THELEAVEN.ORG | VOL. 45, NO. 15 | NOVEMBER 17, 2023
‘Your word is a
LAMP FOR MY FEET, And a light to my path’ — Ps 119:105
When Mount St. Scholastica was founded in Atchison on Nov. 11, 1863, threats were made against the fledgling community. So that night, two men kept a lantern vigil outside the convent to ensure the seven Sisters’ safety. The lantern remains a symbol of the protection and partnership of the Sisters and the lay faithful.
Novice Dorothy Herring, a member of the Benedictine Sisters community, leads the lantern procession from Benedictine College in Atchison to Mount St. Scholastica Monastery to commemorate the 160th anniversary of the Benedictine Sisters’ arrival in Atchison. Assisting her by illuminating her paper is Meredith Doyle, director of service learning at Benedictine College, and one of the event organizers.
Sisters, supporters re-enact lantern procession from the founding of Mount St. Scholastica STORY BY JACK FIGGE / PHOTOS BY JD BENNING
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TCHISON — A family of seven eagerly waved from the Holiday Inn’s hallway window, trying to attract the attention of the 40 pilgrims carrying lanterns across the Fifth Street bridge. One pilgrim, Ronald Rodenbaugh, seeing that it was his grandchildren waving, held his lantern high above his head and waved back. Rodenbaugh and the other pilgrims were marching from Benedictine College in Atchison to Mount St. Scholastica Monastery to commemorate the 160th anniversary of the Benedictine Sisters’ arrival in Atchison.
Hostile beginning Seven Sisters arrived in the tiny town on the Missouri River in 1863, where they were met with hostility and violence. Local citizens were opposed to having a group of Catholic Sisters settle in the town. Threatening to burn down the Sisters’ new convent and chase them out of town, Lambert Halling and James Kennedy, employees of St. Benedict’s Abbey, led the Sisters to safety with lanterns. In her opening talk, delivered before the march, Sister Judith Sutera, OSB, reflected on the >> See “TONIGHT” on page 4
2 LOCAL NEWS
NOVEMBER 17, 2023 | THELEAVEN.ORG
Archbishop’s column Are you looking for Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann’s column? If so, turn to page 7 where it is part of the archdiocesan financial report.
ARCHBISHOP NAUMANN’S CALENDAR Nov. 17 St. Cecilia Mass and reception — St. Michael the Archangel, Leawood Nov. 18 Susan Pieper consecration of virgin living in the world Nov. 19 Crosier Mass — Savior Pastoral Center Mass and St. Philippine Award presentation — Sacred Heart, Mound City Nov. 20 “Shepherd’s Voice” recording — chancery Visit to juvenile correctional facility — Topeka LEAVEN PHOTO BY KATHRYN WHITE
Michelle Gavin, principal of Holy Trinity School in Paola, teaches eighth grade algebra students. Last year, Holy Trinity received more than $15,000 in GivingTuesday donations for its STEM program. This year, the school hopes to raise $20,000 for a new math program.
GivingTuesday offers people the chance to donate to a specific cause By Moira Cullings moira.cullings@theleaven.org
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ANSAS CITY, Kan. — Parishioners at Sacred Heart Church in Leavenworth are eager to attend Mass as a community. But several are physically unable to do so due to the church’s accessibility issues. “In order to get into the nave of the church, you have to go [up] stairs,” said Chelsie Murphree, business manager at Sacred Heart-St. Casimir Parish. “Our population is very elderly,” she continued. “We’ve actually lost parishioners over the last couple years who’ve gone to other parishes because there’s no stairs [there]. They can walk right in and out.” Those who have remained watch Mass on a livestream video in the church hall and have Communion brought to them. Sacred Heart wants to bring all of its parishioners home. That’s why the parish is participating in GivingTuesday on Nov. 28. The annual movement is a way for organizations across the globe to raise funds for a variety of causes. Sacred Heart hopes to raise $50,000 so it can add a two-person elevator lift in the church hall and a chair rail up the hall steps. It will also fix its outdoor ramp. “The main focus is to get more people in the door of the church,” said Murphree. “We hope this will bring [everyone] back.” Jane Schmitt, director of development for the Catholic Foundation of Northeast Kansas (CFNEK), said GivingTuesday attracts a wide range of supporters, including young adults. “Started in 2012,” said Schmitt, “GivingTuesday has become a global day dedicated to generosity fueled
How to give The GivingTuesday donation platform opens on the day before Thanksgiving, Nov. 22, and closes at the end of the business day on Dec. 4. Users can access the giving platform from the homepage of CFNEK’s website at: cfnek.org. Donors will have the option of giving by credit card on the website; through mobile giving with text to give; or by scanning a QR code for direct access to a crowdfunding page. Many parishes, schools and other ministries accept walk-in donations for those who prefer to donate by cash or check.
by the power of social media, collaboration and a lot of publicity. “GivingTuesday also kicks off the charitable season when many focus on their holiday and end-of-year giving.” Held the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, donors have the opportunity put their gratitude into action by giving back to causes they care about from the comfort of their own homes. Last year, GivingTuesday generated $3.1 billion for nonprofits, said Schmitt, with 37 million people making a donation to the campaign of their choice, and 28% of the contributions coming from mobile devices. “Faith-based nonprofits now receive the largest percentage of GivingTuesday online donations,” Schmitt added. One participant with notable success has been Holy Trinity School in Paola.
