10 18 19 Vol. 41 No. 11

THELEAVEN.ORG | VOL. 41, NO. 11 | OCTOBER 18, 2019

WORLD MISSION SUNDAY 2019

ON A MISSION FROM GOD

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE SISTERS OF CHARITY OF LEAVENWORTH

Pictured above is the first group of Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth to answer the call of St. John XXIII to work in the missions. The group left for Peru on Oct. 23, 1963, and arrived in Talara, Peru, for their ministries on Nov 8, 1963. They are, from left: Sisters Irene Skeehan, Rosalie Mahoney, Anne Denise Shea, Blanche Marie Remington and Agnes Klein.

W

hen St. John XXIII issued the encyclical “Princeps pastorum” (“Prince of the shepherds”) on Nov. 28, 1959, Catholics the world over responded with enthusiasm to his call to rededicate themselves to missionary activity.

Priests and religious in the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas responded, too, and in these pages share memories of their experiences.

As the church celebrates World Mission Sunday on Oct. 20, part of this Extraordinary Mission Month designated by Pope Francis, Catholics around the world are called on to help support and advance the efforts of today’s missionaries through their gifts and prayers.

“The church is on a mission in the world,” said Pope Francis. “Faith in Jesus Christ enables us to see all things in their proper perspective, as we view the world with God’s own eyes and heart.”

WORLD MISSION SUNDAY COVERAGE CONTINUES ON PAGES 8-10

Launched by Pope Francis, MISSIO connects you with communities around the world and helps you make a direct and lasting impact on the lives of others.

With MISSIO, today’s technology meets the church’s age-old mission of helping others, delivering direct and immediate access to those making a difference in the world’s most vulnerable communities.

Go online to: missio.org for more information.

OCTOBER 18, 2019 | THELEAVEN.ORG

ARCHBISHOP

2

Evangelization is about a person, not a program

T

hrough personal interviews with individual delegates mirroring the rich geographical and cultural diversity of our archdiocesan family, last week’s Leaven provided readers with a taste of the experience of the Oct. 3-5 “Enflame Our Hearts” convocation of Catholic leaders.

It was an extraordinary experience for all of us who had the opportunity to participate. I had been praying and hoping that the convocation would inspire and motivate Catholic leaders throughout the archdiocese to join the effort to create a culture of evangelization in our parishes, schools and ministries. “Enflame Our Hearts” exceeded my highest dreams and expectations.

I am grateful to the delegates, many of whom had to take a day off work in order to participate in the convocation. I am convinced a key reason the experience was so powerful for so many was the time invested by the delegates in preparing themselves individually and as teams for the convocation.

Delegates had reflected already on what it meant personally for them to be a missionary disciple. Many parish delegations already had developed the outline of a unique evangelization plan for their parish,

LIFE WILL BE VICTORIOUS ARCHBISHOP JOSEPH F. NAUMANN school or ministry.

Each of our keynote speakers shared individually with me how impressed they were by both the program and the delegates.

They participate in major Catholic events all over the country. They were moved by the enthusiasm of the delegates to embark on an effort to ignite their local communities to radiate and share the beauty and power of our Catholic faith with others.

Our convocation coincided with the feast of St. Francis of Assisi. Francis, as a young man fresh off a conversion experience, heard the Lord say to him: “Rebuild my church.”

Francis initially thought that Our Lord was asking him to rebuild San Damiano Church, which had fallen into disrepair.

Eventually, St. Francis

came to understand that Our Lord wanted him not to repair buildings, but rather to renew the hearts of his people. Francis discovered the means for this renewal was for him and his companions to live the Gospel of Jesus with intensity and purity.

It is not difficult to find many parallels between the church of Francis’ time with the state of the church today. In the midst of our economically affluent society, many people have been wounded emotionally, experiencing a profound loneliness leading them to discouragement and despair.

Ordinary people in the United States enjoy material comforts that kings and queens of the past could not even imagine.

We have at our fingertips an incredible wealth of entertainment options.

Despite all this material prosperity, particularly for our young people, depression is at epidemic levels and the number of suicides is

alarmingly high.

Throughout the convocation, it was emphasized that evangelization is not a new program. St. John Paul II in his apostolic letter for the third millennium reminded us that evangelization is about a person, not a program.

Evangelization begins with our encounter with the person of Jesus Christ. It is from this encounter with Jesus that all our evangelization efforts must spring. Evangelization is a mindset.

It begins with an awareness of those within your immediate sphere of influence who are hurting and distant from God. Our first response to those suffering around us is to pray for them.

Our prayer should then motivate us to action.

We cannot solve all the problems of others, but we can make sure that they do not have to carry their burdens alone.

Evangelization is first and foremost not about converting others to our way of thinking but, rather, authentic friendship. It requires having a genuine empathy and concern for the good of those that God has placed in our lives.

It is in the context of true friendship that the opportunities arise for us to share with others the difference Jesus and his church make in our lives. Our faith is never something that we seek to impose upon others,

but, rather, something we propose to others by the witness of our own lives.

We have a great gift to offer others — namely, the possibility for friendship with Jesus. It is up to each individual to accept or decline this gift. Regardless of their decision, our friendship and concern for them must remain.

The convocation experience was awesome. I wish each member of the archdiocese could have participated. However, the real measure of its success will be what happens in our parishes, schools and ministries.

Will the convocation be the catalyst to change the culture in our parishes? For this to happen, we need every parishioner to become involved.

Your parish delegates are motivated and enthused about applying what they experienced at the convocation to the unique circumstances of your community.

If you did not have the opportunity to participate in the convocation, I encourage you to inquire with your pastor and parish delegates asking how you can assist with the implementation of the new evangelization.

I invite each member of the archdiocese in your prayer to ask Our Lord how he is calling you to be a missionary disciple.

Invite the Holy Spirit to enflame your heart with the power of his love and

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to help you become a better witness of the joy of the Gospel of Jesus Christ in our world.

Finally, the day this paper comes out, I will be leaving on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land with a group from the Catholic Foundation of Northeast Kansas on the occasion of its 30th anniversary.

Just as I will keep each of you in my prayers during this pilgrimage, I ask that you keep us in your prayers as well.

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OCTOBER 18, 2019 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

3

What is God calling you to?

LEAVEN PHOTO BY MARC ANDERSON

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann takes question from fifth-graders at the annual Fifth-Grade Vocations Day on Oct. 2 at Most Pure Heart of Mary Parish in Topeka.

By Marc and Julie Anderson mjanderson@theleaven.org

T

OPEKA — A pingpong paddle, a fantasy novel, a wedding picture and a baseball cap.

They easily could be objects in a museum — a part of history.

Instead, the objects represent chapters in the life stories of how men and women within the archdiocese answered God’s call to religious life and became part of “HIStory” instead.

“Now is Your Time to Make HIStory” was the theme of the annual Fifth-Grade Vocations Day held Oct. 2 at Most Pure Heart of Mary Parish in Topeka. Nearly 300 fifth-graders from Topeka, Atchison and Seneca participated in the event designed to encourage kids to start thinking about how they answer God’s call.

Throughout the day, students had the opportunity to hear priests and religious share their vocation stories.

For example, Most Pure Heart pastor Father Greg Hammes and Thomas Maddock, an archdiocesan seminarian assigned to St. Michael the Archangel Parish in Leawood, shared how their hobbies helped them realize God was calling them to the priesthood.

Growing up in Seneca, Father Hammes attended Sts. Peter and Paul Grade School. While his family went to Mass regularly, it was his love of reading that first planted thoughts of the priesthood.

Holding up a bound copy of “The

LEAVEN PHOT0 BY MARC ANDERSON

Father Greg Hammes shares how his hobbies helped him realize God was calling him to the priesthood during a Fifth-Grade Vocations Day talk on Oct. 2.

Lord of the Rings” by J.R.R. Tolkien, Father Hammes said that, next to the Bible, this book became his favorite.

“As a kid, in a way, that was God speaking to my heart,” he said. “I wanted to be like Gandolf. I wanted to be like Frodo. I wanted to be Aragorn.”

“What did Frodo do? He had to bring the ring to Mount Doom, and he thought he was going to die doing it,” said Father Hammes. “He almost did.

“So, he’s willing to give his life to save everyone from evil. That’s Jesus.

“What do priests do? We give our

President Most Rev. Joseph F. Naumann

Publication No. (ISSN0194-9799)

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

lives for other people. So, we’re like Frodo.”

Likewise, he said, Aragorn is “a really awesome warrior.”

Sometimes Father Hammes sees himself “just trying to fight for my people.

Every day is a battle to save souls.”

Although he’s not yet a priest, Maddock said when he thinks about the possibility of his ordination in just a few years, it brings him much joy.

Showing his Kansas City Royals baseball cap to a group of boys, he said he played baseball all four years

Managing Editor Anita McSorley anita.mcsorley@theleaven.org

Senior Reporter Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

Reporter Olivia Martin olivia.martin@theleaven.org

Production Manager Todd Habiger todd.habiger@theleaven.org

Advertising Coordinator Beth Blankenship beth.blankenship@theleaven.org

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

of high school at St. James Academy in Lenexa.

Although his team won the state championship his senior year, one of his teammates, Doug, led him to think about the ultimate championship — eternal life in heaven. Doug’s example led him, said Maddock, to think about what God wanted from him.

Every year, Maddock said he asks the Lord if it’s his will for him to continue down the path toward priesthood.

“One of the main things that’s inspired me to keep going forward is . . . the Eucharist — that priestly sacrifice of the Mass,” said Maddock. “My favorite Scripture verse is John 15:13: ‘No greater love has man than this than to lay down his life for his friends.’

“And that’s exactly what Jesus did for us. We’re his friends, and that’s one of the things I want to do with my life as a priest.”

During a Q&A session, the kids asked Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann questions ranging from how he became a bishop to whether he’d like to become pope.

In response to the first question the archbishop had a quick answer.

“That’s a very good question,” he said. “I wish I knew the answer.”

Nor did the question about becoming pope really stump him.

“I don’t really think about that a lot because I don’t think there’s any danger that will happen,” he said. “I admire the pope, but it’s a big responsibility.”

Published weekly September through May, excepting the Friday the week after Thanksgiving, and the Friday after Christmas; biweekly June through August. Address communications to: The Leaven, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109. Phone: (913) 721-1570; fax: (913) 721-5276; or e-mail at: sub@theleaven.com. Postmaster: Send address changes to The Leaven, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109. For change of address, provide old and new address and parish. Subscriptions $21/year. Periodicals postage paid at Kansas City, KS 66109.

OCTOBER 18, 2019 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

4

New hospice wing planned for Villa St. Francis

By Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

O

LATHE — Ten golden shovels were used at the groundbreaking on Sept.

23 for the new hospice wing at Villa St. Francis here, but two golden sledgehammers were also on hand, waiting.

It was a beautiful fall afternoon — for destruction.

The attendees joined Tom Bickimer, chairman of the board of directors for Villa St. Francis, inside a small garage attached to the end of the “800 wing” of the skilled nursing home.

Bickimer called Barb Trum forward and handed her the hefty hammer.

“Barb and Greg Trum are the ones who have made the hospice wing possible, along with the Holy Spirit and the Blessed Virgin Mary,” said Bickimer. “Barb wants to get this started.”

“We have a gold-colored sledge here for Barb,” he continued, “to put a hole through the wall and get us going.”

Barb, wearing a hard hat, took the tool and raised it high for the swing.

“Look out!” someone said.

The CRASH-CRASH-CRASH was met with cheers and clapping. And after Greg and Bickimer took swings, everyone retired to a conference room for a reception.

Some 40 people gathered at Villa for the blessing and groundbreaking of a project that began about three years ago with an idea and some inspiration on the part of the Trums.

