10 09 20 Vol. 42 No. 10

THELEAVEN.ORG | VOL. 42, NO. 10 | OCTOBER 9, 2020

MINISTRY GETS CREATIVE

Outreach to the aging and vulnerable even more important in this time of COVID

By Moira Cullings moira.cullings@theleaven.org

O

VERLAND PARK — It was a sight Jean Humphrey had seen many times in her life.

Father John Riley was walking up to her home for a visit.

But this time was different.

Years ago, Father Riley visited Humphrey at her home near Queen of the Holy Rosary Parish in Overland Park during his second year in the seminary.

The now-chancellor of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas grew up at Queen with Humphrey’s children and has known the family most of his life.

But when he walked toward Humphrey’s first-floor window at Brookdale’s memory care facility in Overland Park, where she is being treated for Alzheimer’s disease, Humphrey’s daughter Shelly Hoog didn’t know what to expect.

“Her memory is really bad,” said Hoog. “She doesn’t know her grandkids.

So, when we pulled up, I’m like, ‘I don’t know if she’ll know you.’”

But the unexpected happened.

“She looked out the window and she goes, ‘Well, hi, John! You’re looking mighty priestly today,’” said Hoog.

“It was like this brief moment of clarity,” she continued. “And we both just laughed really hard.

“Those moments are getting further away.”

Father Riley administered the apostolic pardon and anointing of the sick to Humphrey, a faithful Catholic now in hospice care, through her apartment window on Sept. 20.

Connecting in creative ways

PHOTO BY SHELLY HOOG

Father John Riley administers the apostolic pardon and anointing of the sick to Jean Humphrey through a first-floor window at Brookdale’s memory care facility in Overland Park, where she is being treated for Alzheimer’s disease.

Life was difficult for Humphrey and her family before COVID-19, which has complicated things even more.

“When COVID hit, it was scary because we knew why we couldn’t go in [to see her],” said Hoog. “We didn’t want to >> See “SENIORS” on page 16

Colleges thriving

Catholic recovery

Despite the pandemic, enrollment is up at Catholic colleges in the archdiocese.

The Calix Society helps those with addiction issues recover by using a strong faith component.

Page 4

Pages 8-9

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ARCHBISHOP

OCTOBER 9, 2O2O | THELEAVEN.ORG

The church’s role is to form the consciences of Catholics

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ach year, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) designates the month of October as Respect Life Month to invite Catholics to ponder the dignity of each and every human person.

Each celebration of the Eucharist is a poignant reminder of the value of human life, because during each Mass we touch anew the great miracle of God’s grace revealed in Jesus Christ. The Second Person of the Triune God, the Son of God, became flesh, and in so doing elevated the dignity of the human person and the human body.

Jesus gave his own life and endured the terrible indignity and excruciating pain of death by crucifixion so that you and I would know the depth of God’s love for us and share in eternal life.

Our Christian faith reveals that each and every human life is of such worth that God died for us. This is indeed a message of the greatest good news. It is the heart of what Pope John Paul II called the “Gospel of Life.”

This annual Respect Life celebration also serves to be a sober reminder of the tragic disrespect and disregard for human life in our own nation.

Sadly, many in our American society have rejected the Gospel of Life to embrace what St. John Paul termed a “culture of death.”

This culture of death does not accept the innate value of each and every human life — no matter how small, no matter how sick or weak, no matter how poor, no matter how aged. In contrast, the culture of death views human life as only

LIFE WILL BE VICTORIOUS ARCHBISHOP JOSEPH F. NAUMANN valuable if it is productive, wanted and useful.

There are many manifestations of the prevalence of the culture of death in our society. For example, racism rejects the innate dignity of every human being and denies that every member of the human family is created in the divine image.

Violence by police against innocent citizens, violence by angry mobs against law enforcement officers and violent riots placing lives at risk and harming innocent business owners are all symptoms of a culture of death.

Wherever human life is disrespected or denigrated, the culture of death is present.

However, the issue of abortion demands special attention as we strive to combat a culture of death and build a culture of life.

In the “Gospel of Life,” John Paul articulated the reasons why the defense of the unborn child has special significance in our efforts to foster a culture of life: 1) abortion attacks life when it is most vulnerable and defenseless; 2) abortion takes place in and with the complicity of the family, desecrating what should be the

sanctuary of life and destroying the most fundamental of all human bonds — the bond between parent and child; 3) abortion is not recognized as an attack on human life, but rather is celebrated as a right.

In the cover letter for the document, “Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship,” the bishops of the United States identified the protection of the unborn as the preeminent issue for Catholics for the reasons cited by St. John Paul and because of the sheer number of human lives destroyed.

Abortion kills nearly one million American babies each year, and since its legalization in 1973, has resulted in the deaths of more than 60 million of our children.

Some supporters for legalized abortion will argue that there have always been abortions.

There were illegal abortions in the United States before the 1973 Supreme Court decisions. Abortions will happen, whether they are legal or not.

Thus, it is pointless to pass legislation prohibiting or even limiting abortions.

The same rationale could be applied to murder, rape, discrimination and stealing.

The fact that legislation makes a particular action illegal is no guarantee that everyone will abide by the law.

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

Legislators enact laws to protect the fundamental rights of individuals, not because every citizen will honor them. The real question must be: Is the unborn child in the womb of her mother a human being?

In a conversation last January with the bishops from Kansas, Missouri, Iowa and Nebraska, Pope Francis shared two questions which he believes help clarify a proper ethical understanding of abortion: 1) Is it ever right to kill a child to solve a problem?; 2) Is it ever right to hire someone to kill a child to solve a problem? The answers to the Holy Father’s questions properly frame what is morally at stake with each and every abortion.

Moreover, our current laws not only permit abortion, but also promote and teach abortion. Our laws do not permit the killing of innocent persons in any other circumstance.

The fact that abortion is legal misleads some young people to conclude that abortion must not really destroy an innocent human life, because our laws would never permit such a crime.

For every aborted child, there is a mother and a father.

Based on my ministry to those experiencing grief, there is no greater sorrow than a parent’s mourning the death of a child.

The trauma of this painful grief is compounded when a mother must acknowledge that she chose the death of her child or a father must admit he pressured his girlfriend to abort their child. Abortion not only kills a child, but it forever scars a mother and a father and many

NEED HELP HEALING FROM A PAST ABORTION? Call or text 913-621-2199 Compassionate, Confidential, Free

others who help facilitate or perform the abortion.

In our January meeting with Pope Francis, I shared with him that some had criticized the U.S. bishops for our cover letter to “Faithful Citizenship.” They even said we were not “Pope Francis bishops.” He asked: “Why?” I responded because we identified abortion as the preeminent issue. His immediate response was: “Of course it is preeminent. If you do not have the right to life, then no other rights matter.” The Holy Father reminded us that abortion is not primarily a religious issue, but it is a human rights issue.

In a little under a month, our nation will hold a very important election. We have a responsibility as Catholics, not just to vote but to be wellinformed voters, who know the moral principles of our Catholic faith and know the positions of candidates for office.

The nomination of Judge Amy Coney Barrett to serve as a justice on the Supreme Court makes clear that elections have consequences.

The president, along with members of the U.S. Senate, determine who serves on our nation’s highest court. In Kansas, the “Value Them Both” amendment is necessary to correct the grave error of the Kansas Supreme Court claiming to have discovered a right to abortion in the Kansas Constitution.

The only remedy for this error is a state constitutional amendment. For Kansans to be able to vote on such an amendment, we need super-majorities

in both the House and Senate of the Kansas Legislature. Again, elections have consequences.

In our almost 250year history, the Catholic Church has never endorsed a political party or candidate. In so doing, the church’s motive is not the protection of our tax exempt status because this has been our practice long before there was an income tax or IRS. In a democratic republic, the American bishops have always believed the proper role of the church is to form the consciences of Catholics with the moral principles and priorities of our faith and then respect the ability of the laity to be able to apply those principles when casting their votes.

We are not singleissue voters but nor do we think every issue is morally equivalent.

We are concerned about the care for the poor, the welcoming of refugees and immigrants, the protection of religious liberty and conscience rights, the care of creation, access to health care, and combating the COVID-19 virus.

However, good Catholics can and do disagree how we best address these and many other important public policy issues.

In good conscience, Catholics can never support public policies that permit and promote the killing of innocent children.

There are no perfect candidates. Before casting your ballot, I encourage you to invite the Holy Spirit to guide the choices you make as a voter.

May we choose wisely those we empower to lead us!

LOCAL NEWS

OCTOBER 9, 2020 | THELEAVEN.ORG

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GAUDEAMUS-AT-HOME

Private and virtual watch parties will be the flavor of this year’s event

By Jill Ragar Esfeld jill.esfeld@theleaven.org

For more stories, details, and registration information, go online to: CEFGala.org.

G

audeamus has long been one of the top events of the fall season in Kansas City.

And this year, the Catholic Education Foundation (CEF) annual fundraising gala is available to everyone.

“It’s just such a powerful experience,” said CEF executive director Vince Anch.

“And we’re trying to recreate that virtually by bringing the mission to life through video presentation,” he added.

Gaudeamus funds scholarships for students to attend Catholic schools around the archdiocese. The 1,500 students assisted through CEF are among the most vulnerable in our urban and rural communities.

The event has gained its first-rate reputation from the outstanding speakers and video presentations featured each year — including signature elements such as the presentation of the School of Excellence Award and recognition of the Michael and Patty Morrisey Angels Among Us honorees.

This year, everyone can share in the experience by registering for Gaudeamus-at-Home and streaming the live event on Oct. 24.

Area Catholics can watch the powerful presentations with friends and family or, better yet, bring the benefit gala home by choosing to host a dinner or watch party.

Many are already on board with the idea.

T

This year’s Gaudeamus chairs, Janet and Darren Lovick, invite everyone to join Gaudeamus-at-Home. Gaudeamus helps fund school scholarships through the Catholic Education Foundation.

“We’re hearing about quite a bit of creativity in terms of party plans,” said CEF director of development Libby Knox.

“People are doing everything from having it at home, to their parish parking lot, to man caves, to barn parties.

“A group of our Young Futures is working on a rooftop party downtown.”

Darren and Janet Lovick, this year’s event chairs, have tested the dinner party options and given both enthusiastic thumbs-up.

