give them the necessities of the body, what good is it? So also faith itself, if it does not have works, is dead” (Jas 2:15-17). What if we ignored our friend’s spiritual suffering, also? Sympathy and empathy are acts of tender mercy.

Sadly, though, we don’t see much mercy in our world, but we do see a lot of bigotry, prejudice and intolerance. The Holy Father arrives in the United States this month for the much-anticipated World Meeting of Families. I will be watching, listening and praying that the whole world — especially Americans whose culture is often marked by materialism, relativism, hedonism, individualism and consumerism — will be encouraged and enlightened by Pope Francis’ teaching and convictions. I will look forward, also, to the opening of the Holy Door in Rome in December to begin the

Year of Mercy. Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann, in his 10-year mutually shared vision, calls us to transform our world through acts of corporal and spiritual works of mercy. We can’t get inside another’s mind and heart unless we can see and feel things as he does. That’s where a merciful steward should begin. If we are aware of our sins, we can begin to forgive. If we are aware of God’s mercy, we can give mercy to others. An ungrateful, self-centered heart can’t begin to truly know the suffering of others. As Christian disciples, we strive for this understanding.

Pilgrimages make room in our lives for encountering God

n the last 20 years, our archdiocese has been blessed with a slow, yet steady overall increase in the number of seminarians. This fall, we have 29 men studying in six different seminaries. With a substantial number of seminarians and a diversity of formational settings, it is important to provide opportunities for Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann to get to know his future priests and for these men to get to know each other. The best of those opportunities is our annual pilgrimage. At the beginning of August, I joined the archbishop and most of our seminarians on a pilgrimage to New

hat does it look like to be a witness? In today’s culture, we are faced with being told to keep our faith to ourselves. What difference does our “witness” make? In baseball, it would look like this: The crowd on its feet at a Royals game cheering wildly for the final out by the “closer,” or, cheering on the Royals’ batter to drive in the winning run. The atmosphere is electric. The players speak of the energy the crowd brings at that moment. Shortly, thousands will gather in Philadelphia for the World Meeting of Families

Orleans (see the Aug. 28 issue of The Leaven). We learned some history of the early church in the United States, visited the Shrine of Our Lady of Succor (who played an intercessory role in the Battle of 1812), prayed at the Shrine of Blessed Francis Xavier Seelos (who died ministering to yellow fever victims), celebrated Mass in the local cathedral and toured an old plantation with slave quarters. Besides creating time for fraternity, pilgrimages provide pilgrims physical journeys that assist them on their spiritual journeys. Pilgrimages replace our ordinary routines with unfamiliar, sometimes uncomfortable set-

VOCATIONS CORNER

FATHER SCOTT WALLISCH Father Scott Wallisch is the archdiocesan vocations director. You can email him at: frscott@archkck.org.

tings, in order to keep us from complacency and attachment to this

world. They redirect our minds to our heavenly pilgrimage. Although ours was not a terribly taxing pilgrimage, two 16-hour bus rides, long walks in the muggy heat of Louisiana and a week putting up with me gave seminarians many things to sacrifice. In

prayer and Mass, they offered up their little sufferings for specific men in our archdiocese who are discerning the priesthood. This brings me to the point of my column. Our vocations are our pilgrim paths to heaven. As part of my ongoing series of columns to help folks in our archdiocese discern God’s call in their lives, I today propose that pilgrimages can help discern our path. When we allow ourselves to get out of our normal surroundings and physically move ourselves toward places of religious significance, we create a time for Our Lord. We learn about the ways we are attached to usual comforts and

ponder whether we can detach from the world in a life of radical service to the church. Perhaps most importantly, we experience prayer at a deeper level, where God reveals more of his plan for our lives. So, I encourage those seeking God’s will to try a pilgrimage, whether to foreign holy cities, domestic shrines or nearby convents and monasteries. Pilgrimages do not guarantee complete clarity about our futures. When we engage them with open hearts, though, these spiritual journeys can guarantee an encounter with God, who is the ultimate destination of all pilgrimages and of all vocations.

We are called to be witnesses to hear the witness of various national and international speakers about the importance of family and how it is best supported in the face of today’s culture. At the close of this event, millions will gather to hear Pope Francis’ call to be witnesses — “to make known God’s magnificent plan for the family and to help spouses joyfully experience this plan in their lives, as we accompany them in the midst of so many difficulties.” This challenge will be given to all who attend the World Meeting of Families as well as Catholic Christians throughout the world. How will we answer this call?

FAMILY MATTERS

DEACON TONY ZIMMERMAN Deacon Tony Zimmerman is the lead archdiocesan consultant for the office of marriage and family life.

One of the ways for you to witness is by a yearly attendance at

some form of enrichment for your marriage. Sadly, the misconception present in today’s culture is to seek out support for our marriage only when we reach a time of crisis. I have heard couples say: “We don’t need a retreat or enrichment. Our marriage is just fine.”