Barb is a volunteer with Catholic Community Hospice, and Greg is in formation for the permanent diaconate. They belong to St. Michael the Archangel Parish in Leawood.

The idea and inspiration for a Catholic hospice facility came from their experiences with helping a neighbor enter a hospice program, and Barb’s experience caring for a priest in hospice. It seemed to them the community needed a hospice facility with a Catholic environment, as well as a place that would accommodate the family’s spiritual and physical needs.

So, the Trums took their idea to Msgr. Thomas Tank, pastor of Church

PHOTO BY CAROL COWDREY

Father Gary Pennings, vicar general of the archdiocese, blesses the site for the new hospice wing at Villa St. Francis in Olathe. of the Ascension in Overland Park, who encouraged them to talk to Father Gary Pennings, archdiocesan vicar general.

As they further developed the project, the Trums made presentations to the boards of Villa St. Francis and Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas.

Both entities gave their approval, as did Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann.

Others involved were Ken Williams, former CEO of Catholic Charities, and Rodney Whittington Jr., CEO of Villa St. Francis.

The hospice wing — as of yet unnamed — will occupy 3,577 square feet of renovated space and 1,168 square feet of new construction, for a total of 4,745 square feet. It will be one-story with stucco exterior walls and a composite shingle roof. Leon Roberts will provide oversight of the project for the archdiocese.

The existing space to be renovated has been mainly used for storage.

It consists of rooms 808 to 814, plus “priests’ quarters” and other rooms formerly known as “Father John Yadrich Hall.”

These 12 resident rooms will be enlarged to four rooms with triangular extensions for the installation of larger windows for more light and to accommodate sofas that convert into beds.

There will also be a nurses’ station, a laundry and supply room, a shower and bathroom for family members, a conference room, a kitchenette, a consult room, an office and two storage rooms.

Catholic Community Hospice will provide the hospice care, but all else will be provided by Villa St. Francis: laundry, nursing and personal care,

housekeeping and food service.

The hospice facility is open to Villa residents and to others throughout the community.

The site of the new construction — formerly the site of a garage — will consist of a chapel that can accommodate 12 worshipers, a lobby and a vestibule. There will be a covered entrance outside the doors. Completion is scheduled for spring 2020.

The cost of the $1.5 million project will be funded by the Whispering Angel Trust, St. Michael the Archangel Parish fund-a-need program and others.

Architect for the project is David Worthington, of PGAV Architects of Westwood, and the general contractor is Straub Construction Company, Inc., Shawnee.

Holy Cross starts special-needs ministry

By Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

O

VERLAND PARK — Could it really be an accident that two people are called to lead a ministry at the same time?

Melissa Radetic and Pat Sheldon, members of Holy Cross Parish in Overland Park, might call it an act of providence.

Their pastor, Father Mike Stubbs, recently put a notice in the parish bulletin asking if anyone was interested in starting a special-needs ministry at the parish.

“I went into [Father Stubbs’] office to volunteer to head the special-needs ministry,” said Sheldon. “Melissa Radetic walked in right after I did, and said she was also interested.”

Radetic has worked in Kansas public schools for 23 years, providing

therapy for students with communication disorders. She is also on her school district’s autism team.

“So, Father Stubbs, Melissa and I talked about special needs for about 45 minutes. Then, Melissa and I talked with Tom Racunas at the archdiocese.”

Racunas, who is lead consultant for the archdiocesan special-needs ministry, got in touch with Richard Warwick, a Holy Cross parishioner who is also associated with L’Arche Heartland.

L’Arche is a network of homes for individuals with intellectual disabilities and their live-in assistants. L’Arche Heartland Chapter was founded in 1987 in Overland Park. L’Arche Heartland has five Overland Park homes, with 17 core members and six live-in assistants.

Father Stubbs and Warwick decided their first initiative would be a tasty

“

“THIS IS AN EVENING OF COMMUNITY FOR US TO GET TO KNOW THE PEOPLE OF L’ARCHE, AND FOR THEM TO GET TO KNOW US.”

one: a parish potluck dinner.

The dinner will be held at 6 p.m. on Oct. 29 in the parish hall. There will be introductions and a short talk about L’Arche.

A few volunteers will cook the main course (sloppy joes) and potluck attendees will bring side dishes.

“We’re going to ask attendees to do

two things,” said Sheldon. “One is to call me to RSVP, and the second is to let us know what they are bringing, so we don’t have 42 salads.”

The RSVPs will help her gauge space, since seating will be limited to 120 people total, and she’s already expecting 30 to attend from L’Arche.

There is no cost, however, and parishioners and others are encouraged to attend.

“This is an evening of community for us to get to know the people of L’Arche, and for them to get to know us,” said Sheldon.

So far, they have only planned one potluck dinner for L’Arche, but it is possible that they will hold others in the future.

To RSVP, call Pat Sheldon at (816) 522-1801, or reach out by email at: pat. sheldon@yahoo.com. Please indicate what side dish you will bring when you RSVP.

OCTOBER 18, 2019 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

5

Topeka Blue Mass honors first responders

By Marc and Julie Anderson mjanderson@theleaven.org

T

OPEKA — An honor. A privilege.

That’s what Topeka Chief of Police Bill Cochran, who has been with the department for more than 30 years, said of his attendance at the fifth annual Blue Mass celebrated on Sept.

30 by Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann at Assumption Church, one of two churches utilized by Mater Dei Parish, Topeka.

The Blue Mass — so named for the color often worn by police and firefighters — was offered “for all who serve,” but in a special way for those who have died. Father John Pilcher, pastor of Mater Dei Parish, concelebrated the Mass, assisted by Deacon Chris Seago, of Mater Dei. The Mass was sponsored by Knights of Columbus Council 8059 of Mater Dei. In his homily, Archbishop Naumann said, “It’s important that we pause to give thanks to those who serve our community” and added that it was “a small gesture to all of you who give your lives in service.”

Just one day prior, the feast of the archangels — Sts. Michael, Raphael and Gabriel — was celebrated, he said.

“Michael is a special patron for those in law enforcement, those in the military,” he said. “Michael’s known as being a great warrior angel for the kingdom of heaven.

“And in this [role] he’s an example for all those who are called to protect — protect others, protect our culture and our society.”

Later, the archbishop said, “We pray for you today because the professions you’ve chosen are not easy ones.”

LEAVEN PHOTO BY MARC ANDERSON

Topeka Police Department Chief Bill Cochran takes part in the fifth annual Blue Mass on Sept. 30 at Mater Dei-Assumption Church in Topeka.

Those serving as first responders — whether as law enforcement, fire or other emergency personnel — are in professions, the archbishop said, with “a great deal of risk and stress associated with them.”

“And so, we pray for you today that you know the Lord is with you.

And we pray that, just as you protect us, the Lord will protect you, that he

will send all his angels to watch over you and that he will give you help and strength,” he added.

The archbishop also prayed that the first responders be blessed with “calm and wisdom” — but also joy and encouragement as they serve the Topeka community in times of suffering and adversity.

Psychologists say, said the arch-

bishop, that one of the keys to finding happiness is having meaningful work.

“I hope that as you reflect on your profession that’s one thing that gives you satisfaction,” he said, “that what you do is important and that it does, indeed, make a difference in our communities and in our . . . society.”

Father Beseau installed as president/rector of the Josephinum

C

OLUMBUS, Ohio — The Pontifical College Josephinum celebrated the installation of Father Steven P. Beseau as the 17th president/ rector on Oct. 1, the feast of St. Thérèse of Lisieux.

The apostolic nuncio to the United States and chancellor of the Josephinum, Archbishop Christophe Pierre, presided at the installation, which took place during solemn vespers in St. Turibius Chapel in the presence of seminarians, faculty, staff, visiting bishops, priests and guests.

“As chancellor of the Pontifical College Josephinum, I am happy to be here with you for the celebration of solemn vespers,” said Archbishop Pierre. “As the apostolic nuncio, I bring you the warm greetings of the Holy Father, expressing his spiritual closeness and heartfelt congratulations not only to Father Beseau but to the seminary on this occasion.”

During the rite of installation, Father Beseau made a profession of faith and took the oath of fidelity, in accord with the Sacred Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith’s 1989 directive to Catholic colleges and universities, requiring those directly connected with teaching Catholic doctrine to profess their adherence to the teaching authority of the church.

The presentation of the rector’s

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE PONTIFICAL COLLEGE JOSEPHINUM

Father Steven P. Beseau was installed as rector of the Pontifical College Josephinum in Columbus, Ohio. Archbishop Christophe Pierre, apostolic nuncio, presided at the installation and presented Father Beseau with the rector’s medallion, a symbol of leadership of the Josephinum. medallion, a symbol of leadership of the Josephinum, concluded the rite.

Father Beseau received the medal from Archbishop Pierre, who then presented the new president/rector to the congregation.

“I offer you my congratulations and the apostolic blessing of the Holy Father as you begin your ministry as rector and president of the Pontifical

College Josephinum,” he said.

In his homily, Archbishop Pierre encouraged Father Beseau to lead the seminarians by example, to dedicate himself to prayer in “the little way” of St. Thérèse.

“The fruitfulness of your ministry here at the Josephinum will not be measured by the number of seminarians or the financial status of this institution,” he said. “Rather, the fruitfulness will be

measured by that which is not always seen — the quality of the love and the faith that accompanies your good work.

Only in this way will you and those around you truly experience the joy of the priesthood.”

Ordained in 1995, Father Beseau is a priest of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas. He holds an Master of Divinity and a Sacred Theology Bachelor degree from the University of Saint Mary of the Lake (Mundelein, Illinois), and a Sacred Theology Doctorate (summa cum laude) from the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas (Rome). Prior to his March 2019 appointment as rector of the Josephinum, Father Beseau served as a parish pastor, high school chaplain, chaplain/director of the St. Lawrence Catholic Campus Center at the University of Kansas, and assistant professor of moral theology at The Athenaeum of Ohio (Cincinnati).

In his remarks concluding the installation, Father Beseau expressed gratitude to Archbishop Pierre for his kindness, hopefulness and witness to the Good Shepherd.

“As our chancellor, we have a special bond with you and, through you, with our Holy Father,” said Father Beseau.

“This is a unique and precious gift for all who are part of this seminary,” he added. “Tonight marks a great beginning, and I am excited to begin my work here at the Josephinum.”

OCTOBER 18, 2019 | THELEAVEN.ORG

FAMILY LIFE

Verbal and emotional abuse is still abuse; get help now

By Deacon Tony Zimmerman Special to The Leaven

a relationship when one spouse seeks to maintain power and control over the other. It can uppose you call up include physical or sexual vione of your friends olence, but also emotional to invite her to lunch abuses such as insults, financial with the other moms control and isolation. in your circle of Abuse varies by degrees friends. and often escalates. Although Shortly into the conversawomen are the largest group tion, you hear her husband of victims of domestic viodemand to know who she is lence, it occurs in every cultalking to. He then tural, economic, geodemands that she graphic and religious TOOLS FOR hang up the phone background, and hapFAMILIES and she says in a pens to both men and Growing as frustrated and dewomen.

Disciples of jected tone of voice, It happens to Jesus “I guess I better say people who are margoodbye.” ried, living together or You would probably feel those who are dating. Instead sorry for your friend and of a relationship that models wonder what will happen to the total, self-giving love that their marriage. Unfortunately, God has for us, it is a relathis was a real life occurrence. tionship based on control and This is an example of how isopower. lation is used as a means to Domestic violence is often control another person in a a learned behavior experidomestic relationship. enced in the person’s family October is Domestic Viof origin. The National Counolence Awareness Month. cil of Catholic Women’s When we hear the term “dobrochure “Women Healing mestic violence,” we may be the Wounds,” states: “Chilinclined to think primarily of dren who grow up in abusive physical assault. households are 42% more Domestic abuse is present in likely to perpetuate the cycle

S

Mass at 9 a.m.