In the past, the school was able to launch a new reading program because of GivingTuesday donations. Last year, it raked in more than $15,000 for its STEM program. “Pretty good for a little bitty school,” said principal Michelle Gavin. This year, Holy Trinity hopes to raise $20,000 for a new math program. “We have different math programs in different grades,” said Gavin, “so we’re wanting to get a consistent program across the grades.” The school’s current math materials are outdated, making them unavailable for replacement. Gavin said a day like GivingTuesday is essential for a small school like Holy Trinity. “It has made a big difference in our fundraising,” said Gavin. “To have the opportunity to put out to the community some of our needs and have the community respond very generously has made a huge difference.” Gavin hopes this year will be no different. “Things are tight like they are everywhere,” she said. “Our budget is always tight, and other expenses come up unexpectedly. “And so, to be able to focus this one campaign on being able to update our math program would make a huge difference to the students.” Schmitt said donations that go toward archdiocesan campaigns ensure the Catholic community in northeast Kansas continues to flourish for current and future generations. “Our goal is to unite the Catholic community in support of our parishes, schools and ministries,” she said. “We hope that 2023 will be our most successful GivingTuesday yet.”
Nov. 21 Envisioning Team meeting Administrative Team meeting Nov. 22 Staff Mass and brunch — Savior
Sister Dorothy Henscheid dies
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EAVENWORTH — Sister Dorothy Henscheid died on Oct. 31 at the Sisters of Charity motherhouse at the age of 92. A Sister of Charity of Leavenworth for 72 years, she entered religious life on Aug. 21, 1951. She was born in Rupert, Idaho, the eldest of the seven children of William J. and Mary K. Henscheid. Sister Dorothy worked with her family in her father’s small floral shop. Sister Dorothy first met the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth when she enrolled in Saint Mary College in 1949. In 1953, she took her first mission assignment to Fratt Memorial School in Billings, Montana. She taught at the elementary and high school levels for many years in Kansas, Montana, Missouri and California. She also taught biology at Saint Mary College for a year and worked in pastoral ministry for several years before becoming the motherhouse assistant director of campus and then the director of campus.
SOLUTION
LOCAL NEWS 3
NOVEMBER 17, 2023 | THELEAVEN.ORG
Catholic Charities issues SOS for food pantry donations By Therese Horvat Special to The Leaven
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ANSAS CITY, Kan. — While high food prices continue to take a big bite out of household budgets, they actually have a double impact on the food pantries operated by Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas. That’s because the higher prices reduce the amount of food people can afford to donate at the precise time that the number Food donations of people most needed seeking help is • Cereals going up. • Oatmeal To ad• Pasta dress this • Rice d o u b le • Macaroni and cheese j e o p a rd y, • Boxed potatoes Catholic • Pancake mix • Canned fruit Charities • Canned vegetables is looking • Pasta sauce for ways • Peanut butter to increase • Canned tuna donations • Canned chicken to its food pantry program. Denise Ogilvie, the chief mission integration officer, is the first to recognize the generosity of the individuals, parishes, schools, businesses, organizations and grocery stores that regularly donate food. And, fortunately, the number of food drives has remained relatively stable. But in these challenging times, the pantries would need a boost in yearround donations just to meet the new demand, since more people are having to rely on food pantries to meet at least some of their food needs. In September 2022, for example, the eight Catholic Charities pantry locations served 4,076 families. A year later, 5,080 families obtained food at these sites. The food pantry in Leavenworth alone served 2,600 more individuals this past fiscal year and received 21,000 pounds less food for distribution than it did the year before. Moreover, in terms of supply, donors’ customary level of giving couldn’t keep the pantry shelves well-stocked even if the number of clients wasn’t going up. Jackie Masoner, manager of the Catholic Charities Family Support Center in Leavenworth, explained how the high cost of food has negatively affected the quantities of food items donated. “Say a person designates $50 to purchase items for the food pantry,” she said. “This amount doesn’t buy as much food as it did a few years ago. It’s just that simple and just that complicated.”
PHOTO COURTESY OF CATHOLIC CHARITIES
Alice Keohane, left, and Doris Hund stock the shelves at the Leavenworth Family Support Center. With the cost of food going up, food pantries in the archdiocese are having a hard time keeping up with demand.
Ways to help • Organize a food drive at your church, workplace, school or in your neighborhood or circle of friends. • Drop off your individual donations at a food pantry location (see list provided below). • Make a financial contribution to Catholic Charities by going online to: catholiccharitiesks.org; look for the yellow donate button at the top right. • Volunteer to assist with the food pantry program by calling (913) 433-2100.
Ogilvie invites additional parishes to join the ranks of those already hosting food drives and those already engaged to increase their involvement. She also encourages individuals to do what they can to support the food drives and the pantries. These combined efforts will serve the entire archdiocese by stocking the eight pantries and the resource bus that distributes food to people in outlying areas. The philosophy behind the food pantry program is simple: Food is a basic need. Ogilvie describes Catholic Charities as a safety net that helps provide food so that clients can use their limited financial resources to
keep utilities connected and pay their rent. For some people, this is an ongoing challenge; others need help to get through a difficult time. Pam, 69, has accessed Catholic Charities services in Leavenworth since 2014. She and her 40-year-old son with special needs live on a fixed income. “If it wasn’t for Catholic Charities, I don’t know what I’d do,” she said. “I am very grateful to Catholic Charities for the help they give us.” Following last year’s Thanksgiving meal kit distribution, the Olathe Family Support Center received a heartfelt thank you from a 70-year-old woman who was struggling financially and embarrassed to have to ask for help. She wrote to Catholic Charities: “You were the only thing in my Thanksgiving that demonstrated God’s love. Please thank everyone involved and help me claim God’s promise that I will be able to come out of this and not borrow but be able to give to others.” Grounded in Christian charity, the food pantry program avoids judgment of individual circumstances. “When clients have been served and leave our pantries, our goal is that they have experienced hope and hospitality and had an encounter with Jesus Christ,” said Ogilvie. “At the end of the day, how well we have loved is how we’ll all be judged.”
To access food pantry services Clients can walk in with no appointments required. Upon completing an intake form, a new client will be registered in the system. There are no income guidelines. Clients can come in monthly to “shop.” Quantities received are based on household size. Individuals or families without permanent residences are welcome to come weekly for a bag of food items.