Please, do not settle for “fine”! Show your spouse the treasure and gift he or she is by spending time to have a great marriage. When the times of crisis come, as they surely will, you will be stronger to face it together. Let’s go one step further. I urge you to invite another couple to experience enrichment. If it is your first time for a “Living in Love” retreat or a Marriage Encounter weekend, bring another couple along. If you have experienced one of these enrichments, tell another couple what it gave to you and go again; there is more treasure there. In the coming months and year ahead,

the archdiocesan office of marriage and family life will offer and promote many opportunities to renew and refresh your marriage. Some will be retreat opportunities; some will be a day of reflection given by noted family speakers. Come and bring another couple, perhaps your married children. What difference will your witness make? Perhaps you will be that one couple who will be a channel of God’s grace to help another couple not just be satisfied with “fine” but strive for great. Maybe it might even be your married children!

SEPTEMBER 11, 2015 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

TRUE BLUE

Archbishop Naumann honors police and firefighters at Topeka’s first Blue Mass on Aug. 19

LEAVEN PHOTOS BY JOE MCSORLEY

The first Topeka regional Blue Mass — so named for the color often worn by police and firefighters — was offered “for all who serve.”

By Marc and Julie Anderson Special to The Leaven

OPEKA — In a year when law enforcement has faced unprecedented challenges across the country, the Catholic community gathered on Aug. 19 to support its police, sheriff, highway patrol and fire departments in its first-ever Topeka regional Blue Mass. The Blue Mass — so named for the color often worn by police and firefighters — was offered “for all who serve,” but in a special way for those who have died. The More photos Mass was from this event celebrated can be seen online at: by Archbishwww.theleaven.org op Joseph F. Naumann and concelebrated by area priests, including Father John Pilcher, pastor of Mater Dei Parish and the Topeka regional leader. The Mass was sponsored by the Knights of Columbus Council 8059 of Mater Dei Parish and included a color guard provided by the James W. Gibbons Assembly 0286 and San Juan Diego Assembly 3452, both of Topeka. In his homily, Archbishop Naumann first expressed his gratitude to the area priests and Knights of Columbus who had organized the special Mass in order to show their support of, and appreciation for, all who serve the community. Then, addressing those police officers and other emergency personnel in attendance, he said that he hoped that “in some small way, this Mass today gives you encouragement to know that there are many, many people that are very, very grateful for what you do each and every day.” The archbishop also expressed gratitude to the family members of those who serve, noting that they, too, make tremendous sacrifices in order to support their loved ones in protecting society at large. The custom of celebrating a Blue Mass in the United States goes back roughly 100 years. On Sept. 29, 1934, Father Thomas Dade, founder of the Catholic Police and Firemen’s Society, celebrated Mass at St. Patrick Church in Washington, D.C. More than 1,100 policemen and firemen donned their blue uniforms and processed to the church to honor fallen members of their ranks. The date was chosen specifically because it was the feast day of St. Michael the Archangel, the patron saint of police officers. The idea gradually spread to other dioceses. However, the practice spread

Shawnee County Sheriff Herman T. Jones, left, Sgt. Todd Stallbaumer and Dep. Shayna Anderson were among the many in attendance at Topeka’s Blue Mass on Aug. 19 at Mater DeiAssumption Church. Deacon Chris Seago chats with Maj. Brian Desch of the Topeka Police Department following the Blue Mass.

nationally after the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The Topeka Mass, which organizers hope will become an annual celebration, took nearly a year to plan. Grand Knight John Anguiano, of Council 8059, said they hope in the future to time the celebration to National Police Week, observed during the week of May 15. Established by Congress and President John F. Kennedy, National Police Week and National Peace Officers Memorial Day (May 15) are days set aside to honor

and remember those who have fallen in the line of duty while protecting society. Anguiano, who is a retired sergeant with the Topeka Police Department, said the Mass was very special to him. “It meant a lot to me,” he said. “When I served, I lost three brothers in the line of the duty.” Since his retirement, Anguiano has lost three more brother officers as a result of a traffic stop gone awry, a helicopter crash and a drug bust.

“Since 1995, six officers who I have served with have been killed. So, to have a Mass to honor those who gave their lives and to ask the Lord to watch over and protect those serving today meant so much to me.” Captain Bill Cochran, a member of the Topeka Police Department for 28 years and a parishioner at St. Matthew Parish in Topeka, said the whole experience was amazing. He served as one of the gift bearers during the offertory procession. “It was honoring and humbling at the same time,” said Cochran. “It’s always a great honor when you can attend a Mass celebrated by the archbishop. I thought his homily was energetic and to the point. “And I hope it’s something we continue throughout the region — that we make an annual one.”