“You can get basically a heat and eat meal (from Fiorella’s Jack Stack),” said Darren. “It is fully prepared — you pick it up the day prior and there

Join the festivities Everyone throughout the archdiocese is invited to join Gaudeamus-at-Home and celebrate Catholic education while introducing family and friends to the mission of CEF. The virtual event is Oct. 24. The preview show begins at 6:45 p.m. with the program following at 7 p.m. It will be shown via livestream and is viewable on a smart TV, tablet, computer or smartphone.

There is no charge for the livestream; however, you must register for a link to the program.

You can select your preferred level of participation by visiting the website at: www.cefgala.org. are instructions for how to put it together and rewarm it. It’s very good!”

The second option requires

some preparation. “[It’s great] if you like to cook and your friends like to cook,” he said. “It’s actually

a blast to make this food and plate it and have dinner.

“We did it at home and we had a great time with our friends.”

Watch parties are another option for enjoying the event at home; or simply register for the private link and participants can design their own experience.

Of course, the ultimate goal is support for disadvantaged students, and this year the need is greater than ever.

“This year’s Gaudeamus will be our most important,” said Anch. “We’ve got a waiting list [for scholarships] and we’ve had record numbers of requests.”

Due to the pandemic, many families have lost incomes.

“We want to do what we can to give scholarships to help them stay in school,” said Anch. “We’re committed to $2.6 million this year.

“And if we can do more — we’ll fund as many as we possibly can.”

This year’s chairs hope people will consider Gaudeamus-atHome as a way to celebrate Catholic education.

“We really believe,” said Janet, “Catholic schools provide the opportunity to encounter God and to serve others while providing a good education with an underlying moral compass.

“Which, in this day and age, is so incredibly important.”

Hunts are honored as this year’s Angels Among Us

he name Lamar Hunt Jr. is bound to make you think of football. But the namesake of the Kansas City Chiefs founder is also an ice hockey fan and owner of the Kansas City Mavericks.

Sports, moreover, is just one of his many interests.

Hunt has a passion for music and spent years as second flute for the Kansas City Symphony and then went on to pursue his career as a businessman, entrepreneur and licensed professional counselor (LPC). He is also founder of the Loretto Companies, which includes the charitable Loretto Foundation.

Though he has many professional interests, at heart Hunt, with his wife Rita, is all about faith, family and stew-

ardship.

“My gosh, the blessings that I’ve received,” he said. “I can’t even begin to tell people.

“So, it’s my obligation to protect that and use it wisely.”

The Hunts will be honored at this year’s Gaudeamus for their longtime support of Catholic education.

Members of Nativity Parish in Leawood and blessed with nine children and seven grandchildren, Rita and Lamar Hunt truly live their Catholic faith.

A focus of their foundation is supporting programs that allow all children to benefit from Catholic education.

“It’s one thing to pray, and it’s a wonderful thing,” said Lamar. “But eventually, you have to put some things into action.

“And it’s just been on our hearts for many years now to support Catholic education because we’re all children of God; we’re all created in the image of God. “It is really the obligation of us who have the means to help those who don’t have the means.”

The Hunts will be part of the livestream Gaudeamus-at-Home event, so you’ll be able to see and hear directly from them about why they have such great faith in, and passion for, Catholic education.

“Lamar Hunt Jr. and Rita have been so good to the Catholic Education Foundation,” said Vince Anch, executive director of the Catholic Education Foundation. “They absolutely love Catholic education and understand the value of it.

President Most Rev. Joseph F. Naumann

Publication No. (ISSN0194-9799) Published weekly September through May, excepting the Friday the week after Thanksgiving, and the Friday after Christmas; biweekly June through August. Address communications to: The Leaven, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109. Phone: (913) 721-1570; fax: (913) 721-5276; or e-mail at: sub@theleaven.com. Postmaster: Send address changes to The Leaven, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109.

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Senior Reporter Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

“We’ve been so blessed that they agreed to let us honor them.”

This year, Gaudeamus will honor Lamar Hunt Jr. and Rita Hunt for their longtime support of Catholic education.

Managing Editor Anita McSorley anita.mcsorley@theleaven.org

Advertising Coordinator Beth Blankenship beth.blankenship@theleaven.org

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

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LOCAL NEWS

OCTOBER 9, 2O2O | THELEAVEN.ORG

CATHOLIC COLLEGES THRIVING

Benedictine College freshman Ella Albright, far right, and her sister Wesley and their parents Paul and Katrina Albright, walk past the Sacred Heart of Jesus statue at the Atchison college. A record 581 freshmen enrolled at Benedictine this year.

Enrollment is up for Benedictine, Donnelly and University of Saint Mary

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER

By Katie Peterson Special to the Leaven

L

EAVENWORTH — When schools closed their doors this past March, administrators of the three Catholic colleges in the archdiocese had no idea what the fall semester would bring.

“The experts around the country started writing these articles that colleges, especially small colleges, should expect enrollment decreases,” said Stephen Minnis, president of Benedictine College in Atchison. “We were also seeing reports that online education is the future, and it’s the way to go. This is what young people desire.”

“We became very concerned,” he added.

COVID restrictions impacted normal recruiting methods, too.

“We weren’t able to do in-person visits and we weren’t able to do in-person registration days,” said John Schultz, vice president for marketing and admissions for the University of Saint Mary in Leavenworth. “We were concerned with the high school students all going remote — where their minds would be at in terms of a college search at that juncture.”

“For Donnelly, our students tend to make their decision during that second semester of their senior year in high school . . . or even over the summer between their high school graduation and the start of the fall,” said Msgr. Stuart Swetland, Donnelly College president.

“So, it really was a different year because we really had to rely on different methods of recruiting.”

The efforts of the colleges to change up their recruiting approaches didn’t go unrewarded, though, as all three saw an increase in enrollment numbers.

Benedictine enrolled a record number of students, including 581 freshmen, compared to the previous high of 570 in 2018, and 1,980 total fulltime undergrad students compared to the previous high of 1,930 in 2019.

USM enrolled a total of 195 freshmen compared to 149 in 2019 and 83 transfers compared to 123 in 2019.

Total enrollment between all programs both at the main campus in Leavenworth and the Overland Park campus was 1,231 students, an estimated 2.5% increase.

Donnelly enrolled 150 new students including freshmen and transfers, a 34% increase from 2019, and enrolled 333 students total, an 18% increase from 2019. Donnelly has also been ranked No. 1 for ethnic diversity on campus; No. 3 in economic diversity on campus; and No. 3 in least amount of debt upon graduation in the U.S. News and World Report’s 2020 Best College Rankings for the Midwest Region.

“What we’ve found is that young people hate online education. They hate being stuck in their parents’ basement,” Minnis said. “They want a

LEAVEN PHOTO BY KATIE PETERSON

University of Saint Mary students walk to Saint Joseph Dining Hall for lunch Sept. 14 in Leavenworth.

USM restarted in-person classes Aug. 11 with several precautions in place to avoid the spread of COVID-19. All students, faculty and staff must wear face coverings inside at all times and outside when six feet of social distance cannot be maintained. college experience, which means faceto-face education with their teachers in a classroom with other students that they can bounce ideas off of and have conversations with. They want a college experience, which means building community among a group of people on a college campus.

“That really told us a lot that our mission at Benedictine — educate within a community of faith and scholarship — works,” he said.

Schultz and Msgr. Swetland agreed.

“The students and the parents that we heard from were very eager to have a ‘normal’ experience, to have an in-person, on-ground experience,” Schultz said. “They were expressing a lot of gratitude and relief that this was an option. . . . We were thrilled with the outcome and really inspired

by the enthusiasm we saw among our incoming students and our returning students.”

“I think our students as well as our faculty and staff recognize that it’s the better education pedagogical environment to meet in-person, especially at the beginning when they’re getting to know each other,” Msgr. Swetland said. “Now, if something does happen midsemester and things get worse and we have to go online, it’ll be better because we have those relationships established.”

All also believe that the small class sizes and the sense of community at their respective institutions helped give their smaller schools an edge.

“I think it was very reassuring knowing that it’s a smaller community, it’s a manageable community,” Schultz said.

“It’s anecdotal, but we heard it enough times that families and students felt more comfortable sending their children to a smaller school.”

Msgr. Swetland said he thinks Donnelly’s emphasis on transformation also helped their growth.

“We believe the Donnelly education is transformative and so, for us, it’s important that we help our students make it to the finish line,” he said. “It’s about having that high-touch educational approach where you have multiple interactions between the students, the staff, their counselors, the faculty and other students so that you’re really helping to form them at multiple levels.”

Minnis agreed.

“I don’t think the larger schools can have the mission toward their students like small schools can. We really believe in our mission . . . and when you believe in it strongly, you’re able to incorporate that so much more easily into a smaller school and really have an impact on your students,” Minnis said.

“We tell our faculty that you have a duty to love your students . . . as children of Christ,” he continued. “When you have that kind of mission and you have that kind of charism to do that, students are going to understand that, and it also gives you a lot more incentive to want your students to be back on campus.”

Now, with school in session and precautions in place including face coverings, social distancing guidelines, smaller class sizes and suspended or modified extracurricular activities, each institution said they hope for a good and safe year.

At the University of Saint Mary, Schultz’s focus is on ensuring that USM is providing the experience students need.

“We hope the students find what they’re looking for here,” he said.

Minnis, meanwhile, sees the pandemic in its historical context.

“Benedictine has been around since 1858. This college has survived the Civil War, the Spanish flu, World War I, World War II, the Great Depression, the civil unrest of the 1960s and the financial burdens of the 1970s,” he said.

“We’ve survived all that for over 160 years; we can survive this,” he added.

“Ravens will rise.”

For Msgr. Swetland’s part, he hopes to get back to a normal educational experience eventually, but he’s proud of how all three institutions have met the challenge.

“I’m really excited for the apostolate of higher education,” he said, “the fact that our three fine institutions are all showing some growth and are able to operate in this environment and carry on.

“It’s something the Catholics of this archdiocese should be very, very proud of.”

LOCAL NEWS

OCTOBER 9, 2020 | THELEAVEN.ORG

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LEAVEN PHOTO BY KATHRYN WHITE

LEAVEN PHOTO BY KATHRYN WHITE

LEAVEN PHOTO BY KATHRYN WHITE

A group of 27 young men met at Price of Peace Church in Olathe for Project Andrew — a vocation discernment event.

