11 04 22 Vol. 44 No. 13

Our Mother of Africa

Black Catholics take pride in local contribution to D.C. shrine

By Jill Ragar Esfeld jill.esfeld @theleaven.org

On this anniversary, Bailey was able to bring along her daughter Monica Randle.

KANSAS

CITY, Kan. — “I just felt proud,” said Bar bara Bailey, pastoral as sociate of Our Lady & St. Rose Parish here. “I felt very proud that there is a Mother of Africa Chapel and I know the artist.”

On Sept. 17, Bailey, who is also the director of the office of Black Catholics for the Arch diocese of Kansas City in Kansas, attended the 25th anniversary of the dedication of Our Mother of Africa Chapel in the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Concep tion in Washington.

It was a return visit for Bailey, who had fond memories of attending the original dedication in 1997.

“The basilica is so beautiful,” said Randle. “I’m without words to de scribe it. There are 99 chapels hon oring various saints of different cul tural backgrounds.”

The sculptures in Our Mother of Africa Chapel were created by world-renowned artist Edward Joseph Dwight.

But Bailey knows him simply as “Eddie.”

“I’ve known Eddie all my life,” she said. “I grew up with him. He and my older sister were the same age; they went to school together at Our Lady of Perpetual Help.

“We all went to school down there.”

In 1968, Our Lady of Perpetu

al Help Parish was merged with St. Rose of Lima Parish to become Our Lady & St. Rose in Kansas City, Kansas.

When Dwight spoke at the dedica tion Mass, he recalled growing up in the Wyandotte County parish where he was an altar boy for 10 years.

“I was unwittingly, probably with my background, destined to do this memorial,” he said

In 1947, Dwight was the first Black student to attend Bishop Ward High School in Kansas City, Kansas. Being invited to join the National Honor Society was only another of the “firsts” he collected along the way.

“I was a great ‘accomplisher,’” Dwight admitted. But art was not yet his focus. In fact, in a few years, it was as

Special invitation

Before each National Black Catholic Congress, local parishes are required to have a day of reflection to include everyone, whether attending the congress or not.

The upcoming National Black Catholic Congress will be held July 20-23, 2023, at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland. The congress theme is: “Write the Vision: A Pro phetic Call to Thrive.”

The Day of Reflection will be held: Nov. 12 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Donnelly College Event Center

608 N. 18th St., Kansas City, Kansas.

A continental breakfast and lunch will be served.

Even if you don’t plan to attend the con gress, we welcome your input!

If interested in the Day of Reflection, please RSVP to Barbara Bailey at (913) 3211958 or by email at: olsr2300@gmail.com.

CNS PHOTO/PATRICK RYAN FOR THE NATIONAL BLACK CATHOLIC CONGRESS VIA CATHOLIC STANDARD

Bishop Ward graduate Ed Dwight and his wife Barbara stand in front of his sculpture of Mary and the Christ Child in the Our Mother of Africa Chapel at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington on Sept. 17. Dwight was honored for his artwork at the 25th anniversary of the chapel.

Lastweek, I wrote about President Biden and his admin istration’s extremism regarding abortion.

The president wants no limitations or re strictions on abortion. He labels the killing of unborn children and the physical, emo tional and spiritual harm inflicted on their mothers and fathers by abortion as essential health care. The presi dent has made an unre stricted and unlimited right to abortion his central issue for the midterm elections.

When you cast your vote, don’t forget the unborn ARCHBISHOP NAUMANN’S CALENDAR

(ER) and that they do not have to tell ER nurses and doctors they have taken the abortion pills. They suggest that women tell ER staff that they are experiencing a miscarriage.

ARCHBISHOP JOSEPH F. NAUMANN

revenue for abortion providers.

cared for thousands of pregnant women and their babies, responded eloquently in a Senate committee debate regarding their bizarre proposal.

This is disgrace ful, dangerous and self-serving. Advising postabortive women with severe compli cations to withhold important informa tion from doctors and nurses is reckless and deceitful.

Nov. 4

St. Martin of Tours Mass — Church of the Ascension, Overland Park

Nov. 5

Annual Bishop Miege Foundation Mass and dinner

— Bishop Miege High School, Roeland Park

Nov. 8

Priests Personnel board meeting

Since the leak of the draft of the Dobbs decision overturning the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision, there have been more than 100 pregnancy resource centers and Catholic churches vandalized.

Staff and volunteers at these pregnancy centers raise millions of dollars annually to assist women with untimely or difficult pregnancies. These centers of mercy and love not only assist mothers through the time of pregnancy but continue to accompa ny women for several years with financial, educational, child care and employment assis tance. Their goal is to empower mothers and help their children not just make it through the pregnancy, but to thrive for a lifetime.

The president’s justice department so far has failed to iden tify, much less charge, a single perpetrator for the vandalism to pregnancy resource centers and threats of violence to their staffs and volunteers.

Who could possibly be opposed to such places of compassion and practical assis tance? The abortion industry despises these centers that em power women to make a choice that values both mother and child. Each mother, who gives birth, is a loss of

Abby Johnson, the former Texas Planned Parenthood clinic director and one-time employee of the year, in her book “Un Planned” reveals how she was trained to sell abortions to vulnera ble women who came to her clinic.

She acknowledges that she could talk any pregnant woman into an abortion by playing on her fears. She left Planned Parenthood because of a culture that was not aimed at helping women but getting their abortion numbers as high as possible. Abortion is a cash cow profit center for Planned Parent hood.

Sadly, Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massa chusetts and Sen. Bob Menendez of New Jersey have introduced legislation asking the Federal Trade Commission to pro hibit what they called deceptive advertising by pregnancy centers. Senators Warren and Menendez are both financially supported by the abortion indus try. They seem to think that every failure of a woman to abort a child is a tragedy. They claim to be champions for women, when in real ity they are defenders of an industry that profits from the killing of children.

Sen. Roger Marshall of Kansas, who is a medical doctor and has

He stated: “To an swer my colleague, the fraud and deception is occurring in abor tion clinics. I can tell you story after story of patients crying in my office who went to Planned Parenthood for a pregnancy test and were scheduled for an abortion, com ing to my office won dering: Do I have to do this abortion? That’s where the fraud and deception is occurring. These women are not being told about the potential complica tions of these abor tions. They are not being told that these abortion pills are go ing to cause pain and cramping and bleed ing, that they could end up in the emer gency room as well. They’re not told about the complications from abortion procedures.

That’s where the fraud and deception is present. You talk about this as reproductive services. You’re afraid to say the word abor tion in these clinics.

That’s the fraud and deception. This isn’t reproductive services. These are abortions. This is taking the life of the unborn.”

Planned Parenthood has on its website videos about chemical abortion. One video tells women who are experiencing severe enough postabortion complications to go to an emergency room

This is not in the best interest of wom en, but helps the abortion industry hide the actual number of postabortive wom en with significant complications after a chemical abortion.

Abortion providers do not show women ultrasound images of their children. Why? Because it is bad for business. This is one of the reasons the abortion industry is attacking pregnancy resource centers.

Most pregnancy resource centers are equipped to provide women with ultra sound images of their children. Once a mother has the oppor tunity to see images of her child, she will most likely choose to give birth.

Abortion propo nents have been lying to women for more than 50 years. Before ultrasound imaging was available, women were often told that their pregnancy was just a glob of cells. Ul trasound imaging is a window into the womb that shows clearly the humanity of the child.

In every pregnancy, there are two “pa tients,” the mother and child. With every abor tion, the child is killed and the mother some times experiences physical complications and always suffers emotional and psycho logical difficulties that often are suppressed for a time. In postabor

Mass and blessing of Communion rail — Blessed Sacrament, Kansas City, Kansas

Nov. 9

Confirmation, St. Aloysius in Meriden and St. Theresa, Perry, at St. Aloysius

Nov. 10

CFNEK Deo Gratias appreciation dinner — Savior Pastoral Center, Kansas City, Kansas

Nov. 13

USCCB pro-life committee meeting — Baltimore

tion healing ministry, women contact Project Rachel sometimes shortly after the abor tion; others decades later and everything in between. “Procedures” that harm patients cannot be considered health care.

Pope Francis, in October of 2018, said this about the moral ity of abortion: “How can an action that ends an innocent and defenseless life in its blossoming stage be therapeutic, civilized or simply human? I ask you: Is it right to do away with a human life in order to solve a problem? Is it right to hire a hit man in order to solve a problem? One cannot. It is not right to do away with a human being, however small, in order to solve a problem, it is like hiring a hit man.”

Abortion remains the pre-eminent hu man rights issue of our time for three reasons: 1) abortion attacks

innocent human life when a child is most defenseless and vul nerable;

2) abortion harms the family by attacking the most important of human bonds, the re lationship of a mother and her child; abortion advocates falsely pit the welfare of women against the life of their child;

3) the sheer magni tude of the number of human lives destroyed by abortion, more than 65 million babies killed since 1973 and currently almost one million American children are killed each year.

Of course, when you vote and choose in dividuals to represent you, there are many important issues to consider.

However, I urge you not to forget the unborn and their mothers when you cast your ballot.

Please call 913-344-0101 or apply at www.thoughtfulhealthcare.com

SERVING UP SOME LOVE

Hayden’s tennis coach inspires team to school’s first state championship

By Marc and Julie Anderson mjanderson@theleaven.org

— Love. In tennis, the word means a score of nothing or zero. But outside tennis, it means desiring the good of and having affection for others.

TOPEKA

Christy Sheetz, head coach of the girls tennis team at Hayden High School in Topeka, will never claim much credit for the school’s first girls state tennis championship. But others say it is Sheetz’s love for everyone that made the team successful this past season.

The team’s assistant coach Lynn Bishop, a 1975 graduate and former Hayden tennis team member herself, called Sheetz “an individual with a deep and abiding Catholic faith” who “guided the team to the state, despite dealing with challenges off the court.”

Sheetz has been “served” some chal lenges this year, for sure.

On Jan. 20, her dad Steve Hohman passed away — leaving not just a hole in her heart, but leaving her to make some tough choices.

Sheetz’s mother Mary Hohman was diagnosed in 1978 with multiple sclero sis, and her sister Kathy has develop mental disabilities.

“When my dad passed away in Janu ary, I had to move in with my mom and sister to take care of them because they both require 100-percent, 24-hour care, full time,” Sheetz said.

Married for 25 years, Sheetz has three daughters. Balancing marriage, motherhood, a full-time job at Hayden as director of advancement and alumni relations while caring for her mother and sister, as well as coaching, was not realistic.

So, before school started, the family made “the really difficult decision” to move Mary into Rossville Nursing Center and Kathy in with Sheetz, her husband and their youngest daughter.

Meanwhile, on the court, the tennis team faced its own challenges.

First was the weather.

“It was probably the hottest we have ever coached. I can’t remember anoth er season where there were more 100degree or above [days] for as many days in a row those first few weeks of prac tice. That alone can be really, really brutal,” Sheetz said.

Then, there was the extra mental pressure.

Sophomore Ainzley Zulueta won the state championship last year. Nearly everyone expected her to repeat as champion.

“Last year, I was really excited to win as a freshman,” said Zulueta, “but I felt like there was a lot more pressure this year to follow it up.”

Sheetz’s daughter Emily, a sopho more, and her doubles partner Lauren Sandstrom, a junior and daughter of school principal James Sandstrom, felt pressure of their own.

In 2021, the two placed seventh at state in the doubles competition. This

WHENEVER THERE’S A DIFFICULT OR CHALLENGING DECISION TO BE MADE SHE ALWAYS SAYS THE SAME THING, ‘I’M GOING TO PRAY ABOUT IT.’ . . . SHE’S VERY DEVOUT, AND HER FAITH IS SUCH AN IMPORTANT PART OF WHO SHE IS AND WHAT SHE PROJECTS TO OTHER PEOPLE.

