09 27 19 Vol. 41 No. 8

THELEAVEN.ORG | VOL. 41, NO. 8 | SEPTEMBER 27, 2019

REVERSE THE RULING

Archdiocesan pro-life consultant Debra Niesen gets an early start gathering signatures at Holy Trinity Church in Lenexa on a petition to reverse the recent Kansas Supreme Court ruling that guaranteed the right to an abortion in Kansas.

PETITION DRIVE SEEKS TO REVERSE KANSAS SUPREME COURT RULING THAT FOUND THE RIGHT TO AN ABORTION IN THE KANSAS CONSTITUTION STORY BY JOE BOLLIG | PHOTOS BY JAY SOLDNER

K

ANSAS CITY, Kan. — With a bang of the gavel last April 26, the Kansas Supreme Court ruled the state’s 1859 Constitution protected a nearly unlimited “right to abortion” — previously unknown for 150 years.

Now, all of Kansas’ pro-life laws are in danger of being eliminated.

“We believe in a very practical way [the ruling] has knocked out every pro-life law in Kansas, but not officially until they are challenged in court,” said Chuck Weber, executive director of the Kansas Catholic Conference.

Thanks to the ruling, Kansas— generally considered to be a state with strong pro-life sentiments — is poised to become the abortion capital

of the Midwest, he said.

And there’s only one way to fix it: amend the Kansas Constitution.

In October, Kansas Catholics will have the opportunity to petition state legislators to pass a state constitutional amendment that will reverse the court’s ruling.

This one’s literally a matter of life and death, and the bishops of Kansas are asking Catholics to rally to this effort.

“Kansas has long been known as a pro-life state,” said Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann.

“While it won’t be easy, it’s possible, but it’s going to take the entire pro-life community to come together to work for [the amendment’s] passage. I hope Catholics will be part of the leadership of that effort.” >> See “TWO-STEP” on page 4

How You Can Help • Pray to Our Lady of Guadalupe, patroness of the preborn.

• Sign the petition, either physically at your parish after Mass or online at: KansasCatholic.org.

• Contact your legislator through OpenStates.org, or by calling the Kansas Legislative Hotline at 1 (800) 432-3924.

Urge them to support an amendment reversing the ruling.

• To schedule an educational amendment presentation for your parish or group, contact the Kansas Catholic Conference at (785) 227-9247 or go online to: KansasCatholic.org; the archdiocesan pro-life office at (913) 647-0350 or by email at: dniesen@archkck.org; or Kansans for Life at (913) 642-5433.

• Donate to the Knights of Columbus or Kansans for Life amendment fundraising efforts. It will take financial commitment to accomplish this goal.

SEPTEMBER 27, 2019 | THELEAVEN.ORG

ARCHBISHOP

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Join me in fasting and prayer for success of convocation

I

n early July 2017, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) convened a Convocation of Catholic Leaders.

The convocation was entitled “The Joy of the Gospel in America.”

Every bishop was asked to bring a delegation of clergy, religious and lay leaders who could assist him with the diocesan implementation of the new evangelization and the formation of missionary disciples.

We had a team of very talented and dedicated delegates from the Archdiocese of Kansas City who gave up their usual Fourth of July activities to participate in this national leadership gathering.

It was an inspiring, motivational and educational experience for all of us. As a result of this experience and with the encouragement of our delegation, I decided to convene a similar convocation of Catholic leaders in the archdiocese.

Two years ago, I informed our priests about our archdiocesan convocation, asking them to place the dates of Oct. 3-5, 2019, on their calendar and not to schedule any weddings or other parish events on those days.

Subsequently, each pastor was asked to form a delegation from his parish or parishes. It was important to form delegations early in order for participants to save the dates on their personal calendars.

Since the convocation will be in session from Thursday evening, Oct. 3, through Saturday noon, Oct. 5, many delegates had to schedule time off work.

The title of the convocation is: “Enflame

LIFE WILL BE VICTORIOUS ARCHBISHOP JOSEPH F. NAUMANN Our Hearts; Be Disciples, Make Disciples.”

The convocation is not just about three days in October. Pastors have been meeting with their delegations for several months in preparation.

The goal of the convocation is to have a team of leaders to assist pastors with the formation of the entire parish in the spirituality of what Pope Francis terms missionary discipleship.

I am praying that the follow-up to the convocation will be the catalyst to enflame the heart of every Catholic in the archdiocese to experience in a fresh way the depth of God’s unique and personal love revealed in Jesus Christ.

I pray also that it will help each of us become more aware and grateful for the church and the gift of our Catholic faith. Moreover, my hope is that the three-year follow-up to the convocation will enflame our homes, strengthening family life, and enflame our communities, motivating us to bring the love of Jesus Christ to our neighbors.

I am grateful to our pastors for taking my invitation seriously. Every parish in the archdiocese

has a delegation for the convocation. More than 1,500 members of the archdiocese are registered to participate.

The response has been amazing and gratifying. Our convocation planning team led by Father Gary Pennings, Deacon Dana Nearmyer, Emily Lopez and Tim Chik — with a small army assisting them — has done an extraordinary job in preparing for this archdiocesan gathering.

This is the single most important event for the archdiocese in my almost 15 years as archbishop. It is my hope and prayer that every single Catholic in the archdiocese will be impacted by the convocation as your pastor and parish delegation develop and implement an evangelization plan uniquely designed for your community.

I am grateful to all of the delegates, who have made the time commitment to participate in the convocation, but, even more, for all of the precious time they have given in preparing for this event. I am also thankful for their willingness to give even more of their time and talent with the implementation of the follow-up in their parishes.

I am asking everyone in the archdiocese to pray, fast and make

sacrifices this week for the Holy Spirit to anoint this gathering of Catholic leaders in our archdiocese. I believe the convocation has the potential to be the occasion for a new Pentecost in northeast Kansas.

Recently, I read an article entitled “Death

by Loneliness” by Dr. Francie Hart Broghammer, a young psychiatrist. She describes the epidemic of loneliness in American society.

The symptoms of this epidemic are all around us in the number of individuals suffering depression, the number of divorces and children being raised without one of their parents in the home, the number of violent crimes and mass shootings, the number of suicides especially among young people and the list could go on and on.

In her article, Broghammer noted what some social scientists consider essential building blocks for happiness and human flourishing: 1) a family you love and who love you; 2) friends you can trust and confide in; 3) work and activities that matter and benefit others; and 4) a worldview that can make sense of suffering and death. In my experience, the church provides the opportunity for all of these.

The church strives to support and foster strong marriages and vibrant family life. It is in the community of the church that we have the opportunity to develop authentic and life-giving friendships.

As Catholics, we are all called to be engaged in the most meaningful activity possible — bringing the love of God to others. Our Catholic

Sept. 30 Blue Mass — Mater DeiAssumption, Topeka Confirmation — Immaculate Conception, Louisburg

ARCHBISHOP NAUMANN Sept. 27 Red Mass and reception — St. Peter Parish, Kansas City, Missouri Sept. 28 Apostles of the Interior Life women’s retreat confessions and Mass — Savior Pastoral Center 150th anniversary Mass and reception — Queen of the Holy Rosary, Wea Sept. 29 Installation of Father Nicholas Blaha — Blessed Sacrament, Kansas City, Kansas Mass of Innocents — Holy Spirit, Overland Park World Refugee Mass and reception — St. Patrick, Kansas City, Kansas

faith provides the keys to find meaning and purpose in suffering as well as the sure and certain hope for eternal life.

Many young adults, who consider themselves spiritual but not religious, are cutting themselves off from the community of faith we all need. We have an obligation to share the gift of God’s love revealed in Jesus and the abundant life that comes from being part of the family of the church.

Announcement Joseph A. Butler & Son Funeral Home has re-opened as

Topeka regional priests meeting — Mother Teresa of Calcutta, Topeka Administrative Team meeting Oct. 2 Fifth-grade vocation day — Most Pure Heart of Mary, Topeka Confirmation — Holy Angels, Garnett, and St. John, Greeley Oct. 3-5 Archdiocesan convocation: “Enflame Our Hearts. Be Disciples.

Make Disciples” — Overland Park Convention Center Oct. 6 Respect Life kickoff Mass — Holy Trinity, Lenexa Project Andrew — Holy Spirit, Overland Park

Please pray for the Enflame Our Hearts convocation that it may be the catalyst of a new outpouring of the Holy Spirit. May it be the instrument to awaken a new apostolic and missionary zeal within the church!

Mary, Mother of the Church, pray for us!

Come Holy Spirit, come and enkindle in our hearts the fire of your love!

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SEPTEMBER 27, 2019 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

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‘THEY NEVER SAY NO’

Missionary Sisters honored for 25 years at Emporia parish

By Marc and Julie Anderson mjanderson@theleaven.org

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LEAVEN PHOTO BY MARC ANDERSON

s Sister Aurora Villamar, left, and Sister Laurentina Garcia, members of the Missioneras Guadalupanas de Cristo Rey based in Mexico City, were honored for their 25 years of service to St. Catherine Parish in Emporia on Sept. 15.

Father Daniel Coronado blesses all the nuns in ministry St. Catherine Parish, which serves Emporia’s large Spanish-speaking population. s

MPORIA — Pillars of the community.

That’s how Armida Martinez, a parishioner of St. Catherine Parish in Emporia, described Sister Aurora Villamar and Sister Laurentina Garcia.

The two are members of the Missioneras Guadalupanas de Cristo Rey based in Mexico City. They were honored Sept. 15 for 25 years of service to the parish and community.

The celebration included a Mass of thanksgiving and a potluck luncheon. Near the end of Mass, the nuns were also serenaded by the congregation.

The nuns are the longest-serving members of any religious order to minister to the community and were invited to the parish by Father Pete O’Sullivan, former pastor assigned to the area in 1993.

At the time, the parish had closed, said Father O’Sullivan, but the city of Emporia had a huge Spanish-speaking population. He decided to approach Archbishop Emeritus James P. Keleher about the community’s needs.

“I thought we’ve got to do something,” he said. “Archbishop Keleher agreed.”

Prior to his ministry in Emporia, Father O’Sullivan had taught at Maur Hill Academy in Atchison. It was there he first encountered the nuns as they served in the kitchen of St. Benedict’s Abbey.

On July 4, 1994, Father O’Sullivan traveled to Mexico City and spoke with the order’s superior. He asked if she’d be interested in sending some Sisters to minister at the Emporia parish, assisting with needs ranging from catechism and visiting the sick to spiritual discernment.

Just two months after his trip to Mexico, Sister Aurora arrived in Emporia on Sept. 10. A year later, Sister Laurentina joined her.

“It passed too fast,” Sister Aurora said of her time in Emporia.

Sister Laurentina agreed.

“I don’t think so, but it’s true,” she said.

For 25 years, the two have invited people to Mass, served as catechists and religious educators, counseled people, instructed the faithful in prayer and devotions, visited the sick in the hospital as well as the homebound and, in general, just been present among the people.

“There are many things to do,” Sister Aurora said, adding she just loves the

people.

In fact, according to Martinez, the nuns’ longtime presence has led to a significant increase in parish membership. Current estimates places membership around 400 people.

“They’re the pillars of the community,” Martinez said. “They just keep going and going.”

At 72, Martinez said she sometimes feels the effects of time on her body, but she is constantly amazed by the nuns’ energy. It seems, she said, the nuns are always there.

“They keep us going. We depend on them. We trust them to guide us,” she said.

Parishioner Teresa Rodriquez agreed and said the parish is fortunate to have such witnesses of Christ’s love for his people.

“We’ve been blessed that God sent them to us,” Rodriquez said.