Feeding involves many Catholic Charities stocks pantry and warehouse shelves with food from multiple sources and partnerships: • donations by individuals • food drives hosted by churches, schools, grocery stores, businesses and organizations • contracts for “grocery store rescue” whereby Catholic Charities volunteers retrieve fresh food items being pulled from shelves due to meeting “best used by” dates, but still edible based on USDA extended date guidelines • Purchases from food banks, wholesalers and grocery stores
Catholic Charities food pantry locations Open Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Atchison Family Support Center 502 Kansas Ave., Atchison (913) 367-5070
Leavenworth Family Support Center 716 N. 5th St., Leavenworth (913) 651-8060
Overland Park Family Support Center 9806 W. 87th St., Overland Park (913) 384-6608
WyCo (KCK) Family Support Center 600 Minnesota Ave., KCK (913) 621-1504
Lawrence Family Support Center 1525 W. 6th St., Lawrence (785) 856-2694
Olathe Family Support Center 333 E. Poplar, Olathe (913) 782-4077
Topeka Family Support Center 234 S. Kansas Ave., Topeka (785) 233-6300
Hope Distribution Center 1708 Steele Road, KCK (913) 432-3141
President Most Rev. Joseph F. Naumann
Publication No. (ISSN0194-9799) Published weekly September through May, excepting the Friday the week after Thanksgiving, and the Friday after Christmas; biweekly June through August. Address communications to: The Leaven, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109. Phone: (913) 721-1570; or email at: sub@ theleaven.org. Postmaster: Send address changes to The Leaven, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109. For change of address, provide old and new address and parish. Subscriptions $25/year. Periodicals postage paid at Kansas City, KS 66109.
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Social Media Editor/Reporter Moira Cullings moira.cullings@theleaven.org
4 LOCAL NEWS
NOVEMBER 17, 2023 | THELEAVEN.ORG
‘Tonight is only a marker in a journey that continues’ symbolism being undertaken by the pilgrims. “Tonight, we use lanterns as a symbol of that first night. It was not a night of happy welcoming by joyous townspeople as is sometimes portrayed,” said Sister Judith. “It was a night that was dark and uncharted, a night that would begin a very long journey — a procession, if you will — that has brought us to tonight. “We do not just come to commemorate something that happened long ago and far away. Tonight is only a marker in a journey that continues.” The story of the Sisters’ arrival fascinated Rodenbaugh, who is from Allen, Texas, and was in Atchison visiting his son, a senior at Benedictine. He could relate to the Sisters’ story of persecution by the locals. “I did not know the story of [Mount] St. Scholastica and the nuns coming into town, and it was not a very welcome place,” said Rodenbaugh. “Growing up in Texas, where I did, there were fewer Catholics, so not being welcome was something I had seen before, and I could relate to the Sisters’ story.”
Prayerful procession As the pilgrims walked the mile-anda-half journey, they chanted the Litany of the Saints, prayed a rosary and spent time in prayerful silence. Occasionally, conversation would break out as the pilgrims shared their lives with one another. Through it all, the lanterns shone out their witness to the world. “This procession is to build awareness that we are here. We’ve been here 160 years,” said Sister Susan Barber, OSB. “This procession is an opportunity to share our history, pray with the wider community and be with one another, which is what we’ve been doing for the last 160 years.” As the procession approached Mount St. Scholastica chapel, the Mount’s handbell choir greeted them, lining the path into the chapel. Inside, the 86 Sisters, including prioress Sister Mary Elizabeth Schweiger, eagerly greeted the group, touched by the number of students and locals that made the journey. “Seeing the students come in, it was really touching to reflect on that. There is something about seeing the lanterns that speak of support — of the people that have belief in us and that are grateful to us,” said Sister Mary Elizabeth. “We are so grateful for this opportunity to just be in community with others.” At the end of the cold procession across town, Benedictine freshman Rose Palermo was touched to see all of the Sisters awaiting their arrival and the serene church that awaited them. “I really liked when we walked in with the bells and the singing; it was so welcoming, and they were all so sweet and hospitable,” said Palermo. “They just seem so happy here and radiate joy, creating a great atmosphere for prayer.” Once inside, those gathered joined the Sisters in praying Compline, or night prayer, and heard two reflections by the prioress and Sister Jennifer Halling, OSB, the great-great-granddaughter of Lambert Halling, one of the men who led the original seven Sisters to safety. “My great-great-grandfather’s act of service was among the first of many, many ways that God has used the good
Dr. Laura West, Benedictine College music professor, places her lantern before the altar on arrival at the Sisters’ chapel.
Sister Sharon Hamsa greets the walkers as they arrive at Mount St. Scholastica Chapel with her handbells.
Sister Mary Elizabeth Schweiger, prioress, welcomes the assembly before Compline prayer.
will of others to deal mercifully with the Sisters of Mount St. Scholastica in its 160-year history,” said Sister Jennifer. Many of those gathered saw the Sisters’ service on full display. Maria Humphreys, a freshman at Benedictine, had a powerful prayer experience during Compline as she prayed with the Sisters. “Compline was so peaceful. I haven’t been feeling a lot of peace at college the past few months, so praying with the Sisters was so nice and peaceful,” she said.