BRI BARNETT HAYDEN SENIOR

year, they were expected to do even better.

Besides weather and the mental pressure, Sheetz said the season itself was “fast and furious.” The first meet was held Aug. 20, just five days after the team’s first practice and the first full day of classes, not leaving the two coaches much time to assess skill levels to fill their No. 2 singles position.

Freshman Grace Funk earned that position while seniors Bri Barnett and Sloane Sims returned for the second year as the No. 2 doubles team.

“Sloane and I had just taken up the sport for fun as something to do with

friends, and when we made the team and started playing these harder teams, we got really into it,” Barnett said.

Barnett went out for the team during her sophomore year although Sims had started a year earlier.

“Even though we might not be as talented or as good at tennis as some of the others, we still always try to be there for them,” said Barnett. “If we’re not playing, we always try to make sure we’re watching whoever else is playing and we will support them and cheer them on.”

Of Coach Sheetz, Barnett said, “She’s always been an amazing coach. She’s there for us on and off the court. She’s always so positive and kind and always has something encouraging to say to us. It was always nice to have that posi tive attitude with us.

“No matter how much we’d be down, [Coach Sheetz would] come tell us, ‘You’ve got it. Play your best. Just have fun,’” said Barnett.

Perhaps another secret to the team’s success is Sheetz’s commitment to prayer.

“Whenever there’s a difficult or chal lenging decision to be made,” said Bar nett, “she always says the same thing, ‘I’m going to pray about it.’ I really re spect the fact that she does. She’s very devout, and her faith is such an im portant part of who she is and what she projects to other people.”

Prior to every tournament, the team gathers around Sheetz for a pep talk. Then, each member shares personal

President

Most Rev. Joseph F. Naumann

Production/Business Manager

Todd Habiger todd.habiger@theleaven.org

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

Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

prayer intentions, whether tennis-related or not, followed by a common prayer such as the Hail Mary or Our Father.

Once this season, the team spent time together in eucharistic adoration, something which the players said made a huge impact.

“Going to adoration as a team,” Sand strom said, “brought us closer not only to God, but to each other.”

“It was really nice to be with our team in the presence of Christ and to pray to him about state — not that we’d win, but that we’d play our best and have fun,” Barnett said. “It was really great to have that connection with Christ and the team.”

When the tournament rolled around, that connection as a team was critical.

Zulueta, of whom a lot was expected because of her state championship last year, said this year’s win “was definite ly more rewarding. It felt good to reach that expectation.”

And the Sheetz/Sandstrom duo that had placed seventh last year? They won the school’s first state championship in tennis doubles since 1993.

But it was freshman Grace Funk’s 10th place and the No. 2 doubles team of seniors Barnett and Sims who finished 12th that brought them home.

Without those players making it to the second day of state competition, Sheetz said, winning the state title would have been impossible.

Managing Editor Anita McSorley anita.mcsorley@theleaven.org

Advertising Coordinator

Beth Blankenship beth.blankenship@theleaven.org

Moira Cullings moira.cullings@theleaven.org

PHOTO BY HEATHER ENOS

Topeka Hayden’s girls tennis team made history on Oct. 15 by earning its first state championship in tennis in the school’s history. Additionally, the No. 1 doubles pair of Lauren Sandstrom and Emily Sheetz claimed the school’s first doubles championship since 1993, and Ainzley Zulueta was the No. 1 singles state champion for the second consecutive year. Pictured, from left, are: assistant coach Lynn Bishop, Grace Funk, Zulueta, Sloane Sims, Bri Barnett, Sandstrom, Emily Sheetz and head coach Christy Sheetz.

‘Miracle on 18th St.’ finds a way for everyone to SHINE

By Jill Ragar Esfeld jill.esfeld@theleaven.org

Save the date

KANSAS

CITY, Kan. — Msgr. Stuart Swetland, president of Donnelly College, re ceived a standing ovation at the end of this year’s SHINE event when he made this simple an nouncement: “We just hit

goal!”

SHINE, the annual fundraiser and gala for the college, was held Oct. 6 at The Abbott in Kansas City, Missou ri, and raised nearly $855,000 for this one-of-a-kind small Catholic college in downtown Kansas City, Kansas. Don nelly proudly boasts of its affordability and the most diverse student body in the Midwest.

Event chairs Herb and Lisa Sizemore thanked the audience for their dona tions, adding, “We want to say how hon ored we are by your generosity.”

The reason Donnelly College has so much support was summed up by Sister Esther Fangman, prioress of the Benedic tine Sisters of Mount St. Scholastica in Atchison, during her opening remarks.

“We value this college,” she said, “be cause it has carried the same message for 75 years — to provide an education for people who otherwise couldn’t get it.”

Donnelly College is known for having a diverse community that walks out its doors with hope for the future and very little student debt.

That’s a winning combination.

Calling it “the miracle on 18th Street,” Msgr. Swetland shared video footage of the college’s new campus.

“We have a first-rate campus now,” he said, “and it reflects what has always been true about what happens inside the college.

“We have always given a first-rate ed ucation with formation in faith, and al lowing people to seek truth, build com munity and pursue excellence.”

Msgr. Swetland praised the faculty’s work with prisoners in Lansing Correc

tional Facility, noting that the recidivism rate for those students is less than 2%.

He also praised the nursing program and thanked the audience for support that has resulted in $1.5 million in schol arships each year.

“We know that a Donnelly education is transformative,” he said. “And we see it in the families and our students as they go through graduation.

“Last May, we graduated almost 100 people; 72 percent of them were the first in their family to graduate from college.”

Donnelly board chairman Jason Banks led the Alumni Hall of Fame in ductions of Shuha Shareef and Dr. Wil liam Nicely.

Shareef, an Iraqi refugee, graduat ed from Donnelly in 1985 and joined the faculty as an associate professor of mathematics.

Nicely graduated from Donnelly in 1985 and went on to have a 30-year career in education. He taught high

school science, became a high school principal and a superintendent.

Both inductees thanked the faculty and staff at Donnelly for putting them on a path to higher education and great er professional achievements.

The highlight of SHINE is always the “Scholarship Spotlight,” when scholar ship recipients tell their personal sto ries.

Eny Mejia, an immigrant from the island of Roatán in Honduras, is a soph omore at Donnelly.

She thanked the audience for dona tions that enabled her to receive a presi dential merit scholarship.

She praised Donnelly’s diverse facul ty and student body.

“I have been able to meet with people from all over the world, allowing me to see the world through different eyes,” she said.

Mejia plans to graduate next May and transfer to a four-year university to

Chapel conveys a message of community

>> Continued from page 1

a U.S. Air Force captain and an aeronautical engineer that Dwight, during the Kennedy administration, became the first Black astronaut candidate.

After leaving the Air Force, Dwight moved on to success in several business ventures.

But even those new frontiers didn’t satisfy him.

And so, Dwight earned a master’s in sculpture from the University of Denver, where he taught for several years before becoming an acclaimed sculp tor of memorials throughout the world.

In 1995, he was selected to do Our Mother of Africa Chapel.

“This particular sculpture was fascinating for me do,” he said. “I was not in masterful control of the image; it all just spewed out. I couldn’t stop it from what it is today.

“The sensitivity about where I was and where I came from are all manifest in that sculpture.”

Bailey called Dwight before she left for Washington and they were able to reconnect during the anniversary event and take a few pictures together.

“I’m proud of his accomplish ments,” she said. “And that pride — it just instills more faith that the Lord is for all of us.

“He’s universal like our church is.”

Her daughter agreed.

“We look different,” she said. “We worship differently but we all believe that God is the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

“And Mary’s our mother.”

The anniversary Mass at the basilica reflected that univer sality with a rosary recited in different African languages.

“When I looked around,”

said Randle, “there were people from all over. The internation al component was powerful.

“And when they spoke the different languages, I wasn’t prepared for that, but then I thought well, yes, it is the Mother of Africa.”

After Mass, participants vis ited the chapel located in the crypt level of the shrine.

In addition to the Our Mother of Africa sculpture, Dwight created a relief depict ing the Black quest for emanci pation.

“You recognize that you really are in a holy place,” said Randle of her experience in the chapel. “And it was beautiful to know that our little parish was able to foster this spiritual, cre ative person.”

The sacred message of Our Mother of Africa chapel came through clearly to Bailey and her daughter.

“The ultimate message is community,” said Randle. “The church is a diverse interna tional faith community, and the basilica is a wonderful dis play of our diversity.

“Receive it, be open to it.”

You can still donate to Donnelly College by visiting the website at: Donnelly.edu/give/shine-donation. And mark your calendars for SHINE 2023: Oct. 5, 2023.

pursue a degree in biology.

“I have a dream to become a travel doctor who cares for people in catastro phe zones,” she said.

Scholarship recipient Carlos Walker, a native of Wyandotte County, had the audience enthralled with his story of triumph from tragedy.

As a young child, Walker witnessed his father, recently released from prison, shoot his older brother.

“My dad went back to prison,” he said. “Needless to say, that experience was traumatic. And even today, talking about it brings tears to my eyes.

“It put my family in a tailspin.”

Walker went on to struggle in school and with his own run-ins with the law.

But he never gave up his faith in God’s forgiveness and salvation.

“I knew I had to get it together,” he said. “I attended Donnelly College and that’s where I met Sister Marie Kather ine.

“We would have discussions about what it meant to be the image of God.”

Today, Walker is a CPA specializing in tax planning and raising his own family.

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann closed the evening with a blessing.

“What an inspiring night this has been,” he said. “The Donnelly story is one that has a very beautiful history. And we heard that tonight and saw some of the fruits of that history.

“We ask [God] to continue to bless this college and make it fruitful so more of our young adults can achieve their dreams.”

COURTESY PHOTO

Barbara Bailey, pastoral associate of Our Lady & St. Rose Parish in Kansas City, Kansas, right, and the director of the archdiocesan office of Black Catholics, along with her daughter Monica Randle, attended the 25th an niversary of the dedication of Our Mother of Africa Chapel in the Basilica of National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C.

WE LOOK DIFFERENT, WE WORSHIP DIFFERENTLY BUT WE ALL BELIEVE THAT GOD IS THE FATHER, SON AND HOLY SPIRIT.

MONICA RANDLE MEMBER OF OUR LADY & ST. ROSE, KANSAS CITY, KANSAS

our

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JILL RAGAR ESFELD

Scholarship recipient Carlos Walker, a native of Wyandotte County, talked about his traumat ic past and troubles with the law before attending Donnelly College in Kansas City, Kansas. Today, Walker is a CPA specializing in tax planning.

Atchison gears up for Christmas homes tour

By Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

ATCHISON

— This year, Erin and Gerry Stanley are going all-out with the Christmas decorations at home in honor of the queen.

Not the late Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom.

Rather, they’re honoring the late Midge Stanley, the “Queen of Christmas.”

“My husband’s mother passed away this summer,” said Erin. “She was the ‘Queen of Christmas.’ It was a special thing for her to do every year, to decorate her home and get it ready for Christmas, like a Hallmark movie.”

When the organizers of the Atchison Christmas Historic Homes Tour asked the Stanleys if they would volunteer their home to be part of the tour, they said yes.

“We thought it would be fun to do it in her honor,” said Erin, a member of St. Benedict Parish in Atchison.

For every other year since 2016, a group of “grannies” have held a Christmas-themed tour of some of Atchison’s grander histor ic homes as a fundraiser for St. Benedict School, said Diane Liebsch, principal of the school from 2011 to 2019.

“I thought it would be a good idea and something fun,” said Darlene Dulac, one of the tour founders. “Atchison is known for its historic homes. I thought it would be nice if we could share them with other people, if the owners were willing.”