In addition to being the parish’s President

Most Rev. Joseph F. Naumann

Publication No. (ISSN0194-9799)

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

LEAVEN PHOTO BY MARC ANDERSON

pastor, Father Daniel Coronado also serves as pastor of St. Joseph Parish in Olpe, south of Emporia. As a result, his time is often limited, so the nuns assist him in ensuring the parishioners’ needs are met.

“It’s great,” he said.

Father Coronado said the nuns’ faithful service extends his presence among the people by regularly opening the church doors, serving as sacristans, preparing parishioners for sacraments

Managing Editor Anita McSorley anita.mcsorley@theleaven.org

Senior Reporter Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

Reporter Olivia Martin olivia.martin@theleaven.org

Production Manager Todd Habiger todd.habiger@theleaven.org

Advertising Coordinator Beth Blankenship beth.blankenship@theleaven.org

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

and, in general, letting him know of particular parishioners’ needs.

Parishioner Rosemary Sanchez finds the nuns’ faithful presence truly awe-inspiring.

“They’re here for you all the time,” she said, providing “a good example for the entire community.”

“They’re willing to help in any way,” added Sanchez. “They’re always here.

They never say no.”

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 $21/year. Periodicals postage paid at Kansas City, KS 66109.

SEPTEMBER 27, 2019 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

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Donald and Mary Beary, members of Holy Trinity Parish, Lenexa, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on Sept. 27.

The couple was married on Sept. 27, 1969, at St. Alphonsus Church, Mount Pleasant, Iowa.

They celebrated with a family cruise in July. Their children are: Maureen McAnarney, Elizabeth Purkey (deceased), Allison Brown and Michael Beary. They also have seven grandchildren.

Linda

Gerald “Bud” Maskill, members of Holy S p i r i t Parish, O ve r l a n d Park, will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary on Oct. 3. The couple was married on Oct. 3, 1959, at Christ the King Church in Kansas City, Kansas, by Msgr.

Michael J. Price. Their children are Julie Ann Hope and Marilyn Elaine Maskill. They will celebrate with a Mass and family time.

PHOTO COURTESY OF STS. PETER AND PAUL PARISH

Sts. Peter and Paul Parish in Seneca hosted a Divine Mercy day of reflection on Sept. 14. Joan Henry (left), evangelization/retreat coordinator, Bryan Thatcher, keynote speaker, and Susan Stallbaumer, evangelization/retreat coordinator, stand beside a painting of Divine Mercy by artist Mike Debus, who painted the image live at the reflection day.

Seneca day of reflection focuses on Divine Mercy

S

ENECA — “Divine Mercy — A Day of Reflection” was held at Sts. Peter and Paul Church here on Sept. 14. It began with Mass and ended with eucharistic adoration, confession and the Divine Mercy chaplet being sung in the church.

The keynote speaker was Dr. Bryan Thatcher, who founded the

Eucharistic Apostles of Divine Mercy in 1996. Its mission is to spread the mercy of God, primarily through prayer cenacles to promote the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist and to encourage recitation of the Divine Mercy chaplet for the sick and dying and pro-life causes.

Thatcher has written several books

on Divine Mercy and co-hosted two series on Divine Mercy that aired on EWTN. The ministry promotes the notion that the Divine Mercy message is a “way of life.”

The guests also watched artist Mike Debus paint an image of Divine Mercy.

Amending the Kansas Constitution is a two-step process, said Weber. The first step is to have a two-thirds majority vote in both the House (84) and the Senate (27).

The second step is to place the amendment proposal on the ballot during a primary or general election in 2020.

The “Reverse the Ruling” petition effort is directed toward the first step.

The petition does not obligate the legislators to vote a certain way, but it is a powerful tool to show them how seriously Kansans take this issue.

Weber said the legislation will be introduced in both chambers “right out of the gate” when the next session begins on Jan. 13, 2020.

Petitions will be available for signing at many parishes on Respect Life Sunday, Oct. 5-6. The petition efforts are being conducted by the Knights of Columbus and parish pro-life committee members.

Debra Niesen, consultant for the archdiocesan pro-life office, said Catholics should be motivated to petition and later vote for the amendment.

“What is particularly upsetting is that we had made such progress by

“

“WE BELIEVE IN A VERY PRACTICAL WAY [THE RULING] HAS KNOCKED OUT EVERY PRO-LIFE LAW IN KANSAS.” passing common-sense laws that were widely supported by Kansans,” said Niesen. “As a result, the abortion rate decreased [since 1997] by 50 percent, from around 12,000 abortions a year to 6,000 a year.”

The case that led to the decision by the Kansas Supreme Court was a challenge by two abortionists against a dismemberment abortion ban that had become law, but had not yet taken effect because of the challenge.

“According to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, there are about 12 live dismemberment abortions every week in Kansas, thanks to that ruling,” said Weber. “I think, across the board, people find that repugnant.”

The amendment campaign may

and

Craig and Sue (Kelley) Kammen, members of St. Matthew Parish, Topeka, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on Oct. 4.

The couple was married on Oct. 4, 1969, in the Immaculate Conception Chapel at Marymount College, Salina. Their children are Natalie and Brent. They also have two grandchildren.

Priest celebrates 50 years

Two-step process starts with vote in legislature >> Continued from page 1

(Fales)

get a boost from a perception among voters and legislators that this ruling represents judicial overreach and the court took away citizens’ rights to have a voice in life issues.

“Certainly, there is a general feeling by legislators that the court is the bully of Topeka,,” said Weber, “that [justices] are taking on decisions that really should be made by elected officials, so I believe that there is that sentiment out there.

“I think the average Kansan doesn’t realize how political the court is and has been, and it shows in this ruling. It really is an overreach.”

The Catholic Church in Kansas is certainly not alone in the “Reverse the Ruling” effort, said Archbishop Naumann.

“We’re part of a coalition of concerned individuals in Kansas,” said Archbishop Naumann. “Certainly, there are many other Christian churches that share our concern about the court’s decision and the need for this constitutional amendment.

“Really, one doesn’t have to have any religious faith to be able to, just through pure reason, see that the killing of a child in the mother’s womb is not good for the child, the mother or society as a whole.”

Father David Joseph Fleming, SM, a native of Topeka, celebrated the 50th anniversary of his ordination this year.

Father David attended Assumption Grade School and Hayden High School.

He professed first vows on Sept. 8, 1956, at Marynook Novitiate in Galesville, Wisconsin, and was ordained on March 22, 1969, in Fribourg, Switzerland.

Father David began serving the Marianists in 1959 as a high school teacher in St. Louis. In 1962, he moved to Chicago where he spent the next three years earning his master’s and doctorate degrees. In 1965, he entered Regina Mundi Seminary in Fribourg.

After his ordination in 1969, he returned to the U.S. to serve as a scholasticate educator and university professor in San Antonio. After serving in San Antonio for seven years, Father David was assigned to serve at the St. Louis Provincialate as assistant for religious life from 1976-1979 and as provincial from 1979-1987.

In 1988, he began five years of service as novice master in various locations throughout India.

When he left India in 1996, Father David traveled to Rome where he began what would be a decade of service as superior general at the General Administration of the Society of Mary.

SEPTEMBER 27, 2019 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

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‘YOU HAVE TO EARN THE RIGHT TO BE HEARD’ St. Lawrence Center: Connecting with a very connected audience

By Olivia Martin olivia.martin@theleaven.org

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AWRENCE — Ever since his undergraduate years at the University of Kansas here, Father Mitchel Zimmerman has been in deep debt.

And this debt has nothing to do with money.

“I owe the St. Lawrence Center everything,” said Father Zimmerman. “It will always be the place that changed my life probably more dramatically than any Catholic church.”

St. Lawrence is KU’s Catholic student center, which sits atop a hill at the edge of campus. The center was where Father Zimmerman’s faith first exploded — where he discovered his calling to the priesthood and where he has been serving as chaplain and director since 2016.

Throughout the years, he has seen many changes at St. Lawrence, not least of which is the change in students from generation to generation.

But there’s something that hasn’t changed.

St. Lawrence Center continues to reach students exactly where they are with the time-resilient message of the church: Christ is present, accessible and loves each person individually.

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER

s Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann cuts the ribbon on the new patio space at the St. Lawrence Catholic Campus Center at the University of Kansas on Sept. 18.

Ministering to Gen Z

Home When Mark Loftus was a freshman at KU, becoming involved with his Catholic faith was the last thing on his mind.

“I didn’t really consider it too much a part of my identity,” said Loftus, now a junior. “The attraction to go and get

From left, Taylor Dinke, Rachel Farquhar, Catherine McManus and Tynan Bollinger gather around center director Father Mitchel Zimmerman before the ceremony to bless the patio.

Board members, donors and students were all invited to the reception and blessing.

s

Sharing the faith with people is never easy, no matter the generation.

But the current generation of college students, Gen Z, presents a challenge all its own.

Gen Z is the first generation that does not know what life was like before cellphones and the internet — Gen Z-ers were born roughly between 1996 and 2010.

“The challenge is that this generation has been advertised to and sold to their entire lives,” said Father Zimmerman. “You literally have to earn the right to be heard, and that’s through being generous and vulnerable yourself and asking them about themselves . . . and what they care about.”

Father Zimmerman also noted that Gen Z students struggle with isolation and are not as resilient as previous generations. But they are honest and desire human relationships.

“I love this generation of college students,” he said. “But what we’ve found is that the vast majority of people don’t feel like they belong to the Catholic Church or don’t feel they need anything the Catholic Church has to offer.”

That’s where the center comes in.

“We’ve spent a lot of time the last few years really trying to create a culture here at the St. Lawrence Center where everybody has a reason to belong to the Catholic Church,” said Father Zimmerman.

And it shows.

Family

“

“WE’VE SPENT A LOT OF TIME THE LAST FEW YEARS REALLY TRYING TO CREATE A CULTURE HERE AT THE ST. LAWRENCE CENTER WHERE EVERYBODY HAS A REASON TO BELONG TO THE CATHOLIC CHURCH.” involved with another Catholic organization wasn’t that great for me.”

But during fall 2018, Loftus heard the center was taking a fall break mission trip to Mexico City.

He thought it seemed like a good opportunity to help others and it would look good on medical school applications.

Besides, he had no other plans.

“I ended up going and met really,

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER

really great people on that trip,” said Loftus. “They really intentionally, genuinely wanted me to be around and they wanted to know me.

“I hadn’t felt that at college yet.”

That winter, he attended the SEEK FOCUS conference in Indianapolis and has been involved at St. Lawrence ever since.

And because of those experiences, Loftus sees the faith differently now.

“I think one of the biggest problems is people have a lot of . . . preconceived notions about what the church believes, based on what the secular world tells them religion believes,” he said.

In his own experience, Loftus found that many notions about the church often stem from not understanding the reasons behind the church’s teachings.

And he appreciates that, while St. Lawrence does teach solid theology and catechesis, it comes second to evangelizing through encounter — that is, by getting to know the students.

“They try to make you feel the love of Christ first,” said Loftus, “even if they never get across the point that they’re with the St. Lawrence Center.”

Brenna Dillon, a junior at KU from Overland Park, did not expect to have any family on campus.

But that quickly changed when she started going to the center.

“The St. Lawrence Center has truly become my family in college,” said Dillon. And, just like a family, it has been there for her through thick and thin.

“One of my best friends passed away in a car accident in May, and the people to rescue me from the pain [were those at] the St. Lawrence Center,” she said.

“They truly are the biggest advocates for me to get to heaven.”

This year, Loftus and Dillon are helping to lead RISE at the campus center, a monthly night of prayer and worship accompanied by a talk that pertains to living the faith as a student.

“I’m looking forward to diving deeper into my faith and . . . getting a better understanding of who Jesus is,” said Dillon.

For Loftus, he is looking forward to not being the new kid at the center anymore.