Deep impact After Compline, that famous Benedictine hospitality was on display as the Sisters invited the participants to join them for hot chocolate and homemade cinnamon rolls in the cafeteria. During the reception, those gathered shared with the Sisters how much the community meant to them. One woman approached Sister Mary Elizabeth with a package, saying that it had a letter from her elderly father, who was unable to make it, yet had been deeply impacted by the Sisters. Inside the package was a handdrawn card with a roller coaster on the front, reading: “A happy, crazy, joyful ride for 160 years.” On the inside, there was written a personal note: “Only the
The procession makes its way through the streets of Atchison. As the pilgrims walked the mileand-a-half journey, they chanted the Litany of the Saints, prayed a rosary and spent time in prayerful silence. Mount and the Marine Corps have the same anniversary. You both have to be pretty tough.” (signed) Dan As they ate and talked, locals such as David Glynn, a parishioner of St. Benedict Parish in Atchison, shared stories about how the Sisters have impacted their lives. “I’ve had the opportunity to know these Benedictine Sisters my entire life. To be able to be with them on a night
like tonight when they are celebrating 160 years is so special,” said Glynn. “It was so beautiful remembering that even as a young boy, I just saw the joy in these women, and to experience it now is amazing. “It is difficult to not come in here and just smile at their joy. The Sisters carry a joy and a peace that is just beautiful.”
LOCAL NEWS 5
NOVEMBER 17, 2023 | THELEAVEN.ORG
Catholic Charities branches into online auctions By Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org
K
ANSAS CITY, Kan. — Maybe you don’t really need a bank teller cage from the late 1800s, or a running 1946 Chevy pickup with over 30,000 miles or vintage polo gear — but if you had the spare dead presidents, wouldn’t it be so cool to have them? Yes. Yes, it would Well, if you’ve got the cash and a hankering for something special, you’re in luck. Morning Glory Estate Sales, a ministry of Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas, will hold its first-ever high-end online auction of an estate from Nov. 27 to Dec. 10. And remember, Christmas is coming. Nobody needs another ugly sweater or popcorn maker. There’s little danger of someone returning their antique Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad conductor’s step stool in January. The estate is that of the Sabatini family of Topeka. Frank Sabatini died in 2021. His wife Alice preceded him in death in 1997, after which he married Judith Lennox. For more than 55 years, the family accumulated all sorts of things at their 40-acre homestead and much will be auctioned — from simple items like a yard cart to the unusual such as roof tiles from the Danforth Chapel at the University of Kansas in Lawrence. The Sabatinis, devout Catholics, wanted to benefit Catholic Charities when they liquidated their estate. Morning Glory was begun about a year ago, and held its first sale last March, said Ginger Jackson, manager of estate sales. “[Catholic Charities] branched into online auctions recently,” said Jackson. “We mostly do in-home estate sales, but this was a different situation where they aren’t selling their house right away.” The online auction format also gives them a national market for the really nice, valuable stuff — high-end fine art, including Western art, oil and watercolor paintings, prints, bronzes and statues. “Morning Glory is a new social enterprise Catholic Charities launched as another way for us to make money,” said Jackson. “Forty percent of what we make from the estate sales goes to fund Catholic Charities programs.” The online auction will consist of two parts. Part one will go live online as a timed auction Nov. 27 to Dec. 10, where members of the public can bid on items from the Sabatini property outbuildings, main barn and grounds. Part two — the date of which has not been determined — will consist of the main house
Basehor parish hosts ‘Sound of Freedom’ actor Jim Caviezel By Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org
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Morning Glory Estate Sales, a ministry of Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas, will hold its first-ever high-end online auction of an estate from Nov. 27 to Dec. 10. Unique offerings such as a bank teller cage from the late 1800s (above) to simple items like a yard cart (right) are up for bidding in this online auction.
furniture, fine art, bronzes, statuary and a whole lot more. People can only bid on the part one items in the Nov. 27 to Dec. 10 auction. Items that don’t sell at auction will go the Catholic Charities’ thrift store TurnStyles or the refugee resettlement program. “People can bid against each other,” said Jackson. “People can go online. We’ll have a platform we’re building where they can find us easily, but they can also go to: estatesales.net. “They’ll register to bid and then,
ANNUAL GOLUMBKI DINNER IN LEAVENWORTH
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he St. Casimir Men’s Society will host its annual Golumbki Dinner on Sunday, Nov. 19, in the St. Casimir Parish Hall at 719 Pennsylvania Ave. in Leavenworth. Dinner will be served from noon to 3 p.m. Takeout will be available beginning at 11 a.m. Tickets cost only $12 for adults and $6 for children 12 and under. Come join your friends in Leavenworth for this traditional Polish feast. Meatloaf will also be served. AD COURTESY OF DOUG SCALARD, CFP®
they can look at our catalog. It will have each lot pictured, descriptions and estimated values for higher-value items. There will be an opening bid to start from and it will build from there.” There are two ways to participate online. You can go online to: estatesales. net and type “Topeka, Kansas” in the search box on the homepage. Among the results will be the Sabatini Estate auction by Morning Glory Estate Sales. Or you can participate in the auction by going online to: catholiccharitiesks. org/morning-glory. This online address will become active on Nov. 27. For information, call Jackson at (913) 433-2100 or send an email to: gjackson@ catholiccharitiesks.org.