The last one was held in 2018. The next was to be in 2020 — but “you-know-what” happened that year. The tour was can celed.

The tour, which participants under take on their own, driving from house to house, is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Nov. 19.

The cost of the tour is $40 and includes lunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at St. Benedict School, located at 201 Unity St. The lunch will be a choice of broccoli-cheddar or tomato-basil soup, a croissant with ham or turkey, dessert and a choice of tea or coffee.

There will be a Christmas market and bake sale at the school during the tour. The market and sale are open to the public, but the lunch is only open to those

Get your tickets

Only 500 tickets will be sold. To purchase tickets, send an email to: Tickets@StBenedictHomesTour.com, or go online to: StBenedictHomesTour. com. For information or to purchase tickets by phone, call Amanda at (913) 426-3035. Credit cards will be accept ed over the phone. Tickets must be picked up at St. Benedict School the day of the tour.

who go on the tour.

There will be a Nativity display and coffee bar at one stop, the Muchnic Gal lery.

This activity is for adults. Tour-goers must be older than age 12. Although the homes are not handicap accessible, the tour will be limited to the first floors (except for one stop).

TOUR HOMES

is owned by the mother-daughter team of Caroline and Angela Harris.

Atchison,

a picturesque Missou ri River town founded in 1854, has a number of beautiful and historic homes. Five houses are part of the Atchison Christ mas Historic Homes Tour this year.

The building at 517 Commercial St., built in 1898, has a retail space on the first floor and an apartment on the second floor. Four businesses have occupied the site, now the home-goods shop Backroad Atlas. It

The one-story wood frame home at 303 Santa Fe St., built in 1895, has many origi nal features.

The imposing two-story brick home at 623 N. Fifth St., built in 1889, underwent transformations from home to boarding house to apartments and finally back to being a single-family home.

The Queen Anne-style three-sto ry home at 704 N. Fourth St. was built in 1885 by a local lumber dealer. It is now the Muchnic Gallery, named for the Muchnic

family, that bought the house in 1922. Ask about the faces of the children carved in the big staircase and on the fireplace tiles.

The two-story Georgian Colonial at 320 V St. is owned by Erin and Gerry Stanley and their five children. It was built on top of the southernmost hill in town by the rail road baron and entrepreneur Balie Wag gener in the early 1900s. He wanted to see the trains arrive at the rail yard and steam boats from the downtown landing.

“We’re the sixth owners of the house,” said Erin. “Every owner had been a busi nessperson. One owned a confectionery

shop, and another a shoe store. One was one of the founders of the Exchange Bank [of Atchison].”

The Stanleys, who’ve owned it since 2020, fell in love with the home’s loca tion (not far from the airport), the view of the Missouri River Valley, the home’s dark woodwork and the town of Atchison itself.

The Stanleys uncovered a beautiful arched window on the second floor and added their own special feature: an out side grotto dedicated to

Blessed Virgin Mary.

These five houses will be part of the Atchison Christmas Historic Homes Tour that will benefit St. Benedict School. From left, they are: a two-story Georgian Colonial at 320 V St.; a two-story brick home at 623 N. Fifth St., built in 1889; a one-story wood frame home at 303 Santa Fe St., built in 1895; a building at 517 Commercial St., built in 1898; and a Queen Anne-style three-story home at 704 N. Fourth St.

the

COURTESY PHOTO

Erin Stanley, homeowner, is preparing to open her doors for the Nov. 19 Christmas Historic Homes Tour in Atchison.

COURTESY PHOTO

Darlene DuLac, Homes Tour committee member, reviews the many crafts donated by St. Bene dict parishioners for the Christmas market.

‘It’s time’: ‘Viviano Variety Show’ to have one last performance

By Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

CITY, Kan. — For 37 years, the annual “Viviano Variety Show” benefit has operated by the theatrical credo of “the show must go on!”

But as Geoffrey Chaucer wrote during medieval times, “All good things must come to an end.”

And so it is that the “Viviano Vari ety Show,” a holiday tradition for many Kansas City area families, will have its 38th and last performance on Nov. 19.

“People have asked, ‘Jerry, is there a reason why you’re closing the show?’ It’s like any good novel. You have a good first chapter, various chapters in between, and a final chapter,” said Vivi ano, the founder, performer and host. “After a lot of deliberation and prayer, it’s time.”

During its nearly four-decades-long run, the show has raised $2.25 million for various local charities, mostly for Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas. Not bad for something that began as a family holiday gathering in the early 1980s that got a little out of hand.

The last show will be at Rockhurst High School’s Rose Theater, located at 9301 State Line Rd. in Kansas City, Missouri. The doors open at 5:50 p.m. Heavy appetizers and beverages will be served in the atrium until 6:45 p.m. The show begins at 7 p.m.

There will be four stations of appe tizers: American, Italian and Mexican — the latter courtesy of Rudy’s Tenam pa Taqueria, a popular family-owned restaurant in the Kansas City area. The fourth is a dessert station.

“The show will be packed with fun,” said Viviano, a member of Curé of Ars Parish in Leawood. “We’re going to have some great performers.”

The show will also be packed with singing, dancing, comedy and, of course, nostalgia.

The acts will include (appropriate ly) Lights Out, a four-part vocal group hailed as “America’s No. 1 tribute to Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons”; Bill Robinson and the Motown Revue; jazz saxophonist Joseph Vincelli; and Viviano’s daughter Katherine, a pro fessional entertainer from Chicago.

Kansas City area native Liz Kelley, one of the original Golddiggers (danc ers) who appeared on “The Dean Martin Show,” will bring clips to show and talk about her favorite memories of Martin.

Jerry Viviano and his brothers got their start singing on the corner of Eighth and Carr in downtown St.

Louis when they were teenagers. The brothers Viviano will reunite to sing the music of the Vogues. Unfortunate ly, Jerry, Tony and Frank can only be joined in spirit by their deceased broth ers Sal and Joe.

Clips from past shows — the oldest dating back to those family gather ings Jerry and his wife Megan held at their little duplex home — will also be shared.

The show always had a fourfold mis sion, said Viviano.

First, it was to gather family and friends for an evening of good, clean, enjoyable fun and fellowship. Second, it was to increase awareness of the charities they supported and the people who were helped. Third, it was to raise money to fund the good works

those charities performed.

“And fourth, most importantly, it was to motivate everyone in the the ater to reach out and help others in the name of Jesus Christ Our Lord,” said Vi viano.

Viviano gives a lot of credit to the early success of the show to the sup port of his then-pastor, Father Anthony Lickteig.

“The reason it got started, it was just one of those ways a group of young men could do something with the talents they had in the service of the church,” said Father Lickteig. “Then, we invit ed them to Holy Cross Parish [in 1985] for a fundraiser for Shalom House (in Kansas City, Kansas) because they needed a new roof.

“It grew and grew. They used the [Kansas City, Kansas] National Guard Armory, the Reardon Center, and fi nally they settled at Rockhurst High School. The Jesuits were very generous supporting [the Vivianos].”

Father Lickteig called the long-running show a beautiful example of what people can do to serve the church, and an inspira tion to others to use their own talents and not sit on the sidelines.

The list of people who’ve helped make the show is very long, but Vivia no is particularly grateful for the key roles played by Dan Carney as show producer and Patrick Komlofske as food service director.

Viviano is hoping for the best turn out ever for the last show, producing a big donation to Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas. Tickets are $35 for reserved seats and $25 for general admission. All the seats are good, he promised.

For tickets go to:

• Vivianovarietyshow.com

• events@catholiccharitiesks.org

• catholiccharitiesks.org/viviano

• Call (913) 433-2068

COURTESY PHOTO

Jerry Viviano, the founder, performer and host of the annual “Viviano Variety Show” benefit, will end the show’s 37-year run this year. The show’s final performance will be on Nov. 19.

During its nearly four-decades-long run, the show has raised $2.25 million for various local charities, mostly for Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas.

Catholic Cemeteries to host Veterans Day observances

CITY, Kan. — In tribute to veterans — living and deceased — Catholic Cemeteries of Northeast Kansas will host special ceremonies on Nov. 11 at two locations. The Veterans Day observances are scheduled at Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Topeka, and at Resurrection Cemetery, Lenexa.

KANSAS

Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Topeka

At Mt. Calvary Cemetery, located at 801 S.W. Westchester Rd. in Topeka, the American Legion Band will perform a prelude of patriotic music, starting at 9 a.m. The program will begin at 9:30 a.m. in Holy Trinity Mausoleum Chapel with a welcome by Sharon Vallejo, president of Catholic Cemeteries. Father Tim Haberkorn, pastor of Sacred Heart-St. Joseph Parish, Topeka, will offer the in vocation. The presentation of colors by the Topeka Police Department Honor Guard and Pipes and Drums Band will follow. Sergeant Jayme Green, Topeka Police Department, will sing the na tional anthem. Anthems honoring the five branches of the Armed Forces will be performed by the American Legion Band.

A featured speaker will make re marks, and guests will be invited to join in a prayer for veterans. Three volleys followed by “Taps” played by members of American Legion Post 421 will close the program.

Resurrection Cemetery, Lenexa

Starting at 1:30 p.m. at Resurrection Cemetery, located at 83rd and Quivira

Rd. in Lenexa, patriotic music by the American Legion Band will precede the program. The 2 p.m. program in Prince of Peace Mausoleum Chapel will begin with a welcome by Vallejo. Father Mi chael Hermes, pastor of St. Paul Parish, Olathe, will offer the invocation. The Lenexa Police Department Honor Guard will present the colors. Victoria Irvin, ci vilian employee of the Lenexa Police De partment, will sing the national anthem.

The American Legion Band will perform the service songs of the various branches of the military.

Arthur Fillmore II, attorney, decorat ed veteran and chairman of the Kansas City Vietnam Veterans Memorial, will be the featured speaker for the pro gram. Fillmore practices with the AEGIS Law Kansas City, Missouri, team.

His distinguished military service includes graduation from the Artillery

Officers Candidate School (OCS) at Fort Sill, Oklahoma; a combat assignment with an infantry division during the Vietnam War; and an assignment to the Special Weapons Command in Ger many. In Vietnam, Fillmore received numerous medals and letters of recom mendation, including multiple Bronze Stars, Air Medals, Army Commenda tion Medals and the Vietnam Campaign Ribbon with three campaign stars, among others.

He is a member of the U.S. Army Artillery OCS Hall of Fame. Fillmore is the co-founder and chairman of the board of St. Michael’s Veterans Center in Kansas City, Missouri, that provides permanent housing for homeless and disabled veterans. He has also been the recipient of the Harry S Truman Good Neighbor Foundation Veterans Silver Medal Award.

Following Fillmore’s remarks, guests will be invited to join in a prayer for veterans. Three volleys and “Taps” played by members of American Legion Post 370 will close the program.

Veterans, families and friends are invited to attend the Nov. 11 programs. Small U.S. flags will be available for placement at gravesites at both the Topeka and Lenexa locations.

For more information, call Catho lic Cemeteries at (913) 371-4040 (main number) or (785) 272-0820 (Topeka); send an email to: information@cathcemks.org; or visit the website at: www.cathcemks. org.

COURTESY PHOTO

Blessed in November 2021, the Veterans Garden and Memorial at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Topeka has drawn extensive community interest. The centerpiece of this new Veterans Garden is a replica of the Marine Corps Memorial statue of the raising of the U.S. flag at Iwo Jima.

Enhancing this lasting and powerful image are rows of individual graves that are marked with simple, white headstones in the style of Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia.

Finding the extraordinary in the ordinary

By Father Brian Atienza Catholic News Service

Itwas 20 years ago, on May 27, 2002, that I was given the profound priv ilege of receiving the sacrament of holy orders and began my life as a priest of the Diocese of Sacramen to, California.