“This year, I am established and I’m a presence there,” he said. “It will be nice to finally have [that support] going into all aspects of college life.”

Ultimately, the St. Lawrence Center educates in its own way, serving to school students on how to encounter others as Christ. “[The center] makes you feel loved,” said Loftus. “It makes you feel welcome.

You feel you have a home.”

SEPTEMBER 27, 2019 | THELEAVEN.ORG

FAMILY LIFE

Root out corrosive behavior in your marriage and family life

By Deacon Tony Zimmerman Special to The Leaven

or a family member, do I: • give the other person the “silent treatment” until he or t wasn’t uncommon for my she admits their error? parents to openly disagree • Do I slam cabinet doors or or argue over different other doors in protest? issues. Sometimes the • Do I bury myself in work, arguments got loud. a hobby or some other escape?

One day, my dad got so • Am I cheerful with others worked up that he threw a yet obviously sour when speakhead of cabbage across the ing to my spouse? kitchen, breaking a light. My • Do I complain to others parents stopped arguabout the faults of ing and quietly went my spouse or family TOOLS FOR about cleaning up the member?

FAMILIES broken light fixture.

• Do I resort to Growing as What we saw in criticism of the other Disciples of our family of origin person as my weapon Jesus can influence our beof choice? havior in our marriage Many of us might or family life. When I saw my read this list and recognize that parents openly and loudly diswe have occasionally resorted agree, I decided this behavior to these actions out of anger or would not be part of my marfrustration. riage or family.

How can we escape What behavior or actions these behaviors? The answer is would I choose as a replaceto replace the negative actions ment when there is a disagreewith positive, life-giving acment in my marriage or family? tions. Am I willing to stop and: Not talking to or avoid• prayerfully ask God, “Help ing one another seems safe me understand; help me to enough, right? listen”?

Unfortunately, this replaces • seek the grace to ask for one relationship-corrosive beforgiveness for my negative achavior with another. tions?

Take a moment and ask your• ask God to open my eyes self: When I become angry and to all the goodness and love in argumentative with my spouse the other person I struggle to

I

see now?

Unconditionally loving our spouse or children each day requires a “booster shot” of grace and guidance.

We can find this through regularly attending a marriage retreat or enrichment where we can improve our communication skills and discover new and powerful ways to discover

the gift God has given us in our spouse or children.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. When thinking of domestic violence, we may automatically think of the physical actions which inflict pain and put people at risk.

In an upcoming toolkit, we take a deeper look at serious domestic violence issues.

For now, the behaviors we just examined, while not being “physical,” can be every bit as painful to those we love . . . and need to be rooted out.

October is also the Month of Mary. Consider praying a family rosary as well as frequent reception of the sacraments of reconciliation and the Eucharist.

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SEPTEMBER 27, 2019 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

When the leaves change colors, the vestments aren’t far behind

By Olivia Martin olivia.martin@theleaven.org

H

ave you ever wondered why the colors of the vestments your priests wear at Mass are sometimes different? From white and green, to purple or red, all of them symbolize something about that day’s Mass.

The Leaven spoke with Father Matthew Shieffelbein, pastor of Christ the King Parish in Topeka, in an attempt to better understand what the vestment colors symbolize and how they help us recognize the “seasons” of the church.

Q: Why do our priests sometimes wear different colored vestments at Mass?

A: The color of the priest’s vestments actually indicate the time of year in the church.

This is because the church has its own calendar — and the liturgical colors help the faithful pay attention to the events in the life of Christ.

Q: What are the liturgical seasons?

A: The liturgical seasons, also know as the seasons of the church, are periods of the year during which Catholics focus on different aspects of the faith.

They move through the events of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection to help the faithful remember the history of salvation and remind them of Christ’s presence.

There are six seasons of the church: Advent, Christmas, Lent, the paschal Triduum, Easter and Ordinary Time.

“The liturgical seasons have a rhythm of fasting and feasting,” said Father Shieffelbein.

“Even within the week itself, every Friday is considered a little Good Friday and every Sunday is considered a little Easter.”

Q: Do the seasons of the church — or liturgical seasons — correspond with the four seasons of the calendar year?

with

FATHER MATTHEW SHIEFFELBEIN

Pastor of Christ the King, Topeka A: No, they do not.

Q: When does the liturgical year begin?

A: The liturgical year begins with the season of Advent. And Advent begins four Sundays before Christmas.

“That is the time we are preparing for the birth of Christ,” said Father Shieffelbein, “so it is the beginning of the mystery of salvation — hence, the beginning of the [church] calendar year.”

followers, so the green is that growth in the life of discipleship.”

Q: What about when priests wear red, rose or black vestments?

also worn on memorials of martyrs [to symbolize] the blood of the martyrs. We also wear them on Good Friday in honor of Jesus’ passion and on Palm Sunday for the same reason.”

The rose vestments can be worn two Sundays out of the year: on the Third Sunday of Advent and the Fourth Sunday of Lent — the midpoints of both seasons.

“The rose vestments . . . indicate a greater joy [as Christmas and Easter approach],” explained Father Shieffelbein.

Black vestments are rarely seen, but they are an option for funerals as well as for All Souls’ Day on Nov. 2.

“It is a reminder of the reality that we are all going to die and that we are sinners who need God’s mercy,” said Father Shieffelbein.

A: “The red vestments are worn on Pentecost for the fire of the Holy Spirit,” said Father Shieffelbein. “They’re

Q: Do the seasons of the church follow each other chronologically?

A: The season of Advent always begins four Sundays before Christmas. The Christmas season lasts three weeks ending on the feast of the Baptism of the Lord.

“Sandwiched between the end of Christmas and the start of Lent is a portion of Ordinary Time,” said Father Shieffelbein.

“Its length will depend on when Ash Wednesday and Easter fall.”

Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, “40” days (not literally) before Easter Sunday.

“Easter is always the first Sunday after the first full moon after the spring equinox,” explained Father Shieffelbein.

And the paschal Triduum lasts from Holy Thursday evening to Easter Sunday.

The church then resumes Ordinary Time until the end of the liturgical year on Christ the King Sunday.

Q: When does the liturgical year end?

A: The liturgical year ends on Christ the King Sunday, which is typically late November.

Q: How do the colors of the vestments correspond to the seasons of the church?

A: “The colors of the vestments help to express what’s happening in the season itself,” said Father Shieffelbein.

Advent and Lent are purple to symbolize anticipation, preparation and penance leading to Christmas and Easter.

Christmas and Easter are white to celebrate the joy of new life.

Ordinary Time is green, symbolizing new life and growth.

“This is the time when [Jesus] is out preaching and teaching and healing,” said Father Shieffelbein. “It really is the time when we are growing as his disciples, growing as his

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MARRIAGE RESCUED Children of marriages saved by Retrouvaille share their stories

I

By Marc and Julie Anderson mjanderson@theleaven.org

t is estimated that more than a million children witness the breakup of their parents’ marriage every year.

But four young people from the Kansas City area say it doesn’t have to be that way.

They believe their parents’ marriages were saved by a program called Retrouvaille . . . and that countless blessings have flowed from that.

Kaitlyn was 3 when her parents attended their first Retrouvaille weekend. Both her parents had been married previously and were really trying to make this marriage work.

But they were struggling. When they learned of Retrouvaille, a peerbased marriage support ministry first developed by the Catholic Church, they took the leap and signed up.

Kaitlyn believes if her parents

hadn’t made that choice 10 years ago, her life might have turned out very differently.

And although she was too young to remember her parents’ relationship before Retrouvaille, she definitely sees her parents practicing some of the skills they learned during the program in their daily interactions.

“They communicate well. They don’t, like, hold it all in,” Kaitlyn said.

But they definitely try to keep things calm when they have disagreements, and she knows that’s a direct result of Retrouvaille.

When Kaitlyn’s parents forget to practice those skills, she said, it’s really obvious.

“When they don’t [practice those skills], there’s more arguments, and it’s not as peaceful in the house,” she said.

“When they do, though, it’s happier, and I feel like there’s no tension.”

Even though her parents might occasionally disagree, Kaitlyn said she never has to worry whether they will get a divorce. Plus, she doesn’t have to make difficult choices such as which

Divorce’s impact on children

S

tudies show that children of divorced parents experience a range of challenges that other children do not.* Among the most serious are: • Higher occurrences of teen pregnancy Thirty-five percent of girls whose fathers and mothers divorced when they were in preschool experienced a teen pregnancy, compared to only 5% of teen girls who came from families where both the mother and father were present.

• Higher teen suicide rates Children of divorced parents account for more than twothirds of the increase in teen suicides.

• Higher school dropout rates Approximately one-third of children with divorced parents drop out of high school.

• Greater likelihood of generational divorce Children with divorced parents are 50% more likely to divorce when they reach adulthood and marry themselves.

• Increased use of alcohol and drug use Twice as many young teens in single-mother families and stepfamilies have tried marijuana.

• Higher incidents of arrest and violence A boy raised in a single-parent family or a stepfamily is twice as likely to commit a crime that leads to an arrest by his early 30s.

• Diminished household income Between one-fifth and onethird of divorcing women end up in poverty following their divorce, and children raised in single-parent families account for more than 60% of all children living in poverty within the United States.

*See “Why Marriage Matters: Twenty-Six Conclusions from the Social Sciences” and “Marriage and the Public Good: Ten Principles,” both found on the website for the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops at: www.usccb.org.

parent to spend the weekend with.

And for that, she’s grateful.

“We’re a together family,” she said.

“We’re not a divided family.”

••••• Worrying about one’s parents is something Carmine, 14, and Gianni, 17, know all about.

Although it’s been eight years since their parents attended their Retrouvaille weekend, the boys recall the pre-Retrouvaille days well — and not happily.

“It was very off and on. They were good at times,” said Gianni, “but bad at others. They were never even throughout. It was a roller coaster, to say the least.”

Carmine agreed: “One day, they would be fighting.

The other day, they would love each other.”

According to the boys, the roller coaster lasted about four years, and Retrouvaille brought much peace and healing to their entire family.

NEXT RETROUVAILLE WEEKEND Date: Oct. 25-27 Registration deadline: Oct. 24 Registration fee: $200* Location: Kansas City Ways to register: • Call Paul and Tracy Sattterfield at (800) 470-2230.

• Send an email to: 2017@retrou vaille.org.

• Complete the online registration process at: helpourmarriage.org. *No couple is ever denied an opportunity to heal their marriage due to financial difficulty.

“It’s been a lot calmer [since then],” said Gianni. “It’s been much more even. It hasn’t been up and down.

There hasn’t been a fight since, just nothing.”

Carmine agreed and said their parents “started talking and thinking more about each other and how [their behavior] would affect each other.”

That’s not to say their parents don’t ever disagree, said the boys.

“There’s been disagreements, but they don’t turn into full-on yelling matches like they used to do before Retrouvaille. At night, there would be screaming and yelling, and we haven’t had anything that severe since,” Gianni said.

Like Kaitlyn, both boys said they think their parents learned valuable communication skills from Retrouvaille. Also, Carmine said his parents learned how to “show their real emotions to each other instead of holding it in [and then exploding].

“They talk to each other now,” he added.

Both boys said their stress levels have decreased dramatically compared to before their parents started Retrouvaille.

“It makes me less nervous,” said Carmine.

He doesn’t worry about what he might hear his parents say to each other — and he never worries anymore whether his parents might divorce.

Instead, he is free to concentrate on his homework, school and activities.

“I think people should consider what would happen to the kids and how things would impact them and their emotions,” said Carmine. “I

played baseball, and I always worried if I was going to go home and if they were going to start fighting. . . . My grades have gone up. They’re all A’s now.”

Both boys said they’d encourage married couples to try Retrouvaille before getting divorced.