Nov. 2

MT CALVARY, KCK Charles S. Anderson Armella M. Bartkoski Donald L. Cook Mackenzie Cowan Clifton E. Erichson John A. Flackmiller Esther Flores Benjamin Franklin Katarina Franklin Elvera Garcia Leonard A. Hansel Barbara Higgins Mary K. Hoover Walter L. Huerter Barbara Jansen George H. Johnson Herman C. Kaller Vincent E. Kennedy Everett Kilgore Edward Krotz Meredith Krzesinski John Kurelac Jesus A. Lopez Edward J. Macan Joseph Mazzeffe Dorothy J. Miller Lorraine Modrcin Joan Nilges Paul C. Nunez Donald Peattie Joel Powers Austin M. Quijas Rose Rupp James Schmalz Elizabeth M. Schmelzle Elizabeth Sonday Rose Marie Super John J. Wortman RESURRECTION David Akins

Prince of Peace Chapel Resurrection Cemetery 83rd and Quivira Rd. Lenexa

Frances J. Alexander Paul Barber Maeve Angelica Baumert Mark Beatty Donald L. Bird Phillip B. Bourquin Ian P. Bowen Hugh L. Brace Beverly A. Brooks Wendall Burns Bill G. Caster Mary Ann Chandlee Baby Clifford Cailteux Rose Christian Sandra S. Clark Joseph Lee Coffman Edward M. Connolly Jr. Bruce G. Corbin Betty Ann Cox Baby Cronister Helen Crossno Lauren M. Drew Jude DuPré Natalie A. Fleming Kimberly Foley Jerome M. Gipson H. Raymond Hamilton Jaqueline K. Heine Richard L. Huff Ruth V. Kastanias Mary Keller Esther Kilbride Norma L. Knox Albert J. Kolarik Pamela F. Koscielny Geraldine L. Lipke Norma J. Lippold Robert Locher Baby Boy Lovelady-Platt Regina Luchi

Holy Redeemer Chapel Gate of Heaven Cemetery 126th and Parallel Kansas City, Kan.

Virginia A. MacPherson David L. Malinowski Marthea L. Mance Beatriz McAnany Madonna McClure Kent D. McGinnis Angel Villa Meza Chantal Nentwig Jaylen Shine Newman Carol Nicholas Gracelyn R. Nichols Thomas O’Connor James J. O’Sullivan Jr. Jackson C. Owens Rosemary Pavicic Mark S. Peterson Lee R. Powell Jr Beatriz Redondo Martin W. Regan Jr. Quentin Reichmuth Zélie Martin Robinson John E. Rosner Irma A. Royal Craig L. Russell Robert E. Sanders Eric Schleicher Gabriel Martin Schmitz Lee Francis Schneller Mary Ann Seibold James Sheldon James M. Sieben Ron Sitzmann Stella H. Sollars Laura L. Speer David Stewart Richard W. Stuart Michael Swortwood Charles D. Taylor James E. Taylor Gertrude Thurston Bill Trabon Angela Verheaghe

of violence as adults.”

If you are in the midst of a relationship based on power and control or know of a friend or family member facing this struggle, go online to: www. archkck.org/domestic-violence for suggestions such as: • Click on “National Domestic Violence Hotline”

Holy Trinity Chapel

Mount Calvary Cemetery 801 SW Westchester Rd. Topeka

Rose M. Von Behren George H. Weaver Maverick D. Weidman Kathleen Weir Terance J. Welch Brian J. White Dorothy Wilbers Thomas Wisniewski Abigail Emma Womble Betty Zarda ST. JOSEPH Samuel Cortright Ralph Crabtree Robert Heath Betty A. Lang Richard A. Travers Doris Vanderwoude ST. JOHN, LENEXA Earl M. Hoehn GATE OF HEAVEN William J. Bopp Dragutin Car Robert E. Denney Mary Kempf John W. Miller Sr. Mary D. Mulich Joseph P. Rahija Sr. Darlene Ropar Fabian Torres Maureen Young MT CALVARY TOPEKA Shirley A Blocker Richard D Bond Mary Jane Brueck Josefa Chason Elva C Fellers Terry Fellers Jerome Gutierrez

Juanita Guzman Michael D Hager Winifred G Head Michael E Houser Beatrice E Kaberline Shirley B Klein Marie “Trina” Kolean Barbara A Krainbill Lawrence B “Larry” Kraus Rose M Lara Amanda N Lopez Arleigh “Bud” McCall Vincent P Melvin, Jr Sarah G Mosqueda Michael T O’Hara Geneva Paternoster Joseph F Paternoster Steven D Paternoster Barbara A Peters Matilda A Petesch Gerald E Sage Mary Schell James P Schiffelbein Joy L Schmidt Bernard W “Bernie” Schroeder Nathaniel “Nate” Self Isabelle A Simecka Carmen Simons Josephine K Smith Donald D Stencel Josephine M Voelker Gerald L Weigel

• For professional help, click on the button “Catholic Counselors” • Additional help can be found online at: www. catholicsforfamilypeace.org.

Domestic violence inside or outside the home is never justified. It is destructive to the family unit. It becomes

generational, as children who experience it or who are exposed to it are likely to carry this behavior into their adult lives and marriages.

Awareness of and being able to recognize these behaviors are the first steps toward getting help and breaking free.

6

OCTOBER 18, 2019 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

John Henry Newman declared a saint

By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service

V

ATICAN CITY (CNS) — Saints are people who recognized their need for God’s help, who took risks to discover God’s will and to help others, and who nurtured a habit of thanksgiving, Pope Francis said.

“The culmination of the journey of faith is to live a life of continual thanksgiving. Let us ask ourselves: Do we, as people of faith, live each day as a burden, or as an act of praise?” the pope said in his homily Oct. 13 after formally declaring five new saints for the Catholic Church.

Those canonized at the Mass were: St. John Henry Newman, the British theologian, poet and cardinal who died in 1890; Brazilian St. Maria Rita Lopes Pontes, popularly known as Sister Dulce, who died in 1992; Indian St. Mariam Thresia Chiramel Mankidiyan, founder of the Congregation of the Holy Family, who died in 1926; St. Marguerite Bays, a Swiss laywoman and mystic, who died in 1879; and St. Josephine Vannini, the Italian co-founder of the Daughters of St. Camillus, who died in 1911.

“Three of them were religious women,” the pope noted in his homily. “They show us that the consecrated life is a journey of love at the existential peripheries of the world.”

“St. Marguerite Bays, on the other hand, was a seamstress; she speaks to us of the power of simple prayer, enduring patience and silent self-giving,” he said.

Rather than describing St. John Henry Newman, Pope Francis quoted from him to illustrate the meaning of “the holiness of daily life”: “The Christian has a deep, silent, hidden peace, which the world sees not. . . . The Christian is cheerful, easy, kind, gentle, courteous, candid, unassuming; has no

CNS PHOTO/JUNNO AROCHO ESTEVES

A banner of Blessed John Henry Newman hangs on the facade of St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican. He was among five people canonized by Pope Francis on Oct. 13. pretense . . . with so little that is unusual or striking in his bearing that he may easily be taken at first sight for an ordinary man.”

And, referencing St. John Henry Newman’s famous hymn, “Lead, Kindly Light,” the pope prayed that all Christians would be “‘kindly lights’ amid the encircling gloom.”

Tens of thousands of people filled a sunny St. Peter’s Square for the canonization ceremony and Mass.

Among them were Britain’s Prince Charles, Italian President Sergio Mattarella, Brazilian Vice President Hamilton Martins Mourao, a member of Switzerland’s federal council and the deputy foreign minister of India.

Melissa Villalobos from Chicago also was there with her husband and children, and they brought up the offertory gifts at the Mass. Villalobos’ healing, which saved her life and the life of her unborn child, was accepted as the miracle needed for St. John Henry Newman’s canonization.

Hours before the Mass began,

Holy Family Sisters Manjula and Aruna stood just outside the security checkpoint, handing out Indian flags, rosaries and prayer cards, caps and scarves with the image of their order’s founder, St. Thresia.

The new saint’s focus, and that of her order today, is assisting families, said Sister Manjula, whose ministry is “counseling and visiting houses and helping solve problems. We help all families — non-Christian, non-Catholic, anyone.”

Gregory K. Hillis, a professor of theology at Bellarmine University in Louisville, Kentucky, was representing his university at the Mass, but his presence was very personal, too.

“Newman is important to me theologically and for my spirituality,” he said. “And I like his conversion story” of how, as an Anglican priest, he became a Catholic at the age of 44. “I became a Catholic 13 years ago, and Newman was an important guide. He converted, but maintained his friendships, his respect and love for the tradition that he left.”

“I’m an ecumenical convert as well,” Hillis said. “I’m tired of converts who hate the tradition they left.”

An official delegation of Anglican bishops and priests also attended the Mass, and Archbishop Justin Welby of Canterbury, leader of the Church of England, recorded a message for the occasion.

“His legacy is far broader than one church or two churches,” the archbishop said. “It is a global legacy, a legacy of hope and truth, of the search for God, of devotion to being part of the people of God.” St. John Henry Newman’s role in founding the Oxford Movement in the Church of England, a push to rediscover the early Christian writers and to recover the Catholic roots of Anglicanism, “had a fundamental, lasting, beneficial and important influence on Anglicanism,” Archbishop Welby said.

7

Iole and Alfredo Martire, members of Immaculate Conception Parish, Louisburg, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on Sept.

28 with a family dinner at Maggiano’s restaurant with their children, spouses and grandchildren and also at the archdiocesan 50th wedding anniversary celebration in June at Church of the Ascension in Overland Park. The couple was married on Sept. 28, 1969, in their hometown of Cosenza, Italy, at La Madonna de la Catena Church. Their children are: Loredana Martire and Alfredo Martire Jr. They also have three grandchildren.

Mary and James O’Connor, members of Queen of the Holy Rosary, O ve r l a n d Park, will celebrate their 65th wedding anniversary with a private celebration on Oct. 20. The couple was married on Oct. 30, 1954, at St. Vincent Church in Kansas City, Missouri. Their children are: Tim, Katie, Eileen, Maureen, Peggy and Theresa. They also have 18 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Louise and Howard Deiter, members of Immaculate Conception Parish, St. Marys, celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary on Oct. 6. The couple was married on Oct. 9, 1954, at Sacred Heart Church, Delia, by Father Michael McManis. Their children are: Julie Ross, Shelley Kruger, Greg Deiter, Steven Deiter (deceased) and Timothy Deiter (deceased).

They also have 15 grandchildren and 21 great- grandchildren. They celebrated with a family dinner and a Mass of thanksgiving.

Conception Abbey hosts retreat on reconciliation CONCEPTION, Mo. — How can one experience the intimacy, joy and peace of being reconciled with God? Spend the weekend of Nov. 22-24 embracing the words of Jesus at a three-day retreat here, directed by Father Roger Schmit, OSB. Come to know that Jesus can establish what we might have lost in our relationship with him and with others. Retreatants will have the opportunity to celebrate the sacrament of reconciliation during the retreat, and meals will be provided from Friday evening dinner through Sunday lunch.

For more information or to register, send an email to: guests@conception.edu or call (660) -944-2809.

Nativity House KC hosts fundraiser

CNS PHOTO/PAUL HARING

Students from Benedictine College in Atchison pose for a photo before the canonization Mass for five new saints in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican Oct. 13. The students said they were studying St. John Henry Newman, one of the new saints.

KANSAS CITY, Kan. — Nativity House KC will host a fundraiser on Oct. 24 from 5 to 8 p.m. at Topgolf in Overland Park.