I have heard priests and bishops share their incredible and profound experi ences of recognizing the vocation to the priesthood. I wish I could say the same. My recognition of the call involved a long period of discernment and accep tance.

I grew up in Manila, Philippines, and both my parents worked. We did not have a lot, but our parents made sure that I, my two sisters and brother were never in need of basic necessities.

Our parents taught us values in life and encouraged us to do well in school. They may not have had much to pass on, but a good education was for them a worthy legacy to impart.

The faith practice in our household was not too different than anyone else’s family that I knew then. My family went to Mass on Sundays.

The notion of a vocation to the priest hood did not come to me until my sopho more year at the University of the Philip pines Diliman.

I intended to obtain a degree in philos ophy as my requisite undergrad degree for law school. I had wanted to be a lawyer as far back as I can remember.

I got involved with our local choir that sang for Mass in our area. It eventually led me to be involved with the parish youth ministry.

One summer, a group of seminari ans came to do their apostolate in our area. One of them jokingly told me that I would do well in the seminary. Nothing profound, but it was enough to initiate my discernment of becoming a priest. I had to forego my intention to become a lawyer.

I presented myself to the stringent seminary screening process, hoping that I would not be admitted. I entered San Carlos Seminary in the city of Makati, Philippines, in 1992.

During my junior year in the sem inary, my family immigrated to the United States. I was not able to join them due to my age.

Prior to my senior year, the Diocese of Sacramento started a program that looked for families who had sons who were in the seminary in the Philippines.

My mother asked me if I was inter ested. I inquired and was accepted. This allowed me to be united with my family

sooner than the normal immigration process would have allowed.

It also made me give the vocation to the priesthood a second look. Before I was given the opportunity to come to Sacramento, I was in the process of con vincing myself that I had given the voca tion to the priesthood a try, and I thought I needed to move on to do other things.

By the time I was in my third year of formation in theology at St. Patrick Seminary in Menlo Park, California, I embraced the undeniable truth that the priesthood was the life for me, and I came to accept that God had made this evident in my everyday mundane experiences.

After ordination, I was named the as sociate pastor of St. Joseph Parish in Elk Grove from 2002-03, then as the same at St. Philomene Church in Sacramento, from 2003-04. Our bishop named me di ocesan vocation director in 2004 until 2009, the pastor of St. Joseph Church in Auburn, from 2009-12, and as the pastor at St. Joseph Church in Elk Grove from 2012-16.

I was then asked by our bishop to obtain a degree in canon law, which I completed at The Catholic University of America’s School of Canon Law in 2019. I am currently working as one of the canon lawyers in our tribunal.

Many have often associated the re alization of the vocation to priesthood and religious life with some incredible epiphany-like experience.

The reality for me was that it was a gradual confirmation of a vocation through the undeniable joy and peace I experienced in the formation process and being open to it.

I liken the years of formation to an extended period of engagement. The dis cernment was both on the candidate and those involved in formation. Though not free of its share of crises and challenges,

the decision to move forward toward or dination was mutually agreed upon by all parties in formation.

The support from my parents, siblings and a few close friends sus tained me throughout my time in for mation, and they continue to inspire me each day to humbly, with everything I have and hold, serve the people of God.

Today, I continue to experience the confirmation of the vocation to the priesthood in the most normal of daily tasks as a priest, from the daily routine of prayers, the celebration of the Mass, immersion in the lives of the flock, and to holding a plunger for the church toilet.

Vocation was and is a gradual find ing the extraordinary invitation in the normal daily occurrences. God’s voice appears to be clearer in the ordinary mo ments of daily life, a constant and consis tent truth in the last 20 years for me.

Ordained for the Diocese of Sacramen to, California, in 2002, Father Brian Atien za is currently serving his local church as the defender of the bond in the marriage tribunal. Father Atienza was born and raised in the Philippines.

LEAVEN FILE PHOTO BY KATHRYN WHITE

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann prays over Deacons Keith Chadwick, Luke Doyle and Thomas Maddock as they present themselves for ordination to the archdiocesan priesthood in June 2021.

LEAVEN FILE PHOTO BY KATHRYN WHITE

Father Sudeep Kodigandla kneels before the archbishop, promising obedience to him and his suc cessors at his ordination this past June.

THE REALITY FOR ME WAS THAT IT WAS A GRADUAL CONFIRMATION OF A VOCATION THROUGH THE UNDENIABLE JOY AND PEACE I EXPERIENCED.

At first resisted, vocation came to mean abiding joy

By Sister Tracy Kemme Catholic News Service

Itall began with one fateful email. A senior in college, I was preparing to travel to the U.S.-Mexico border for thesis research on women in migration.

During my search for lodging, a mentor connected me with a small com munity of Sisters of Charity of Cincinna ti who lived near El Paso, Texas.

Just hours after receiving my request, Sister Janet Gildea wrote back: “Wel come!” Without ever having met me, Sisters Janet, Carol and Peggy hosted me in their cozy home and even helped me with my research.

I was touched by the experience, but joining their religious congregation was light-years off my radar.

Six months later, I graduated with degrees in psychology and Spanish, a hunger for faith and service, and an interest in immigration — but no clear career path forward. Beyond all logic, I felt God beckoning me to volunteer in Ecuador with a program called Rostro de Cristo.

Fearful but open, I plunged into what became two years of living in communi ty with other young adults, serving in outreach organizations and sharing life with my Ecuadorian neighbors.

On dirt roads, over steaming plates of plantains and in open-air chapels, I encountered Christ in a way that trans formed me irrevocably.

In the midst of all that, a strange thing happened: I sensed God inviting me to become a nun. I was praying on a beach when the alarming thought first arose. Over the next weeks, it kept popping up until I couldn’t ignore it anymore.

I eventually started to meet with a spiritual director, and to my dismay, the possibility of a call to religious life only got clearer.

I realized that my volunteer experi ence of community, simplicity, spiritu ality and mission on the margins echoed religious life — and it was bringing me deep joy and purpose. So, I emailed Sister Janet.

In the fall, after returning from Ec uador, I moved in with the Sisters on the border as a volunteer associate.

I often say that the first few months

in the convent were like a wildlife show: “Observe the Sisters in their natural hab itat!” I was surprised by how “normal” they were. They brushed their teeth, got oil changes, watched movies and — gasp — got on each other’s nerves.

At the same time, I was awed by how they lived out the extraordinary com mitment they had made to God, one an other and the world. One of the biggest surprises was the array of ways Sisters ministered: in health care, pastoral ministry, social work, music, activism,

education and more!

I began to understand that I could come as I was and put my gifts at the ser vice of God’s people.

Through shared prayer, reflection days, ministry, advocacy and long meals at the long kitchen table, I tasted the living charism of the Sisters of Chari ty, and I started to sense that I, too, was born to be “urged by the love of Christ” and “dare to risk a caring response.”

In a real-life plot twist, just as my heart began to beat in tune with the call

of the Sisters of Charity, it also began to fall for a person.

Steve was a dear friend who had been a fellow volunteer in Ecuador. We stayed in touch once back in the U.S., process ing our mission experience and musing about where our lives were headed.

Through long phone conversations from El Paso to Boston, our friendship clearly evolved into something more.

I had heard that true discernment is between two goods, but I wasn’t pre pared for the anguish of such choosing.

Steve was faith-filled, passionate, gentle, funny, committed to justice and deeply kind. If I were called to marriage, he would be the one.

And yet, discerning with the Sisters of Charity had set my heart afire in ways I couldn’t have imagined. What to do?

My heart tossed and turned all year with indecision between two paths. Eventually, with the help of an excel lent spiritual director and the selfless support of both Steve and the Sisters, I realized that although I loved Steve dearly, I simply couldn’t imagine my future as a wife and a mother.

Despite the cost, I sensed that reli gious life would allow my gifts to flour ish for the good of the world, and that brought breathtaking inner freedom. Somehow, my heart was made to love widely, in community with other women who felt the same uncommon call.

I entered the Sisters of Charity of Cin cinnati in 2012. More than a decade later, I marvel at what that first, fateful email to Sister Janet set in motion.

My curiosity met the Sisters’ radical hospitality, and my life changed forever. Sadly, in 2019, Sister Janet passed away too young after a long journey with cancer. I now serve my congregation as vocation director, as she did.

A photo of her smiles at me as I type this story, the twinkle in her eyes urging me forward and assuring me of God’s faith fulness. At the same time, another tab lies open on my laptop screen: the inbox for my vocations email account, ready to wel come those who come seeking.

Sister Tracy Kemme is a pastoral min ister and the vocation coordinator for her congregation, the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati. Follow her on Twitter @cincy scvocations.

LEAVEN PHOTO BY KATHRYN WHITE

Little Sister Candice of the Little Sisters of the Lamb receives Communion from Archbishop Joseph Naumann at a Mass celebrating consecrated life at Savior Pastoral Center on Oct. 1.

LEAVEN PHOTO BY KATHRYN WHITE

Sister M. Ruth Oropeza of the Sister of St. Francis of the Martyr St. George, left, and Sister Carmela Sanz of the Sisters, Servants of Mary greet Benedictine Sister Barbara McCracken at the Aug. 28 Religious Sisters Appreciation Day at St. Patrick Church in Kansas City, Kansas.

LEAVEN PHOTO BY KATHRYN WHITE

Sister Helen Therese Mack of the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth enjoys a laugh at Religious Sisters Appreciation Day at St. Patrick Church in Kansas City, Kansas, on Aug. 28.

Parish’s grief ministry created to help people cope with loss

By Katie Peterson Catholic News Service

NASHVILLE,

Tenn. (CNS)

— Grief is a natural part of life. Every person has their turn to experience the loss of a loved one.

The Catholic Church offers resourc es to help deal with the pain of such loss in healthy ways, and St. Edward Church in Nashville is establishing a grief min istry as a way to provide some of those resources to the faithful.

“One of the things that we encounter frequently as a church is funerals and, as the church, we have this beautiful funeral liturgy to offer after someone’s death,” said Father Andy Bulso, pastor of St. Edward.

“But it seemed like there was more that we could do, especially because of tentimes, the funeral is just the begin ning for the families,” he added. ”We wanted to continue to support people as they go through the grieving pro cess, which can last a really long time.”

“You never stop grieving,” he told the Tennessee Register, Nashville’s diocesan newspaper. “It just changes over time and goes through periods of more intensity.”

The parish’s new grief ministry begins with a three-part speaker series in November. The theme is “Suffering, Grief, Grace.”

“We’re really trusting the Holy Spirit, and where he’s going to lead us on this one. I don’t know fully what to expect and it’s going to be different for every person,” Father Bulso said. “Of tentimes, we don’t know what to say to support people or how to support them through loss and suffering, so I’m hoping this speaker series will be able to enlighten people in that situation as well.”

To prepare for this ministry, Father Bulso sent Julianne Staley, director of faith formation at St. Edward, to a grief and bereavement conference earlier this year in Denver.

“We knew that because it is such a sensitive area that it wasn’t something we could just sit down and do,” Father Bulso said. “That’s why I proposed to Ju lianne that we send her off to a confer ence for her own development to know how to start and guide one of these ministries.”

Staley learned a lot from the confer ence, she said, including the difference

between grief and mourning, what suf fering truly means, and that the grief process is not progressive and is differ ent for everybody.

She first approached Father Bulso about the idea of the grief ministry as she continued to walk through her own personal grief journey following the loss of her two brothers, Rick in 2013 and Michael in 2019.

“I’ve known for a long time that this is something that has been needed for the diocese,” Staley said. “When I first came to St. Edward, I expressed that.”

The Nashville Diocese and its Catho lic churches do “a beautiful job” in the funeral liturgy, she said.

“There are bereavement ministries

at each church, but there are not many efforts that are put forth to help those in the weeks, months and even years after to support them in their grief and mourning,” she added.