“Just think about your kids,” said Gianni.

The program is great for the couple, said Gianni, but even better for the kids if it saves the marriage.

He’s very glad his parents gave Retrouvaille a try.

••••• Unlike Carmine and Gianni, Jamie does not recall her parents’ relationship prior to Retrouvaille.

“I was nonexistent when my parents went to Retrouvaille,” said the 29-yearold. I am through and through a Retrouvaille baby.”

Jamie was actually born a year after her parents’ Retrouvaille weekend.

Even so, Jamie sees the effects of Retrouvaille in her life.

Retrouvaille taught her parents valuable skills, she said, especially about how to communicate.

“To this day, my dad, if he has something serious to communicate with any of us, will write us a letter,” she said.

It was a skill her parents learned during Retrouvaille.

Like Kaitlyn, Jamie said she feels as if she might have some advantages coming from a home with parents who stayed married to each other. One is in her beliefs about marriage itself.

“I know it’s not an option just to quit,” she said “I never, ever once had the fear one of them was going to leave,” she continued. “I got to come home and never have the fear or anxiety that one of them was going to leave.”

She and her two sisters, she said, knew they wouldn’t consider marriage until they found someone who shared their belief in the permanence of marriages. Today, both her sisters are happily married.

Ironically, Jamie said her mother grew up in California during the 1960s, always assuming she would one day find herself divorced.

“I think Retrouvaille, for her, not only saved her marriage, but also made her want to be a Catholic,” said Jamie.

Her mother has since converted to the Catholic faith.

As an adult and a teacher, Jamie has seen firsthand the struggles students of divorced parents face. The lack of stability, she said, creates many worries in children.

They just wind up worrying about a lot of things they shouldn’t have to worry about.

“Where are we going to sleep tonight? Is Mom going to be nice to us?

Is Dad going to pick us up from soccer?

They don’t know,” she said. “The only stable place they have is in their classroom with their teacher who is always there.”

“The moods of many of my students,” Jamie continued, “would shift drastically, depending upon what parent they were coming from.”

Those same students, she said, also often struggled with their schoolwork.

Looking back on her own childhood, Jamie is glad her parents tried Retrouvaille. Her worries growing up were those of typical kids, nothing more.

“Retrouvaille is so affordable and convenient that you don’t have an excuse not to try it,” she said. “I wouldn’t exist if my parents hadn’t gone to Retrouvaille.

“So, I guess I owe my life to Retrouvaille.”

SEPTEMBER 27, 2019 | THELEAVEN.ORG

NATION

Notre Dame releases study on sexual harassment among U.S. seminarians

By Rhina Guidos Catholic News Service

L

AS VEGAS (CNS) — The University of Notre Dame Sept. 21 released a groundbreaking report that looked at sexual harassment in U.S. Catholic seminaries, revealing that just 6% of seminarians reported experiencing some form of sexual harassment or misconduct, while 90% reported none.

Another 4% said they might have experienced misconduct but were not sure. Of the 10% who reported they had experienced sexual harassment or indicated they might have, 80% percent identified a fellow seminary student or religious in formation as the alleged perpetrator.

Among the respondents overall, 84% said they felt the administration and faculty take seriously reports of harassment. Of those who reported an incident, about a third said they were not sure how seriously their report was taken or whether it was acted upon.

The research, from Notre Dame’s McGrath Institute for Church Life, in collaboration with the Washington-based Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate, came from data obtained from 149 seminaries or houses of formations in the United States. The study is titled “Sexual Harassment and Catholic Seminary Culture.”

John Cavadini, Notre Dame professor of theology, who presented the results at the Religion News Association conference in Las Vegas, said the survey was a response to rumors about what was happening in seminary culture after allegations surfaced concerning former U.S. Cardinal Theodore E. McCarrick.

“The vision for the survey came in the wake of the clerical sex abuse scandal and abuse allegations against the now-laicized Theodore McCarrick, who was accused of grooming victims during their seminary years,” Cavadini said.

W

ASHINGTON (CNS) — The prolife community is cheering a report released Sept. 18 that indicates the number and rate of abortions nationwide have fallen to their lowest levels since the Supreme Court’s Roe v. Wade decision legalized abortion on demand in 1973.

The numbers were provided by the Guttmacher Institute, which researches data on abortion. For 2017, the last year for which full numbers were available, the institute recorded 862,000 abortions. That translates to 13.5 abortions per 1,000 women ages 15-44, a rate less than half of the 1990 count.

For the previous two tallies, the numbers were 926,000 in 2014, and just over 1 million in 2011.

Between 2011 and 2017, abortion

Students mix faith, activism at climate change rally

By Carol Zimmermann Catholic News Service

W CNS PHOTO/RHINA GUIDOS

University of Notre Dame professor John Cavadini and Jesuit Father Thomas Gaunt of the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate take questions from the audience Sept. 21, 2019, during the Religion News Association conference in Las Vegas. They presented findings of their groundbreaking study on sexual harassment in seminaries in the U.S. Some of the concerns seem to center on the question of whether reports of sexual harassment were taken seriously and acted on by the responsible authorities. Of those who reported an incident, about four in 10 (42%) believe that their reports of sexual harassment, abuse or misconduct “to the responsible authorities” were taken seriously and acted upon “completely” (24%) or “for the most part” (18%).

Twelve percent said that their reports were taken seriously “somewhat, but not adequately,” and 15% said they believed their reports were “not taken seriously or properly acted upon.” Those who said they “didn’t know” how seriously their reporting of an incident was taken or whether it was acted upon accounted for 31%; and 21% said reports were “not taken seriously or properly acted upon.”

“We hope to hold people to a higher standard,” Cavadini said.

The survey was emailed to 2,375 seminarians from 149 seminaries and houses of formation around the country with a 65% response rate.

Cavadini said researchers tried to compare some of the data, but there weren’t studies focused on the seminary culture to make a comparison.

Jesuit Father Thomas Gaunt, executive director of CARA, who was present for the release of the results, said he believed the research marked the first time such a study has been undertaken. Some of the data can help create or institute policies to ensure that seminarians who report abuse against them will be taken seriously by those in charge, he noted.

“It’s not just our opinion. We have data to show so we’ll be able to say that it is not our imagination,” Cavadini said. “We want to affect the seminary culture. We want to create a culture where that ambiguity goes down.”

Pro-life leaders say low abortion rate good news

By Kurt Jensen Catholic News Service

10

rates increased in only five states and the District of Columbia. One of the largest drops was in Virginia, at more than 40 percent between 2011 and 2017.

But there’s no single reason for the decline, including wider legal restrictions and the closing of clinics, the report stated. “Rather, the decline in abortions appears to be related to declines in births and pregnancies overall.”

The 2011-2017 time frame “warrants particular attention because it coincided with an unprecedented wave of new abortion restrictions. During those years, “32 states enacted a total of 394 new restrictions, with the vast majority of these measures having taken effect (that is, they were not struck down by a court).”

“With the available evidence, it is impossible to pinpoint exactly which factors drove recent declines, and to what degree,” the report continued.

“However, previous Guttmacher analy-

ses have documented that abortion restrictions . . . were not the main driver of national declines in the abortion rate in the 2008-2011 or 2011-2014 time periods.”

“The March for Life celebrates the long-term downward trend in the number of abortions and the abortion rate,” said Jeanne Mancini, president of the March for Life Education and Defense Fund, which holds an annual rally and March in Washington every January.

“Although there has been a concerning 10% increase in chemical (Mifepristone, the RU-486 pill, used by women who are 10 weeks’ pregnant or less) abortions — which are harder on women and have less medical oversight — there is an overall movement away from abortion, evidenced by consistent public opinion polls that show vast majorities want to restrict the practice.”

ASHINGTON (CNS) — A few hundred Catholic school students from the Washington Archdiocese took their cue, literally, from Pope Francis when they joined thousands of mostly young people at the climate change march in Washington Sept. 20 behind the banner with his words: “Hear both the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor.”

The phrase is from the pope’s 2015 ecology encyclical, “Laudato Si’.”

“We’re following the pope’s example,” said Perry Wargo, a science teacher from Elizabeth Seton High School, a girls school in Bladensburg, Maryland, pointing to the banner quoting the pope.

He led a group of 48 students from his school, joined by dozens more from eight Catholic high schools and one elementary school in the Washington area taking part in the midday march and rally urging government and business leaders, and everyone, really, to take action to stop climate change.

The march, like dozens more that occurred around the country and the world Sept. 20, took place three days before world leaders planned to gather at the United Nations for a climate summit.

The participants filled the street making their way to the U.S. Capitol, under a blue sky on a warm, sunny day, and delivered a message not only by their sheer number but with signs they held aloft, mostly on cardboard or white poster board with messages written in marker about saving the earth, the need to reuse and recycle and do away with fossil fuels.

At St. Patrick’s Church in Washington, several blocks from where the march began, the Catholic school students were more subdued in the dark church than the group at large that they would join, but they were just as passionate about doing something to help the earth and also saw the faith connection to this effort.

They took part in a “Season of Creation” prayer service coordinated by Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington that involved prayers, Scripture passages and a prayer of St. Francis. The students pledged to work to help the environment and oil was placed on their hands as a sign of this commitment.

The group heard Greta Thunberg’s address to the U.N., where she said: “Change is coming whether you like it or not.” Thunberg, the Swedish teen climate activist, started a school strike for the climate outside the Swedish Parliament last year that has since spread worldwide.

Morgann Clark, a senior from Elizabeth Seton School who addressed the group right after they listened to Thunberg, admitted it was “hard to follow Greta” and encouraged fellow students to see climate change as not only harmful to the environment but as having a socioeconomic impact.

SEPTEMBER 27, 2019 | THELEAVEN.ORG

NATION

11

Busy working mom promotes praying rosary daily

By Joan Kurkowski-Gillen Catholic News Service

F

ORT WORTH, Texas (CNS) — She’s raising seven children while managing a household, marriage and high-energy career in banking. It’s no wonder Kristin Reilly considers prayer — more specifically the rosary — her life raft.

Every morning at 6:45 Central time, the busy mom cuddles a baby or toddler on her lap as she leads more than 400 people in a live recitation of the rosary online at www.instagram.com/ manyhailmarysatatime and her Facebook page One Hail Mary at a Time.

Her Instagram account has over 30,000 followers and many log onto the daily-recorded video — available on both sites for 24 hours — to pray with her during a more convenient time. The prayer warriors span the globe and live in places like Zambia, Ireland, Australia, South America and the Philippines.

“It’s just growing and growing,” said Reilly, who started the live presentation last October from her home in Illinois and invites Catholic authors and leaders to join her as guest hosts.

“My goal is to get a hundred million people around the world to pray the rosary,” she said in a phone interview with North Texas Catholic, magazine of the Diocese of Fort Worth.

The Facebook page — One Hail Mary at a Time — explains the rosary, offers thoughtful Marian reflections and encourages family prayer. The 37-year-old also uses the forum to share aspects of her hectic life managing a brood of youngsters age 10 and under. Her youngest is just 4 months old.

A cradle Catholic who witnessed her grandmother and mother pray the rosary “all the time,” Reilly picked up her own beads during a time of personal crisis. The young mother was expecting her third child and moving into a newly purchased home when her husband, Ted, lost his job. To help ease anxiety, her mother, Jean Greenwood, suggested the couple pray the rosary each night as a Lenten devotion.

The evening ritual was awkward at first.

“My husband had never prayed the rosary before and we had never prayed together as a couple,” she admitted.

CNS PHOTO/COURTESY KRISTIN REILLY

Kristin Reilly is seen with rosaries in this undated photo. Every morning she leads more than 400 people in a live recitation of the rosary online.

“Two little kids were running around while we looked up information on the mysteries.”