Nativity House KC, which serves pregnant homeless women and their children, opened a new shelter in Kansas City, Kansas, in July.

To purchase tickets to this event, go online to: Nativityhousekc.org.

50 YEARS LATER: ‘I STILL MISS IT’ MESSAGE FROM POPE FRANCIS FOR WORLD MISSION SUNDAY

Baptized and sent: The church of Christ on the mission in the world Four spiritual dimensions from the message of Pope Francis for the celebration of World Mission Sunday in Extraordinary Missionary Month 2019 Personal encounter with Jesus Christ alive in the church “Celebrating this (Extraordinary Missionary) month will help us first to rediscover the missionary dimension of our faith in Jesus Christ, a faith graciously bestowed on us in baptism. . . .

Through our communion with God — Father, Son and Holy Spirit — we, together with so many of our other brothers and sisters, are born to new life. . . . This missionary mandate touches us personally: I am a mission, always; you are a mission, always; every baptized man and woman is a mission. . . . Each of us is a mission to the world, for each of us is the fruit of God’s love. . . . From eternity, [God] has destined each of his children to share in his divine and eternal life.”

Witness of missionary saints and martyrs “How many saints, how many men and women of faith, witness to the fact that this unlimited openness, this going forth in mercy, is indeed possible and realistic, for it is driven by love and its deepest meaning as gift, sacrifice and gratuitousness. The man who preaches God must be a man of God.” Catechesis in missionary discipleship “The church is on a mission in the world. . . . A church that presses forward to the farthest frontiers requires a constant and ongoing missionary conversion. . . . Our mission, then, is rooted in the fatherhood of God and the motherhood of the church. The mandate given by the risen Jesus at Easter is inherent in baptism: As the Father has sent me, so I send you, filled with the Holy Spirit, for the reconciliation of the world. This mission is part of our identity as Christians. . . . The mission “ad gentes” (“to the nations”), which is always necessary for the church, thus contributes in a fundamental way to the process of ongoing conversion in all Christians.”

Charity to mission “Charity, of which we have a foretaste in the sacraments and in fraternal love, impels us to go forth to the ends of the earth. The Pontifical Mission Societies serve the church’s universality as a global network of support for the pope in his missionary commitment by prayer, the soul of mission, and charitable offerings from the Christians throughout the world. Their donations assist the pope in the evangelization efforts of particular churches through the Pontifical Mission Society for the Propagation of the Faith. . . . In renewing my support for these societies, I trust that the Extraordinary Missionary Month of October 2019 will contribute to the renewal of their missionary service to my ministry.”

Missionaries share the time of their lives

By Ellie Melero and Olivia Martin Special to The Leaven

S

ister Irene Skeehan, SCL, returned from her three years in Peru in 1966.

More than 50 years later, she still misses it.

Sister Irene was one of the first people the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth sent to Talara, Peru, in 1963. She helped found the Sisters’ mission there. And during her time there, she grew to love the people and culture of Peru.

So much so, that she didn’t want to come back.

“When I came home, I was the last of the first group to get back to the States,” Sister Irene said, her voice cracking and her eyes tearing up. “I thought, when I came home, that I was going back [to Peru].

“And then I didn’t go back. That was heartbreaking for me.”

You see, Sister Irene had fallen in love with the people she went to help. And she was not alone.

A call to action In his 1959 encyclical “Princeps pastorum” (“Prince of the shepherds”), Pope John XXIII asked Catholics worldwide to rededicate themselves to mission, and many religious orders in the United States responded by founding missions in Latin America.

The men and women who answered the call went to different places for different reasons.

But it didn’t take many of them long to understand why they had been called to mission work.

“It was a wonderful, very satisfying experience,” said Sister Elaine Gregory, OSB. “It was an extremely large amount of work, but it was an extremely satisfying thing.”

Sister Elaine arrived at the Benedictine mission in Mineiros, Brazil, in 1967, seven years after the monks founded the mission and three years after the first Sisters joined them.

Like many missionaries, Sister

Elaine volunteered for the mission because she felt she had something to offer and thought she could make a difference.

And she did make a difference.

During her 15 years in Brazil, Sister Elaine helped teach sacramental preparation classes, led Bible studies, taught English at the public school, started a night school program to improve literacy among adults and helped start 22 rural schools for children who lived too far from the city to attend school.

Sister Elaine enjoyed her work and was proud of it.

But that’s not what she loved or misses about Mineiros. It was the people.

“It’s been a marvelous life experience,” Sister Elaine said. “I’m grateful for everything, and I’m grateful for all the people I knew and loved down there, the friends I had.”

That was a sentiment shared by Father Duane Roy, OSB, and Sister Grace Malaney, OSB, as well — two fellow Benedictine missionaries to Brazil.

Father Duane returned from 47 years in Brazil in 2018. And if it was up to him, he would still be there.

As a priest, he was constantly surrounded by people at Mass and meetings, and he developed many close relationships with the people.

“Missionary work is basically friendship,” said Father Duane. “90 percent friendship and 10 percent technique.”

“I tried to live along that line,” he continued. “I’ve always seen myself as a nice guy, easygoing. The Brazilian people kind of pulled more of that out of me.”

That was a lesson all the missionaries learned early on: Missionary work is building friendships.

When they first arrived in Brazil, all the missionaries had to go to language school for a couple of months before they could start their work.

For Sister Grace, the language barrier turned out to be a blessing in disguise.

“It was good in that the people themselves became my teachers,” said Sister Grace. “They’re a very welcoming, hospitable people, and

Support the missions On World Mission Sunday, we are called to a personal encounter with Jesus Christ, alive in the church, and to offer, through this eucharistic celebration, our prayers and generous financial support, through the Society for the Propagation of the Faith, to continue the mission of Jesus.

Your contribution can help spread the word of God throughout the world. Some of the areas of impact include the following:

so it was more like they were receiving me than I was doing anything for them.

“Being on the receiving end of these folks that I thought I was going down there to minister to, that completely turns your perception around.”

AFRICA

. . . where those who are sick are provided care at 6,500 Catholic hospitals and clinics, and where 19,000 men are preparing to be priests.

Archbishop asks for support for the missions Dear Friends in Christ,

WET WORK

From left, Benedictine Sisters Elaine Gregory and Mary Ellen Auffert wade across a flooded area of Brazil to reach their missionary destination.

AMONG THE PEOPLE

Father Matthias Schmidt, OSB, stops and talks with a mother and her children in the town of Anapolis, Brazil. Later, Father Matthias would go on to be consecrated bishop of the Diocese of Jatai. missionary experiences.

“We didn’t know what they needed,” said Sister Elaine. “Americans don’t know what they need.

But talk with them and listen to them and you found out what it was that they really needed from us.”

Ugly Americans . . . at first Sister Grace and the others built friendships with the Brazilians early on, and they soon learned the people had as much to offer them as they had to offer the people.

This realization rid them of any preconceptions they had, which allowed them to have more fruitful

ASIA

. . . where six million children receive an education from religious Sisters in more than 15,000 church-run elementary schools.

A few thousand kilometers away, the Sisters of Charity learned a similar lesson in Peru.

At 32, Sister Irene was the second youngest sister to go to Talara to found the mission, and she volunteered to go because to her it sounded like an adventure. She wasn’t

This year, Oct. 20 marks a very special World Mission Sunday, our annual, worldwide eucharistic celebration of our shared call to mission. It takes place during an Extraordinary Missionary Month, called for by Pope Francis in honor of the 100th anniversary of Pope Benedict XV’s apostolic letter “Maximum Illud,” which emphasized the missionary call to proclaim the Gospel.

During this month of October, Pope Francis invites us — all baptized Christians — to a personal encounter with Jesus Christ through prayer, meditation on the word of God and pilgrimage. We move beyond the typical “heroic vision” of missionaries and reinforce the transforming relationship between faith and the world to which we are all called. Pope Francis reminds us that we are each “baptized and sent”; we are all the “church of Christ on mission in the world.”

I invite all of us in this Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas to take this opportunity to revitalize our ardor, passion and zeal for the faith with loving missionary hearts.

We can respond to our missionary call through charity — giving generously to the collection for the Society for the Propagation of the Faith on World Mission Sunday.

Your gifts support and sustain priests, religious and lay pastoral leaders in more than 1,100 mission dioceses in Asia, Africa, the Pacific Islands, and parts of Latin America and Europe as they proclaim the Gospel, build the church and serve the poor.

And we can respond to this call through mirroring the loving witness exemplified by great missionaries from our archdiocese, like the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth and the Benedictine monks and Sisters of Atchison that are featured in this issue of The Leaven. These missionaries serve as a model for missionary witness to our faith and the Gospel, and a passionate advocate for care of our common home and outreach to indigenous communities.

As I thank you for your continuous commitment to mission, I share my personal gratitude for your generous response on this day and throughout this Extraordinary Missionary Month . . . as you are able. Let us join our hearts in the prayer of our Holy Father for this special moment for the missions: “May the love for the church’s mission, which is a passion for Jesus and a passion for his people, ‘grow ever stronger!’”

Sincerely Yours in Jesus, the Lord of Life,

Most Reverend Joseph F. Naumann Archbishop of Kansas City in Kansas

>> Continued on the next page

LATIN AMERICA

. . . where catechists travel to remote areas to bring the good news of God’s love to families.

QUICK FACTS ABOUT THE MISSIONARIES FATHER DUANE ROY, OSB

Brazil 1971 – 2018 Jobs: assistant pastor, pastor, high school teacher, college teacher, vicar general Advice for potential missionaries: Go to it. Remember, missionary work is 90 percent friendship, 10 percent technique. You’ve got to learn their language and their style of life. Respect their style of life. Don’t come in there and say I’m going to change everybody. Be the incarnation of the Gospel.

SISTER ELAINE GREGORY, OSB

Brazil 1967 – 1982 Jobs: teacher, train teachers, led Bible studies Memorable moment: While in Brazil, Sister Elaine helped start a night school for adults to improve literacy.

One night, a man stopped her and said to her: “Let me show you how I can write.”

“He had never written his name in his life,” she said. “And he wrote his name and the tears ran down his face from the joy.”

SISTER GRACE MALANEY, OSB

Brazil 1971 – 1978 Jobs: worked in chapel areas, led Bible studies Something you learned about yourself: I learned that I can do with less, and that I prefer to do with less. I’m more comfortable with a culture that is satisfied with less and will be happy with that. So, I think I learned to be a little more simple in my tastes and the way I live.

SISTER IRENE SKEEHAN, SCL

Peru 1963 – 1966 Jobs: teacher, choir director Memorable moment: John F. Kennedy was killed shortly after we arrived in Talara, and that was an interesting experience. The day he was killed, there were people meeting you on the street or coming to the house and it was as if somebody in your family had died. They were all coming to give their condolences, which was a first for me to have people so concerned about how you feel.

SISTER JOSEPHINE BUSTOS, SCL

Peru 1965 – 1987 Jobs: teacher, choir director, baby clinic Memorable moment: In 1970, we had a big earthquake and it went all along the coast and opened a big gap between the ocean and the land. And then in ’84 we had the rains, so we survived an earthquake and the rains. And it wasn’t like it rained one day. It rained every day for months. It cut the road between two cities, which ordinarily took like two hours, it cut the road in 32 breaks. So, you’d have to get off the road, go around until you got back on the road. Just the water coming down cut through. It was unbelievable.

SISTER REGINA DEITCHMAN, SCL

Peru 1970 – 2014 Jobs: teacher, sacramental preparation Advice for potential missionaries: If you’re going to do something, if you have a project you want to do, ask the people what they think about it. Don’t just go and say, “This is what we’re going to do.” Say, “What’s your ideas about what we’re doing?’ After we had all that rain, we got some money but what were we going to do with it for all these people? We asked some of the people around and this man said, “Buy beans and then give a bag of beans to each family and then they can plant that because they lost all their seed and everything.” I would have never thought of buying beans.