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ASEHOR — Area Catholics will have the opportunity to meet actor Jim Caviezel and attend a private showing of his latest thriller, “Sound of Freedom,” at the end of November. Caviezel, who is renowned for his work in the television series “Person of Interest” and the blockbuster film “The Passion of the Christ,” is promoting his latest film in the Greater Kansas City area. There will be three events, and tickets for each event must be purchased ahead of time. No tickets will be sold at the door for these events. The showing and appearances by Caviezel are sponsored by Hunter Nation Foundation and proceeds will benefit REHOPE. REHOPE, formerly Restoration House of Greater Kansas City, is a faith-based 501(c)3 organization providing services to women and children victims of human trafficking. The private showing of “Sound of Freedom” about human trafficking will be at 7 p.m. on Nov. 30 at AMC Town Center 20, 11701 Nall Ave, Leawood. General admission is a suggested donation of $10 per ticket. This will be followed by a small, private event with Caviezel on Dec. 1 and then a public presentation by Caviezel at 2 p.m. on Dec. 2 at Holy Angels Parish, 15440 Leavenworth Rd., Basehor. Caviezel will talk about his Catholic faith, human trafficking and his film projects. The suggested donation to attend the presentation is $25 per ticket, which may be purchased at the Holy Angels Parish office, after Masses or by calling parishioner Keith Mark at (816) 8032893. Will-call arrangements are available. There will also be sponsorship opportunities for the private event, movie and presentation at Holy Angels, said Mark. The sponsorships are: • Pew sponsorships $1,500: 10 presentation tickets and five movie admissions. • Bronze Level sponsorships $2,500: 10 presentation tickets, five movie admissions and one private event pass. • Silver Level sponsorships $5,000: 10 presentation tickets, 10 movie admissions and two private event passes. • Gold Level sponsorships $10,000: 10 presentation tickets, 10 movie admissions and four private event passes. Sponsorship proceeds will go to REHOPE. For tickets to each event or for information, call Mark.
6 FAMILY
NOVEMBER 17, 2023 | THELEAVEN.ORG
Is it time to clean out the clutter in your life? By Gretchen R. Crowe OSV News
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ack in 2015, newly engaged, I signed on the dotted line (and initialed about 135 times) before departing from the cozy conference room with a new-to-me house. Before I left, the former owner looked at me and said, “What are you going to do with all that space?” I looked at him, looked at my ring, smiled and said, “Fill it up.” Eight years, one fabulous wedding and three beautiful gifts from God later, I look back at that moment with great gratitude to God for his tremendous blessings, but also with a certain irony. The once-echoey house is most certainly filled — to the point of being stuffed. Stacks of papers, boxes of books never unpacked and unused furniture clogs our space and robs our peace. Over time, the sunroom has morphed into a playroom; the dining room into a schoolroom. Despite our best efforts, toys and kid books are spread throughout the house. The spare bedroom is covered with stuff, we used to be able to see the small seating area in the master bedroom, and the socks — oh, the tiny socks — are the gifts that keep on giving. And there are only five of us. When I finally
reached my limit, I decided I was going to take small steps to order our house to reflect the current priorities of our family. My husband, plenty tired of not being able to step foot in our closet, was more than game. So we began strategizing. I shifted some storage around in the kitchen, allowing for a little more counter space. My husband purchased school desks for the kids and created their own workspaces. We tackled the closet in tandem, being rewarded with seven bags of clothes for the local Catholic charity. “Ruthless,” we said to each other. “We have to be ruthless.”
Family priorities My brain kept coming back to one central point: This home reset, as we have taken to calling it, isn’t just about cleaning out drawers, having additional counter space or being able to actually sit on a chair (although those things are very nice). It’s about being thoughtful about how we want to live as a family. It’s about the kind of priorities we want to share (and, for the grown-ups, model). It’s about showing respect to those who share a common space, about valuing the investment we have made in our family living space, and
allowing order — and the peace that inevitably follows — to reign in our hearts and our home. Of course, there are many parallels to the spiritual life here. When we don’t take the time to examine and, if necessary, reset our relationship with God — when we cover him up with stacks of books or toss him into a pile of clutter in the corner — everything suffers. When we don’t give God our attention and our hearts, it becomes easier to forget how important it is to give our attention and our heart to others. We fall into self-absorption, where our own needs and wants become the priority, and thus a
ACROSS 1 Divide 6 A spinning toy (2 wds.) 10 Omelet need 14 Uneven 15 Mongolian desert 16 Helen of __ 17 Chest 18 Little Mermaid’s love 19 Tiny body part 20 Excuse 22 Hot beverages 24 Samuel’s mentor 25 Marry secretly 27 Perilous 29 NT book before James 32 Genetic code 33 Winter hazard 34 Dapper 37 American state 41 KJV pronoun 43 Constellation 44 Plague of Egypt 45 Male children 46 Electronic mail 48 Day of the week (abbr.) 49 Cooking tool 51 Morning star 54 What’s fashionable COPYRIGHT © BY CLIFF LEITCH, THE CHRISTIAN BIBLE REFERENCE SITE, WWW.CHRISTIANBIBLEREFERENCE.ORG. USED BY PERMISSION
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barrier to harmony in community.
Spiritual reset Like with our homes, when we feel our lives spinning out of control spiritually or emotionally, or if we notice our relationships suffering, we need to take time for a reset. We must stop, pray, go to confession, go to Mass, resolve to do better, make a plan of attack and begin again. Small steps, simple actions. We won’t remain perfect because we are imperfect human beings, but at least we won’t remain stuck in the muck — not to mention drag others there with us. This commitment
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DOWN 1 Southeast by east 2 Proximo abbr. 3 Misplace 4 Chemical compound 5 Sacred building 6 Maturity 7 Cake 8 Off-Broadway award 9 Borders English Channel 10 And so forth 11 Biblical word for Gentile 12 Gosh! 13 Monetary unit 21 Small city
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allows us to, as St. Paul says in his Letter to the Ephesians, “put away the old self of your former way of life, corrupted through deceitful desires, and be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and put on the new self, created in God’s way in righteousness and holiness of truth” (3:22-24). So maybe it’s time to clean out the clutter — in our homes and in our hearts. We might consider: What is one thing I could do to adjust my physical environment to bring more peace to my life, and what is one thing I could do to make more time for God during my day? Advent is coming; a new year and a new start. Let’s get cleaning.