After 40 days, Reilly and her husband noticed they felt less stressed and more bonded as a family. The youngsters warmed up to the idea of praying with Mom and Dad once they realized it delayed bedtime.

“There was so much more peace in our home,” said the St. Mary’s College graduate who earned her master’s in

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business administration at the University of Notre Dame. “I no longer worried what was going to happen next.

I could just surrender those feelings as long as we prayed the rosary every night.”

Seven years and five children later, Reilly continues to share her experience with others. While enjoying city life in Chicago, the family was part of a rosary group that met every Thursday. Kristin observed how prayer in-

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

tentions quickly built community and friendships between people.

“Before starting, we’d mention what we wanted to pray for and it immediately made it more authentic because you’d know what other people were going through,” she explained.

The business professional remembered those struggles when she launched One Hail Mary at a Time from her suburban home outside Chicago in 2017. A targeted audience was other Catholic moms juggling work schedules and family life because, “that can be a lonely road.”

Young girls, trying to discern a vocation or make other life decisions, also are part of the listening demographic.

“I had a real fear of going live with my faith on the internet last year, but it’s been a blessing and a gift,” continues Reilly, who attended Catholic elementary and high schools in St. Paul, Minnesota. “The biggest surprise is the spiritual community that’s been formed.”

For the past year, rosary participants have supported each other through hospital stays, surgeries and deaths.

Some homebound listeners, who suffer with autoimmune illnesses, will make a point of contacting others in the group to pray with them privately.

“I always remember Mother Teresa saying those who are very sick, and can’t leave their house, can do the most good because they can pray for others,” said Reilly, who encourages the outreach. “We have quite a few in our group who do that.”

Why are her social media prayer sites attracting more followers? The soothing mantra of Hail Marys settles the mind and paves the way to peace, the rosary advocate says.

“I think we all go at such a fast pace now,” Reilly continued. “The rosary forces you to slow down.”

Quieting worries and fleeting thoughts to make room for prayer and contemplation is a challenge.

“But by the time you get to the fourth or fifth mystery, you are so centered and focused on the life of Jesus that the Holy Spirit is invited into your soul,” she explained. “For the rest of the day, you are just more in tune with God’s will and the reason why we’re all here.”

For people who want simplicity, contentment and inner peace in their lives, “the rosary is the perfect way to start the day,” Reilly said.

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EMPLOYMENT Drivers - Assisted Transportation is now hiring caring and reliable drivers to transport K-12 students to and from school and other activities in company minivans. Positions are now available in Olathe, Overland Park and Kansas City, Kansas. Competitive wages and flexible schedules. CDL not required. Retirees encouraged to apply. Call (913) 262-3100 or apply online at: AssistedTransportation.com. EEO. Director of human resources - The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas is seeking qualified candidates to fill the position of director of human resources. The archdiocese provides shared services for 120 associated organizations. Services include: benefits administration; Workers’ Compensation; retirement plans; and a standardized payroll process. Applicants must be a practicing Catholic in good standing and an active and faithful steward in their parish. Applicants must have expertise in creating and implementing HR policies and processes; client employee services and support; legal compliance; HRIS and data management; and employee benefit management and administration; Workers’ Compensation, leave management and related processes; employee relations and performance management; and employer/employee communications. This position manages a staff of three HR professionals; is the chief human resources consultant to parishes, schools and other archdiocesan organizations; and manages all human resource functions at the chancery. The successful candidate will have expertise in multiple HR disciplines, demonstrated skill with innovation and process improvement, and have excellent people skills. For a complete job description and to download the job application, go online to: archkck. org/jobs. Send cover letter of recommendation from your pastor and resume to: Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, attn.: Carla Mills, Chief Financial Officer, 12615 Parallel Parkway, Kansas City, KS 66109; or email to: cmills@archkck.org with subject line HR Director. Application deadline is Oct. 25.

Volunteers - Do you want to have more meaning in your life, do something that is satisfying and of great service to your community? Become a volunteer at Providence Medical Center. “Driving Miss Daisy” -volunteers are needed to drive the courtesy shuttle. For more information, call (913) 596-4195.

Community assistants - L’Arche Heartland of Overland Park serves adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities in day program support services and in residential services. We are seeking assistants who are looking for a unique opportunity in a faith-based organization. We are in immediate need of day service assistants to work in our day program serving 30 adults. We have a recycling program and community activities. Our core members participate in distributing for Meals on Wheels and Rise Against Hunger. They also attend community events such as the library, movies, bowling and going to parks. We also have a need for live-in and live-out assistants in our five residential homes.

If interested, contact Jamie Henderson, community leader, by email at: jamie@larcheks.org.

Volunteer tutors - The Learning Club is seeking adults or high school students to serve as volunteer tutors/mentors in our after-school program. Volunteer one hour per week and impact a young life! Learn more at: www.LearningClub KCK.org/volunteer or call (913) 244-5838.

We love our teachers - Come see why your want to work here! The Goddard School Olathe Northwest is looking for dynamic, energetic, professional teachers to add to our faculty. The Goddard School is a premiere preschool for children from 6 weeks to 6 years who are encouraged to develop at their own pace in a nurturing environment, lovingly guided by our highly skilled, professional teachers.

We are hiring for the following positions: full-time preschool teacher; full-time young toddler or infant teacher; assistant teacher to multiple classrooms; and part-time assistant teacher from 2:45 - 6 p.m. or 1 - 6 p.m.

Career opportunity – Due to the success and growth of the Knights of Columbus, we are adding a financial representative in the Kansas City, Kansas, and Missouri metro areas, St. Joseph, Mo., and Maryville, Mo. This is ideal for a determined, high energy, high expectation, professional, self-disciplined, independent individual, who desires to serve others yet earn a better than average income. We provide top-rated financial products to our members and their families, and will provide excellent benefits and training. This is a full-time position. For more information or an interview, please contact John A. Mahon, General Agent, 1275 S.W. Topeka Blvd., Topeka, KS 66612; call (855) 3564849; or email: mahonagencymail2@kofc.org.

Administrative assistant – St. Ann Parish in Prairie Village is seeking an administrative assistant for the ministry office. It is a part-time position, 15 - 20 hours per week. This is a FUN job that offers lots of variety and allows a flexible work schedule. You’ll be working with parish youth in our religious education program and providing support for some of our ministry groups. The ideal candidate will be proficient with Microsoft Office Suite and Google Drive; have database/data entry experience; have the ability to multitask; and have good communication and organizational skills. Send resume and letter of interest via email to: smeeker@stannpv.org.

English/language arts teacher - Bishop Miege High School has an immediate opening for an English/ language arts teacher for the 2019-20 school year. Send letter of interest and resume to: mjaksa@bishopmiege. com.

Executive director of Catholic Cemeteries – Catholic Cemeteries is seeking an executive director that will be responsible for the operation and administration of Catholic cemeteries within the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas. Duties include the management of all aspects of Catholic Cemeteries, including: employee management; financial management; planning and development; sales; and other aspects of day-to-day operations. The ideal candidate will be a practicing Catholic in good standing; have a minimum of five years of experience in cemeteries operation and management; and a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in business administration, marketing, public relations, accounting or related field.

Application and benefits information are available on the archdiocese’s website at: www.archkck.org/jobs. Interested individuals should email cover letter, resume and application by Sept. 30 to: jobs@archkck.org.

Counselor - Full-time LCPC counselor needed at Keeler Women’s Center, located at 759 Vermont Ave., Suite 100B, KCK, 66101. Contact Sister Bridget Dickason, OSB, at (913) 689-9375 or by email at: kwc@mountosb.org.

Administrative assistant - Looking for something new?

Use your administrative skills to help a developmental optometrist change people’s lives. The hours are: T/W/TH from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.; summer hours vary. No health benefits. Need to know basic bookkeeping skills. Background needed in Work, Excel and QuickBooks. Customer service and medical office experience helpful. Send resume to: Dr. Beth Bazin, 13600 Washington, Kansas City, MO 64145 or send via email to: bbazin@visiondevelop.com.

Health and wellness advocate for clergy – The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas is seeking an experienced nurse, case manager or social worker to fill the part-time (approximately 10-20 hours per week) position of health and wellness advocate for clergy. Duties include: visiting priests on a regular basis; managing priests’ conditions and care; serving as an advocate during appointments and hospitalizations; assisting priests with health insurance and Medicare. The ideal candidate will be a practicing Catholic in good standing; have a minimum of five years’ experience in adult health care, case management or social work; one year of health care management preferred. College degree in related field required, registered nurse preferred. An application can be found on the archdiocese’s website at: www.archkck.org/jobs.

Interested individuals should mail cover letter, resume, and application by Oct. 4 to: Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, Office of Human Resources, Health and Wellness Advocate Search, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109, or send via email to: jobs@archkck.org.

Controller - Bishop Miege has an immediate opening for a controller in the business office. This position is responsible for overseeing/performing all accounting allocations/accounting procedures as well as HR responsibilities. Duties include, but are not limited to: cash management/disbursement, AP/AR, payroll, bank account reconciliation, financial statement preparation, balance sheets and cash flow reports. The candidate must have an extensive accounting experience (five years’ preferred), be detail oriented as well as proficient in QuickBooks, MS Office and Excel spreadsheet design. Email letter of interest and resume to: mjaksa@bishopmiege.com.

Youth minister - Holy Trinity in Lenexa is seeking a youth minister for high school or junior high ministry. This is a full-time position working with the coordinator of youth ministry and music minister/assistant youth minister.

The candidate is responsible for leading weekly junior high ministry or the Life Teen-infused high school ministry; assisting in leading summer trips and conferences; Life Teen Masses; retreats and other special events. The youth minister leads a team of volunteers and advocates on behalf of the students. The right person will be able to relationally lead students into a deeper relationship with Christ. A successful candidate for the position will have an active faith life that they will appropriately and authentically share with students. Resume and cover letter or any questions can be sent to Mac Neal at: mneal@ htlenexa.org.

HOME IMPROVEMENT 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.

Concrete construction - Tear out and replace amped, 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.

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!! www.elsolylatierra.com Call Lupe at (816) 935-0176 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.

Interior painting Update your ceilings and walls with a fresh coat of paint.

Cracks repaired with no mess!

Serving the Leaven readers for over 25 years.

Call Jerry anytime at (913) 206-1144.

Speedy Guzman Moving and delivery Licensed and insured Anytime (816) 935-0176

Rusty Dandy Painting, Inc. – We have been coloring your world for 40 years. Your home will be treated as if it were our own. Old cabinets will be made to look like new. Dingy walls and ceilings will be made beautiful. Woodwork will glow.

Lead-certified and insured. Call (913) 341-9125.

Rodman Lawn Care Lawn mowing, aeration, verticutting, mulching, Hedge trimming, leaf removal, gutter cleaning Fully insured and free estimates John Rodman (913) 548-3002

Local handyman - Painting int. and ext., wood rot, power washing, staining, masonry (chimney repair, patio’s) gutter cleaning, water heaters, junk removal, lawn mowing, window cleaning, honey - do list and more!! Member of Holy Angels Parish, Basehor. Call Billy at (913)927-4118.

CAREGIVING

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 be glad you did.

Everything is guaranteed 100% (913) 461-4052 www.windowservicesoverlandpark.com drcconswindows@gmail.com STA (Sure Thing Always) Home Repair - Basement finish, bathrooms and kitchens; interior & exterior repairs: painting, roofing, siding, wood replacement and window glazing. Free estimates. Call (913) 579-1835. Email: smokeycabin@hotmail. com. Member of Holy Trinity, Lenexa.

NELSON CREATION’S L.L.C. Affordable home remodeling: Kitchens, baths, basements and room additions. All interior and exterior work.

Honest, dependable, experienced and family owned.

Licensed and insured. Member St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee.