Missionaries learned to confront their expectations >> Continued from previous page sure what to expect from Peru, but she was still surprised at the people’s lack of punctuality and more traditional attitudes when she got there.

Sometimes, she would get annoyed when meetings would get put on hold because someone came late and had to greet everyone in the room individually.

But she slowly started to appreciate the Peruvian culture more and more.

That’s when she realized the American way isn’t always the best way.

“We were typical ugly Americans,” Sister Irene said. “We always had the intention of helping the poor, so we had that service charism that we always have. But we also had the baggage that ‘the best way to do this charism is the way we do things.’

“When you really begin to look at yourself, you say, ‘These people may not know how to stand in line, but they are the most loving people.’ And you just have to get used to things.”

Sister Irene said it was easier to work with the people once she embraced their culture . . . and she was not the only one who thought so.

Sister Regina Deitchman, SCL, ended up serving in Peru for 44 years in many different towns and cities, including Talara, Chilaco and Negritos. Cities in different regions of the country had their own traditions and cultural variations, and Sister Regina found the best way to get along with the people was to respect those differences.

“I learned to try to listen to what people have to say,” Sister Regina said, “and not think I have the answer to every problem. And I learned to respect other people’s culture, other people’s way of being.”

Much like the Benedictine missionaries in Brazil, the Sisters of Charity worked closely with the people and found they could learn a lot from the Peruvians.

Sister Josephine Bustos, SCL, said the resourcefulness she learned from the Peruvians is something she’s never forgotten, and it helped her a lot in her assignments when she returned to the States.

“You have to be resourceful to be able to do different things,” Sister Josephine said. “You learn from them, and then you’ll teach them new things, too.”

The visiting religious didn’t only learn from the native people the advantages of their simpler lifestyles.

They also learned a lot about their faith. The missionaries found the natives to be faithful and devout people, and many found their own spiritual

MISSIONARY MUSIC

SEARCHING FOR HOME

From left, Benedictine Fathers Matthias Schmidt, Otho Sullivan and Stephen Burns walk on the outskirts of Mineiros, Brazil, in 1962 searching for a place to establish their priory.

MISSION MASS

Father Eric Deitchman and Abbot Thomas Hartman (fourth abbot of St. Benedict’s Abbey, Atchison), celebrate Mass in Mineiros, Brazil. lives grew the more time they spent with the people.

Sister Grace reflected on the lessons she learned during her first Christmas in Brazil.

“Christmas is not a real big feast,” Sister Grace said. “They weren’t big into exchanging gifts, but every family had a little crib. There were no lights, no tinsel, no tree.

“But their cultural expression of their faith was not dominated by gift-giving and all the hoopla we have surrounding Christmas up here.

“You get it down there. There was nothing to take you away from what happened on that day.”

No one left unchanged Although they went at different times and to different places, the missionaries interviewed all shared one thing in common: When their time came to

Sister Irene Skeehan, SCL, works with a folk chorus in Talara, Peru.

return to the United States, nobody really wanted to go.

Many didn’t want to leave the friends they had made during their time in South America.

Some just didn’t think they belonged in the States anymore.

“From the poverty I was living in [there] and then to come to everything here, it was just shocking,” Sister Regina said. “Now here I am living in it — in splendor.”

Their experiences, the missionaries felt, had changed them for the better — and there was no going back to the people they were before.

SERVING THE PEOPLE

But, return they did. And in retrospect, they share one prevailing emotion: gratitude.

To a person, they are glad they answered God’s call to go.

“It was a real life-changer for me,” Sister Irene said. “I had done service opportunities as a high school kid in Tulsa where I’m from, but never, ever had experienced the poverty that I saw [in Peru].

“I think it made me a more compassionate person.

“And I still miss it.”

Sister Regina Deitchman, SCL, gives Communion to a woman in the village of Chalaco, Peru, in 2013.

OCTOBER 18, 2019 | THELEAVEN.ORG

WORLD

11

Caritas works to help Syrians displaced by Turkish bombings

By Dale Gavlak Catholic News Service

A

MMAN, Jordan (CNS) — Church bells have been ringing in Qamishli and elsewhere in northeastern Syria, signaling the alarm to Christians and others of the ongoing Turkish military operation that is having a devastating humanitarian impact on civilians.

“Hundreds of thousands of people have escaped,” said Yerado Krikorian, communications assistant for the Catholic aid agency Caritas Syria, which is working around the clock to aid those displaced by Turkish bombing and shelling.

“They need water where they have fled, and so Caritas is distributing badly needed water bottles and other essentials to those displaced in shelters throughout the Hassakeh region,” Krikorian told Catholic News Service by telephone from Damascus.

Caritas Syria is the country’s branch of Caritas Internationalis, the Catholic Church’s international network of charitable agencies.

The A’louk water station, supplying water to nearly 400,000 people in Hassakeh, is out of service, according to UNICEF. The organization and Syrian government are trying to get it fixed.

Meanwhile, UNICEF warns that some 70,000 children have been displaced since hostilities escalated Oct. 7, but it expected that number to more than double as a result of ongoing violence. As of Oct. 15, the United Nations estimates that at least 160,000 people have been displaced, but 400,000 are in need of humanitarian aid as the Turkish military and its allied Syrian rebels, including Islamic State and al-Qaida militants, press deeper into northeastern Syria, battling Kurdish and Syriac Christian forces.

Christians and other religious minorities said they feel particularly vulnerable as Turkish artillery targeted a predominantly Christian neighborhood in Qamishli, the largest city in northeastern Syria. News reports said Christians Ayeda Habsono and her husband, Fadi, were severely wounded in the attack that hit their house. Several other residents also were injured. Christians and Yazidis have been victimized by Islamic State militants in recent times.

Humanitarians complain that they are being denied safe and unimpeded access to civilians due to Turkish shell-

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A man sprays water at the site of a car bomb blast in Qamishli, Syria, Oct. 11. Church bells have been ringing in Qamishli and elsewhere in northeastern Syria, signaling the alarm to Christians and others of the ongoing Turkish military operation having a devastating humanitarian impact on civilians.

“

“THEY NEED WATER WHERE THEY HAVE FLED, AND SO CARITAS IS DISTRIBUTING BADLY NEEDED WATER BOTTLES AND OTHER ESSENTIALS TO THOSE DISPLACED IN SHELTERS THROUGHOUT THE HASSAKEH REGION.” ing and airstrikes, as well as uncertainty as to who is in control over certain areas, forcing many aid organizations to relocate to northern Iraq. Hospitals, schools and churches have been bombed. They have also decried targeted killings of civilians, including that of a Kurdish female politician, by Syrian militants working with the Turks.

Observers point to the danger of NATO member Turkey using proxy forces to carry out atrocities, deemed as war crimes.

David Miliband, head of the International Rescue Committee, condemned Turkey’s offensive, designed to clear out the native population of Kurds, Christians and Yazidis to put 2 million Syrian refugees from other regions and now sheltering in Turkey into a socalled “safe zone.”

“The so-called safe zone is becoming a death trap,” Miliband warned. “And the winners of this are Islamic State and the Assad government.

“The northeast was one of the most stable parts of Syria,” he said, before U.S. President Donald Trump announced in early October that he was withdrawing U.S. troops.

Trump has since called for an immediate end to Turkey’s moves against the Kurds in Syria and has sent Vice President Mike Pence to the Middle East.

The U.S. is “simply not going to tolerate Turkey’s invasion of Syria any longer,” said Pence.

Alarmed by the military onslaught on “beloved and martyred” Syria, Pope Francis called on “all the actors involved and the international community” to commit themselves “sincerely to the path of dialogue to seek effective solutions” to the crisis.

OCTOBER 18, 2019 | THELEAVEN.ORG

CLASSIFIEDS

EMPLOYMENT Drivers - Assisted Transportation is now hiring caring and reliable drivers to transport K-12 students to and from school and other activities in company minivans.

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

Parish administrator - St. Michael the Archangel Parish in Leawood is seeking a parish administrator. The successful candidate for this position will oversee all administrative, financial and operational aspects of the parish, and will work collaboratively with the pastor and other department directors including school, preschool, Christian formation and evangelization, religious education and liturgy to assure that, as a team, they effectively manage all aspects of the multitude of liturgies, pastoral outreach ministries, programs, educational opportunities and activities that are offered at the parish. The preferred candidate will be a prayerful, practicing Catholic with a bachelor’s degree in business administration or similar field of study and at least five years’ experience in executive level management. Vital to this position are excellent administration, organization and communication abilities, and the interpersonal skills necessary to motivate both staff and volunteers. Specific experience in the areas of accounting, budgeting, finance, human resources, benefits, payroll and facilities management will all be weighed in the selection process. For additional details and a complete job description, go online to: stmichaelcp.org and click on “Our Parish/Employment Opportunities.”

We love our teachers - Come see why your want to work here! The Goddard School Olathe Northwest is looking for dynamic, energetic, professional teachers to add to our faculty. The Goddard School is a premiere preschool for children from 6 weeks to 6 years who are encouraged to develop at their own pace in a nurturing environment, lovingly guided by our highly skilled, professional teachers. We are hiring for the following positions: full-time preschool teacher; full-time young toddler or infant teacher; assistant teacher to multiple classrooms; and part-time assistant teacher from 2:45 - 6 p.m. or 1 - 6 p.m.

Career opportunity – Due to the success and growth of the Knights of Columbus, we are adding a financial representative in the Kansas City, Kansas, and Missouri metro areas, St. Joseph, Mo., and Maryville, Mo. This is ideal for a determined, high energy, high expectation, professional, self-disciplined, independent individual, who desires to serve others yet earn a better than average income. We provide top-rated financial products to our members and their families, and will provide excellent benefits and training. This is a full-time position. For more information or an interview, please contact John A. Mahon, General Agent, 1275 S.W. Topeka Blvd., Topeka, KS 66612; call (855) 356-4849; or email: mahonagencymail2@kofc.org.

Volunteers - Do you want to have more meaning in your life, do something that is satisfying and of great service to your community? Become a volunteer at Providence Medical Center. “Bingo!” — Volunteers needed to organize and call bingo for the residents of Providence Place.

For more information, call (913) 596-4195.

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

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

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

Application and benefits information are available on the archdiocese’s website at: www.archkck.org/jobs. Interested individuals should email cover letter, resume and application by Oct. 25 to: jobs@archkck.org.

Community assistants - L’Arche Heartland of Overland Park serves adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities in day program support services and in residential services. We are seeking assistants who are looking for a unique opportunity in a faith-based organization. We are in immediate need of day service assistants to work in our day program serving 30 adults.

We have a recycling program and community activities.

Our core members participate in distributing for Meals on Wheels and Rise Against Hunger. They also attend community events such as the library, movies, bowling and going to parks. We also have a need for live-in and live-out assistants in our five residential homes. If interested, contact Jamie Henderson, community leader, by email at: jamie@larcheks.org.

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

Administrative assistant - Looking for something new? Use your administrative skills to help a developmental optometrist change people’s lives. The hours are: T/W/TH from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.; summer hours vary.

No health benefits. Need to know basic bookkeeping skills. Background needed in Work, Excel and QuickBooks. Customer service and medical office experience helpful. Send resume to: Dr. Beth Bazin, 13600 Washington, Kansas City, MO 64145 or send via email to: bbazin@visiondevelop.com.

Coordinator of evangelization - Hispanic ministry - The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas is seeking qualified candidates to fill the position of coordinator of evangelization for the Hispanic ministry. This position coordinates the process of evangelization in the office of Hispanic ministry for the Spanish-speaking Catholics of the archdiocese. The incumbent will organize and coordinate a series of retreats and faith formation that leads people into becoming part of a faith community and prepares them to become active disciples in mission.