Father Bulso and Staley worked to gether to create the speaker series, scheduled to start Nov. 2, All Souls’ Day.

“The holidays are often a very diffi cult time for people who have experi enced significant losses in their lives because it’s one of those occasions that especially cause you to think about the loved ones you’ve lost and you miss them in a way that you wouldn’t neces sarily in day-to-day life,” Father Bulso said. “So we knew that it was an espe cially meaningful and significant time

to offer something like this.”

Starting it on All Souls’ Day, “the day we liturgically pray for the souls in purgatory,” he added, “seemed like per fect timing to tap into a liturgical event and at the same time be preparing for the holiday season.”

Staley wants the program “to offer support, to offer comfort and to offer hope because the No. 1 question people are going to ask is, ‘Is it ever going to get better’ because it hurts so much when you lose a loved one.”

“Everyone just wants that hope to know that it will be manageable one day, the pain of loss while we continue to live on earth and to live and honor that loved one until you meet again,” she said.

Teresa Yarbrough, a grief counsel or with Alive Hospice and one of the series’ speakers, said it is important to find healthy ways to deal with grief.

In this way, she explained, “we can progress through our grief journey intentionally and attentively the first time around instead of our emotions, mental challenges and spiritual ques tions returning at any point in time in our lives going forward and ‘coming out sideways’ or in unhealthy ways.”

She added, “Giving ourselves per mission to acknowledge our grief and recognize one another’s grief is a way of honoring our person(s) who have died as well as honoring those who are in mourning and grieving those deaths and life-changing events.”

The church does not shy away from the reality of grief, said Father John Hammond, judicial vicar and vicar general of the Nashville Diocese, who is another speaker in the series.

“Grief, sorrow, pain, loss, these things are a part of life,” Father Ham mond said. “It’s not for nothing that the central image and icon of our faith is a cross. It’s a painful experience of suffering and there’s a reason that it is front and center in our iconography and it’s the center of every church and hangs in every Christian home.”

“The cross is a reminder of the real ity that life is difficult. It involves pain and suffering and grief and hardship. But we’re not only people of the cross. We’re also people of the Resurrection,” he added.

“While we acknowledge the reality of sorrow and loss,” he said, “we also know that those things never get the last word.”

CNS PHOTO/BRENDAN MCDERMID, REUTERS

Mourners in Buffalo, New York, react May 15 while attending a vigil for victims of the shooting the day before at a TOPS supermarket. Authorities say the mass shooting that left 10 people dead was racially motivated.

CHILI AND BINGO

St. Patrick Parish

94th and State Ave., Kansas City, Kansas Nov. 5 at 6 p.m.

There will be chili, hot dogs, corn bread, dessert and drinks for $10. The cost for 10 games of bingo is $10. Call Fritz Vertz at (913) 515-0621 with questions.

THE KNIGHTS OF PETER CLAVER MASS HONORING FAMILY MEMBERS OF THE NOBLE ORDER

Our Lady & St. Rose Parish 2300 N. 8th St., Kansas City, Kansas Nov. 5 at 10 a.m.

The Knights of Peter Claver and the Knights of Peter Claver Ladies Auxiliary will honor family members of our Noble Order at a special Mass at Our Lady & St. Rose Church.

ANNUAL TURKEY DINNER

Annunciation Parish

213 E. 5th St., Frankfort Nov. 6 from 11 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Come enjoy a turkey dinner with all the trimmings. The cost is $14 for adults and $6 for kids ages 5 - 10. There will also be a country store with food items, crafts and handwork items.

Our lady of Unity fundraiser

Our Lady of Unity Parish

2646 S. 34th St., Kansas City, Kansas Ending Nov. 6

This is a major fundraiser for Our Lady of Unity Parish. For raffle tickets, call Sherry Johnson at (913) 207-0900 or Jolene Pryor at (913) 302-2575. The cost is $10 each or a book of 10 for $100 . First prize is $150; second prize is $1000; and third prize is $500. The drawing will be held after the 9:30 a.m. parish Mass on Nov. 6.

Parish mission

Mother Teresa of Calcutta Parish 2014 N.W. 46th St., Topeka

Nov. 6 - 9 at 6:30 p.m.

Father Peter Schavitz, a Redemptor ist priest from St. Louis, will be giving the retreat. Each night will feature a different topic and concludes with refreshments and fellowship in the parish hall. All are welcome to attend. Child care and chil dren’s liturgy activities will be available. For more information and to register, or to watch the mission online, visit the website at: mtcctopeka.org.

COMMUNION RAIL REDEDICATION

Blessed Sacrament Parish 2203 Parallel Ave., Kansas City, Kan sas

Nov. 8 at 6 p.m.

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann will bless and rededicate the restored original Communion rail. There will be a bilingual Mass followed by solemn sung vespers and a reception. For more information, contact the parish at (913) 321-1958 or send an email to: contact@blessedsacramentkck.org.

DAUGHTERS OF ISABELLA LITTLE FLOWER CIRCLE

Christ the King Parish (Yadrich Hall) 5972 S.W. 25th St., Topeka Nov. 13 at 1 p.m.

A memorial Mass will be followed by a business meeting and a potluck lunch. Family members are welcome to attend the Mass as their Sunday obligation as well as lunch. If anyone knows of a member or family member in need of the circle’s prayers, call Diana Ortiz at (785) 554-4256 or chancellor Gen Orozco at (785) 213-0374.

FALL CRAFT AND BAKE SALE

Mother Teresa of Calcutta Parish 2014 N.W. 46th St., Topeka Nov. 17 from 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Nov. 18 from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

There will be handcrafted items, baked goods, and a soup and cinnamon roll lunch served from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Two quilt raffles will be offered. Shop for Christmas!

mation, call Bob at (913) 850-3348.

‘FINDING GRATITUDE IN ALL THINGS: AN IGNATIAN DAY OF REFLECTION’

Savior Pastoral Center 12601 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, Kansas Nov. 12 from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Give yourself the gift of a mini-retreat with God. Father Derrick Weingartner, SJ, rector of the St. Peter Claver Jesuit Com munity of Kansas City, Missouri, will lead this retreat. Father Derrick will help retreat ants explore ways to connect with God through the gift of gratitude. There will be an opportunity to receive the sacrament of reconciliation near the end of the retreat. A continental breakfast and lunch are includ ed. For more information and to register, go online to: www.ignatiancenterkc.org/ events/2022/finding-gratitude.

‘HUMILITY’

Church of the Nativity (Magi Room) 3800 W. 119th St., Leawood Nov. 12 at 8:15 a.m. Dec. 3 at 8:15 a.m.

The Daughters of St. Francis de Sales invite women to learn more about its for mation for deepening and practicing ho liness in everyday life. Come reflect with us after Mass on the topic of “Humility” in the tradition of Salesian spirituality. All ma terials are provided, and coffee and light refreshments will be served. To attend, please contact Ruth Owens by email at: rowens4853@gmail.com, or call Barba ra McClung at (816) 535-4531 or send an email to: willabird1960@gmail.com. For more information, visit the website at: https://www.sfdsassociation.org/.

Rosary Sodality. The cost is $15 for one bingo card, a Polish sausage/kraut sand wich and drink. For more information, call Pam at (913) 787-7869.

PANCAKE BREAKFAST

St. Patrick Parish (center)

1086 N. 94th St., Kansas City, Kansas Nov. 20 from 8 - 11 a.m.

This Knights of Columbus Bicentennial Council 6781 pancake breakfast will fea ture pancakes, sausage, scrambled eggs, and biscuits and gravy. Juice and fresh coffee are included. There will also be ro saries for sale. Questions? Call Fritz at (913) 515-0621.

HISTORIC HOMES TOUR

St. Benedict School

201 Unity St., Atchison Nov. 19 from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Atchison’s Christmas historic homes tour, benefiting St. Benedict School, will include a tour of homes decked out for Christmas, along with a tour of the historic Muchnic Art Gallery where a Nativity set collection will be on display. A complimentary beverage will be served at the mobile coffee bar. Tickets also include a soup/sandwich/dessert lunch and a Christmas Market and bake sale served in the school’s commons. To purchase tickets, visit the website at: www.stbenedicthomestour. com or call (913) 462-3035.

ANNUAL GOLUMBKI DINNER

St. Casimir Parish (hall)

719 Pennsylvania Ave., Leavenworth Nov. 20 from noon - 3 p.m.

HOPS

’N’

DROPS - HAPPY HOUR FOR HUNGER

Redemptorist Center at Boulevard Brewing 2501 Southwest Blvd., Kansas City, Missouri Nov. 7 from 6 -9 p.m.

Join us for beer, wine and appetizers. Redemptorist Center constantly strives to combat hunger by providing food to those in need in our community. Tickets are available online at: eventbrite.com.

BINGO NIGHT

Sacred Heart Parish 2646 S. 34th St., Kansas City, Kansas Nov. 12 at 7 p.m.

The Sacred Hearts Knights of Colum bus will be hosting bingo for cash prizes. Refreshments will be sold. For more infor

ST. CECILIA CELEBRATION OF THE SACRED LITURGY

Savior Pastoral Center

12601 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, Kansas Nov. 18 at 6:30 p.m.

The Catholic Fine Arts Council invites everyone to the annual St. Cecilia Celebra tion of the Sacred Liturgy. Dr. Lucas Tappan, founder and director of the Most Pure Heart of Mary, Topeka, Schola Cantorum will be present for the celebration. Please RSVP to Mary Ann Caffrey at (913) 345-8210 or by email at: maryannpiano@sbcglobal.net.

TURKEY BINGO

All Saints Parish (hall) 809 Vermont, Kansas City, Kansas Nov. 19 at 6 p.m.

Turkey bingo is sponsored by the Holy

The St. Casimir Men’s Society will host this annual dinner. Takeout will be avail able beginning at 11 a.m. Tickets cost $12 for adults and $6 for children ages 12 and under. Come join your friends in Leaven worth for this traditional Polish feast. Meat loaf will also be served.

EAST HILL SINGERS IN CONCERT

St. Joseph Parish

11311 Johnson Dr., Shawnee Nov. 20 at 4 p.m.

Arts in Prison presents a concert from the East Hill Singers, the only men’s prison choir in the country to perform outside prison walls. Prisoners, former convicts and community members unite their voices for this program. Come and participate in this great corporal work of mercy. There is no cost to attend.

EMPLOYMENT

Parish life and formation office assistant Holy Spirit Church has an immediate opening for a new position. The duties include support across the en tire office in the areas of communication, data entry, stewardship, organization, marketing, volunteer coordinating, general office tasks, and assisting in planning and executing parish events, including our parish gala and our new marriage ministry events. This position is full time (part time is possible) and benefits eligible. Occasional nights and weekends are required. We are seeking a passionate and faith-filled Catholic to assist our parish staff team in bringing Christ to the world! To apply, please submit a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three professional references to Mr. Shaw Leach at: sleach@hscatholic.org.

Job fair - There will be a job fair at St. Joseph, Shaw nee, for individuals interested in working at the Ear ly Education Center, 11525 Johnson Dr., Shawnee on Saturday, Nov. 12, from 9 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. We are seeking individuals who would enjoy being in an atmosphere where they can help shape the growth of our young children. Positions are available for full-time and part-time teachers. This also includes a food service position. If you have questions, call (913) 248-4589 or email: tgavila@stjoeshawnee. org.

Cash disbursements specialist The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas is seeking a full-time cash disbursements specialist to work in the account ing department. This position is responsible for all aspects of the accounts payable function for the chancery offices, including processing payments for approved invoices and issuing appropriate tax forms to vendors. This position also has additional respon sibilities processing payroll. A bachelor’s degree in business administration or accounting with a work ing knowledge of accounts payable and payroll ac counting experience are preferred. For a complete job description and to apply for this position, please visit: archkck.org/jobs.