Archdiocesan vocation director Father Dan Morris delivers his welcoming remarks to the attendees.

Michael Santamarina, a senior at St. James Academy in Lenexa, talks about how he’s been discerning his vocation.

CALLED TO THE PRIESTHOOD?

Young men offered accompaniment as they discern their path

By Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

K

LEAVEN PHOTO BY KATHRYN WHITE

Father Greg Hammes, pastor of Prince of Peace Parish in Olathe, shares stories about his 13 years as a priest, highlighting “both the glory and the cross” at Project Andrew.

“

“

ANSAS CITY, Kan. — What’s it like to discern a vocation to the priesthood?

Two groups of high schoolaged young men participating in Project Andrew learned this: It isn’t a scavenger hunt.

Twenty-seven young men met on Sept. 27 at Prince of Peace Parish in Olathe, and 12 met on Oct. 4 at St. Joseph Parish in Topeka, for an afternoon learning about the seminary, seminarians and trying to determine if they were being called to the priesthood.

“I spoke about my discernment over the past six years in [the] seminary and how formation has affected that,” said seminarian George Rhodes, now in his sixth year at Kenrick-Glennon Seminary in St. Louis.

“I emphasized how vocational discernment is more of a relational thing than it is a scavenger hunt,” he added.

“It’s not about trying to use clues to figure out what God wants of you, but it’s more about learning to love and trust God and being able to follow his voice wherever it takes you.”

Project Andrew is the archdiocese’s entry-level discernment event for high school-aged men, said Father Dan Morris, vocation director of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas. It is named for St. Andrew, the first one called by Jesus to come follow him and be an apostle.

Participants heard witness talks by a high school-aged young man who was in discernment about entering the seminary, by seminarian Rhodes and by Father Greg Hammes, pastor of Prince of Peace Parish in Olathe.

Rhodes talked about what it was like in the seminary, the stages of formation and how his discernment has deepened and clarified through his years of study and formation.

“A lot of young people especially, who are eager to discern their vocation . . . put a lot of pressure [on themselves] trying to figure out what God wants,” said Rhodes, “but it’s really not about that.

It’s less about what the call is and more about the One who calls. It’s not so much trying to find answers to our own questions, but learning to hear the voice of the One who is leading us in the first place.”

Father Hammes shared some powerful stories about his 13 years as a priest, highlighting “both the glory and the cross,” of the priesthood, said Father Morris. “[He said] all vocations require similar stories, whether you are called to marriage or priesthood,” said Father

A LOT OF YOUNG PEOPLE ESPECIALLY, WHO ARE EAGER TO DISCERN THEIR VOCATION . . . PUT A LOT OF PRESSURE [ON THEMSELVES] TRYING TO FIGURE OUT WHAT GOD WANTS. GEORGE RHODES ARCHDIOCESAN SEMINARIAN AT KENRICK-GLENNON SEMINARY IN ST. LOUIS

Morris. “It’s going to require sacrifice if you’re living it right, but it’s also going to fill you with life.”

One of the participants was Ryan Gitobu, a junior at St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Overland Park. He’s a member of St. Michael the Archangel Parish in Leawood.

He was invited to attend by his pastor, Father Brian Schieber, during an outdoor youth group movie night.

“I felt pretty good about it, since he

took the time to call me out and invite me to it,” said Gitobu. “It felt pretty special.”

Gitobu vaguely considered the idea of a vocation to the priesthood earlier in his life, but at the time of the invitation, he didn’t feel particularly drawn to the idea.

Participation in Project Andrew got him interested again.

Juan Vazquez, a junior at Bishop Ward High School in Kansas City, Kansas, was at Camp Tekakwitha, Prairie Star Ranch in Williamsburg, when he received an invitation from Father Morris.

“I think he just saw something in me that he didn’t see in some of the other campers,” said Vazquez, a member of Christ the King Parish in Kansas City, Kansas. “Maybe it was divine inspiration, God telling him to invite me.”

Vazquez also had thought about a vocation to the priesthood earlier in his life, but it hadn’t crossed his mind at camp.

“As first, I was confused: Why would this priest who doesn’t really know me invite me to something bigger than myself?” he asked. “And then I realized it wasn’t a coincidence. It was meant to happen.”

Something new to Project Andrew this year is what comes after the main

event: the creation of weekly discernment groups.

“That’s what Jesus did with the apostles,” said Father Morris. “He didn’t just meet them one afternoon on the shoreline of the Sea of Galilee and say, ‘Think about being a priest.’

“He said, ‘Follow me,’ and, for the next three years, those guys followed Jesus.

Only by following Jesus do you learn that’s the particular call he’s calling you to.

“The true Project Andrew invitation is: Are you willing to journey with Jesus Christ in an intentional way for the next year and go deeper in this exploration of this calling?”

Eighteen high school-aged participants will meet 9:30-11 a.m. each Saturday at Good Shepherd Parish in Shawnee, with seven likely to join later. Seven young men will meet at St. Joseph Parish in Topeka, although a time and day have not been set.

Any high school-aged young man may participate in the two new vocation discernment groups even if they have not participated in Project Andrew this year. For information, call Father Morris at (913) 647-0356, or send an email to: dmorris@archkck.org.

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LOCAL NEWS

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OCTOBER 9, 2O2O | THELEAVEN.ORG

Renowned bioethicist to speak in Basehor Oct. 18

ather Tad Pacholczyk, Ph.D., the director of education at the National Catholic Bioethics Center in Philadelphia, has provided a Catholic perspective on many thorny ethical issues as a TV commentator, in the classroom and in front of legislators across the country. His

column on bioethics appears in this and other diocesan newspapers around the country.

On Oct. 18, he will be speaking here in the archdiocese on a topic that impacts us all and that he is uniquely qualified to address: COVID-19.

The Leaven offers just this brief preview of the types of topics he’ll be tackling later this month.

Q.

Father Tad, how has your unusual area of expertise put you in a unique position to advise various decision-makers on the pandemic?

A.

I was trained as a neuroscientist and worked on cloning genes for molecules expressed in the human brain while I was at Yale. However, I began my work at Yale in the immunology department, before switching to neuroscience, and that immunology background has proven helpful in terms of being able to follow and comment on vaccine development and certain other aspects of the COVID pandemic.

Q.

Early on, Archbishop Joseph Naumann, on behalf of the USCCB, called for a vaccine that did not utilize material from aborted fetuses.

Do you think the vaccine we finally wind up with will meet that standard?

A.

At last count, there were more than 321 vaccines for COVID-19 under development. Most of them do not utilize cells derived from abortions to manufacture the vaccines, so there is a reasonable chance that the vaccine we finally end up with will not rely on these problematic cells. However, there is not a way to accurately predict the outcome ahead of time.

Q.

If the final vaccine does not utilize cells derived from abortions, do you think that will partly reflect the work of you, Archbishop Naumann and others in this area?

A.

No, ethical questions like these are not driving factors in decision-

making at the highest levels of the pharmaceutical industry. What predominantly directs their efforts will be considerations like expediency, effectiveness and marketability.

Ethics tend to play catch-up afterwards, if they are even acknowledged during the process of vaccine development. We still have plenty of work to do when it comes to enlightening consciences.

Q.

What do you see the biggest challenge facing the country in terms of distributing the vaccination?

A.

I do not foresee massive problems with vaccine distribution. This country has been distributing vaccines with a reasonable degree of success for many years, including the successful distribution of the flu vaccine through various channels. I suspect widespread distribution of a COVID vaccine will face the usual set of hiccups that accompany the deployment of any new vaccine, but otherwise is likely to proceed reasonably well.

Q.

If an ethically sound and well-tested vaccine is produced, what is our obligation as Christians and as citizens to take it to defeat the spread of coronavirus?

A.

Each person must evaluate their individual situation and make a good judgment of prudence regarding the benefit to burden ratio for a COVID19 vaccine. For example, health care workers who have not been exposed to COVID-19 should probably consider quite seriously the benefits of getting

CNS PHOTO/JAMES BACA. DENVER CATHOLIC REGISTER

Father Tad Pacholczyk, Ph.D., is the director of education at the National Catholic Bioethics Center in Philadelphia. On Oct. 18, he will speak about COVID-19 at Holy Angels Church in Basehor. vaccinated, and their workplace may even require it.

However, some others in the general population may need to decline to be vaccinated, because they may have a compromised immune system, for example, or an allergy to some of the ingredients found in vaccines.

Vaccines help establish herd immunity, so to the extent that a vaccine has been appropriately tested as

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To ask your own questions of Father Tad, join him Oct. 18, at 7 p.m., at Holy Angels Church, 15438 Leavenworth Rd., Basehor.

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OCTOBER 9, 2020 | THELEAVEN.ORG

7 New deacon assignments announced

Don’t be afraid to ask for help during times of stress

Father John A. Riley, chancellor, announces the following appointments made by Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann: Deacon Efra Pruneda, from service in the Archdiocese of Denver, to diaconal ministry at the Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle Parish, Kansas City, Kansas, effective Sept. 1.

Deacon Charles Welte, from service in the Diocese of Duluth, Minnesota, to diaconal ministry at St. Benedict Parish, Atchison, effective Sept. 1.

Deacon Timothy McEvoy, from diaconal ministry at Immaculate Conception-St. Joseph Parish, Leavenworth, to diaconal ministry at Holy Cross Parish, Overland Park, effective Sept. 10.

A child can express frustrations through temper tantrums. COVID-19 has upset normal lives, leaving many frustrated, stressed and depressed.

The church offers many ways to help people deal with these feelings.

By Deacon Tony Zimmerman Special to The Leaven

O

ne afternoon some years ago, we were enjoying a walk down the streets of Breckenridge, Colorado, when we came upon a parent dealing with a rather unhappy child.

This little girl, perhaps 3 to 4 years of age, was lying on the sideTOOLS FOR walk — kicking, FAMILIES screaming and Growing as crying. I looked Disciples of at her parent and Jesus sighed, thinking, “Wow, I wouldn’t want to deal with that.”

Her mother sat calmly on a bench in front of the local sweets store and remarked, “Oh, it’s nasty Emily.” She stood, turned to walk away and said goodbye to the unhappy child. Little Emily stopped her tantrum, took Mom’s hand and walked calmly away.

Perhaps this parenting approach seems a little harsh to you. I am not advocating this approach to deal with a temper tantrum. It’s the story

of how this little girl expressed her frustration and how, perhaps, even as adults, we feel like behaving.