(913) 927-5240 or nelsport@everestkc.net

SERVICES 8 to Your IdealWeight Get Real, Get Healthy, Get Empowered.

Release your weight and restore your power in 8 weeks! http://8toyouridealweight.com/coach/kathi/ Cleaning lady - Reasonable rates; references provided.

Call (913) 940-2959.

Garage Door Repair New Garage Doors Platinum Amarr dealer, Elite Home Advisor top rating.

Call Joe, mention The Leaven discount.

A Total Door (913) 236-6440.

Clutter getting you down? - Organize, fix, assemble, install!

“Kevin of all trades” your professional organizer and “Honey-do” specialist. Call or email me today for a free consultation at (913) 271-5055 or KOATorganizing@gmail.com.

Insured. References.

Remove popcorn ceilings Apply knockdown on ceilings Interior painting Serving The Leaven readers for over 25 years Call Jerry anytime: (913) 206-1144

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Looking for assisted living at home? - Before you move, call us and explore our in-home care options. We specialize in helping families live safely at home while saving thousands of dollars per year. Call today for more information or to request a FREE home care planning guide. Benefits of Home - Senior Care, www.benefitsofhome.com or call (913) 422-1591.

Caregiver - Reasonable rates, years of experience with all kinds of medical issues, conditions and challenge. Has hospice experience. Can help with shopping, food preparation and basic personal care. Can do nights. Call (913) 602-1289.

Caregiving - We provide personal assistance, companionship, care management, and transportation for seniors in their home, assisted living or nursing facilities. We also provide respite care for main caregivers needing some personal time. Call Daughters & Company at (913) 341-2500 and speak with Laurie, Pat or Gary.

FOR SALE Residential lifts - New and recycled. Stair lifts, porch lifts, ceiling lifts and elevators. St. Michael’s parishioners. KC Lift & Elevator at (913) 327-5557. (Formerly Silver Cross - KC) For sale - Delta 6” jointer with mobile base; 10” compound miter with stand; 10” radial arm saw. Call Tom at (913) 9270985.

For sale - Four Thomas Kinkade framed, collectible oil paintings on canvas, top grades, excellent condition. Authentication paperwork for each. Need to sell. Call (913) 851-8886.

For sale - Walnut project lumber: band saw cut 5/4 thick, 8”, 12” and larger wide by 9- and 10-foot lengths. Board foot prices: 50’ - 80’ for $8; 81’ - 150’ four or more for $7. Text or call (913) 579-1835.

For sale - One plot located at Mount Calvary Cemetery in Kansas City, Kan. Located in section 1E, lot 29, space 3.

Current value is $2400; selling price is $1950. Flat marker only; buyer pays transfer fee. Call (913) 908-7252 or send an email to: paulgilsr@mns.com.

REAL ESTATE CASH FOR YOUR HOME (913) 980-4905 Any condition in the metro area Mark Edmondson - local parishioner http://www.buykcproperty.com

Custom countertops - Laminates installed within five days.

Cambria, granite and solid surface. Competitive prices, dependable work. Call the Top Shop, Inc., at (913) 962-5058.

Members of St. Joseph, Shawnee.

WE SELL HOMES - Looking to sell? This is a seller’s market.

Call for a free consultation detailing the steps to selling your home. Ask about our 39-day sales guarantee. Mention this ad for a special offer. Call Jim Blaufuss, Re/Max Realty Suburban, at (913) 226-7442. Jimblaufuss@remax.net.

Tree Trimming Tree Trimming/Landscaping Insured/References Free Estimates/Local Parishioner Tony (913) 620-6063

Whole Estates Need to sell a home and everything in it?

We buy it all at once in as-is condition.

Call (816) 444-1950 or send an email to: www.wholeestates.com.

Win disability benefits - Disabled and no longer able to work? Get help winning Social Security disability benefits.

Free consultation. Eight years’ experience. No fee unless you win. Call (785) 331-6452 or send an email to: montemace2000@yahoo.com or visit montemacedisability.com.

We buy houses and whole estates - We are local and family-owned, and will make you a fair cash offer. We buy houses in any condition. No fees or commissions and can close on the date of your choice. Selling your house as is never felt so good. Jon & Stacy Bichelmeyer (913) 599-5000.

HARCO Exteriors LLC Your Kansas City fencing specialists Family owned and operated (913) 815-4817 www.harcoexteriorsllc.com Memory quilts - Preserve your memories in a keepsake quality quilt, pillows, etc. Custom designed from your T-shirt collection, baby clothes, sports memorabilia, neckties . . . Quilted Memories. (913) 649-2704.

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.

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.

WANTED TO BUY Wanted to buy - Antique/vintage jewelry, paintings, pottery, sterling, etc. Single pieces or estate. Renee Maderak, (913) 475-7393. St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee.

Will buy firearms and related accessories - One or a whole collection. Honest evaluation and top prices paid.

Contact Tom at (913) 238-2473. Member of Sacred Heart Parish, Shawnee.

Wanted to buy - Old cars or hot rods. Uncompleted project cars in any condition, with or without titles. Cash buyer. Call (913) 980-3559.

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING Cost is $20 for the first five lines, $1.50 per line thereafter.

To purchase a Leaven classified ad, email The Leaven at: beth.blankenship@theleaven.org.

SEPTEMBER 27, 2019 | THELEAVEN.ORG

CALENDAR NACHO YOUR ORDINARY TACO DINNER Holy Name of Jesus Parish 1007 Southwest Blvd., Kansas City, Kansas Sept. 28 from 5 - 9 p.m.

The Divas of Holy Name are sponsoring tacos, tostadas and tunes. The cost is $7 per person. There will be live music from Stranded in the City from 6 - 8:30 p.m. Profits go to support scholarships and other projects.

auctions to support the services of Alexandra’s House. Alexandra’s House offers healing and support for parents and families, free of charge, during pregnancy and after the death of a child due to a fatal anomaly, stillbirth, miscarriage, SIDS or any cause.

Tickets are $150 per person. For more information, call (913) 486-9788. You may register to attend, donate or submit an item for auction at: bidpal.net/bowtiesforbabies.

Visit the website at: www.alexandrashouse. com to learn more about this ministry.

150TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION Queen of the Holy Rosary - Wea Parish 22779 Metcalf, Bucyrus Sept. 28 at 4 p.m.

WORLDWIDE MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER WEEKEND Kansas City area Oct. 4 - 6; Nov. 15 - 17

The celebration will begin with Mass, celebrated by Archbishop Naumann, followed by an adult-only social hour and dinner. All friends of Queen of the Holy Rosary-Wea are welcome and a limited number of complimentary tickets are available on a firstcome basis. Call Katrina at the parish office at (913) 533-2464 or send an email to: kdegraeve@qhrwea.org.

FALL FEST Sacred Heart-St. Casimir Parish 1405 2nd Ave., Leavenworth Sept. 29 from 11:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.

A turkey and ham dinner will be served. The cost is $10 for adults and $5 for kids. There will also be a silent auction, a country store, games for kids, two different cash raffles, a raffle for a heating and air conditioner unit and a DJ.

FIESTA LATINA St. Mary-St. Anthony Parish 615 N. 7th St., Kansas City, Kansas Sept. 29 from 1 - 6 p.m.

There will be a Spanish Mass at 11:30 a.m.

Festivities include homemade traditional Mexican food: tacos, tamales, menudo and pastries. There will also be folk dancers, traditional Mexican music, and children and adult games. Fiesta Latina is about living out our faith in our culture, and preserving and sharing the Latino culture.

PROJECT CHRYSALIS Church of the Ascension Parish (St. Luke’s Room) 9500 W. 127th St., Overland Park Sept. 30 from 7 - 8:30 p.m.

Project Chrysalis is a Catholic ministry designed to help parents who have lost a child find hope through sacred Scripture and community in a time of transformation. The guest speaker will be Bill Graveman from Servants of Mercy speaking on purgatory. The group is open to parents who have lost a child or grandparents who have lost a grandchild. Immediate family members are also invited to attend. More information can be found on the website at: www.hopeinscripture.com.

HOLY SPIRIT KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS GOLF OUTING Heritage Landing Park 16455 S. Lackman Rd., Olathe Sept. 30 (shotgun start at 8:30 a.m.)

Bring a foursome or sign up individually. For $33 you get green fees, a cart, two drink tickets and a great time. Prizes and lunch will follow at Tequila Harry’s. RSVP to Al Gracick at (913) 888-1466.

STAY AND PLAY Prince of Peace School 16000 W. 143rd St., Olathe Oct. 1 from 9 - 10 a.m.

Interested in learning about the school?

Bring your children, ages 2 - 5, to the school gym for fun activities while you enjoy a warm breakfast in the Marian Room. Register online at: ttsu.me/stayandplay.

FRIENDS OF ALEXANDRA’S HOUSE The Venue in Leawood 4800 W. 135th St., Leawood Oct. 4 from 6 - 11 p.m.

There will be a dinner and live and silent

A Marriage Encounter weekend is an opportunity to reignite the flame in your marriage.

The weekend will provide the tools and the time necessary to go deeper into the sacrament of marriage so you can live more intimately and responsibly as a couple of God. For more information or to apply for a weekend, go online to: www.wwme4yourandme. org; call Tony and Barb Zimmerman at (816) 741-4066; or send an email to: tonybarbz@ prodigy.net.

OKTOBERFEST DINNER/DANCE St. Mary-St. Anthony Parish (basement) 615 N. 7th St., Kansas City, Kansas Oct. 5 from 6 - 10 p.m.

Tickets for adults are $20 and include dinner, drinks and dancing to The Willie Kirst Band. There will be discounted tickets for young adults and teens; and kids under 5 attend for free. There will be raffle prizes and prizes for kids. Tickets can be purchased at the door. For more information, call Patty Orth at (913) 371-2468.

FALL BAZAAR St. Theresa Parish 209 3rd St., Perry Oct. 6 at 11 a.m.

A dinner of turkey and ham plus homemade pie will be served for the cost of $10 for adults and $5 for kids ages 10 and under.

Takeout meals will be available as well.

There will also be games for kids, a silent auction, bingo, an old-fashioned cakewalk, baked goods and a country store. New this year is a beer garden.

BAZAAR St. Francis Xavier Parish 301 James, Mayetta Oct. 6 from 3 - 6 p.m.

The cost for a dinner of pork or turkey, potatoes and gravy, sides, desserts and a drink is $11 for ages 12 and older and $5 for kids ages 3 - 12. There will also be a cakewalk, a live auction, bingo, a silent auction and a raffle. Kids games will be in the basement from 4 - 6 p.m.

RESPECT LIFE SUNDAY MASS Holy Trinity Church 13615 W. 92nd St., Lenexa Oct. 6 at 11:30 a.m.

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann will celebrate Mass. A reception will follow in the Father Quigley Center.

RETREAT FOR ADOPTIVE MOMS: A RETREAT FOR MOMS BY MOMS Sophia Spirituality Center 751 S. 8th St., Atchison Oct. 5 - 6

There will be a dinner of roast beef, homemade chicken and noodles, sides, homemade bread and pies. The cost is: $10 for adults; $5 for kids ages 5 - 10; and kids 5 and under eat for free.

Takeout is available until 1:30 p.m. and the cost is $11. There will also be food sales, raffles, pumpkin and gourd sales, and bingo.

HAYDEN HIGH SCHOOL 50TH CLASS REUNION Topeka Country Club 2700 S.W. Buchanan St., Topeka Oct. 11 at 6:30 p.m. and Oct. 12 at 5:30 p.m.

Make your reservations now at the Facebook page: “Hayden High School Class of 1969.”