Digital marketing coordinator - Bishop Miege High School is seeking a digital marketing coordinator. This individual will have primary responsibility for website maintenance, social media strategy and ex ecution of digital marketing campaigns to advance  the mission and vision of the school, supporting both the admissions and development departments. The ideal candidate will be mission-driven with one - three   years of relevant website and digital marketing experience. Excellent benefits package, salary commensurate with experience. Interested candidates should send a resume and cover letter to Molly Peterson at: mpeterson@bishopmiege.com.

Sales coordinator - New Roots for Refugees, a program helping refugees start their own small farm businesses in Kansas City, is hiring a sales coordinator. This position will coordinate all sales outlets for New Roots farmers (farmers markets, wholesale and farm shares) and will be responsible for planning, forecasting and sales growth. If you have experience in sales, local food and farming, or restaurants, please check out our job description here and apply at: https://recruiting.paylocity.com/ Recruiting/Jobs/Details/939277.

Multimedia marketing specialist - Catholic Chari ties of Northeast Kansas is actively seeking an expe rienced multimedia marketing specialist to support and promote the agency’s mission of providing help, hope and hospitality to the most vulnerable. This position will be responsible for creating compelling visual stories of hope from those we serve, staff and volunteers, utilizing video, audio and photography. Must also be skilled in graphic design. To learn more or apply, visit: catholiccharitiesks.org and click on “Careers.”

Administrative assistant to the vicar generalThe Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph seeks to fill an administrative assistant position for the office of the vicar general for administration and chancellor. This position will provide professional support in the areas of communication (written and verbal), orga nization, record-keeping and general office tasks. This position is full time, benefit-eligible based on 40 hours per week, and offices in the chancery building in downtown Kansas City, Mo.

Administrative assistant - Queen of the Holy Rosa ry, Bucyrus, is seeking an administrative assistant for the parish. General assistance in many areas such as managing the church calendar, creating the bulletin, registering new families and other dayto-day office duties. The applicant will be working 30-35 hours per week with archdiocesan benefits. Please visit: https://archkck.org/jobs to apply for this position.

Early childhood educators – With multiple locations in Johnson County, Special Beginnings Early Learn ing Center provides high quality child care in a safe, loving Christian environment. Our classrooms are full, and we are looking to add to our amazing team. We are looking for both full-time and part-time teachers for all ages of children. If you have an excellent work ethic, a heart for children and a willingness to learn more about early childhood education, we would love to meet you. For more information or to apply, call Carolyn Andruss at (913) 894-0131, ext. 102.

School Advancement Program (SAP) consultantThe Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas is accept ing applications for a full-time School Advancement Program (SAP) consultant for the Catholic schools of fice. This position is responsible for consulting with school principals, board chairs, business teams, presidents and pastors on fundraising, develop ment, financial analysis and strategic planning. Preferred experience to include: sales, marketing, fundraising, grant and event planning. A working knowledge of Catholic school operations is helpful. Candidates should have strong interpersonal skills and an eagerness to promote Catholic education. Please visit: https://archkck.org/jobs to apply for this position.

Part-time companions needed - Perfect job for any kind-hearted, energetic person wanting to be a team player in a small growing family company. Must have reliable transportation. Job entails driving clients to appointments and running errands. Person must be personable, able to talk, do puzzles, play cards and entertain. We are not a hands-on caregiving com pany. Some clients may be standby assist. Driving around metro area may be required. Trip charge or mileage also given. Drug and background checks are mandatory. Call Jen at (913) 530-1795. Clarkson Companion Care.

Business manager - St. John the Evangelist Parish and School in Lawrence seeks a full-time business manager. The manager will administer the finances of the parish and school, and maintain accuracy of all financial operations. Applicants need computer/ new technologies competencies. Candidates with a degree in business/accounting with 1-3 years of experience or its equivalency, and bilingual (English and Spanish) are preferred. Please see full job de scription and requirements at: www.sjevangelist. com. This position is eligible for the archdiocesan benefits package. The position will be open until filled. Please send cover letter and resume to Father John at: frjohn@sjevangelist.com or 1229 Vermont St., Lawrence, KS 66044.

Director of faith formation - St. John the Evangelist Parish, Lawrence, is seeking a full-time director of faith formation. This person would develop, articu late and administer a vision and direction for parish faith formation programs. He/she would oversee all faith formation programs and evaluate their effec tiveness, and develop/implement ideas and pro grams that would be available for parishioners from womb to tomb. Ideal candidate will be a bilingual (English/Spanish), practicing Catholic who holds a degree in catechesis or theology and/or has equiv alent work experience relating to faith formation. This person would also have strong knowledge of Catholicism, inter-cultural competence in ministry, strong interpersonal skills, proven organizational and leadership skills, and computer/technology competencies. 2-4 years of parish ministry experi ence preferred. Please see full job description and requirements at: www.sjevangelist.com. This is a full-time position and eligible for the archdiocesan benefits package. The position will be open until filled. Please send cover letter and resume to Father John at: frjohn@sjevangelist.com (use DFF on sub ject line) or 1229 Vermont St., Lawrence, KS 66044.

Drivers and aides - Assisted Transportation is now hiring safe drivers and aides to transport students with special needs in Johnson, Wyandotte and Clay County, Missouri, in company vans. Drivers earn $14 - $16 per hour. Aides earn $12 per hour. Part-time and full-time schedules available. CDL not required. Retir ees encouraged to apply. Make a difference in your community by helping those in need. Call (913) 5214955 for more information. EEO

Faculty and adjunct faculty job openings - Donnel ly College, Kansas City, Kansas, a Catholic college offering higher education for those who may not otherwise be served. Adjunct faculty job openings include: biology; clinical nursing, math; information systems coordinator. Faculty job opening available for the nursing school. Find job descriptions and de tails at: www.donnelly.edu/careers.

Custodian - Bishop Miege is seeking a FT eveningshift custodian. Hours are M - F, 3:30 p.m. – mid night, with occasional days and weekends. The cus todian will maintain cleanliness of school building and grounds, and ensure a safe and pleasant learn ing environment for students, staff and the public. Duties include, but are not limited to, general house keeping and sanitation duties, event setup and light maintenance. Candidate must be able to navigate stairs, stand for extended periods and lift 50 lbs. regularly. Must have good communication skills and be able to relate positively and cooperatively with staff, students and the community. Send resume to Ryan Wrigley, 5041 Reinhardt Dr., Shawnee Mission KS 66205, or email to: rwrigley@bishopmiege.com.

Investigator/auditor - The office for protection and care (OPC) is seeking a full-time investigator/ auditor. The investigator/auditor is responsible for investigating allegations of abuse by persons of au thority in the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas. This is a safety-sensitive position, exercising a high degree of discretion. The investigator/auditor will operate under the guidelines set forth in the poli cies of the archdiocese and will collaborate with the director of the OPC and the victim care advocate. For a complete job description and to apply for this position, please visit: https://archkck.org/jobs .

Parish business manager - St. Ann Parish in Prai rie Village is seeking a full-time business manager to oversee all financial, human resource and other administrative aspects of the parish. The position will have responsibilities for budgeting, financial reporting and cash flow management, as well as managing the human resource and IT functions. The individual will work closely with the pastor, school principal and young child care director regarding financial, human resource and other administrative matters, and positively interact with volunteers and parishioners to support the parish mission. The suc cessful candidate will have a business-related or human resource degree with a working knowledge of accounting principles and practices. The ideal candidate will also be a proactive, team-oriented leader and possess strong communication and in terpersonal skills. The position should have at least five years of demonstrated supervisory experience. A complete job description can be found at: www. stannpv.org. Interested candidates should email a cover letter and resume to Father Craig Maxim at: frcraig@stannpv.org.

Early childhood position - Wonderful opportunity for adults interested in working with young children! Catholic preschool seeks caring individuals to work with children in our three-year-olds classes. Position is part time. Great working conditions and immedi ate benefits. Call Ms. Theresa, director, at (913) 2484589, or email: tgavila@stjoeshawnee.org.

Custodian - The Church of Nativity Catholic Parish School has an immediate opening for a full-time hourly custodian. Qualified applicants should have prior custodial experience, specifically in a school environment, and must be able to work 7 a.m. – 3 p.m. shift with some holiday work expected. Appli cants must have compatible work history, references, dependable transportation and be willing to partici pate in a background check. Compensation of $17 to $19 per hour will depend on experience, negotiable with the right qualifications. The Church of Nativity is located just west of 119th and State Line in Leawood. Nativity offers a comprehensive benefit program in cluding medical, dental, vision, vacation and 401(k). Interested applicants should email resumes and work history to: jobapplication@kcnativity.org. Resumes welcome by fax or mail. No phone calls please. Fax: (913) 491-5065; mail to: Church of the Nativity, Attn: Custodial Position, 3800 W. 119th St., Leawood, KS 66209.

Maintenance technician - Curé of Ars Parish in Leawood is looking for a full-time maintenance technician with a strong work ethic. We prefer a candidate with general knowledge in electrical, plumbing, maintenance and grounds keeping. This position also includes setting up for events. A main tenance technician is a thorough professional with attention to detail. The ideal candidate will be able to work autonomously and responsibly. The candi date needs to be able to lift 50 pounds and work on a ladder or lift. All employees are required to be Vir tus trained and background checked. This position may include some weekend and evenings as need ed. Competitive pay, including benefits, vacation/ sick time and 401(k) match. Interested candidates should send a resume to the facilities director at: matt.rocca@cureofars.com.

Assistant director - Prince of Peace Early Educa tion Center is seeking a highly qualified, flexible, resourceful, self-starter for our assistant director. The ideal candidate has previous teaching/admin istrative experience and demonstrates excellent communication skills with staff and parents. Job requirements: All applicants must meet the follow ing requirements in order to be considered for hire: a minimum of six months or more teaching in a li censed child care center with proof of work; have a BA/BS or higher in early childhood education or related field with 12 or more college credit hours in early childhood education. We offer competitive pay. Benefits include: paid vacation and sick time; paid holidays; 401(k) match, and health, vision, dental, life, as well as short- and long-term disability insurance. To apply or for more information, call Ja mie at (913) 829-2718 or email: jwessel@popolathe. org.

Director of liturgy and music - St. Ann Church in Prairie Village is seeking a director of liturgy and music to facilitate worship experiences that cele brate and strengthen our parishioners’ faith journey. This position serves as the principal musician and choir director for the parish and assists the pastor in liturgy planning. The director is responsible for: playing the organ and/or piano at weekend, school and holy day Masses; recruiting and directing adult, children and hand-bell choirs; training cantors; and providing art and environment direction. The direc tor will also assist the pastor and families in planning funerals and weddings. The director must be flexi ble and work well with staff and parishioners. Hours are negotiable. The qualified candidate should be a practicing Catholic; have a bachelor’s degree in mu sic or equivalent program of study; and have prior experience as a music director. Please email your resume with cover letter to: bschafer@stannpv.org.

Part-time custodians - Bishop Miege is seeking to hire two part-time night custodial technicians for the north campus facility. One position is M - F, 7 p.m. - 1 a.m.; the second position is Saturday/Sunday, 9 p.m. - 2 a.m. Contact Ryan Wrigley for more information or to apply. Email: rwrigley@bishopmiege.com.

Coaches - Bishop Miege High School is seeking coaches in the following sports for the 2022-23 winter season: assistant bowling and assistant boys wrestling. Contact Joe Schramp, athletic director, at: jschramp@bishopmiege.com or (913) 222-5802.