Numerous sources of news and information report that many people are currently experiencing stress and bouts with depression as a result of how the COVID-19 virus has upset our normal lives.

St. John of the Cross offers this advice, based on the Gospel of Matthew (11:28-30), referring to the comfort offered by Jesus: “All you who go about tormented, afflicted and burdened with the burden of your cares and desires, go forth from them, and come to me, and I will refresh you and you shall find for your souls the rest which your desires take from you.”

So, the first step we can take is to sit in quiet prayer and simply offer to Our Lord those cares which weigh us down. Find rest in prayer.

Lean against Our Lord for relief.

The second action we can take is to consider turning to a licensed Catholic therapist for help in finding direction and relief in these stressful times. Go online to: www.arch kck.org and you will find a button on the right side of the main page

labeled “Catholic Counselors.”

There you will find a list of counselors/psychotherapists who are Catholic and follow the teachings and authority of the magisterium of the Catholic Church. You will find sources of help in different areas of the archdiocese. Each counselor will list his or her areas of specialty.

Some of these counselors offer telehealth sessions during this ongoing struggle with the COVID-19 virus.

Another online source of help is available at: www.catholiccounselors. com. This site is a great source of telecounseling, spiritual life coaching and self-help. One of the counselors involved with this group is Dr. Greg Popcak. He and his wife Lisa are live on Catholic Radio each weekday morning at 9 a.m.

As we enter the winter months, the holiday gatherings and celebrations we all have cherished will look different. Many of us will experience a sense of loss which affects young and old.

It is never wrong to seek support from Our Lord and from those who provide relief though counseling grounded in our faith.

Dorothy (Rodina) and John Tomc, members of Holy Cross Parish, Overland Park, will c e l e b ra t e their 60th wedding anniversary on Oct. 15. The couple was married on Oct. 15, 1960, at Blessed Sacrament Church in Kansas City, Kansas. Their children are: Chris, Janet and Susan. They also have two grandchildren.

Barbara and Bob Carpenter, members of Divine Mercy Parish, Gardner, will celebrate their 65th wedding anniversary on Oct. 15. The couple was married on Oct. 15, 1955, at Sacred Heart Church, Ottawa. Their children are: Scott (deceased) and Cara. They will celebrate at a later date.

ANNIVERSARY submissions POLICY: The Leaven prints 50, 60, 65 and 70th anniversary notices. They are for parishioners in the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas DEADLINE: 10 days before the desired publication date.

INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING: • The couple’s names • their parish • the date they were married • church and city where they were married • what they are doing to celebrate • date of the celebration • names of children (no spouses) • number of grandchildren and great-grandchildren; WHERE TO SUBMIT: Email notices to: todd.habiger@ theleaven.org.

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SURRENDERING TO A HIGHER POWER Allowing God to take center stage is the focus of addiction support group

F

By Susan Fotovich McCabe Special to The Leaven or anyone battling an addiction of any kind, one of the first steps on the road to recovery is surrendering to a higher power.

As Catholics, we recognize that God is that higher power, and that having him alongside us in that journey gives us strength. That’s the simple concept behind the Calix Society, a national addiction support group with a local chapter in the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas.

The Calix Society is not a “Catholic AA,” according to its website. It fully embraces the principles of authentic 12step addiction programs, but offers enhanced support through an emphasis on the Catholic faith to bolster recovery.

“The Calix Society is an organization of Catholics who are maintaining their sobriety through active participation in an organized 12-step program,” said Neil, president of the Calix Society of Shawnee Mission. “In working our program, we noted how much commonality there is between the steps and the exercise of our Catholic faith.”

“In Calix,” he continued, “we are able to share the catholicity of our 12-step programs with one another. Working the steps in the context of the fullness and richness of our Catholic tradition is like putting the steps on steroids.”

The group meets once a month at Church of the Ascension in Overland Park. Neil and his wife Mary founded the archdiocesan chapter in 2018. Father Viet Nguyen, Ascension’s associate pastor, serves as the chapter’s chaplain.

The Calix Society embraces the principles of authe Church of the Ascension in Overland Park.

It’s personal LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER

An image of Venerable Matt Talbot, patron of alcoholics, takes pride of place in the Calix meeting on Oct. 3.

“

For Neil and Mary, the group is especially important. Neil joined an organized 12-step program that meets at Ascension. Mary started an organized 12-step-based support group at the parish for people who love or live with a person who is battling an alcohol addiction.

“Addiction didn’t hit close to home, but in our home when I realized I was addicted to alcohol,” Neil said. “The good news is that I found my way into a 12-step program and Mary found her way into a support group. Through those programs and Calix, we each found that we could change our behavior by letting God change us.”

Even before the pandemic, addiction was a significant problem in the United States. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), 19.7 million American adults (age 12 and older) battled a substance use disorder in 2017.

Almost 74% of adults suffering from a substance use disorder in 2017 struggled with an alcohol use disorder. Some professionals believe the pandemic has strained recovery for many individuals.

“ WITH CALIX, YOU CAN TALK ABOUT GOD AND YOUR CATHOLIC FAITH, THE SACRAMENTS AND SAINTS. SOMETIMES, ADDICTION CAUSES US TO LOSE OUR MORAL COMPASS. CALIX FOCUSES ON GOD TO HELP LEAD US TO PRAYER AND RECOVERY. DEACON MIKE MOFFITT PSYCHOLOGIST

Archdiocesan husband and wife psychologists Deacon Mike Moffitt and Jacque Pfeifer have long counseled individuals

with addictions. They founded the archdiocesan-sponsored, integrated wellness program Fully Alive, which focuses on mind, body and spirit programming. Their next Fully Alive session will focus on addiction and spotlight the Calix Society.

“Whether the addictive behavior relates to alcohol, drugs, gambling, pornography, sex, excessive eating or other types of addiction, Calix includes everyone, even those who are friends and family members of addicted individuals,” Pfeifer said. “Calix is for any person that is afflicted or affected by addictions.

And although Calix draws from Catholicism, a member need not be Catholic.”

Catholic fellowship Working from home, financial uncertainty and isolation are contributing to the stress of maintaining one’s sobriety, Deacon Moffitt said. Traditional 12-step programs are essential for addiction recovery. However, acknowledging God’s

Father Viet Nguyen speaks to the Calix chapter bef each meeting. strength supplements that recovery.

“With Calix, you can talk about God and your Catholic faith, the sacraments and saints,” he said. “Sometimes, addiction causes us to lose our moral compass. Calix focuses on God to help lead us to prayer and recovery.”

That component of Calix is what appealed to Church of the Ascension parishioner Susan, who regularly attends Calix and an organized 12-step program

“

“

EFFECTIVE TREATMENT INCLUDES INTEGRATING THE MIND, THE BODY AND THE SPIRIT. WHEN THIS IS DONE WITHIN A COMMUNITY OF SUPPORT, ESPECIALLY ONE THAT ACTIVELY AND AUTHENTICALLY DEMONSTRATES GOD’S LOVE AND MERCY, THE BETTER THE OUTCOME. TOM RACUNAS LEAD CONSULTANT FOR THE ARCHDIOCESAN SPECIAL-NEEDS MINISTRY

Spreading awareness

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER

entic 12-step addiction programs, but offers enhanced support through an emphasis on the Catholic faith to bolster recovery. The group meets monthly at Susan said the purpose of Calix is not to share one’s specific 12 steps, but instead explore how participants’ common 12 steps can help navigate one’s personal struggles through the “lens of the Catholic faith.” Being able to talk and share with other Catholics helps Susan live in what she calls a “disjointed world,” while offering her the support, prayers and perspectives of other Catholics.

Eliminating the stigma

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER

fore its October meeting. Father Nguyen serves as the chapter’s chaplain. He celebrates a Mass before as part of her recovery for an alcohol addiction.

A little over four years ago, Susan said she was given the “gift of desperation,” which led her to a 12-step program. It’s there she saw others who were “happy, joyful and calm,” and that’s what she wanted for herself. That’s where she met Neil as well, which eventually led her to add Calix to her recovery journey.

“I started to follow the steps and it

changed my life. With the 12-step program, we can talk about our higher power, but not our faith,” Susan said.

“My faith and Jesus are a big part of my life, but I’m not really allowed to go there in the 12-step program.

“Adding Calix to my support,” she continued, “allowed me to share Mass and meals and talk with other Catholics.

It was a huge gift to me. I was so grateful that Neil started this group. “

According to Tom Racunas, lead consultant for the archdiocesan specialneeds ministry, the purpose of the ministry is to facilitate “opportunities for a relationship with Christ by ensuring the fullest participation possible in the Catholic faith for all parishioners, regardless of ability.”

For some, ability is diminished by mental illness or addiction. The stigma attached to mental illness and/or addiction forces many to hide the severity of their symptoms or those of a loved one.

Many stop coming to church due to the stigma.

“Stigma is the single greatest barrier to people getting effective treatment,” Racunas said. “Effective treatment includes integrating the mind, the body and the spirit.

When this is done within a community of support, especially one that actively and authentically demonstrates God’s love and mercy, the better the outcome.”

“The goal of Fully Alive and Calix,” he continued, “is to bring as many as possible of the Catholic resources and programs available throughout the archdiocese into one avenue for access by the faithful so they may learn, grow and heal in mind, body and spirit.”

Racunas said it is appropriate that Catholics who are in recovery from addiction have access to a Catholic program that supports their recovery efforts.

While the meeting is held at Church of the Ascension, anyone is welcome.

Other parishes are spreading the word, including St. Michael the Archangel pastoral ministry coordinator Mary Connor.

She is always looking for programs and resources to support St. Michael parishioners.

“Addiction touches the lives of many people — perhaps even the ‘perfect family’ you see sitting in front of you at Mass,” Connor said. “I love the Scripture verse, 1 Corinthians 12: 26, which essentially says that when one member of our body is struggling with addiction, we all suffer. When one person is celebrating recovery, we all share in the joy of recovery.”

Walking with God Father Nguyen leads the monthly group with a Mass at 7 p.m. The meeting begins at 8 p.m. Before COVID-19, there was time for a meal and fellowship.

Father Nguyen, who has ministered to people battling addiction over the years, believes Calix is the perfect pairing to an organized 12-step program.