The successful candidate will be a practicing Catholic in good standing; fluent in Spanish and English in both verbal and written communication; have basic theological preparation such as offered through formation of leaders for the new evangelization or equivalent preparation; three years’ experience working with Latin-American cultures or related diocesan office for Hispanic ministry; and an understanding of the key church documents regarding the National Plan for Hispanic Ministry. Interested individuals should email cover letter, resume and application by Oct. 18 to: jobs@archkck.org.

Parish life coordinator – Mother Teresa of Calcutta in Topeka is accepting applications for a parish life coordinator. The successful candidate must be prepared to manage parish needs, including: parishioner and sacramental records; parish calendar; technology and print media; administrative duties; and special projects assigned by the pastor. Must be proficient with Microsoft Office, including Publisher; have good communication and organizational skills; and be familiar with updating websites and social media platforms. This is a full-time position at 30 hours per week and includes benefits. For a detailed job description, go online to: mtcctopeka.org.

To apply, contact Lisa at (785) 286-2188 or by email at: lisah@mtcctopeka.org.

Lead afternoon teacher - Prince of Peace Early Education Center is seeking a flexible and energetic candidate for our preschool program. This position is year-round, Monday through Friday, from 2:30 - 6 p.m. More hours are available in the summer. Job duties include assisting students with activities; playing games; supervision of children at all times; face-to-face communication with parents; and cleaning and closing procedures. We offer competitive wages based on education level and experience. Send resumes to: kpotter@popolathe.org.

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

Cracks repaired with no mess!

Serving the Leaven readers for over 25 years.

Call Jerry anytime at (913) 206-1144.

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.

The Drywall Doctor, Inc. – A unique solution to your drywall problems! We fix all types of ceiling and wall damage — from water stains and stress cracks to texture repairs and skim coating. We provide professional, timely repairs and leave the job site clean! Lead-certified and insured!

Serving the metro since 1997. Call (913) 768-6655.

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

EL SOL Y LA TIERRA *Commercial & residential * Lawn renovation *Mowing * Clean-up and hauling * Dirt grading/installation * Landscape design * Free estimates Hablamos y escribimos Ingles!! www.elsolylatierra.com Call Lupe at (816) 935-0176 Rusty Dandy Painting, Inc. – We have been coloring your world for 40 years. Your home will be treated as if it were our own. Old cabinets will be made to look like new. Dingy walls and ceilings will be made beautiful.

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

Local handyman - Painting int. and ext., wood rot, power washing, staining, masonry (chimney repair, patio’s) gutter cleaning, water heaters, junk removal, lawn mowing, window cleaning, honey - do list and more!!

Member of Holy Angels Parish, Basehor. Call Billy at (913)927-4118.

DRC Construction We’ll get the job done right the first time.

Windows - Doors - Decks - Siding Repair or replace, we will work with you to solve your problems. Choose us for any window, door, siding or deck project and be glad you did.

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

Email: smokeycabin@hotmail.com. Member of Holy Trinity, Lenexa.

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

All interior and exterior work.

Honest, dependable, experienced and family owned.

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

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

SERVICES 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.

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Popcorn ceiling removal - Renew your ceiling and walls with a fresh coat of paint. Replace drywall or plaster repaired with no mess!! 25 years experience. Call Jerry anytime: (913) 206-1144.

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

CAREGIVING 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.

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.

Just like family - Let me care for your loved one in your home. Many years’ experience. Looking for night shift coverage, some days. Great price, great references. Have experience with hospice care. Call Ophelia at (913) 579-7276.

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 spaces at Resurrection Cemetery located in lot 132, section A, spaces 3 and 4. Call Barbara at (573) 216-8295 or send an email to: bschweiger779@gmail. com.

For sale - Two spaces at Resurrection Cemetery in Mausoleum, St. John Corridor. Reasonable rate. Call (913) 894-2448.

For sale - Two single crypts at Mount Calvary in the patio mausoleum, tier C. Valued at $14,950; will sell for $10,000. Call Pam at (913) 631-4911.

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

Text or call (913) 579-1835.

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

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

Release your weight and restore your power in 8 weeks! http://8toyouridealweight.com/coach/kathi/

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

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

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.

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.

Medicare supplements - Advantage plans and Part D. You have options. Let me help you find the best plan or rate for you. Local, licensed, independent and experienced Medicare adviser. Holy Cross parishioner. Contact Rhonda at (913) 579-3349.

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.

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.

Diamond painting - Residential/commercial, exterior/ interior, decks, free estimates. Affordable rates. KCMO/ Overland Park metropolitan area. DiamondPaintKc.com, 913-648-4933 HARCO Exteriors LLC Your Kansas City fencing specialists Family owned and operated (913) 815-4817 www.harcoexteriorsllc.com Memory quilts - Preserve your memories in a keepsake quality quilt, pillows, etc. Custom designed from your T-shirt collection, baby clothes, sports memorabilia, neckties . . . Quilted Memories. (913) 649-2704.

Faith-based counseling to cope with life concerns - Kansas City area. Call Mary Vorsten, licensed clinical professional counselor, at (913) 909-2002.

Win disability benefits - Disabled and no longer able to work? Get help winning Social Security disability benefits. Free consultation. Eight years’ experience. No fee unless you win. Call (785) 331-6452 or send an email to: montemace2000@yahoo.com or visit montemacedisability.com.

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

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

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

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

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING The Leaven reaches approximately 50,000 subscribers.

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

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

The appearance of advertising in The Leaven is not an endorsement by either the newspaper or the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas. The Leaven attempts to screen advertisers and copy, but is not responsible for claims and representations made in advertisements.

OCTOBER 18, 2019 | THELEAVEN.ORG

CALENDAR BREAKFAST WITH THE KNIGHTS Divine Mercy Parish (Christian Formation Center) 555 W. Main St., Gardner Oct. 20 from 7:30 - 10 a.m.

The cost for a breakfast of pancakes, sausage, eggs, biscuits and gravy, and all the sides is: $6 for adults; $3 for kids ages 6 - 12; and kids 5 and under eat for free.

CHURCH BAZAAR St. Philip Neri Parish Osawatomie City Auditorium 425 Main St., Osawatomie Oct. 20 from 11:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.

There will be a dinner of homemade chicken and noodles with sides and desserts for the cost of: $10 for adults; $5 for kids ages 6 - 12; and free for kids under the age of 6. There will also be a country store and a silent auction as well as children’s games. On Oct. 19 at 12:30 p.m., there will be a live auction in the church parking lot at 514 Parker, Osawatomie.

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

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

FALL FESTIVAL Sacred Heart Parish 426 S. Cedar St., Ottawa Oct. 20 from noon - 4 p.m.

There will be Mexican food, barbecue, homemade ice cream, cake and pie. There will also be pumpkin sales and decorating, a magician, a balloon artist, bingo, a photo booth and much more. For more information, visit the website at: www.sacredheart ottawa.org or call (785) 418-5701.

A KNIGHT ON THE TOWN SUPPORTING SCHOLARSHIPS FOR MATER DEI SCHOOL Iron Rail Brewing 705 S. Kansas Ave., Topeka Oct. 21 from 6 - 9 p.m.

There will be heavy appetizers, Iron Rail beer, wine and a special gift made by Mater Dei students. There will also be 50/50 raffle tickets available before and during the event. All proceeds support student scholarships. For more information, to purchase tickets or be an event sponsor, go online to: www.materdeischool. org.

OKTOBERFEST DINNER St. Mary-St. Anthony (Bishop Forst Hall) 615 N. 7th St., Kansas City, Kansas Oct. 19 at 4 p.m.

Dinner will be served after the 4 p.m. Mass.

Dinner tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door. There will only be 250 dinners, so purchase a ticket early to ensure your meal.

Dinner will be roast pork and mashed potatoes, sides, dessert and coffee. There will also be raffles. For more information, call Carol Shomin at (913) 897-4833. For tickets, call the parish office at (913) 371-1408, or visit Theresa’s Hair Salon at 508 N. 6th St., Kansas City, Kansas.

‘FOSTERING OUR FOSTER FAMILIES’ Church of the Ascension 9510 W. 127th St., Overland Park Oct. 23 at 7 p.m.

Discover how to help vulnerable children and the families who foster them thrive. For more information, visit the website at: archkck.org/ prolife.

BEGINNING EXPERIENCE HALLOWEEN DANCE FUNDRAISER St. Thomas More Parish (More Hall) 11822 Holmes Rd., Kansas City, Missouri Oct. 26 at 7 p.m.

The cost is $20 per person. There will be great music provided by The Zepster, delicious snacks, beer, wine and soda. This fundraiser provides monies for people who would like to attend a Beginning Experience weekend or the Coping with Life Alone sessions and need some financial assistance.

Costumes are encouraged but not required.

Have fun and win a prize!

NATIVITY HOUSE KANSAS CITY 2019 FUNDRAISER Topgolf 10611 Nall Ave., Overland Park Oct. 24 from 5 - 8 p.m.

Lamar Hunt Jr. will host an evening of serving with purpose. The rooftop experience will include: climate-controlled hitting bays for all skill levels; a top contender tournament; exclusive games with automated game scoring; a delicious buffet dinner and drinks; a silent auction; and wonderful fellowship. There will also be a hole-in-one contest with a $10,000 prize. Our mission is to serve the pregnant homeless women and their children in our community. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the website at: www.nativityhousekc.org or call (913) 281-7722.

HOT DOG POTLUCK Most Pure Heart of Mary (Formation Room) 3601 S.W. 17th St., Topeka Oct. 4 from 5 - 7 p.m.

The Christian widow and widowers organization will host the hot dog dinner. There is no cost to attend. For more information, call (785) 233-7350.

SUPPORT GROUP FOR VICTIMS/ SURVIVORS OF SEXUAL ABUSE Johnson County area Twice monthly beginning in October

This will be a safe, supportive environment to talk about the impact to your lives, to know you are not alone, and to promote healing. To protect the privacy of potential participants, contact Linda Slater-Trimble for information on days, times and location of meetings by email at: lslater-trimble@archkck.org; or by phone at (913) 298-9244. Must be at least 18 years of age to participate.

CONSIDERING RELIGIOUS LIFE? Mount St. Scholastica 751 S. 8th St., Atchison Oct. 25 - 27

This is a weekend for single women between the ages of 23 - 55 considering religious life.

This weekend of monastic experience will begin Friday at 4 p.m. and end on Sunday at 1 p.m. For more information, call or text Sister Marcia Ziska at (913) 370-3733.

OKTOBERFEST Church of the Ascension Parish (hall) 9510 W. 127th St., Overland Park Oct. 26 from 6 - 7:30 p.m.

Traditional Oktoberfest foods will be served: bratwurst, bierocks, sauerkraut, strudel, and German and American libations. Music will be provided by the Alpen Spielers polka band. The cost is: $11 for those 12 and over; $5 for kids 5 11; and free for kids ages 4 and under.

SYMPTO-THERMAL METHOD OF NATURAL FAMILY PLANNING Topeka Class begins Oct. 26 at 4 p.m.

A reasonable course fee is charged and online registration is required at: www.ccli.org. Call Dana or Eric Runnebaum at (785) 380-0062 for more information, including the class location and the availability of self-paced online classes. For more information about this NFP class, go online to: nfptopeka.blogspot.com.

CHICKEN DINNER/CRAFT SALE Sacred Heart-St. Joseph Parish 312 N.W. Freeman Ave., Topeka Oct. 26 - Oct. 27

On Oct. 26 at 5 p.m., there will be a chicken dinner with sides, desserts and drinks served in the church hall. On Oct. 27 from 8 a.m. 3 p.m., there will be a craft and bake sale in the church hall. There will be quilts, crafts, baked goods, cinnamon rolls and much more. Breakfast will be served.