Staff job openings - Donnelly College in Kansas City, Kansas, has the following staff job openings avail able: admissions counselor; system administrator; advancement officer; business curriculum coordi nator and director of strategic enrollment; financial aid counselor; part-time accounting assistant and vice-president of business affairs/CFO chief financial officer. Find job descriptions and details at: www. donnelly.edu/careers.

Part-time maintenance/custodian - St. Joseph Parish in Shawnee is looking for a part-time main tenance/custodian person. Position is four hours a day and five days a week. Qualified applicants will primarily work in a school and early education envi ronment. Applicants must have similar work history, references, dependable transportation, be Virtustrained or attend a Virtus training, and participate in a background check. Interested applicants should email resumes to: mthomas@stjoeshawnee.org or call (913) 631-0800.

Stylists needed - Are you addicted to the TV show “Say Yes to the Dress”? Are you self-motivated, love fashion and enjoy helping people look their best? If so, we want to talk to you! Sincerely Susan, a unique des tination shop boutique is a warehouse environment where clients come in by appointment only. You must have a sense of style and a great personality to be able to interact with our “moms.” Hours are flexible. Must be willing to work a minimum of one evening per week and weekends. Must be able to stand and walk on con crete for long periods of time and reach overhead to pull gowns. Previous retail experience preferred, but not necessary. Hourly rate is based on experience. If interested, call (913) 730-8840.

Bilingual counselor needed - The Keeler Women’s Center, located at 759 Vermont Ave., Suite 100-B, in Kansas City, Kansas, is seeking a Spanish-speaking counselor. Please contact Sister Bridget Dickason, OSB, at (913) 689-9375 or email: kwc@mountosb.org.

Caregivers - Daughters & Company is looking for several compassionate caregivers to provide assis tance to seniors in their home, assisted living or in a skilled nursing facility. We provide light housekeep ing/light meal preparation, organizational assistance, care management and occasional transportation ser vices for our clients. We need caregivers with reliable transportation and a cellphone for communication. A CNA background is helpful, though not mandato ry. We typically employ on a part-time basis, but will strive to match up hours desired. Contact Gary or Laurie at (913) 341-2500 if you want to become part of an excellent caregiving team.

Extended day care position - Holy Spirit Catholic School in Overland Park is seeking an enthusiastic person to be the group leader in our after-school care program. This well-established program runs from 3 - 5:45 p.m. each school day. We are looking for a faith-filled, responsible, organized and creative person. Applicants should have knowledge of child development and be able to implement age-appro priate activities. The ability to communicate clearly with children, colleagues and parents is most import ant in order to foster positive relationships. Appli cants must attend Virtus training, ongoing childcare training and be at least 18 years old. Contact Tessa Piscitello at (913) 492-2582 or email: tpiscitello@hs catholic.org for more information.

Teacher - Teacher needed to fill a position in St. Jo seph, Shawnee, Early Education Center with the twoand-a-half year olds. Related experience is preferred, and candidate must meet state and local require ments. Submit resume to: tgavila@stjoeshawnee.org. Questions? Call (913) 248-4589, ext. 4589

Nurses and nurse aides - The Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth are currently seeking full- and parttime registered nurses, licensed practical nurses and certified nurse aides at our beautiful long-term care facility. Our private nursing facility offers a quiet and pleasant working environment plus low resident (Sisters only!) to staff ratios! We offer a generous paid time off and benefits package, which includes Blue Cross/Blue Shield health insurance for as low as $90/month! Work 36 hours a week and get paid for 40, plus you’ll receive shift differentials and bonuses! To apply, please email your resume to: recruiting@scls.org or visit our website at: scls.org.

Administrative assistant - St. Joseph Parish, Shaw nee, is seeking a full-time administrative assistant. Interested individuals should mail cover letter and resume to the attention of the pastor at St. Joseph Parish, 5901 Flint St., Shawnee, KS 66203 or by email to: frscott@stjoeshawnee.org. For more infor mation, you can call (913) 631-5983.

FOR SALE

Residential lifts - New and recycled. Stair lifts, porch lifts, ceiling lifts and elevators. St. Michael’s parishio ners. KC Lift & Elevator at (913) 327-5557. (Formerly Silver Cross - KC).

For sale - Authentic Hummel figurines, plates and bells at a discounted price. Call and leave a message: (913) 999-9922.

For sale - 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe with 239K km (148.5K miles) and a couple of little problems; needs new owner who can repair and appreciate it. Dents in one door, leaks oil, but a steal for $5500 or best offer. One owner, no wrecks. Photos, details available. Text (913) 948-3127 for more information.

For sale - Four plots at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, section B; spaces 1, 2, 3 and 4 at the end of the row. Easy to get to. Selling for $3500 - $4000 each, but will negotiate. Call (913) 721-1558 or (816) 215-0352.

For sale - Double glass-front niche in the main cor ridor and the Holy Trinity mausoleum, Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Topeka. Asking $7000.00. Call Alisson at (316) 304-2839.

For sale - Double marble niche at Resurrection Cem etery in Lenexa. Tier G2, niche 436. Valued at $6185, asking $5985. Call (785) 766-2193.

HOME IMPROVEMENT

Local handyman - Painting int. and ext., wood rot, masonry (chimney repair), gutter cleaning (gutter covers), dryer vent cleaning, sump pump (replace, add new), windows, doors (interior and exterior) honey-do list, window cleaning and more! Member of Holy Angels Parish, Basehor. Call Billy at (913) 9274118.

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) 5791835. Email: smokeycabin@hotmail.com. Member of Holy Trinity, Lenexa.

Popcorn ceiling texture removal Interior painting Call Jerry at (913) 206-1144. 30 years’ experience. Member St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee.

Gearing up for spring! We now offer financing on all your home improvement projects with approved credit. Here is a list of the construction services I offer: floor ing; tile; interior/exterior painting, as well as deck and fence staining; ceiling scraping/re-texturing; bathroom, kitchen and basement remodeling; siding; decks and covered porches. We also do cabinet refinishing! Look me up on Facebook at “Father & Son Home Exteriors & Remodeling.” I work on all jobs, no subcontractors. Thank you to all my clients! (913) 709-7230.

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

PILGRIMAGE

Pilgrimage to Medjugorje - March 14 - 22, 2023. The cost is $2500 per person, which includes airfare, bus transportation, accommodations, two meals per day and daily local guides. Hosted by visionary Mirjana Sol do. For details, call Grace Legaspi at (913) 449-1806.

SERVICES

Housecleaning/organization - Looking for a house cleaner or someone to help with organization tasks? Call Molly or Mark at (913) 238-6687. Members of St. Joseph Parish in Shawnee.

Memory quilts - Preserve your memories in a keep sake quality quilt, pillows, etc. Custom designed from your T-shirt collection, baby clothes, sports memora bilia, neckties . . . Quilted Memories. (913) 649-2704.

Handyman - Home repair; skilled labor; remodeling; handyman work done in a timely manner. References available on request. Call Jeff Mauk at (913) 915-4738.

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

ACT Prep Founded by a Bishop Miege graduate, Pathway Prep has helped over 250 students during the last four years improve their scores. In-person or virtual sessions available. For more information, visit: pathwayprepkc.com and contact Alex Pint at (913) 991-8217 or: alex@pathwayprepkc.com.

Custom countertops - Laminates installed within 5 days. Cambria, granite and solid surface. Competitive prices, dependable work. Call the Top Shop, Inc., at (913) 962-5058. Members of St. Joseph, Shawnee.

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, Shaw nee, parishioner. Call Mike at (913) 927-4347 or send an email to: mike@mikehammermoving.com.

Catholic counseling - For individuals, couples, fam ilies, adolescents and young adults. Sam Meier, MA, LPC. Call (913) 952-2267 or book an appointment at: StillwatersKC.com, in-person or Telehealth.

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 Sa cred Heart Parish, Shawnee.

Wanted to buy - Do you have a car or truck that you need to get rid of? If you do, CALL ME! I’m a cash buyer. We’re Holy Trinity parishioners. My name is Mark. (913) 980-4905.

CAREGIVING

Family member with dementia or need help at home? - We specialize in helping seniors live SAFE LY at home, where they want to live! We also offer free dementia training and resources for families and caregivers. Benefits of Home - Senior Care, www. Benefitsofhome.com or call (913) 422-1591.

Christian private duty care – Retired nurse with years of experience. Day-to-day general care. I’m a reliable, trustworthy, positive person. References available. COVID and flu vaccines. Prefer southern Johnson County. Call Barbie at (913) 645-3779.

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

REAL ESTATE

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 commis sions and can close on the date of your choice. Sell ing your house has never felt so good. Jon & Stacy Bichelmeyer (913) 599-5000.

WE WANT TO BUY YOUR HOUSE - There are so many new companies in town advertising to buy houses. But we’re the only ones that have been here and we’re local Holy Trinity parishioners. I will give you a fair price on any conditions you are up against. Call Mark Edmondson. (913) 980-4905.

Make the ‘write’ move this November

Nov. 6

THIRTY-SECOND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY

TIME

2 Mc 7: 1-2, 9-14

Ps 17: 1, 5-6, 8, 15

2 Thes 2:16 – 3:5

Lk 20: 27-38

Nov. 7

Monday

Ti 1: 1-9

Ps 24: 1b-4b, 5-6

Lk 17: 1-6

Nov. 8

Tuesday

Ti 2: 1-8, 11-14

Ps 37: 3-4, 18, 23, 27, 29 Lk 17: 7-10

Nov. 9

THE DEDICATION OF THE LATERAN BASILICA

Ez 47: 1-2, 8-9, 12

Ps 46: 2-3, 5-6, 8-9

1 Cor 3: 9c-11, 16-17

Jn 2: 13-22

Nov. 10

Leo the Great, pope, doctor of the church

Phlm 7-20

Ps 146: 7-10 Lk 17: 20-25

Nov. 11

Martin of Tours, bishop 2 Jn 4-9

Ps 119: 1-2, 10-11, 17-18 Lk 17: 26-37

Nov. 12

Josaphat, bishop, martyr 3 Jn 5-8

Ps 112: 1-6

Lk 18: 1-8

COLETTE OF CORBIE

1381-1447

Born Nicolette Boellet in France, this reforming saint preferred Colette, her nickname. She en tered and left several religious orders, then lived as an anchorite, or hermit, for three years. Eventually, she dis cerned that God wanted her to return Franciscan religious to their origi nal rule of strict poverty. She was empowered in her reforms by the schismatic Benedict XIII, recognized in France as pope. Considered the founder of the Colettine Poor Clares, Colette also helped inaugurate re forms among Franciscan friars. She spent every Friday fasting and medi tating on Christ’s passion. After reportedly saving the life of a woman dying in childbirth, Colette was considered a patron of expectant mothers.

There’s

a delight ful story about a husband and wife in their late 90s who were both becoming extremely forgetful.

For example, the husband would forget where he put his glass es. So, he’d go from room to room search ing for them, only to forget what he was looking for. Similarly, the wife would head to the store for butter but would forget exactly what she was shopping for once she got there.

One evening, while watching TV, the husband stood up and the following dialogue took place:

She: Where are you going?

He: To get snacks. It’s my turn.

She: I want a hot fudge sundae. Write it down!

He: I don’t have to write it down.

She: And put nuts on it. Write it down!

He: I don’t have to write it down.

She: And whipped cream on top. Write it

FATHER MARK GOLDASICH

MARK MY WORDS

members and friends who have died, but I suspect that we don’t remember them as often as we should.

down!

He: I don’t have to write it down.

So, the husband left to get the snacks. When he returned, he presented his wife with a plate of bacon and eggs.

She: Tsk, and where’s the toast?!? (Story adapted from “The Forgetful Couple,” found in William J. Bausch’s “A World of Stories for Preachers and Teachers.”)

The older I get, the more I see the wis dom of writing things down! It’s so easy to forget — not just incidental things like snacks, but the truly important things.