“I’ve heard from people who have joined 12-step programs, that their addiction, their common struggle, is what brings people together,” Father Nguyen said. “In Calix, their faith in Jesus Christ is what brings people together. People have a yearning to move past their own sins and to grow in their faith. It’s no longer the commonality in the struggle, but struggling for holiness.”

According to Neil, Calix participants must be in a period of recovery and engaged in regular meetings with a 12-step program. They must also have an open heart and let Jesus in their lives.

“Many times, I asked God for a miracle, that he would take my addiction away or at least let me find the strength to control it,” said Neil. “I wondered why he never answered my prayers.”

“What I didn’t understand was that God was very willing to perform the miracle, but I had a part to play in that miracle and I wasn’t doing my part,” he continued. “I spent eight years being taught by the Jesuits in high school and college, but didn’t learn how to turn my will and my life over to God. “I thank God for my alcoholism, because God was able to use it to bring me closer to him.”

For additional information on the local Calix Society chapter, call Mary at (913) 747-5039 or Neil at (913) 645-7244.

10

NATION

OCTOBER 9, 2O2O | THELEAVEN.ORG

Patron saint of immigrants gets special day in Colorado

CNS PHOTO/GREGORY A. SHEMITZ

St. Frances Xavier Cabrini, patron of immigrants, is depicted in a stained-glass window at the saint’s shrine chapel in New York City.

Colorado celebrated its first Cabrini Day Oct. 5. six Sisters.

She established orphanages, schools and Columbus Hospital, and held adult classes in Christian doctrine. She received requests to open schools all over the world. She traveled to Europe, Central and South America and throughout the United States.

She made 23 trans-Atlantic crossings and within 35 years established 67 houses with more than 1,500 Sisters. She became a naturalized U.S.

Bishops to vote for religious liberty chair, seven committee chairmen-elect

W

ASHINGTON (CNS) — The U.S. Catholic bishops will vote for the chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee for Religious Liberty and a chairman-elect for each of seven other standing committees before the USCCB convenes its annual fall general assembly, which is being held virtually Nov. 16-17.

Since June, the Committee for Religious Liberty has had an acting chairman following the death of Bishop George V. Murry of Youngstown, Ohio, who had been serving as chairman.

At the conclusion of the bishops’ meeting, the bishop elected to the Committee for Religious Liberty will assume the post of chairman. The nominees are Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan of New York and Archbishop Thomas G. Wenski of Miami.

The USCCB committees for which the bishops will choose a chairman-elect are: priorities and plans, Catholic education, communications, cultural diversity in the church, doctrine, national collections and pro-life activities.

The bishops elected as chairmenelect will serve for one year in that capacity before beginning a three-year term as the chairman of their respective committees at the conclusion of the fall general assembly in 2021.

The seven committees and the nominees for chairman-elect for each are: • Committee on Priorities and Plans: Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio of the U.S. Archdiocese for the Military Services and Bishop Daniel E. Thomas of Toledo, Ohio.

• Committee on Catholic Education:

CNS PHOTO/STEFANO DAL POZZOLO AND GREGORY A. SHEMITZ

Archbishop Thomas J. Wenski of Miami and New York Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan are seen in this composite photo. They are the nominees for chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee for Religious Liberty.

Bishop Thomas A. Daly of Spokane, Washington, and Archbishop Gregory J. Hartmayer of Atlanta.

• Committee on Communications: Bishop Christopher J. Coyne of Burlington, Vermont, and Auxiliary Bishop Robert P. Reed of Boston.

• Committee on Cultural Diversity in the Church: Bishop Arturo Cepeda of Detroit and Bishop Jorge Rodriguez of Denver.

• Committee on Doctrine: Bishop Brendan J. Cahill of Victoria, Texas, and Bishop Daniel E. Flores of Brownsville, Texas.

• Committee on National Collections: Bishop W. Shawn McKnight of Jefferson City, Missouri, and Bishop James S. Wall of Gallup, New Mexico.

• Committee on Pro-Life Activities: Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila of Denver and Archbishop William E. Lori of Baltimore.

citizen in 1909. She died in Chicago Dec. 22, 1917, at age 67.

She was beatified in 1938 by Pope Pius XI and canonized in 1946 by Pope Pius XII. She was the first American to be canonized. She was named patroness of immigrants in 1950.

On a hilltop in the foothills west of Denver near Golden sits the Mother Cabrini Shrine. The shrine property was purchased in 1912 by Mother Cabrini. It was an abandoned ranch she wanted to use as a summer camp for children at the Denver orphanage she founded in 1904. She opened a school in North Denver in 1902.

In its statement, the Denver Archdiocese noted that when Mother Cabrini purchased the land, it “had no known reliable source of water, but Mother Cabrini instructed some of her religious Sisters to lift a rock and start digging.”

“They discovered a spring that has not stopped running to this day,” and the shrine “marks the site of this 1912 miracle,” it said.

At least 11 states and dozens of U.S. cities have done away with observing Columbus Day, which commemorates the arrival of Christopher Columbus in the Americas in 1492, and instead celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day in recognition of the indigenous populations displaced after Columbus and other European

“

D

ENVER (CNS) — St. Frances Xavier Cabrini’s “Christ-like love for others is an inspiring example for all of us to this day,” said a statement from the Archdiocese of Denver issued in advance of Colorado’s new Cabrini Day honoring the patron of immigrants Oct. 5.

In February, the Colorado House approved a measure to do away with the state’s observance of Columbus Day, a federal holiday on the second Monday of October, and instead create the Cabrini observance.

The Colorado Senate followed suit in early March, and Gov. Jared Polis signed the bill into law.

“We commend the state Legislature for creating the first state holiday honoring a woman, and for choosing an incredible Catholic saint,” the archdiocese said.

Popularly known as Mother Cabrini, the saint is revered for her devotion to children, immigrants and the destitute.

Born in Italy, she was the foundress of the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart. Her dream was to go to China but at the insistence of Pope Leo XIII, who asked her to work among Italian immigrants in the United States, she left Italy for New York in 1889, accompanied by

“ WE COMMEND THE STATE LEGISLATURE FOR CREATING THE FIRST STATE HOLIDAY HONORING A WOMAN, AND FOR CHOOSING AN INCREDIBLE CATHOLIC SAINT. ARCHDIOCESE OF DENVER explorers reached this continent.

One of the sponsors of the House bill to create Cabrini Day, Rep. Adrienne Benavidez, a Democrat from Commerce City, said the effort to do away with Columbus Day in Colorado began in 2007.

Denver and Boulder have celebrated Indigenous Peoples Day since 2016.

According to well-known Colorado historian Tom Noel, Columbus Day was created in Denver in 1905, and the city held its first Columbus Day Parade a couple of years later.

After launching the Colorado parade, Italian American Angelo Noce of Denver “led a nationwide campaign to establish Columbus Day.”

OCTOBER 9, 2020 | THELEAVEN.ORG

WORLD

11

Pope Francis signs new encyclical in Assisi

By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service

V

ATICAN CITY (CNS) — Bringing the Vatican official in charge of translations with him, Pope Francis signed his new encyclical, “Fratelli Tutti, on Fraternity and Social Friendship,” at the tomb of St. Francis of Assisi, source of the document’s title and inspiration.

After celebrating Mass at St. Francis’ tomb Oct. 3, the eve of the saint’s feast day, the pope called up Msgr. Paolo Braida and explained to the small congregation that the monsignor is in charge of “translations and the speeches of the pope” in the Vatican Secretariat of State.

“He watches over everything and that’s why I wanted him to be here today,” the pope said. He also brought with him the Spanish official who oversaw the accuracy of the various translations and the official who translated the text from Spanish into Portuguese.

Pope Francis set the text on the altar under the tomb of St. Francis and signed it.

The encyclical was scheduled to be released to the public Oct. 4 just after midday.

Pope Francis arrived late for the Mass in the crypt of the Basilica of St. Francis after making a brief stop in Assisi at the Basilica of St. Clare, which houses the tomb of the close follower of St. Francis and founder of the Poor Clares.

The pope did not give a homily during the Mass, simply praying silently for several minutes after the reading of the Gospel. The text was that prescribed for the feast of St. Francis, Matthew 11:2530, which begins, “I give praise to you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for

CNS PHOTO/VATICAN MEDIA

Pope Francis leaves in his car after celebrating Mass in the crypt of the Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi, Italy, Oct. 3. The pope signed his new encyclical, “Fratelli Tutti, on Fraternity and Social Friendship,” in front of the tomb of St. Francis at the end of the Mass. Walking alongside the car is Gianluca Gauzzi Broccoletti, the pope’s lead bodyguard and head of the Vatican police force. although you have hidden these things from the wise and the learned you have revealed them to the childlike.”

Because of measures designed to contain the coronavirus pandemic, the Mass was described as “private.” Only about two dozen people were in the small crypt chapel; they sat socially distanced,

one person in each pew, and wore masks.

Several Franciscan Sisters were present, as were the ministers general of the main Franciscan orders of men: Father Michael Perry, minister general of the Franciscans; Father Roberto Genuin, minister general of the Capuchins; and Father Amando Trujillo Cano, minister

general of the Third Order Regular of St. Francis.

To read “Fratelli Tutti, on Fraternity and Social Friendship,” go to: www. vatican.va. Click on English and then click on encyclicals.

BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS

CNS PHOTOS/ELOISA LOPEZ, REUTERS

A priest blesses a cat with holy water, above, and three birds, right, at a drive-thru pet blessing in celebration of World Animal Day Oct. 4, in Manila, Philippines, during the COVID-19 pandemic. The day coincides with the feast of St. Francis of Assisi.

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12 EMPLOYMENT Community live-in 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 live-in assistants and potential live-out 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.

Experienced marketing board members - Santa Marta Senior Living Community is looking for new board members with a marketing background to work with the executive leadership team and outside marketing firm to define and implement various marketing programs.

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Administrative assistant - St. Patrick School, located at 1086 N. 94th St. in Kansas City, Kansas, has an opening for a part-time administrative assistant at the Early Education Center from 7:30 until 11:30 a.m. when school is in session. To apply, please submit a request for a job application to Patty Dickinson at: pdickinson@stpatrick kck.org.

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Coaches - Bishop Miege High School is seeking coaches for the following sports: assistant wrestling, assistant bowling, boys swim/dive for the 2020-21 winter season and girls swim/dive for the 2021 spring season. Contact Andrew Groene, athletic director, at: agroene@bishop miege.com or call (913) 222-5802.