GERMAN SAUSAGE SUPPER Sacred Heart Parish (hall) 22298 Newbury Rd., Paxico Oct. 27 from noon - 3:30 p.m.

A home-smoked German sausage supper will be served buffet-style. The cost is: $12 for adults; $4 for kids ages 4 - 12; and kids under 4 eat for free. There will also be raffles, a silent auction, bingo and other games.

PANCAKE BREAKFAST TO BENEFIT SISTERS, SERVANTS OF MARY St. Patrick Parish (center) 1086 N. 94th St., Kansas City, Kansas Oct. 27 from 8 a.m. - 1 p.m.

The Sisters, Servants of Mary provide healing and compassion through the gratuitous care of the sick, preferably in the patient’s own home.

Tickets for the breakfast are $6 for adults; $4 for kids 10 and under. For more information and to purchase tickets, call (913) 371-3423.

FALL FESTIVAL CELEBRATION St. Matthew Parish 2700 S.E. Virginia Ave., Topeka Oct. 26 and 27

On Oct. 26 after the 5 p.m. Mass, there will be a chili supper followed by cinnamon rolls.

On Oct. 27 beginning at 11 a.m., there will be a turkey dinner and all the trimmings for the cost of: $10 for adults; free for kids 10 and under with the donation of three nonperishable food items for the parish food pantry.

(Without the donation, the cost for the kids’ meal is $5). There will also be a 50/50 cash jackpot, children and adult games, gift booths and a sweet shop in the gym.

DAUGHTERS OF ISABELLA LITTLE FLOWER CIRCLE Christ the King Parish (Yadrich Hall) 5972 S.W. 25th St., Topeka Oct. 27 at 12:30 p.m.

There will be a rosary followed by a business meeting. After the meeting, there will be a social. If anyone knows of a member or family in need of the circle’s prayers, call Theresa Smith-Lawton at (785) 640-1403. If you are interested in or would like more information about the Daughters of Isabella, call Cindy Keen at (785) 228-9863.

FALL FESTIVAL St. Dominic Parish 115 E. 5th St., Holton Oct. 27 from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

There will be a dinner of fried chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, sides and dessert. The suggested donation is a freewill offering. There will also be $1 raffle tickets, saint-guessing jars and a silent auction.

FALL FAMILY FESTIVAL Divine Mercy Parish 555 W. Main St., Gardner Oct. 27 from 11:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.

There will be a fried chicken dinner. The cost is: $12 for adults; $8 for kids 3 - 10; and kids 2 and under eat for free. Tickets purchased in advance are discounted. There will also be a beer garden, a quilt raffle and a Traeger Grill raffle. Bierocks will also be available for sale.

There will be two bouncy houses, pumpkin decorating, face painting and other kids activities available. Presale tickets for meals and bierocks can be purchased on the website at: www.divinemercyks.org.

PRIEST APPRECIATION CELEBRATION St. Matthew Parish 2700 S.E. Virginia Ave., Topeka Oct. 28 from 9 - 11 a.m.

You are invited to attend a prayer service and brunch to celebrate the ministry of the priests in the Topeka Region. A freewill donation will

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be accepted at the brunch. Please RSVP online at: meadkr80@hotmail.com or call (785) 7573

by Oct. 14.

HOPE OF THE POOR MISSION PRESENTATION Divine Mercy Parish 555 W. Main St., Gardner Nov. 1 at 6 p.m.

Craig Johring and Danny Leger, founders of Hope of the Poor, will speak about the mission of their ministry. Hear about experiences shared with many in our archdiocese and how countless people have responded to the call to serve.

ANNUAL CRAFT FAIR Holy Angels Parish (Father Quinlan Hall) 15438 Leavenworth Rd., Basehor Nov. 2 from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

A wide variety of crafts will be available in 25 booths. There will be items such as dried flower arrangements, woodworking, wreaths, jewelry and Christmas crafts. The event is planned to coincide with the annual crafts fair at Basehor High School. For more information, call Annie Clark at (913) 724-2212.

HOLIDAY CRAFT SHOW AND BIEROCK SALE St. Rose School 530 E. 4th Ave., Garnett Nov. 2 from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Vendors will feature both handmade and commercial items, and the school support group will be selling frozen bierocks, fresh-baked cinnamon rolls and will have hot bierock lunches available during the day.

TURKEY DINNER Annunciation Parish Cigna Center 402 N. Maple, Frankfort Nov. 3 from 11 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

The cost for a turkey dinner with all the trimmings will be $10 for adults and $5 for kids 10 and under. Takeout meals will be available (and delivery in Frankfort) by calling (785) 292-4462 the day of the dinner, or by calling the parish office during morning hours (M-F) at (785) 292-4462. There will also be a country store, various food items, crafts and other handwork items and a pot-of-gold.

BEGINNING EXPERIENCE Precious Blood Center 2140 St. Gaspar Way, Liberty, Missouri Nov. 8 - 10

Beginning Experience is offering a healing weekend away for men and women of all ages who have suffered the loss of a spouse through death, divorce or separation. This is a time to heal and a time to begin anew. Reservations are required. For more information, visit the website at: www.beginningexperiencekc.org or call Laura at (308) 530-1873.

USM FALL LUNCHEON Grand Street Cafe 4740 Grand Ave., Kansas City, Missouri Nov. 17 at 11 a.m.

The KC Alumni Council of the University of Saint Mary invites alumni, family and friends to its fall luncheon honoring Sister Susan Rieke, professor emerita of language and literature. The cost is $35 per person; additional contributions benefit student scholarships.

RSVP to Maxine Mitchell Staggs at: maxine staggs@gmail.com or call (816) 304-3268.

DEATH PENALTY CONFERENCE Kansas State University Union (Bluemont Room) 918 N. 17th St., Manhattan Nov. 2 from 1 - 4 p.m.

“Make a Difference: Join the Journey to End the Death Penalty” conference will include a keynote speech by former Gov. John Carlin, as well as workshops. There is no admission charge. Registration is open on Eventbrite.

For more information, send an email to: info@ ksabolition.org or call (785) 235-2237.

OCTOBER 18, 2019 | THELEAVEN.ORG

COMMENTARY TWENTY-NINTH WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME Oct. 20 TWENTY-NINTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME Ex 17: 8-13 Ps 121: 1-8 2 Tm 3:14 – 4:2 Lk 18: 1-8 Oct. 21 Monday Rom 4: 20-25 (Ps) Lk 1: 69-75 Lk 12: 13-21 Oct. 22 John Paul II, pope Rom 5: 12, 15b, 17-19, 20b-21 Ps 40: 7-10, 17 Lk 12: 35-38 Oct. 23 John of Capistrano, priest Rom 6: 12-18 Ps 124: 1b-8 Lk 12: 39-48 Oct. 24 Anthony Mary Claret, bishop Rom 6: 19-23 Ps 1: 1-4, 6 Lk 12: 49-53 Oct. 25 Friday Rom 7: 18-25a Ps 119: 66, 68, 76, 77, 93, 94 Lk 12: 54-59 Oct. 26 Saturday Rom 8: 1-11 Ps 24: 1b-4b, 5-6 Lk 13: 1-9

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How do you line up with the pope?

I

t’s something every Catholic editor fears: making a huge mistake on an important story.

Last summer, the unthinkable happened in the St. Louis Review, the newspaper of the Archdiocese of St. Louis.

In a story on the ordination of 25 permanent deacons, the headline read: “Not to serve, but to be served.”

Ouch. That’s the exact reverse of Jesus’ words . . . and in a story on deacons to boot. In the flurry of getting a newspaper out, I can see how easily something like this can happen.

The headline sounds “kind of” right but, later, after the newspaper is published, the error looms large. (I’ve heard that the editor was banished to Siberia, but I can’t get anyone to confirm or deny that information.)

Honestly, though, many times we reverse these words of Jesus and live as if the world revolves around us. This little story captures things so well: A man by the name of Christian Herter was running for re-election as governor of Massa-

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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.

chusetts. One day, he arrived late at a barbecue. He’d had no breakfast or lunch, and he was famished. On the buffet line, he held out his plate and received one piece of chicken.

The governor said to the server, “Excuse me.

Do you mind if I get another piece of chicken?

I’m very hungry.”

She replied, “Sorry.

I’m supposed to give one piece to each person.”

He persisted, “But I’m starved.”

Again, the woman said, “Only one to a customer.”

At this point, Herter decided to use the weight of his office. He said, “Madam, do you know who I am? I am the governor of this state.”

The woman answered, “Do you know who I am? I’m the lady in charge of the chicken. Now, move along, buster!” (Adapted from “The Chicken Lady,” found in William J. Bausch’s “A World of Stories for Preachers and Teachers.”)

This is what entitlement looks like. It’s an attitude that you’re on this earth “not to serve, but to be served.” That poor governor met his match in the chicken lady, who was unimpressed by his title or position. Entitled people feel superior to others and have no qualms with

letting folks know about it, both in word and action.

This column was triggered by a picture tweeted by Jesuit Father Antonio Spadaro from the Amazon Synod. It shows Pope Francis standing in line with synod attendees to get some coffee and a snack.

Now, if anyone is entitled to go to the head of the line, it’s got to be the pope, right? But, as usual, Pope Francis teaches by example.

The tweet says his standing in line is “the best time to speak with everyone and listen.”

The funny part is that everyone pictured is going about their business as if having the pope in line is a common thing. And the pope looks quite comfortable in the midst of the crowd.

Often, when I find myself at a reception or funeral dinner, people will insist that I go first through the buffet line. I know they’re doing this out of a sense of courtesy and respect. If at all possible, though, I decline and choose instead to stand by the buffet line and greet people.

I’m sure this is a carryover from my time

as a chaplain at Hayden High School in Topeka.

I loved heading to the cafeteria for the three lunch periods. I’d stand at the serving line door and chat with the kids as they walked by. It was an ideal way to be present and available to listen.

And I learned so much from them.

As we continue this Respect Life Month, let’s turn our attention to working on humility.

Some practical ways to do this include: • Listening more than speaking, and not interrupting others • Being grateful for people in the service industry and letting them know that you notice and appreciate them • Being gentle in speech and action • Not bragging (especially the “humble” kind) Obviously, the best way to be humble is simply to serve others.

Look for opportunities to meet a new parishioner, rake a neighbor’s leaves, offer someone a ride to church or donate funds or items to a charity.

And the next time you’re at a gathering, take a cue from the pope and toe the line.

We’re fighting the battle with Amalek still

hile the soldiers are fighting, others are staying behind the battle lines to lend them support. Others are there to cook their meals, to tend the wounded and to carry away the dead for burial.

And Moses is there: to pray. That sets the scene for Sunday’s first reading, Ex 17:8-13.

That is Moses’ part in the battle — to pray.

As long as he holds up his hands in the classic posture of prayer, the tide of the battle favors the Israelite soldiers.

But, if he falters, if he grows weary and lowers his hands, the tide of the battle turns against the Israelites.

To keep that from happening, they place

IN THE BEGINNING

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

a stone for Moses to sit on. Aaron and Hur stand on either side of Moses to support his hands.

They want Moses to

persevere in prayer.

They want the Israelites to persevere in their battle against Amalek.

The Israelites win.

Amalek is defeated. But that is not the ultimate strike against him. How is that so?

After some of the recent mass shootings, the public authorities have declined to release the names of the shooters responsible for

POPE FRANCIS Too many Christians today are “as long as” Christians, obeying God “as long as” God and the church meet their conditions and criteria for what is acceptable, just and righteous, Pope Francis said.