One of the heart warming practices that many parishes do during November is a Book of Remembrance. There, parishioners are invited to write down the names of loved ones who have died. At my parish, we then read a good section of those names during the prayer of the faithful at daily Mass.

Honestly, I don’t think that we’d ever to tally forget our family

In last week’s Leaven center spread (pages 8 and 9), we highlighted the role of holy cards in our prayer life. Many of those cards are in memory of people who have died. I make it a point to pick one up at each funeral I celebrate because it helps me to pray and remember, especially during this month dedicated to the faithful departed.

I inherited my mom’s stack of holy cards at her death. Many were so worn out from being han dled that they had to be sealed in plastic to preserve them. Her cards reminded me of a slew of people that I knew but had forgot ten about. Those names are now added to my prayer list.

Here are a few sug gestions for making this month a holy time. If you have holy cards, bring them out and

make them the focus of your prayer. Call to mind a special memo ry of each person and how he or she touched your life.

Secondly, haul out another type of “holy picture”: family pho tos, especially those featuring loved ones who have died. Share treasured memories of folks pictured there with friends and even younger family mem bers who may not have known them in life.

Lastly, create a Book of Remembrance in your home. Begin by writing down the names of immediate family members who have passed away and then gradually expand the circle to extended family, close friends, classmates, teachers, coaches, roommates and neighbors. You might be surprised by how many people you now know “on the other side of life.”

Yes, anytime we remember those who have gone before us is always the “write” move.

Despairing? Pray that God turns you toward his love

Our second reading this Sunday, from St. Paul, speaks of encouragement. To discern its relevance for us, we might begin by thinking about what puts us in need of en couraging.

Well, obviously there’s fear. And wea riness.

More subtle and maybe harder to deal with is simply what we might call discour agement. The loss of hope that things will work out. The feeling that nothing we do will make a difference. The draining away of any impetus to act. A shad ow in the heart.

What helps when we’re discouraged?

Different things in different situations.

KEVIN PERROTTA

give up.” Or, “You have a gift for this. People can see it.” Or, “Everyone finds this hard at first.” Or, “Of course, you’re not doing a perfect job, but imperfect is better than nothing.”

But there are some discouragements to which no cheering words seem to corre spond.

fail at something we worked for for years.

When the evil we confront in family or church or world is big and getting bigger, and we can’t change it.

When we suffer chronic pain, disabil ity, the constricting limitations of getting old. When we are dis appointed with some one we love — a friend, a child, a spouse. When we witness cruelty.

When we are abused.

Then what can anyone say? “God isn’t finished with this situa tion”? “God works to the good in everything”?

our discouragement stems, at least partly, from feeling that God is not present and active?

Something Paul says speaks to us about this. He expresses his wish that “our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father” would encourage us. And he concludes his wish by saying, “May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the endurance of Christ.”

Sometimes, it helps to have someone remind us, “I’m in this with you.”

Or, “You’re accomplish ing something. Don’t

When we feel stuck as a square peg in a round hole in our job. When our financial problems seem in escapable. When we

Yes. But the question is whether we find such pointers toward God helpful.

I suppose that de pends on where we’re at with God. What if

In the deepest place within us, our “hearts,” God can direct us toward himself. In the place where discour agement takes hold, God can turn us toward his love for us.

This is not some thing that we do, or can do. It is something God does, to which we respond.

Sadness can serve as ‘alarm bell’ for life, pope says

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Feelings of desolation and sadness are not signs of trials that may discourage Christians; they can be indispens able signs that point to dangers along the path toward happiness, Pope Francis said.

Although many consider sad ness “an ill to avoid at all costs,” Christians should see it as “an indispensable

alarm bell for life, inviting us to ex plore richer and more fertile land scapes that transience and escapism do not permit,” the pope said Oct. 26 during his weekly general audi ence.

Sadness “is indispensable for our health,” he said. “It protects us from harming ourselves and others. It would be far more serious and dangerous if we did not feel this.”

The pope continued his series of

audience talks on spiritual discern ment, reflecting on desolation and the role it plays in Christian life.

Recalling the words of St. Ignati us of Loyola, Pope Francis defined desolation as the “darkness of the soul” and the “unquiet of different agitations and temptations” that lead one to becoming “lazy, tepid, sad, as if separated from his or her creator and Lord.”

Father Mark is the pastor of Sa cred Heart Parish in Tonganoxie. He has been editor of The Leaven since 1989.

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

Do you draw others closer to the source of your strength?

Areyou a ther mometer or thermostat?

Thermom eters tell or announce the temperature of a place. Thermostats control or attempt to control the tempera ture of a given area.

Catholic marriages have the opportunity to be a thermostat in the experience of sacramental marriage and family life. Catholic marriage is intended to be tied to powerful weather-makers: Eu charist, prayer, rec onciliation, the other sacraments and — most importantly — the living persons of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

These weathermakers, when called

DEACON DANA NEARMYER

SEEKING CHRIST’S HEART

announce or tell the temperature. In a family, especially in a crisis situation, it is only initially helpful to announce an escalating crisis. Announcing a known crisis repeat edly is annoying and stress-inducing.

refers to this as leading a prayer, care and share lifestyle. Catholic ther mostats pray, care and share, generally in that order, so God is always first in our thoughts and decision-making, in how we care and in what and how we share.

us moment by moment to share in our life journey.

4. Every Mass that is celebrated includes a prayer that God will gather to himself all of his children scattered throughout the world.

upon and embraced, can bring peace and stability to situations that are chaotic and turbulent. Thermo stats can call upon

these supernatural weather-makers and their Christian communities to wrap around their families and friends to initiate healing and resto ration in times of bro kenness and trauma.

Thermostats usually contain thermome ters to evaluate which resources to tap into; thermometers only

Couples that are ac tive in their Christian spiritual life can both be especially effective thermostats. They can demonstrate and wit ness vitality and calm through extreme trials. Their prayers, acts of compassion and giving praise to God for their accomplishments draw those around them closer to the source of their strength: Jesus Christ.

The archdiocesan office of evangelization

Is someone just waiting for you to

Asa laywom an, I left the Cursillo weekend with an awareness that God had something for me to do with my life.

His whisper in the depths of my heart during one of the weekend’s last talks was almost impercep tible, but it was real. Waiting on him for clarity, I returned to my workplace at our city’s newspaper and to my parish communi ty with greater joy and zeal.

Not long after the retreat, observing a change in my life, Patsy, a fellow reporter and lifelong Baptist, said out of the blue,

SET APART

SISTER

ACKERMAN, FSGM

“Terri, you are getting more involved in your church. Have you ever

thought about becom ing a Sister?”

My response was as swift as it was emphat ic, “No way!”

As a child, my nun doll interested me only because her head was bald under the veil. The movie, “The Singing Nun,” made me want to learn how

The Catholic bishops of the United States want every Catholic to believe that Jesus is truly present in the Eucharist, and for us to experience eucharistic amazement. Key points are:

1. Jesus loves each one of us.

2. Jesus gives himself as a eucharistic miracle every day, and we are invited to participate.

3. Father, Son and Holy Spirit deeply desire to connect with

5. Jesus comes to us through the broken body of the Eucharist. Only God’s mercy can heal the brokenness of our human choices.

6. God’s love cannot be undone, even in our brokenness. He patient ly waits to be invited into our life.

With Jesus at our side, we can all bless our relationships by being thermostats. Please go online to: archkck.org/revival to learn more.

start the conversation?

to play the guitar and sing. I was awed when our family station wag on passed a car filled with habited nuns.

But no, not once had I ever considered religious life. Not until that moment.

Patsy’s question planted a seed in my heart which started to grow. I truly began to consider the possibil ity of being a Sister. It was not what I had wanted in life, so I told God he would have to give me a sign. A clear one.

At the end of the month, I traveled to visit my grand mother. On my way out the door to the Saturday afternoon

Mass, I picked up the TV Guide to see what would be on when I returned.

A program at 6 p.m. jumped out at me! “Sister Terri” was billed as a one-time pilot program about a former gang member who gave up her ways to become a nun. Her name was spelled like mine, but that is where the similarities ended!

Surely God deliv ered the sign with a smile on his face. He also whispered a little louder this time: “I have called you by name: you are mine” (Is 43:1).

Next week, the church in the Unit ed States celebrates

National Vocation Awareness Week. Maybe this would be a perfect time for you to ask a young man or woman — perhaps someone in your family, your classroom or your parish — the question: “Have you ever thought about becoming a priest?” Or “Have you ever consid ered religious life?”

For some young people, you may be the very instrument God uses to plant an important seed within their hearts. Or maybe the desire has already sprouted, and they are simply waiting for you to ask the question and start the conversation.

Catholic education guides young student philosophers to the truth

Thisis a contin uation of my article on truth from Sept. 30.

A lesson that a the ology teacher in one of our archdiocesan high schools taught at the beginning of this year was recently shared with me.

Prior to the stu dents coming into the classroom, the teacher simply wrote on the board at the front of the room the quote: “Is everything in the Bible true?” Imagine the discussion that ensued as 20 teenagers dis cussed this simple yet profound question.

Although “yes” would be the short

FROM THE SUPER

VINCE CASCONE

answer, the students went on to discuss such things as whether or not the writers of the books of the Bible were inspired by God,

if all things in the Bible should be taken literal ly and what is “truth.”

As Catholics, we believe Jesus is “the way and the truth and the life” (Jn 14:6). We all know the saying: “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.”

However, relativism is the philosophy that

reality is in the eye of the beholder as well. Relativism has created such quotes as: “You have your truth and I have my truth.” Rela tivism, by its nature, creates confusion regarding any objective truth.

When we allow emo tions to be our masters and not primarily the guides they are meant to be, we can get caught in a relativistic world that is perpetually confused by the same question Pontius Pilate famously asked as he looked in to the eyes of Jesus, “What is truth?” (Jn 18:38).

Philosophy is defined as “the study of the fundamental

nature of knowledge, reality and existence.”

Philosophy is what causes humans to seek the truth.

As St. John Paul II said, “The human being by nature is a philoso pher” (“Fides et Ratio,” 64). We have a natural desire to seek knowl edge and the truth and to try to understand the purpose of our existence.

Can you imagine the confusion our young people must feel as their innate desire for knowledge and truth collides with the force of a culture that strug gles to define such obvi ous objective truths such as the definition of what a woman or a

man is?

Our Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas strive to work with parents as the prima ry educators of their children, to help our young natural student philosophers to see the truth. We do this by helping them to see truth, beauty and goodness in the world around them.

One only needs to examine such things as the beauty and complexity of the vast universe or the tiny cells that make up the wonder of the human body to see the truth that a great Architect exists.

Deacon Dana Nearmyer is the director of evangelization for the archdiocese.

EVA-MARIA

Sister Eva-Maria Ackerman, FSGM, is the Delegate for Reli gious and Consecrated Life for the archdiocese.

Vince Cascone is the superinten dent of archdiocesan schools.

PRAYER BUDDIES

James “Jim” and Maryellen Lind, members of Sacred Heart-St. Joseph Parish, Topeka, will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary on Nov. 10 with an 8 a.m. Mass and blessing at Sacred Heart Church, Topeka. The couple was married on Nov. 10, 1962, at St. Joseph and St. Anne Church, Chicago. Their children are: James Lind Jr. (deceased), Kevin Lind, Michele Ko erperich and Juliann Harvey. They also have 11 grandchildren.

Ray and Joyce Reynolds, members of Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, Shawnee, cele brated their 70th wedding anni versary on Nov. 1. A family dinner is planned for Nov. 12. Their children are: Mark Reynolds, Marcia Mc Cullough, Janis Schuberger and Eric Reynolds. They also have 14 grandchil dren and 19 great-grandchildren.

— Photos by Jay Soldner