OCTOBER 9, 2O2O | THELEAVEN.ORG

Preschool teacher - A full-time, benefit-eligible position is available at St. Patrick’s Early Education Center, located at 1080 N. 94th St., Kansas City, Kansas. Related experience is preferred and a degree is a plus. The applicant must be a practicing Catholic. Training is available for applicants to meet KDHE state requirements.

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107. The deadline is Oct. 14.

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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

Part-time day custodian - St. Patrick School has an opening for a part-time day custodian. The hours are 7:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. when school is in session. To apply, please submit a request for a job application to Patty Dickinson at: pdickinson@stpatrickkck.org.

Receptionist – The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas is seeking a part-time receptionist for the chancery office. This position is available on Thursdays and Fridays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. This position is responsible for operating the main switchboard, receiving all calls and visitors to the chancery, sorting mail and other clerical duties as assigned. The ideal candidate will be a practicing Catholic in good standing. A high school diploma required and at least three years of secretarial or administrative experience. Must be able to provide hospitality and efficient response to all calls and visitors to the chancery offices. A complete job description and application information are available on the archdiocese’s website at: www.archkck.org/jobs. Interested individuals should email cover letter, resume and application to: jobs@archkck.org. Position open until filled.

Business manager/accountant - St. Patrick Church in Kansas City, Kansas, is seeking a business manager/accountant. This position is responsible for managing all financial aspects of the parish and school. Duties include deposits; payable; reconciling bank accounts; monthly and annual financial reporting; budget preparation; payroll processing; overseeing human resources issues; and other financial duties. The ideal candidate will be a Catholic in good standing with accounting experience, effective communication skills and a bachelor’s degree.

QuickBooks experience and/or CPA is a plus. Request a job application from Father Mark Mertes at: stpatrick churchkck@archkckcs.org by Oct. 14.

Help wanted - Housekeepers, cooks and dietary aides.

Salary plus benefits. Safe and pleasant workplace! Apply online or in person. Silvercrest College View, 13600 W. 110th Terr., Lenexa, KS 66215 or email: www.Silvercrest CollegeView.com.

Unique job opportunities with Catholic Cemeteries Catholic Cemeteries of Northeast Kansas has openings for two compassionate and outgoing persons to conduct “lead-ins” for funeral services in our cemeteries, directing families and friends to burial sites, attending the services and performing light clerical work. The positions are part time (20 hours per week) with one cemetery assistant designated for Johnson County and one for Wyandotte County. Candidates must have a current driver’s license and a clean driving record. No previous experience required; bilingual candidates encouraged to apply; competitive wage offered. Contact Catholic Cemeteries at (913) 371-4040 or email: information@ cathcemks.org to apply.

Youth minister/confirmation coordinator - St. Ann Parish in Prairie Village has an immediate opening for a Christcentered, innovative and passionate individual to serve as youth minister and confirmation coordinator. The primary responsibility of the youth minister will be to engage the parish middle school youth (5th - 8th grade) and form them into intentional disciples of Jesus Christ. The confirmation coordinator will instruct and form 7th and 8th graders at both St. Ann School and the St. Ann School of Religion in their Catholic faith; communicate with candidates, sponsors and parents about their responsibilities; and coordinate the confirmation liturgy under the direction of the pastor. The youth minister and confirmation coordinator is currently structured as a part-time position, with the possibility of developing into a full-time position with additional responsibilities. Individuals interested in this position should email a cover letter and resume highlighting their qualifications to Father Craig Maxim at: frcraig@stannpv.org.

SERVICES Long-term care insurance - Planning your financial future can be overwhelming when it comes to providing protection to you and your family. I would like to help you get started with understanding an important piece of your financial strategy: long-term care insurance. To arrange for a virtual meeting/consultation without leaving the safety of your home, please contact me at: www.JEOroco.com.

Clinical therapist - LCPC treats trauma, PTSD, complex PTSD; EMDR-trained. Treats adult recovery from child abuse; anxiety reduction through emotion-regulation, distress tolerance and mindfulness. Also treats couples with wounded attachments. Sliding scale. Call Donna Constantineau, LCTC, at (913) 602-1415.

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.

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.

Tree Trimming Licensed and insured Free estimates/10 years experience Call Tony at (913) 620-6063 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.

8 to Your IdealWeight Get Real, Get Healthy, Get Empowered Take back your power and release weight, fatigue and joint pain without hunger or cravings!

Call or text Kathi at (816) 809-7739 Email: imagewellness2@gmail.com Memory quilts - Preserve your memories in a keepsake quality quilt, pillows, etc. Custom designed from your Tshirt collection, baby clothes, sports memorabilia, neckties . . . Quilted Memories. (913) 649-2704.

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.

CAREGIVING 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.

Cleaning lady - Reasonable rates; references provided.

Call (913) 209-9234.

Painting - Diamond Painting, (913) 648-4933, Residential/Commercial, Exterior/interior, Free Estimate, Affordable, Decks, DiamondPaintKc.com, Kcmo/Overland Park Metropolitan area.

Concrete construction - Tear out and replace stamped, stained or colored patios and drives. Retaining walls, footings, poured-in-place safe rooms, excavation and hauling. Asphalt drives and lots. Fully insured; references. Call Dan at (913) 207-4371 or send an email to: dandeeconst@aol.com.

Popcorn texture removed and apply knockdown texture.

Renew your walls with a fresh coat of quality paint!

Cracks repaired.

Fully insured, serving Kansas for 27 years Call or text Jerry at (913) 206-1144.

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.

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 - Two full body crypts at Resurrection Cemetery in Lenexa, Prince of Peace building. Asking $8500 for both. Current price is $11,190. Call (913) 558-1618 if interested.

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.benefits ofhome.com or call (913) 422-1591

For sale - Two single crypts at Mount Calvary in the patio mausoleum, tier C. Valued at $14,950; will sell for $9500 Call Pam at (913) 631-4911.

HOME IMPROVEMENT

REAL ESTATE

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

Rental properties - Getting into this kind of investment can be scary. How about if you could have access to a seasoned investor after the sale as a consultant? I am selling some of my investments that are in the KCMO area that you might be interested in. I am not a realtor, but I have owned these properties for a long time. Call (785) 883-2936, leave me your contact information and I will return your call within 24 hours.

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.

Speedy Guzman Moving and delivery Licensed and insured Anytime (816) 935-0176 Local handyman - Painting int. and ext., wood rot, power washing, staining, masonry (chimney repair, patios) 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.

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.

For sale - Double glass-front niche at Resurrection Cemetery, Holy Family section, niche 3. Make an offer. Call (913) 558-2470.

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.

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

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING To purchase a Leaven classified ad, email The Leaven at: beth.blankenship@theleaven.org Cost is $20 for the first five lines, $1.50 per line thereafter.

LOCAL NEWS

OCTOBER 9, 2020 | THELEAVEN.ORG

13

Leawood parish sets future generations up for success

By Susan Fotovich McCabe Special to The Leaven

L

EAWOOD — St. Michael the Archangel here is a relatively young parish, but the community is already thinking ahead to the next generation.

In an effort to leave a financial legacy for future parishioners, St. Michael recently relaunched its Legacy Society.

Parish administrator Rob Lisch said the initiative brings together church members and the planned giving group of the archdiocesan stewardship and development office to reignite a campaign that began enthusiastically, but stalled in recent years. Legacy gifts are financial donations that are deferred until a person’s death.

“The relaunch was prompted by the realization that the financial security of the parish is not a given in perpetuity.

We must all do our part to set subsequent generations up for success,” Lisch said. “Building a financial legacy for the parish is a way that we can ensure that St. Michael remains a beacon for God’s kingdom into the future.”

Building awareness of the future Because St. Michael is a little over two decades old, its endowment is also in its infancy — both in participation and financial contributions, Lisch said. Parishioner Larry Sowers, who served on the original campaign, is leading the new effort as well. Sowers, along with Terri M. Lynn of the archdiocesan planned giving office, have been meeting since January to outline the scope and focus of the renewed initiative.

“Each parish has unique needs, finances and history, so I wanted to ensure our Legacy Society focused on the relevant situation at St. Michael’s,” Lisch said. “As a relatively young parish — both in structural age and demographics — my primary focus now is education of the parish about various ways that our parishioners can leave a legacy and then to build momentum of parishioners who participate in the Legacy Society.”

St. Michael is the only parish in the archdiocese currently implementing a formal campaign. Planned giving in the office of stewardship and development offers the guide “Forming a Parish

SACRED HEART-ST. CASIMIR FALL FEST Sacred Heart-St. Casimir Parish 521 Linn St., Leavenworth Oct. 17 from 5:30 - 7 p.m.

Oct. 18 from 9:45 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Saturday will feature trunk-or-treating for the kids, all costumed kids will get a free pumpkin and pumpkins will be for sale. There will be hamburgers/brats/hot dog sack lunch meals for $5/$6. The day will include a silent auction and a cash raffle. On Sunday, there will be free coffee and doughnuts, and the pumpkin sale and raffle will continue.

L’ARCHE HEARTLAND GALA 2020 Virtual Auction/Event Oct. 16

L’Arche Heartland is where persons with and without intellectual disabilities share life in community. They focus on relationships and recognize that every individual, regardless of ability, has a gift to share with the world. Register online at: Larche Gala2020.givesmart.com to participate with your family in this celebration.

LEAVEN PHOTO BY DOUG HESSE

Leawood’s St. Michael the Archangel parish administrator Rob Lisch, left, talks with David and Mianne Sell about the parish Legacy Society. Legacy gifts are financial donations that are deferred until a person’s death.

Legacy Society” for parishes that would like to launch a new effort or enhance a current one.

The rise of planned giving According to Lynn, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, planned giving is experiencing an uptick as individuals and families are prompted to update their estate plans. Baby boomers have made a positive impact on the ability of parishes and schools to serve over the last 25 years, she said.

“It is expected that with the aging and passing of baby boomers, there will be a great transfer of wealth in the U.S. through estate planning to the younger population and to charities — perhaps $30 trillion or more over the next 10, 20, 30 years as this demographic group passes away,” Lynn said. “The office of stewardship and development — planned giving wants to see some of the transfer of this wealth go directly to parishes. While families protect their

‘THE ETHICAL CHALLENGES OF COVID-19’ Holy Angels Parish 15438 Leavenworth Rd., Basehor Oct. 18 at 7 p.m.