There will also be an informal event on Friday evening, Oct. 11, at the Celtic Fox, 1700 S.W. 8th Ave., # 202, Topeka. For more information, send an email to Joleen at: jaeschliman@cox. net or call (785) 633-1923.

CELEBRATION Holy Cross School 8101 W. 95th St., Overland Park Oct. 12 at 6 p.m.

All Holy Cross School alumni, family and friends are invited to Celebration 2019. This fund raiser will feature a live auction, cocktails, dinner and dancing. Tickets can be purchased online at: www.HolyCrossCatholicSchool. com/Celebration.

BLESSING OF ANIMALS Divine Mercy Parish 555 W. Main St., Gardner Oct. 12 at 10 a.m.

The blessing of pets and animals will be celebrated in conjunction with the feast of St. Francis of Assisi. Coffee and doughnuts will be served afterwards. Join us for this blessed occasion.

PUBLIC SQUARE ROSARY RALLY Divine Mercy Parish 555 W. Main St., Gardner Oct. 12 at 11 a.m.

This public square rosary, sponsored by America Needs Fatima, will be one of over 23,000 rallies that will take place all across the United State this day. Join in offering reparation for the sins and offenses committed against the Immaculate Heart of Mary and to fervently pray for the conversion of the United States.

MARIAN PRESENTATIONS Mater Dei Parish 911 S.W. Clay, Topeka Oct. 9, from 6 - 8 p.m.

Oct. 16, from 6 - 8 p.m.

Oct. 23, from 6 - 8 p.m.

Members of The School of Faith will be offering presentations to learn about Mary. Bring family and friends. The suggested donation is a freewill offering.

MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH St. Paul Parish 21650 W. 115th Terr., Olathe Oct. 12 at 8 a.m.

There will be a Mass and anointing of the sick.

All are welcome.

SOUP SUPPER AND AUCTION St. Bede Parish 7344 Drought St., Kelly Oct. 13 at 4 p.m.

The retreat begins on Saturday at 9 a.m. and ends on Sunday at noon. Are you looking for a way to connect with other moms who have similar stories of becoming a mom as you? The $80 fee includes overnight lodging and meals.

Scholarships are available. Register by Oct. 1.

For more information or to register, call (913) 360-6173 or visit the Sophia Spirituality Center website at: www.sophiaspiritualitycenter.org.

Homemade soups, sandwiches and desserts will be served from 4 - 7 p.m. There will be games for all ages from 5 - 8 p.m. The auction, including handmade quilts, will begin at 8 p.m.

FALL BAZAAR St. Boniface Parish 32292 N.E. Norton Rd., Scipio Oct. 6 from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

The cost for dinner is: $10 for adults; $5 for kids ages 5 - 12; and free for kids 4 and under.

Takeout is available until 2:30 p.m. There will also be a raffle, a country store, theme baskets, children’s games and bingo.

TURKEY DINNER AND BAZAAR Sacred Heart Parish 1100 West St., Tonganoxie Oct. 13 from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

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PANCAKE LUNCHEON St. Mary Parish 446 Hwy. 127, Purcell Oct. 13 from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

We will be serving pancakes, whole hog sausage, scrambled eggs, homemade pie, tea and coffee. The suggested donation is a freewill offering.

FALL BAZAAR AND DINNER St. Aloysius Parish 615 Wyandotte, Meriden Oct. 13 from 11:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. There will be a country store, children’s games, a silent auction, Knights of Columbus bingo, money drawings, raffles, a beer garden, an ice cream stand and more. For the cost of $10 for adults; $5 for kids ages 5 - 12; and free of kids ages 4 and under, a turkey/ham dinner and all the sides will be served. Takeout dinners will be available for $10. For more information, call the parish office at (913) 484-3312.

WIDOWED WOMEN OF FAITH Perkins Restaurant and Bakery (back room) 1720 S.W. Wanamaker Rd., Topeka Oct. 15 from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Join other women of faith for lunch and companionship. No RSVP is needed. We can help each other ease the pain and get through this time in life. For more information, send an email to: WidowedWomenofFaith@gmail. com.

WINE AND CHOCOLATE Avila University (Whitfield Center) 11901 Wornall Rd., Kansas City, Missouri Oct. 15 from 6 - 8 p.m.

Celebrate Founders’ Day with a lovely evening of specialty wines, gourmet chocolate, fabulous hors d’oeuvres and live music.

Tours of the Martha Smith, CSJ, Archives & Research Center will be available. The cost is $35 per person. Register online at: csjsl. org/events.

SYMPTO-THERMAL METHOD OF NATURAL FAMILY PLANNING Class begins Oct. 16 at 6:30 p.m.

St. John the Evangelist School 1208 Kentucky St., Lawrence

A reasonable course fee is charged and online registration is required for this class or an online class at: live-the-love.org. For more information, call Shannon or John Rasmussen at (785) 749-1015.

FINANCIAL PLANNING FOR YOUR LOVED ONE WITH SPECIAL NEEDS St. Agnes Parish 5250 Mission Rd., Roeland Park Oct. 17 from 6:45 - 8:15 p.m.

The topics to be presented are: establishing a special-needs trust; guardianship; and The Achieving Better Life Experiences Act of 2013. RSVP by Oct. 15 to: tracunas@arch kck.org or call (913) 647-3054.

HOLY ANGELS BAZAAR St. Rose School 530 E. 4th St., Garnett Oct. 20 from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

A dinner of chicken and noodles, turkey, roast beef and sides will be served along with homemade bread and pies. The cost is: $9 for adults; $5 for kids 10 and under; and $12 for takeout.

There will be crafts, a drawing and raffles.

CENTERING PRAYER Cathedral of St. Peter (chapel) 409 N. 15th St., Kansas City, Kansas Oct. 20, 27, Nov. 3, 10 from 2:30 - 3:45 p.m.

Join Susan Carroll and Sisters Elena Mack and Barbara Wieseler, Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth, as they facilitate a four-session workshop on centering prayer. Register by Oct. 1 by sending an email to: bw2wies@gmail.com or call/text (913) 680-9251.

SEPTEMBER 27, 2019 | THELEAVEN.ORG

COMMENTARY TWENTY-SIXTH WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME Sept. 29 TWENTY-SIXTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME Am 6: 1a, 4-7 Ps 146: 7-10 1 Tm 6: 11-16 Lk 16: 19-31 Sept. 30 Jerome, priest, doctor of the church Zec 8: 1-8 Ps 102: 16-23, 29 Lk 9: 46-50 Oct. 1 Thérèse of the Child Jesus, virgin, doctor of the church Zec 8: 20-23 Ps 87: 1b-7 Lk 9: 51-56 Oct. 2 The Holy Guardian Angels Neh 2: 1-8 Ps 137: 1-6 Mt 18: 1-5, 10 Oct. 3 Thursday Neh 8: 1-4a, 5-6, 7b-12 Ps 19: 8-11 Lk 10: 1-12 Oct. 4 Francis of Assisi Bar 1: 15-22 Ps 79: 1b-5, 8-9 Lk 10: 13-16 Oct. 5 Blessed Francis Xavier Seelos, priest Bar 4: 5-12, 27-29 Ps 69: 33-37 Lk 10: 17-24

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H

ave you ever heard the expression: “Not my circus, not my monkeys”?

This colorful phrase from Poland means that something is not my problem.

The following story gives a different slant: A mouse looked through a crack in the wall to see the farmer and his wife open a package. “What food might this contain?” the mouse wondered. He was devastated to discover that it was a mousetrap.

Retreating to the farmyard, the mouse proclaimed, “There’s a mousetrap in the house!”

The chicken clucked and scratched, raised her head and said, “Mr. Mouse, I can tell this is a grave concern to you, but it’s of no consequence to me. I can’t be bothered by it.”

The mouse turned to the pig and told him, “There’s a mousetrap in the house!”

The pig sympathized, but said, “I’m so very sorry, Mr. Mouse, but there is nothing I can do about it but pray. Be

D

Life is a multi-ring circus 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.

assured that you’re in my prayers.”

The mouse then turned to the cow and said, “There’s a mousetrap in the house!”

The cow said, “Wow, Mr. Mouse. I’m sorry for you, but it’s no skin off my nose.”

So, the mouse returned to the house, head down and dejected, to face the mousetrap alone.

That very night a sound was heard throughout the house —

the snap of a mousetrap catching its prey. The farmer’s wife rushed to see what was caught. In the darkness, she didn’t see it was a poisonous snake whose tail the trap had caught. The snake bit the farmer’s wife.

The farmer rushed her to the hospital and she returned home with a fever.

Because you treat a fever with fresh chicken soup, the farmer took his hatchet to the farmyard for the soup’s main ingredient. As his wife’s sickness continued, friends and neighbors came to sit with her around the clock. To feed them, the farmer butchered the pig.

Sadly, though, the

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we say, ‘That doesn’t regard me; it’s not my business; it’s society’s problem.’ It is when we turn away from a brother or sister in need . . . when we grow indignant at evil but do nothing about it. God will not ask us if we felt righteous indignation, but whether we did some good.”

As we enter into Respect Life Month in October, may our hearts expand to do “some good” for all whose lives lack respect: the unborn and the elderly; people lacking adequate medical care; the homeless; those discriminated against for any reason; people burdened with physical or mental illnesses; victims of violence, trafficking and natural disasters; those impacted by manmade disasters of war, the misuse of the world’s resources and greed; refugees; prisoners on death row; and all relegated to the peripheries.

Like it or not, as Christians, this world is always our circus, and these are always our monkeys.

Amos’ warnings echo down the centuries

uring the Civil War, citizens of Washington, D.C., picnicked in the fields outside their city, while Confederate forces hovered dangerously nearby.

Marie Antoinette told the poor of Paris to eat cake when they asked for bread, while some were planning the revolution.

These are examples of people ignoring the perils that threaten them. That is exactly what the prophet Amos is criticizing in Sunday’s first reading, Am 6:1a, 4-7.

It begins: “Woe to the complacent in Zion.”

He directs his criticism against the wealthy who are frittering away their lives in luxury. They feast on meat, quaff rich wines and stretch

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.

out on couches while they listen to music, as though they do not have a care in the world.

These objects of Amos’ criticism are

members of the aristocracy, who reside in the capital city, Jerusalem. (“Zion” is a poetic term for Jerusalem.)

In their self-indulged complacency, they have ignored the trials and tribulations of their neighbors to the north: “They are not made ill by the collapse of Joseph!”

“Joseph” is an indirect reference to the Northern Kingdom, because the tribe of Joseph lived

POPE FRANCIS @theleavenkc

farmer’s wife died. So many people came for her funeral, the farmer had the cow slaughtered to provide enough meat for them all.

The mouse looked upon everything from his crack in the wall with great sadness. (Adapted from “The Mousetrap,” found in Meir Liraz’s “Top 100 Motivational Stories.”)

Liraz offers this sobering moral to the story: “The next time you hear someone is facing a problem and think it doesn’t concern you, remember: When one of us is threatened, we are all at risk. . . .

We must keep an eye out for one another and make an extra effort to encourage one another.

Each one of us is a vital thread in another person’s tapestry.”

Pope Francis has warned many times of the danger of indifference, calling it a “great sin.” Celebrating Mass for the first World Day of the Poor in November 2017 with some 7000 poor people in St. Peter’s Basilica, the pope said: “[Indifference] is when

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People’s prayers, like the trumpets before the ramparts of ancient Jericho, can bring down the walls that separate people and fuel distrust, making war more likely, Pope Francis said.