Transgression Hymn of praise First king of Israel Wallops Reverberate Was British drink Labors Row Land measurement Successor Catch sight of (KJV) Love your __ Calm Wing Roman emperor Contaminated Unclean animals Word written on the wall (Daniel) Data Alcoholic Austin novel Biblical weed Elliptical Loch __ monster Conger South southeast
Solution on page 2
ARCHDIOCESAN
ANNUAL REPORT 2023
Archdiocese is an extension of God’s generosity Dear Friends, For to everyone who has, more will be given and he will grow rich; but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. — Mt 25:29 This is the memorable statement from this Sunday’s Gospel about the Parable of the Talents. The bottom line is that when given blessings and gifts, it is wise to invest them so that they may multiply and provide more blessings and gifts to be given to others. It is not wise to bury your talents so that, selfishly, you may preserve them only for yourself. Such selfishness will not be rewarded. In this second of three years of Eucharistic Amazement, we seek to revive our understanding and appreciation for the gift we receive from our Creator and Savior each time we receive him at Holy Mass. After all, it is almost incomprehensible that “whoever eats this bread will live forever” Jn 6:51. Can there be a more precious gift?
Table of plenty Imagery of banquets abound in the Holy Scriptures, and, while they create vivid pictures of plentitude and rich fare, they are a pale imitation of the heavenly banquet. The Eucharistic table is simple, representing the Passover meal of unleavened bread eaten by the Israelites as they traveled to the Promised Land and were unable to take time for the bread to rise. Time and again, God provided nourishment to his people. Sometimes it was a lavish wedding banquet, or manna in the desert, or a few loaves and fish which miraculously fed thousands. The Eucharist, instituted by Jesus Christ at the Last Supper during the Passover, is a visible sign of Christ’s real presence in our lives and transmits God’s grace to us so that we can fulfill His commandments. We can receive this gift from God daily. This is truly amazing!
Eucharistic Amazement Our time here on earth is meant for us to do good, to seek truth, and to create and appreciate all of the beauty of God’s creation. Our world, with its brokenness and sinfulness, is a challenging environment for our quest for goodness, truth and beauty. This is why we need to draw ever closer to our Father through his Son and with the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Daily, we are given the gift of Holy Mass and the source and summit of our faith, the Eucharist. The Eucharist is an outpouring of God’s love for us and a gift of his grace which strengthens us in our quest. It is awesome. It is powerful. It is humbling. We are so fortunate to live in America, where most of us can attend daily Mass without a great deal of effort. Accessibility is another gift. However, easy availability can dim our appreciation of the sacrificial gift Jesus gives to us. In certain parts of the world, priests and churches are scarce, transportation is difficult and war makes worship dangerous, so that reception of the Eucharist is unpredictable and is a true event in people’s lives. What are you thinking as you process down the aisle at church to receive Communion? What if you saw, at the end of the aisle, Jesus Christ waiting for you? Would you run to Him and greet Him with a huge hug? Would you drop to your
knees in reverence and worship? Would you crawl to Him on your hands and knees in repentance? Your reaction would be particular to you based on your relationship with Him.
Gifts and blessings abound God is amazingly generous in his gifts to his children, and he cannot be outdone in generosity. We know that those to whom much is given, much is expected. It is with this truth that the Archdiocese seeks to use the gifts given so generously by you to further God’s work in our world. Your gifts support over 40 ministries through the Archbishop’s Call to Share. Without your gifts, we could not support Catholic campus centers at universities and colleges where the secular world often pulls our youth away from the truth, beauty and goodness of our faith. Our ministries truly support life from “womb to tomb,” which is so important and increasingly countercultural. Your gifts to your parish and to the Archdiocese are a lifeline to those in need, whether it be temporary housing, rental assistance, food, clothing, education, adult faith formation, walking with moms in need, skilled nursing care, or a friendly visitor to the homebound. The financial report you see here goes into a great deal of detail in an effort to show how the sacrificial gifts given to the Archdiocese are used to fulfill God’s commandments to love him and to love our neighbor. We seek to generate a modest positive bottom line to allow us to use those funds to maintain and repair our buildings. The more generous we are as individuals, as parishes and as an Archdiocese, the more our gifts will multiply and please the Lord. I continue to be edified and inspired by the generosity of the parishioners of the Archdiocese. Your support of our parishes, schools, Catholic Charities, the Catholic Education Foundation, Archbishop’s Call to Share and so many other ministries reflect the depth of your faith in Jesus Christ and his bride, the church. My commitment to you is to continue to strive to be a better shepherd and servant leader for the people of God. I also renew my pledge to be transparent in reporting to you how your sacrificial gifts are being used to build up God’s Kingdom in the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas. Together, we can bring the sweetness of the Gospel of Jesus to northeast Kansas! Gratefully yours in Jesus, the Lord of Life,
Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann
FROM THE CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
T
Transparency
he financial information you see on these pages shows you the sources (revenue) and uses (expense) of the funds at the archdiocese for the most recent fiscal year and the year prior. A comparison of the two years and explanations of differences over $100,000 and 10% are provided. This statement agrees in total to the audited annual financial report which is posted on the archdiocesan website under https://archkck.org/administration/finance-office/. Some category amounts may differ due to updates in presentation. There are essentially four classifications of sources of funds: Fees and Other Income, ACTS (Archbishop’s Call to Share Annual Appeal), Assessments and Collections and Cathedraticum. Following is a brief description of each. Fees and Other Income: Some offices charge fees for services, such as School Fees to cover administration, Youth Camp registration fees, rental fees at Savior Pastoral Center, The Leaven. Additionally, investment earnings, contributions, and campaign donations are recorded here. By far the largest source is health and dental premiums for all covered employees of the archdiocese. ACTS: This annual appeal is conducted each January-March to raise funds for the following fiscal year. Based on analysis and information produced by a committee of laity and priests, the Presbyteral Council makes a recommendation to the archbishop for the allocation of funds. Assessments and Collections: Includes amounts assessed to parishes or regions for Savior Pastoral Center and Youth Formation, as well as the Catholic Charities Christmas Collection and Priesthood Present and Future Collection. Cathedraticum: Annual tax as provided under Canon Law Section 1263 for the bishop to fund the administrative costs of the diocese. The amount and method varies by diocese. The uses of the above funds are listed down the page and are divided by categories which correspond to the Five Pastoral Priorities of the archbishop. A short explanation of each priority is provided under each heading. Additionally, use of funds for each line item is broken down between columns based on the origin of the funds received to pay for the spending. For example: Under the Pastoral Priority of Education is Communications. Communications received funding from restricted funds (Fees/Other Income), ACTS and Cathedraticum. The total spending for the office of Communications is found in the Total Column. The bottom line is the net of the income sources and uses. In cases where the net is negative, balances saved from previous years are used. It is also important to know that all funds received with donor restrictions are accounted for to ensure that those funds are used only for the purpose the donor intends.