Father Tad Pacholczyk, Ph.D., will speak on the ethical questions and challenges of the situations surrounding COVID-19. Some of these ethical questions involve the allocation of limited resources like ventilators.

Another topic of discussion will be vaccinations — how they are made and vaccine mandates.

CONTEMPLATIVE MUSIC AND PRAYER: A FACEBOOK LIVE EVENT Sophia Spirituality Center Oct. 21 from 2 - 2:30 p.m.

Sister Susan Barber, OSB, will play organ to accompany this time of prayer. Google “Sophia Spirituality Center,” click on “Retreats” and then click on “Program Offerings.” From there, scroll down to this music program notice and click on the link to Sophia Spirituality Center’s Facebook page.

heirs through estate planning, it is also the perfect time to make a bequest to the parish.”

While Lisch and Lynn advise parishioners to speak with their attorney or financial advisers about charitable giving, Lisch said the most common form of planned giving among St. Michael parishioners is stock donations. It currently represents a fraction of the percentage of overall contributions to the parish.

However, it is helpful to those that choose this method of giving, even when the stock market fluctuates. By using stocks and mutual funds charitable giving, he said, the giver conserves cash for other uses and maximizes the value of the charitable gifts.

Additionally, the giver can deduct the fair market value and pay no capital gains tax on gifts of long-term appreciated equity.

“My advice is to consult with a Catholic financial adviser,” Lisch said. “A Catholic financial adviser will share the giver’s Catholic values and beliefs and will understand the giver’s estate and char-

itable planning priorities as well as the challenges in structuring estate plans.

“Ultimately, the adviser will identify and present opportunities for charitable giving in ways that serve the giver’s family, protect their assets, and leave St. Michael with a gift to help it thrive in the future.”

UNCORKED — SISTERS OF ST. JOSEPH OF CARONDELET Virtual Edition!

Oct. 22

for private prayer, reflection and walking.

Cabins/courtyard rooms: $170 single/$250 couple; guest rooms: $100 (meals included).

To attend, send an email to: info@christs peace.com or call (913) 773-8255.

Celebrate the autumn season with the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet. Enjoy a lovely evening of specialty wine and delicious chocolates from the comfort of your own home. The cost for the evening is $35 per ticket. Go online to: www.csjsl.org/ ways-to-give/uncorked for details and dates on how to pay, register, order your wine and find out your drive-thru location.

STS. LOUIS AND ZELIE MARTIN: FAMILY SANCTITY Christ’s Peace House of Prayer 22131 Meager Rd., Easton Nov. 6 - 8

Take this weekend with your spouse to reflect on the importance of family sanctity. Take some time alone with your spouse to reconnect and enter back into the world stronger and more deeply committed to Christ. There will be conferences, eucharistic adoration, Mass, confession, and time

A legacy of faith While a legacy gift provides a parish with financial support, it is of value in other ways, too, Lynn said.

“A legacy planned gift is the last chance to evangelize the faith to your children and make a grateful response to God for his abundant gifts in your life,” Lynn said. “It is recommended that parents write a spiritual testimonial letter to their children to be read along with the will, so the children will understand why a legacy gift was left to the parish.”

BEGINNING EXPERIENCE RETREAT WEEKEND Savior Pastoral Center 12601 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, Kansas Nov. 6 - 8

Beginning Experience is offering a healing weekend to men and women of all ages who have suffered the loss of a spouse through death, divorce or separation. Reservations are required. For more information, visit the website at: www.beginningexperiencekc. org; send an email to: register.bekc@gmail. com; or call Laura at (308) 530-1873.

CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS DEADLINE: Noon, Thursday, 10 days before the desired publication date.

SEND SUBMISSIONS TO: beth. blankenship@theleaven.org.

14

COLUMNISTS

DAILY READINGS TWENTY-EIGHTH WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME Oct. 11 TWENTY-EIGHTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME Is 25: 6-10a Ps 23: 1-6 Phil 4: 12-14, 19-20 Mt 22: 1-14 Oct. 12 Monday Gal 4:22-24, 26-27, 31 – 5:1 Ps 113: 1b-5a, 6-7 Lk 11: 29-32 Oct. 13 Tuesday Gal 5: 1-6 Ps 119: 41, 43-45, 47-48 Lk 11: 37-41 Oct. 14 Callistus I, pope, martyr Gal 5: 18-25 Ps 1: 1-4, 6 Lk 11: 42-46 Oct. 15 Teresa of Jesus, virgin, doctor of the church Eph 1: 1-10 Ps 98: 1-6 Lk 11: 47-54 Oct. 16 Hedwig, religious; Margaret Mary Alacoque, virgin Eph 1: 11-14 Ps 33: 1-2, 4-5, 12-13 Lk 12: 1-7 Oct. 17 Ignatius of Antioch, bishop, martyr Eph 1: 15-23 Ps 8: 2-3b, 4-7 Lk 12: 8-12

“W

e have two pandemics, one of the body and one of the soul.”

I can’t stop thinking about these words, written by Leota Roesch. (Found in the Oct. 5 “Weekday Homily Helps.”)

Roesch identified one of the sins of the soul in our country as racism. To that, I’d add selfishness and greed.

With that in mind, this story of a young man and his father is worth pondering: One day, a father of a very wealthy family took his son on a trip to the country with the firm purpose of showing his son how poor people live. They spent a couple of days and nights on the farm of what would be considered a very poor family.

On their return, the father asked the son, “How was the trip?”

“It was great, Dad,” said the boy.

“Did you see how poor people live?” asked the father.

S

Joseph Calasanz 1556 - 1648 This Spaniard studied law at the University of Lerida and was ordained a priest in 1583, despite his father’s hope that he would be a soldier. He became vicar general of a Spanish diocese, but in 1592, left for Rome, where he joined the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine and worked with neglected children. In 1597, he established the first free school in Rome with three other priests. This work led him to found the Clerks Regular of the Religious (or Pious) Schools, known as Piarists. He overcame internal and external opposition and served as superior general of the order. He was canonized in 1767, and in 1948, Pope Pius XII named him the patron saint of Christian schools. He is also a patron of students.

OCTOBER 9, 2O2O | THELEAVEN.ORG

Who are the poor?

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.

“Oh, yeah,” said the kid.

“So, tell me,” said the dad, “what did you learn from the trip?”

The son answered, “I saw that we have one dog and they have four. We have a pool that reaches to the middle of our garden, and they have a creek that has no end. We have imported lanterns in our garden, and they have the stars at night.

Our patio reaches to the front yard, and

they have the whole horizon. We have a small piece of land to live on, and they have fields that go beyond our sight. We have servants who serve us, but they serve others.

We buy our food, but they grow theirs. We have walls around our property to protect us; they have friends to protect them.”

The father was absolutely speechless.

Then his son added, “Thanks, Dad, for showing me how poor we are!” (Found in “Top 100 Motivational Stories,” by Meir Liraz.)

One of my profound life lessons came 40 years ago when I was

privileged to spend a summer as a deacon in the Diocese of Nyeri in Kenya, East Africa. I went there convinced of all I had to give to the people. Little did I suspect how much I would receive instead.

I worked at two mission stations — one at Njabini and the other at Gatarakwa — among the rural Kikuyu people, whom the world would consider materially poor. However, they were rich in so many other ways.

The people that I met taught me the lesson of slowing down, especially when it came to prayer and Sabbath rest. Sunday Mass lasted for hours because people arrived early, the Mass itself started “whenever the visiting died down,” and then they continued to congregate for hours afterward. There was no danger of parking lot congestion, either, since everyone walked to church!

The Kenyans showed me what hospitality was all about. They

welcomed me into their homes — often made of mud with a thatched roof and dirt floor — and, because I was the guest, I got “the” chair, usually made from the roots of a tree. I was always offered hot tea as well and was served first.

The people there modeled generosity.

Our Sunday collection typically consisted of vegetables, fruits and, once, even a live chicken that rode home with me in the mission’s Land Rover.

They didn’t have much, but what little they had was shared.

And I’ll always treasure their singing — done with abandon and joyfulness, from the heart — especially at church and in the schools.

Every time World Mission Sunday rolls around (this year on Oct. 18), my mind floats back to those days in Kenya. For it was there, among the Kikuyu people, that I first realized how poor I really was.

Paul finds in Jesus all he needs to sustain him

t. Paul makes a couple of remarkable statements in Sunday’s second reading (Phil 4:12-14, 19-20). In both cases, first impressions may be misleading.

“My God will fully supply whatever you need,” Paul tells his friends in Philippi.

On the face of it, Paul seems to be promising that God will make sure they never go without anything they need. But that can’t be precisely what he means, since he has just acknowledged that he himself is sometimes in need, even hungry.

Paul also says, “I can do all things in him who strengthens me.” Is he proclaiming there’s no

,

KEVIN PERROTTA Perrotta is the editor and an author of the “Six Weeks with the Bible” series, teaches part time at Siena Heights University and leads Holy Land pilgrimages. He lives in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

limit to what he can accomplish — that he can do whatever he sets his mind to?

Is Paul saying (adapting a thought sometimes attributed to Walt Disney), “If I can dream it, I can do it”? But if that’s his meaning, why didn’t he take care of his own basic needs and at least provide himself with a steady supply of groceries?

Another possible translation of Paul’s “I can do” statement is this: I can deal with everything. I can get the better of everything. I have the strength for

everything. In context, he’s saying he can handle life whether he has more than he needs or doesn’t have what he needs to stay alive.

He’s not making a general statement about being able to do all sorts of things.

He’s saying he knows how to be content, no matter how much he has or lacks.

Paul says this is something he has “learned.” The Greek word he uses suggests he has been initiated into a kind of secret knowledge. What is the secret? “In him who strengthens me.”

Paul is not saying he has become a stoic who can take any suffering without giving way to emotion.

He has not become a master of impassivity. He’s saying that he has gained access to a relationship. Jesus is with him, and in Jesus, he can find whatever he needs to deal with whatever God lets come his way.

This supplies the key to understanding Paul’s statement about God supplying. No doubt Paul believes God will provide in a range of ways for the Philippians, but his point is deeper than that. He is assuring them that they, too, can find in Jesus the strength to persist and prevail, to go on loving and overcome despair, no matter how hard their road becomes.