The “conditions Christian,” Pope Francis said, says things like: “’I am a Christian as long as things are done this way.’ ‘No, no, these changes aren’t Christian.’ ‘This is heresy.’ ‘This won’t do.’ Christians who place conditions on God, who place conditions on the faith and the action of God.”

those tragedies.

The authorities wish to deprive the shooters of the publicity that they earnestly sought from their crimes. May their names be blotted out from our memory!

Something similar happens to Amalek.

After the battle, the Lord gives further instruction to Moses: “Write this as a memorial in a book and recite it in the ears of Joshua, that I will blot out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven” (Ex 17:14).

Strangely enough, the name of Amalek is recorded here in the Book of Exodus, as well as a few other places in the Bible — Gn 14:7; Nm 13:29 and 14:25. Otherwise, Amalek would have faded into oblivion.

Does this mean that

the Lord’s wish has been thwarted? Not at all!

How would you like it if the only thing for which you were remembered is that you were a loser?

In another sense, the battle against Amalek did not end with his death. The story concerning Amalek adds the footnote, “The Lord will war against Amalek through the centuries” (Ex 17:16).

Seizing upon these words, Jewish tradition viewed Amalek as an eternal force of evil, a sort of demon, that would continue to attack Israel, and that God would continue to oppose.

Amalek would have a part to play in the struggle of evil against good.

The fight continues on.

Celebrating an early morning Mass Oct. 8 in the chapel of the Domus Sanctae Marthae, the pope focused on the day’s first reading from Jonah, noting how the prophet first refused to do God’s bidding, was swallowed by a large fish, obeyed God when given a second chance and ended up angry with God because God did not destroy the city of Nineveh.

Jonah was “stubborn” about what he thought faith was, the pope said. But “the Lord was stubborn in his mercy. He never leaves us. He knocks at the door of our hearts until the end.” Jonah, the pope said, “is the model of those ‘as long as’ Christians, those Christians with conditions.”

— CNS

OCTOBER 18, 2019 | THELEAVEN.ORG

COMMENTARY

O

Catholic school children evangelize with their joy

ne thing that stands out to me when I visit Catholic schools throughout the archdiocese is the high level of pride that our youth have.

Sure, they have great pride in their own schools. This is easy to detect in any elementary or high school, where school jerseys, pennants, banners and drawings of mascots adorn most hallways.

The pride that really stands out in our schools, however, is the pride that students have in being Catholic. They wear their faith on their sleeves.

When I ask our students what they like

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here have been some interesting articles in Catholic media of late asking whether permanent deacons are truly necessary.

After all, the Latinrite church got by just fine without them for centuries. Deacons can’t celebrate Mass, hear confessions or even anoint the sick. Further, we live in the “age of the laity,” so why do we need deacons when we can empower laity to perform many of the same functions?

In calling for the restoration of the permanent diaconate, the Second Vatican Council (1962-65) and Pope Paul VI were simply going back to the church’s biblical and patristic roots.

CEF CENTERED

VINCENT ANCH Vince Anch is the executive director of the Catholic Education Foundation.

about school, I get many answers about favorite subjects, but many also exclaim how happy they

are to be in a Catholic environment. Many mention attending Mass or learning about Jesus and the saints as favorite school activities.

They share these stories gleefully with guests I bring on school tours. They radiate so much joy and pride about their Catholic

faith that I can feel it in my own heart each time I visit with them.

Their enthusiasm leads me to reflect on the times that I have downplayed my Catholic faith or have not been as proud as I should have been about the joy of being Catholic.

Our Catholic school students inspire me and give me great hope that our church is in good hands with them as its future torchbearers.

Our Catholic schools are about more than just high academic achievement and faith formation. They are also about developing good citizens and strong Catholic advocates.

In a modern world where being Catholic

comes under increasing attack, we can be confident that our schools are building modern-day crusaders. Instead of carrying swords and shields, our students carry a burning love of Christ and an eager desire to share his love.

What is most impressive about our students is that they are evangelizing their friends, families, teachers and, frankly, people like me.

They are evangelizing not necessarily by their words but by their actions, their joy and their childlike pride in being Catholic.

During this autumn as the leaves change color and the temperatures drop, one thing I am confident about is

that our Catholic school students will continue growing in their Catholic faith and will continue sharing their contagious pride with many others.

We are very proud that the Catholic Education Foundation will provide scholarships for more than 1,400 youth this year. CEF scholarships are supporting children whose families otherwise could not afford to send their children to Catholic schools.

Because of so many generous supporters of CEF’s Gaudeamus dinner and annual scholarship drive, these 1,400 children can attend a Catholic school and spread their contagious pride for being Catholic.

Are permanent deacons necessary?

ORDAINED TO SERVE

LEON SUPRENANT Leon Suprenant is the co-director of the Office of the Permanent Diaconate. He may be reached at leons@archkck.org.

Part of Vatican II’s methodology involved “ressourcement” — that is, a return to the

authoritative sources of the Christian faith in order to find wisdom for tackling the pressing needs of today.

Surely, Pope Paul and the council fathers were aware that immediately after the selection of the first deacons, “the word of God continued to spread, and the number of the disciples

in Jerusalem increased greatly” (Acts 6:7).

The early church esteemed deacons as men who served as bridges not only between the bishop (and by extension today, the pastor) and the laity, but also between the people of God and those on the peripheries of society.

One reason why the “necessity” of deacons is questioned is because of misunderstandings regarding the deacon’s rightful place in the church. Sometimes, deacons are defined by what they cannot do in relation to priests, or perceived as a stopgap for the lack of priests.

The permanent diaconate will only reach its potential when everyone appreciates the

deacon’s unique identity and role.

The permanent diaconate was not restored to solve the issue of a shortage of priests, but rather a shortage of deacons.

Even among those who understand the importance of the diaconate in our time, there is the legitimate concern that deacons receive adequate formation. The faithful have the right to expect that our deacons have good interpersonal skills, that they have a firm grasp of Catholic teaching and theology, and that they have received necessary homiletic and pastoral training.

Above all, the faithful have a right to expect that our deacons have developed, with the help

of sound spiritual formation, a deep interior life that enables them to pray with others.

The deacon is ordained to let go of his own ego and enter the pain of others. The deacon is never “off duty.” Out of his own intimacy with the Lord, the deacon is available and called upon to enter others’ pain at parties, in the church parking lot, at gas stations and at the water cooler at work.

Deacons are unnecessary — in fact, useless — if they are unable to share with others out of the wellspring of a deep personal relationship with Jesus. But wellformed deacons who pray are able to serve our church in unique and amazing ways!

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OCTOBER 18, 2019 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

16

6 SIMPLE WAYS TO RECONNECT Marriage ministry yields new book, day of enrichment

By Marc and Julie Anderson mjanderson@theleaven.org

Bosios will present a Day of Marriage Enrichment

M

OUNT JULIET, Tenn.

— Six jars of water.

That’s all they were.

But Jesus, at the wedding feast at Cana at the request of his mother, transformed those same six jars of water into six jars of wine — wine so good it prompted the head waiter to comment on its quality.

In their new book “Six Jars of Love: Loving Attitudes to Help Married Couples Reconnect,” John and Teri Bosio share their hope that the same power of Christ that changed water into wine can transform the marriages of struggling couples.

The book reflects nearly 47 years’ worth of wisdom gleaned by the couple as they have ministered to thousands of Catholic couples and families.

Married at Church of the Holy Cross in Overland Park in 1972 by Father Robert Burger, the couple became good friends with their pastor. But it was a friendship with another priest that led them to parish ministry in the first place.

While an undergraduate student at The Catholic University of America in Washington, John volunteered within the archdiocese for three summers in the late ’60s and met several archdiocesan priests, including Father John Stitz.

When it came time to look for work, John called Father Stitz and asked him if he knew of any job opportunities.

That’s when he learned about the coordinator of religious education position at Church of the Holy Cross.

When John interviewed for the job, he asked Father Burger for more specifics.

“I asked him,” John said, “‘What’s the job?’ He said, ‘Well, I don’t know.

We’ll figure it out together.’”

And that’s how it went.

Not only was the job new, the parish was brand-new, too. In fact, it was so new that Mass was celebrated in a theater. Yet, the job did come with one unexpected benefit. John was invited to eat lunch every day with Father Burger and his mother. While employed there, he later met Teri.

“So, we have a lot of emotional ties to the parish there and the people of Kansas City,” John said.

While serving in his new position, John also took evening classes at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, working toward a degree in marriage and family therapy.

In 1978, the late Archbishop Ignatius Strecker invited John and Teri to serve as coordinators of marriage and family life for the archdiocese. So, until 1982, John and Terri developed marriage

Teri and John Bosio will present a Day of Marriage Enrichment at Church of the Ascension in Overland Park on Nov. 2, which will be based on their new book “Six Jars of Love.” For more information, go online to: kcascension. org and click on the center photo labeled “Marriage Retreat.”

John Bosio, a columnist for The Leaven, and his wife Teri have recently released a book entitled “Six Jars of Love: Loving Attitudes to Help Married Couples Reconnect.” The Bosios were married at Holy Cross Church in Overland Park and will be returning to the archdiocese in November to present a Day of Marriage Enrichment at Church of the Ascension in Overland Park. preparation programs, worked with the divorced and separated, designed marriage enrichment activities, and even wrote a marriage and family life pastoral plan for the archdiocese.

While John and Teri were ministering to families and couples in the archdiocese, they were being ministered to themselves by several older married couples at their parish who, shortly after their wedding, invited them to join their small group.

“We were a young married couple.

We were new at marriage,” Teri said.

“They invited us into their lives and their marriages. We were exposed to family life in different homes.

“They were definitely mentors for us.”

In fact, they still maintain those friendships decades later, even though the Bosios moved from the area in 1988.

“If those things had not happened at the beginning [of our marriage], we

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could not have been doing what we’re doing today,” John said.

After the couple stepped down from their archdiocesan role, John served as a counselor, working with couples at three different parishes, including Curé of Ars in Leawood, Holy Cross and Holy Spirit, Overland Park.

In the 1990s, after moving away from Kansas City and into corporate work for more than a decade, John started thinking about his varied career.

“I started thinking I need to put into writing my thoughts and try to marry my knowledge of theology and my experience in working with couples in counseling in a variety of ways,” he said. “It took me 10 years to put down my thoughts.”

The couple’s first book, “Happy Together: The Catholic Blueprint for a Loving Marriage,” was published in 2008. They never considered doing anything more relative to marriage

ministry until he received an unexpected message from the president of the National Association of Catholic Family Life Ministers in his inbox.

“She suggested a date night program,” said John. “When I got home, I talked to Teri and we decided we didn’t know what a date night program is.

“I didn’t know what to do. I was done, and I decided that we would just pass on that.”

A month or two later, the Bosios received a similar note from another individual. That’s when they mentioned it to friends at their Nashville, Tennessee, parish, who eagerly offered to help with the project.

In the end, around 20 couples were interviewed on camera in their homes as part of “Six Dates for Catholic Couples,” a series of six videos with accompanying written materials.

Turns out, that video series was only the beginning of the couple’s rapidly expanding ministry.

Since John’s retirement in 2010, the couple has developed a Catholic marriage preparation published by Ave Maria Press, written other books, including “Blessed is Marriage: A Guide to the Beatitudes for Catholic Couples,” and developed videos to accompany many of their written materials. They have also been sought out as facilitators for retreats across the country, including one to be held here in the archdiocese. (See sidebar above).

Today, John and Teri said they could not imagine being engaged in any ministry other than that of marriage and family life.

“It’s a motivation that has been there from the beginning to do something for couples,” John said.

“It also helps us in our relationship,” he added, “because you cannot be saying one thing and doing something else.”