The results Overall, fiscal year 2023 yielded an improved bottom line as the decline in expenses exceeded the decline in revenues. As in previous years, the explanation is due to the timing of the One Faith capital campaign and the Respect Life Appeal. Campaigns and appeals cause revenues to be recorded as pledged and expenses as payments are made, resulting in higher revenues in early years of the campaign followed by higher expenses in later years. In this case, both are winding down so we see rapidly declining expenses as commitments have largely been satisfied.
Additional information In addition to the operating statement presented, there are funds, including National Collections and Special Emergency Collections, we call “pass-through funds” which are collected at each parish, sent to the archdiocese and then forwarded on to their final destination. This schedule shows the reach of our collective generosity beyond the boundaries of our parishes and our archdiocese. The sidebar on Transparency is included to shed light on the funds used in our efforts to protect children and vulnerable adults through background checks and training all employees and volunteers in the archdiocese who have interactions with children in the scope of their duties. When an allegation of abuse is made, there are also costs associated with victim assistance and canonically-required assistance for the priest.
Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas OPERATING STATEMENT FO Funded by: ------------------> Income Expenses
Fees/Other Income $42,692,797 $39,600,670 2022 2023
Archbishop’s Call to Share Assessments and Collections Cathedraticum $6,889,378 $6,651,575 $3,919,764 $3,887,171 $3,691,912 $3,797,427 2022 2023 2022 2023 2022 2023
CONVERSION
At the heart of the church’s ministry is facilitating for its members an encounter with the person of Jesus Christ. Central to what it means to be Catholic is the development of a friendship with Jesus through prayer and reflection. Vicar for Clergy and Clergy Support Programs 12,562 11,962 628,242 613,529 Liturgy and Sacramental Life 7,941 8,251 151,087 154,270 Office of Hispanic Ministry 22,550 2,502 345,084 301,204 Emporia-Hispanic Ministry 20,000 25,000 Totus Tuus 17,650 27,950 23,691 24,116 Savior Pastoral Center 632,173 911,950 290,578 229,679 374,999 350,000 Christ Peace House of Prayer 50,000 55,000 Campus Ministry: Donnelly College KCK 45,000 45,000 St. Lawrence Center-KU Lawrence 100,000 120,000 Didde Center-Emporia 90,500 95,000 Catholic Center-Washburn Topeka 78,000 78,000 Catholic Center-Haskell Lawrence 60,000 70,000 Other 19,915 46,480 9,212 26,667 10,200 Total Conversion 712,791 1,009,095 1,263,151 1,197,270 374,999 350,000 654,909 623,729
EVANGELIZATION
The commission that Jesus gave to the church was to go and make disciples of all nations. The church can never be content with itself as it is currently constituted. We must always be guided by a missionary impulse to share the gift of our faith with others. Evangelization 64,983 273,755 447,087 555,996 Evang. & Catholic Formation-Youth, Ranch & Camps 1,157,801 1,021,901 465,184 585,026 Rural Youth Outreach Programs 20,980 30,347 120,817 136,254 Urban Youth Outreach Programs 22,070 3,615 133,109 156,291 Urban Youth Outreach Capital Needs 15,580 Propagation of the Faith 11,774 12,616 Native American Evangelization Fund 3,500 3,500 Other 225,341 190,311 6,621 14,600 21,583 Total Evangelization 1,502,950 1,532,544 922,392 1,144,522 269,506 292,545 14,600 21,583
EDUCATION An essential component of the church’s ministry is the education of the next generation of disciples, as well as the continuing formation of all its members. Permanent Diaconate Office and Program 8,137 9,386 212,746 317,661 Vocations 31,549 42,132 164,462 202,057 Archdiocesan Education Office 399,213 540,661 247,880 288,109 Perfect Wings Program 19,500 23,500 82,414 115,241 Children’s Catechesis 94,281 101,992 Marriage and Family Life 25,695 51,554 344,557 454,251 Office of Protection and Care 51 468,184 602,321 Leaven Newspaper 1,289,380 1,299,689 (71,541) (66,650) Communications 13,003 13,000 75,000 100,000 53,121 48,259 School of Faith - Grant 200,000 190,000 High School Tuition Assistance 225,000 225,000 Catholic Education Foundation 280,000 280,000 Bishop Ward Operations Assistance 125,000 125,000 Seminarians 456,944 464,906 517,406 692,875 Continuing Education for Priests 121,877 172,406 Ward H.S. Capital Improvements 100,000 100,000 Donnelly College Capital Needs 400,000 400,000 Elizabeth Ann Seton Tuition Assistance 349,779 349,779 Other 81,657 51,389 40,938 18,750 25,000 75,000 21,790 35,219 Total Education 2,325,129 2,496,218 2,092,279 2,418,061 1,514,062 1,790,060 471,553 619,148