Post-pandemic world must not return to selfish ‘normality,’ pope says VATICAN CITY (CNS) — In the aftermath of the coronavirus pandemic, the world must aspire to be better and not return to its previous “sickened” normality of injustice, inequality and environmental degradation, Pope Francis said. “The normality we are called to is that of the kingdom of God, where ‘the blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised and the good news is proclaimed to the poor,’”

the pope said Sept. 30 during his weekly general audience. It is a situation where “no one acts the fool by looking the other way. This is what we must do to change,” he said at the audience in the San Damaso courtyard of the Apostolic Palace.

Continuing his series of talks on “healing the world,” the pope said Christ came to heal both the physical and “social” ailments that plague the world and gave the “necessary gifts to love and heal

as he did, in order to take care of everyone without distinction of race, language or nation.” Applying those gifts today will “renew society and not return it to the so-called ‘normality,’ which is a sickened normality,” he said. “In the normality of the kingdom of God, bread comes to everyone and there is enough; social organization is based on contributing, sharing and distributing, not in possessing, excluding and accumulating.”

COLUMNISTS

OCTOBER 9, 2020 | THELEAVEN.ORG

15

Open wide the doors: Now ALL of us can join in the mission

M

y heart danced with joy!

I threw a fist in the air and said, “Alleluia!”

Eleven words — a phrase — part of a longer sentence.

Eleven words that my colleagues and I in special-needs ministry throughout the United States have hoped to read for a long time.

These 11 words will make a difference for families who have a child with a disability.

I will get to those 11 words, but I want to start with where the words are found.

The church’s fundamental mission is to make disciples of all nations. The church in northeast Kansas lives by the motto: “Growing as disciples of Jesus. Making disciples Popcorn ceiling removed, or repaired Ceiling and walls painted 30 years experience

REACHING OUT

TOM RACUNAS Tom Racunas is the lead consultant for the archdiocesan special-needs ministry. He can be reached by email at: tracunas@archkck.org.

for Jesus.” “Catechesis” is the word used to describe this ministry.

Catechesis is the education in the faith of adults, young people and children with “a view to initiating the hearers into the

fullness of Christian life” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 5).

Leaders in catechesis and education find their inspiration in the National Directory for Catechesis (NDC).

This book serves as a reference point for forming catechists, developing resources and providing practical tools for doing catechesis well.

The first edition of the NDC was published

in 1979. The second addition, published in 2005, included a section that specifically addressed catechesis for persons with disabilities.

It said, in part: “Catholics with disabilities have the right to participate in the sacraments as full functional members of the local ecclesial community (3b-3).”

The text references the “Guidelines for the Celebration of the Sacraments with Persons with Disabilities” that provides general guidelines for reception of the sacraments with persons with a variety of disabilities.

The guidelines state: “If it is determined that a parishioner who is disabled is not ready to receive the sacrament, great

care should be taken in explaining the reasons for this decision. Cases of doubt should be resolved in favor of the right of the Catholic to receive the sacrament (22).”

Cases of doubt have not always been resolved in favor of the person with a disability. Some people with disabilities have been refused the sacraments because they could not memorize a prayer or attend a retreat.

For some families, this has caused such intense heartache that they separated themselves from the church.

In July, a new edition of the NDC was released. Section 272 states: “Persons with disabilities are called to the fullness of sacramental life, even in

the presence of severe disorders.

“The sacraments are gifts from God, and the liturgy, even before being rationally understood, needs to be lived: Therefore, no one can refuse the sacraments to persons with disabilities.”

Those last 11 words open our doors wider and promote the culture of inclusion.

Alleluia!

This is not to say that catechesis can be dismissed. To the contrary, we have an obligation to provide meaningful catechesis to persons with disabilities to their fullest potential.

The knowledge and tools to do that are available! ALL of us can grow as disciples of Jesus and make disciples for Jesus!

THE SHEPHERD’S VOICE Call Jerry at (913) 206-1144

8:30 a.m. Sundays on 92.9 FM and KEXS AM 1090 Encore Monday at 11:30 a.m.

16

LOCAL NEWS

I

OCTOBER 9, 2O2O | THELEAVEN.ORG

Are you prepared for a financial emergency?

t has always been a wise precaution to stash money away for a rainy day — much less a pandemic.

Now some — or many — of us may be tapping into those emergency funds to manage during these unprecedented times.

But even during a pandemic, it is important to create or to continue contributing to an existing emergency fund, according to Shawnee’s Bank of Labor senior vice president and manager of commercial banking Joseph Keller.

As part of its ongoing financial series, The Leaven asked Keller for key tips in preparing for a financial emergency.

Q. What is an emergency fund?

A. An emergency fund is a sepa-

rate pool of money that is set aside for unexpected expenses that come up in our everyday lives. Think of this fund as “planning for surprises.”

Examples are car and home repairs, deductibles for insurance claims or even unexpected medical expenses.

Where do you keep it?

Q. A. The best place to keep an emer-

gency fund is in a separate bank account from what you use to pay your normal monthly bills. All banks offer savings or money market accounts that require different amounts to open.

Many can be opened with as little as $100. The purpose for separating the money is to have it be less accessible to spend on impulse purchases.

Also, many employers offer Health Savings Accounts as part of their employee medical insurance coverage, which allows employees to save for medical expenses on a pre-tax basis.

Ask your employer if this option is available to you.

Q. What is the best way to add

to it?

A. The best way to build up your

LEAVEN PHOTO BY KATHRYN WHITE

Joseph Keller is a member of Holy Family Parish in Kansas City, Kansas, and the Shawnee Bank of Labor’s senior vice president and manager of commercial banking. In this installment of The Leaven’s new Dollars & Sense series, Keller explains to readers how to prepare for a financial emergency. emergency fund is to add something to it each and every time you get paid.

A seamless approach would be to set up an automatic transfer from your main checking account to the emergency fund each month. The transfer can occur like any other bill you have to pay without you manually having to move the money if or when you think about it.

Q.

How much should I contribute per paycheck?

A.

There are several ways to determine an amount based on what you are trying to accomplish: For example, is there a specific goal you are trying to reach? Let’s say you are trying to save $500 for an insurance deductible that you need in 90 days or $1,000 for car tires that you will need next year. It might be a down payment for a house you want to buy in five years. Many people just save for an unspecified, true emergency — such as a job loss or medical emergency.

Even if you save $20 per paycheck, that amounts to over $500 in a year if you get paid every other week.

Q.

What if I’m already financially strapped as is?

A.

Think about taking the approach of “pay yourself first” as a way to build up your emergency fund balance. Examine your spending habits and categorize expenses into buckets of “wants” and “needs.” Try to limit the “want” category as much as possible to make room for funding your emergency account. That is the “pay yourself first” bucket.

With small contributions, won’t it take forever to grow?

Where can I find extra money to add to it?

Q. A.

When your emergency fund accumulates over $1,000, then you can consider some interest-bearing accounts or even a mutual fund that should grow organically. You shouldn’t be too aggressive or risky with where the fund is invested. However, earning interest or taking advantage of fund appreciation adds money that does not come out of your earnings.

Q.

Why is it so important to be able to borrow from myself ? Why not put unexpected expenses on my credit card and pay if off over time?

A.

Borrowing from yourself is cheaper. The rule of thumb is that borrowed money (which is what credit card debt is) is much more expensive than taking money out of your emergency fund. Paying high interest rates on credit cards equates to double or triple the cost for an item versus paying for it yourself.

Unfortunately, high interest rates on credit cards can be a revolving trap of never getting ahead and always being strapped for cash. Credit cards can be very easy to use for emergencies. But paying that debt off from your own funds as quickly as possible and reducing the overall interest you pay is one of the keys to financial success.

Joseph Keller has nearly 40 years in the field of commercial banking and lending. Among his roles is overseeing lending analytics and managing the bank’s credit risk. He is a member of Holy Family Parish in Kansas City, Kansas.

Seniors struggle to grasp restrictions that keep them isolated >> Continued from page 1 compromise anybody in the facility or our mom.

“But it was difficult. It was like cutting off your right arm.”

Over time, the situation became more and more confusing for Humphrey.

“She just couldn’t understand why we couldn’t come in and give her a hug, [and] why we couldn’t come in and straighten up her apartment,” said Hoog.

Humphrey was used to seeing at least one of her seven children, who took turns visiting her in person, every day. A key part of her routine was going to daily Mass at Queen and she looked most forward to receiving Communion.

“That was such a big piece of her life,” said Hoog. “After every daily Mass, [pastor Father Bill Bruning] would give her a hug and say, ‘Just hang in there,

Jean, you’re doing great.’

“Sometimes she would break down in his arms and cry.”

“And then, everything just abruptly stopped,” added Hoog.

Once the lockdown hit, Humphrey’s family could only visit her outside her closed window, where they communicated with her over the phone.

“And then eventually, probably two months into the lockdown, they allowed us to open up her window six inches, so then we were able to talk through the screen,” said Hoog.

The family was forced to get creative. They continued to visit Humphrey through the window, and her daughters even joined her for happy hours.

“They would get her a glass of wine inside the facility,” said Hoog. “We would open up her window, and we’d bring a speaker and we’d play music from the

’30s and ’40s. We’d have a little dance party.

“She kind of understood what was going on at first. But as the disease progressed, she had to be reminded every single time we would visit her.”

After Humphrey was recently moved to hospice care, Hoog decided it was time to reach out to Father Riley so her mom could receive the anointing of the sick.

“It was so amazing,” said Hoog. “To her, it didn’t matter that it was through a screen. That she received it was very important for her.

“And to receive it from Father Riley — somebody that she watched grow up and watched enter into the priesthood — she was touched and incredibly grateful.”

The experience of having a loved one in memory care during COVID-19 has deeply impacted Hoog and her family.

“It became very profound to me and

very clear to me just how important our faith communities are and how we need to be coming out and connecting with the isolated and the elderly,” said Hoog.

Father Riley encourages people to “get creative” in alleviating the loneliness of those who are isolated from their loved ones during this time.

“If someone isn’t on a ground floor,” he said, “families could still gather outside the window so their loved one could see them together outside, and they could communicate through their phone.

“My siblings and I visit Mom and Stepdad on their patio,” said Father Riley, “where we don’t have to wear masks and we can be distant and still hear each other and have a great time.

“Priests and deacons and lay visitors can do the same for the homebound to make sure they realize the love, care and concern of the church.”