Remembering how the Berlin Wall came down 30 years ago, Pope Francis said he is certain that a contributing factor was “the prayer for peace of many sons and daughters of God.” The pope made his remarks in a message read at the Sept. 15 opening of the annual interreligious peace meeting sponsored by the Rome-based Community of Sant’Egidio. This year’s meeting was in Madrid; the event has taken place every year since St. John Paul II held an interreligious peace meeting in Assisi, Italy, in 1986.

there. The Northern Kingdom was conquered by the Assyrians in 721 B.C. In his prophecy, Amos anticipates a similar fate for the Southern Kingdom, where the complacent in Zion are living: “Therefore, now they shall be the first to go into exile, and their wanton revelry shall be done away with.”

In 587 B.C., the Southern Kingdom was also conquered. Because the prophecy of Amos was fulfilled, it was recognized as true. It was preserved to provide guidance for future generations, such as our own.

It is for that reason that we hear it at Sunday Mass. It warns us against the complacency that wealth can bring. It warns us against indifference to the suffering of others, against the

self-indulgence that luxury can place us in.

It is significant that Amos does not criticize the wealthy for any deliberate act of evil, at least not in this particular prophecy. Rather, he points to the sin of omission.

The wealthy have not lived up to the responsibilities that their position has imposed upon them.

They have wasted the blessings that God has bestowed upon them.

They have been selfcentered and greedy.

The prophecy of Amos was unable to waken the aristocracy of the Northern Kingdom to the dangers that threatened them.

But Amos continues to speak out, in the hope that we will hear his voice and take heed, lest we also perish.

“The biblical story of Jericho,” Pope Francis said, “reminds us that walls fall when they are stormed with prayer and not weapons, with the yearning for peace and not for conquest, when people dream of a good future for everyone.”

Pray and dialogue for peace, Pope Francis told the Catholic, Orthodox, Anglican, Protestant, Jewish, Muslim and other religious leaders taking part in the meeting. “Do not be afraid,” said the pope, “because the Lord listens to the prayer of his faithful people.”

Prayers for peace “unite us all in a common sentiment without any confusion,” the pope told the religious leaders.

The different religions are praying alongside each other, but not trying to pretend they have no differences, “because what is common is the yearning for peace within the variety of religious experiences and traditions.”

— CNS

SEPTEMBER 27, 2019 | THELEAVEN.ORG

COMMENTARY

K

Help reverse the recent Kansas Supreme Court ruling

ansas Catholics face a defining, oncein-a-generation moment. How will we respond?

Preborn babies and mothers in crisis are confronting new and ominous dangers resulting from the landmark Kansas Supreme Court ruling on abortion.

The case Hodes & Nauser v. Schmidt generated some news coverage last April, with precious little reported since then.

The impact of this ruling is nothing short of horrific. In a stunning development, abortion is now a new “natural right” in our 160-yearold Kansas Constitution.

The Sunflower State ranks with New York as among the most

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unregulated. A Gallup poll (from May) shows that even the “prochoice” people believe there should be at least some limits to abortion.

They are telling us the ruling went too far. We agree.

CHURCH AND STATE

The legislative process and ‘Reverse the Ruling’ petition CHUCK WEBER Chuck Weber is the executive director of the Kansas Catholic Conference.

pro-abortion in America.

The legal door is open to teenage girls seeking an abortion without parental knowledge or consent, partial-birth

abortions and government-funded abortions.

Gruesome live dismemberment abortions continue unabated in Kansas, thanks to the court’s decision.

On average, the lives of a dozen preborn, second-trimester babies die this way each week within our borders.

The Kansas abortion industry is now virtually

Legal experts say the only practical solution to this injustice is passage of a state constitutional amendment that reverses the ruling.

Specific language of the amendment is a work in progress, but it will be short and simple.

Once passed, it will again allow enforcement of reasonable Kansas abortion laws, regulation

of clinics and safeguarding the health of mothers.

Adding an amendment to the Kansas Constitution has happened 97 times in the history of our state. It is a twostep process.

Step one requires that the Legislature vote to approve language of the amendment by a two-thirds vote in both the Kansas House and Senate.

After approval, step two places the question on the ballot for the people of Kansas to decide by a simple majority during an upcoming statewide election.

Your role in step one is respectfully informing your elected officials — state representatives and senators — that you support this constitutional

amendment and you want them to support it.

One of the most effective ways we can do this is through the “Reverse the Ruling” petition.

Respect life leaders in parishes are working with the Knights of Columbus to circulate and gather signatures for the “Reverse the Ruling” petition.

Petitions on clipboards and petition postcards featuring a quote from Mother Teresa are now being distributed.

Sign it online at: www.

KansasCatholic.org. Our goal is as many signatures as possible before Thanksgiving weekend as we prepare for the 2020 legislative session.

Our Lady of Guadalupe, patroness of the preborn, pray for us!

The surest way to discover your vocation is to ‘follow me’

t’s the first thing I see as I enter my office: a large, nicely framed reproduction of Caravaggio’s “The Calling of Saint Matthew.”

The genius of the artist — as well as the genius and simplicity of the story that it depicts from Chapter 9 of Matthew’s Gospel —has become increasingly clear to me.

Captured by just a single verse in the Gospel — and by a single snapshot in time captured by Caravaggio’s brushstrokes— Jesus enters into the life of the young Matthew, directs his gaze and attention upon him and simply says, “Follow me.”

VOCATIONS CORNER

FATHER DAN MORRIS Father Dan Morris is the archdiocesan vocations director. You can email him at: dmorris@archkck.org.

And then the real miracle happens. Without

question or hesitation, the last line of that same verse concludes with the words: “And he got up and followed him.”

For the longest time, whenever I would read this story, I would balk at the immediacy of Matthew’s response.

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Was it really that easy?

Surely, just like The Leaven does with me, the Holy Spirit had to have given the Gospel writer a word count forcing him to leave out some very important details!

I know answering God’s call hasn’t been nearly that easy for me.

I had many questions, doubts and fears that I wanted Jesus to address before I was willing to follow him.

But that’s exactly what I’ve come to appreciate about the simplicity of the story. It’s the same simplicity found in nearly all of the call stories throughout the New Testament.

Whether it’s Matthew

at the tax collector’s table — or Andrew, Simon, James and John along the shorelines of the Sea of Galilee — notice that Jesus doesn’t say anything about being a priest.

He simply says, “Follow me,” inviting them to trust and see that the details of their particular vocation — their questions, doubts, fears, and desire for increasing clarity — are only things that can be addressed and resolved in proportion to their willingness to enter fully into this friendship and journey.

As we know from the rest of their stories, following Christ is a journey that consists of

learning how to pray (Lk 11:1-13); learning how to read and understand Scripture (Lk 8:9-15); participating firsthand in Jesus’ mission and ministry (Mk 6:7-13); and dining with him in the celebration of the Eucharist at Mass (Jn 6:53-56; 13:1 – 17:26).

For any disciple, this leads to a particular type of falling in love (Jn 21:15-19). In discovering that our vocation is about how we can share most fully in the life of the one we love, we come to realize that the details no longer matter.

Having fallen in love, we now find ourselves willing and desiring to follow Christ whenever and however he calls.

SEPTEMBER 27, 2019 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

LEAVEN PHOTO BY KATIE PETERSON

Dr. Gwen Landever, University of Saint Mary academic dean, teaches First Year Experience Aug. 30 in the active learning center in the new Keleher Learning Commons. Formerly DePaul Library, the space includes study rooms called “think tanks,” tutoring services and other services.

LEAVEN PHOTO BY KATIE PETERSON

Liam Woulfe, a junior studying exercise science at the University of Saint Mary, works in a “think tank,” or study room, Aug. 30 at the new Keleher Learning Commons. The grand opening of the KLC will be in November.

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LEAVEN PHOTO BY KATIE PETERSON

University of Saint Mary students, from left to right, Eder Hernandez, a sophomore studying business administration, Emily Wilson, a sophomore studying nursing, and Jordan Salb, a junior studying exercise science, visit in the new Keleher Learning Commons.

New Keleher Learning Commons named after longtime friend of the University of Saint Mary

By Katie Peterson Special to the Leaven

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EAVENWORTH — Since its opening as a college for women in 1923, the University of Saint Mary here has worked hard to keep up with the changing times — and the changing needs of its students.

Now, 2019 marks yet another landmark change with the renovation of DePaul Library into the Keleher Learning Commons.

“In the library world, we are always trying to provide resources, access to information and instruction for our student body,” said Danielle Dion, vice president of the KLC and student affairs.

“As the University of Saint Mary has grown,” she continued, “we’ve added graduate programs, we’ve added an Overland Park campus [and] we’ve added online programs.

“And the resources that we had in the library when I arrived in 2014 did not meet the needs of the students.”

“Part of our new strategic plan is to increase multiple senses of belonging for our students, and I think this building will help facilitate that,” she added.

“We want students to feel like this is their space and they can come in and have a club event, ask for help, or just hang out and play a board game.

“We want to serve the students holistically.”

This desire to welcome and serve the needs of students is what makes the choice of its namesake — Archbishop James P. Keleher — so appropriate.

“Archbishop Keleher has been a great friend to Catholic education in the area, pretty much his entire career, and he’s been a great friend to the University of Saint Mary,” said John Schultz, vice president of marketing and admissions.

“He has come up here quite a bit, he has visited with our students and you can see the impact he has on the students because they light up when they’re talking to him.”

“We just thought this was a natural fit to honor him and his dedication to Catholic education and his dedication to the university,” he added.

Dion said changes began not long after she arrived in 2014.

“Within the first month, I started meeting with different folks across campus on the new capital campaign, which included a renovation of the

PHOTO BY DANIELLE DION

University of Saint Mary students play bingo Aug. 27 in the Keleher Learning Commons. The area includes many different furniture options, cluding couches, hammocks and desks. library,” Dion said. “We didn’t know what the iteration would be, but we started doing research, visiting other institutions . . . and looking at the trends of where libraries are going.

“They are becoming more student centered and focused on the community of the school, so they become the spot where students come to hang out, but also learn research skills and how to think critically.”

To achieve this goal, the learning commons includes a balance of study areas — including seven study pods called “think tanks” and an active learning center where classes can be conducted — and relaxation areas, including a board game collection, various types of seating and hammocks.

There are also plans for a coffee shop called “Spiro’s Cup,” after the school mascot, Spiro the dragon. All of the furniture also has casters attached for easy redesign for lectures, club meetings, movie nights and more.

“We want students to feel like this is their space, that they can redesign how they use it,” Dion said. “However, we do want to also offer services that support them for student success.”

To accomplish that, the learning commons includes printers, laptops for rent, tutoring services and more.

“Regular library services, library instruction, classes coming in and learning how to find peer-reviewed articles, how to find books for their papers, how to write effectively — all of those still exist,” Dion said. “We also have an online component where all of those exist digitally. We have also added complete interlibrary loan across the United States.”

Additionally, the KLC includes 40,000 books and 120,000 e-books.

“We actually have more books than we’ve ever had, but they are just in different formats,” Dion said.

“What we have done is just transform the services and the resources that we have now to be able to provide top-quality library resources,” she continued. “We want our institution’s library to be vibrant and reflect the current curriculum that is being taught.”

Extending student development Along with the learning commons, the first floor of Miege Hall has been transformed into a student development area and includes career readiness, student engagement, counseling

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Grand opening The renovation of the KLC, which was headed by Straub Construction Company, was made possible by grants and donors. There will be a grand opening for donors and the public in November. The event will include a showcase of the new technology and the opening of special collections, including the Abraham Lincoln collection and the Wizard of Oz collection.

For more information, visit the website at: stmary.edu/keleherlearning-commons.

services, campus ministry and Spiro’s Cupboard. “[Spiro’s Cupboard] is our food pantry,” Dion said. “We stock that so any student who might be needing a snack or is concerned that he or she might not have food for the weekend . . . can take some pasta or some peanut butter and jelly home.

“We have really tried to bring all of the student developmental activities and the individuals who are in charge of those over to this side of campus.”