OUTREACH: Serving Those in Need The church is called to make the love of Jesus real and tangible in the world today, especially to the poor, the vulnerable and those on the peripheries. Archdiocesan Tribunal 67,714 25,870 248,783 258,203 Deaf Ministry 9,072 5,399 144,534 167,682 Special Needs 12,981 1,390 92,984 95,934 Social Justice 41,770 54,037 111,678 137,289 Pro Life 3,024,341 1,169,218 244,923 283,872 Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas 400,000 400,000 491,271 493,727 Villa St. Francis-Geriatric Assistance 245,000 350,000 140,000 150,000 Catholic Community Hospice 100,000 Catholic Community Service, In-Home Support 30,000 El Centro - Kansas City 30,000 17,500 El Centro-Topeka 40,000 40,000 Other 39,689 25,403 70,627 107,350 Total Outreach 3,440,567 1,631,319 1,204,119 1,422,277 491,271 493,727 319,410 365,553
STEWARDSHIP
Catholic spirituality begins with profound gratitude resulting from the realization that everything, including life itself, is God’s gift. Thus, the question for every Christian is: What is God calling me to do with all that he has entrusted to me? Capital Campaign Expenses 23,503 Campaign Distributions 7,463,072 3,614,483 Stewardship/Development 51,520 59,209 348,299 322,794 425,569 460,469 School/Parish Emergency Fund 25,000 27,740 Urban Core Operations Support 250,000 250,000 Urban Core Capital Support 100,000 100,000 Priest Retirement Fund 195,000 630,000 505,000 Finance 319,474 333,800 33,817 31,796 Human Resources 292,833 342,275 108,483 124,331 Accounting 661,738 698,374 101,798 96,715 Financial and Controls Auditor 111,131 118,311 Real Estate/Construction 134,691 154,126 Other Property Expenses 5,706 11,504 58,604 55,166 Mission Strategy Archives 18,413 21,044 Cor Christi Grants and fees 354,048 343,000 Depreciation of physical assets 496,463 629,978 Other 13,853 (988) 12,893 119,000 (46,333) 307,200 (52,000) Total Stewardship 9,171,894 5,416,497 917,311 713,427 749,000 458,667 1,796,170 1,639,936 Total Pastoral Priorities 17,153,331 12,085,673 6,399,252 6,895,557 3,398,838 3,384,999 3,256,642 3,269,949
ARCHDIOCESAN ADMINISTRATION & INSURANCE General Expenses of the Archdiocese 360,846 353,329 Chancery 336,630 396,783 26,185 4,573 Archbishop Emeritus Office and Home 143,912 108,601 Archbishop Office and Home 381,258 415,719 Administrative Services (Chancellor/VG, IT, etc) 1,077 625 329,888 343,592 Legal 6,300 10,610 298,849 266,503 Property and Liability Insurance Claims 1,017,100 1,149,772 Health and Dental Claims and Bad Debt 23,448,254 23,063,933 Other 197,214 525,636 60,595 69,147 Total Administration and Insurance $25,006,576 $25.147,358 $1,601,533 $1,561,464 Total Expenses $42,159,907 $37,233,030 $6,399,252 $6,895,557 $3,398,838 $3,384,999 $4,858,174 $4,831,413 Net
$532,890
$2,367,640
$490,126
($243,982)
$520,926
$502,172
$(1,166,262) ($1,033,986)
Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas REVENUE ACTUAL 2022 vs 2023
OR 2022 AND 2023
Actual Actual Revenues Revenues 3% Year Ended Year Ended 24% June 30, 2022 June 30, 2023 29% Archdiocesan Assessments and Collections 7,611,676 24% 7,684,598 29% Archbishops Call To Share Annual Appeal 6,889,378 22% 6,651,575 25% 26% 11% Fees Generated by Offices and Other 10,536,521 33% 7,573,046 29% 22% Net Investment Income <loss> (2,385,728) -7% 1,162,434 4% 25% 4% Bequests and Contributions 8,191,848 26% 3,002,245 11% 640,803 625,491 (15,312) -2% 159,027 162,522 3,494 2% One Faith, One Family, One Future in Christ 1,062,649 3% 125,590 0%
Total Year over Year Change $57,193,851 $53,936,843 ($3,257,008) -6% 2022 2023 $ %
367,634 20,000 41,341 1,297,751 50,000
45,000 100,000 90,500 78,000 60,000 55,794 $3,005,850
303,706 (63,928) 25,000 5,000 52,066 10,725 1 193,879 1,491,629 55,000 5,000
45,000 120,000 95,000 78,000 70,000 56,680 3,180,094
-17% 25% 26% 15% 10%
-7%
Not included in pie chart:Health and Dental Insurance Premiums
29%
33%
$31,906,344
100%
$26,199,487
100%
25,287,509
44%
25,957,499
48%
20,000 4,500
20% 5%
One Faith, One Family, One Future in Christ
10,000 886 $174,244
17% 2% 6%
Archdiocesan assessments and collections
Net Investment Income
Archbishops Call to Share Annual Appeal
Bequests and contributions
Fees generated by offices and other
512,071 829,751 2 1,622,985 1,606,927 141,797 166,601 155,179 159,906 15,580 11,774 12,616 3,500 3,500 246,563 211,894 $2,709,448 2,991,194
317,680 (16,058) 24,804 4,727 (15,580) 842
Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas EXPENSES ACTUAL 2022 vs 2023
62% -1% 17% 3% -100% 7%
Actual Actual Revenues Revenues 9% Year Ended Year Ended 9% 12% June 30, 2022 June 30, 2023 (34,669) -14% Conversion 3,005,850 9% 3,180,094 11% 281,746 10% 8% Evangelization 2,709,448 8% 2,991,194 10% 38% Education 6,403,024 19% 7,323,487 25% 28% Outreach: Serving those in need 5,455,367 16% 3,912,875 13% Stewardship 12,634,375 38% 8,228,527 28% 19% Administration 3,159,854 9% 3,644,889 12% 106,164 48% 220,884 327,047 3 13% 196,011 244,189 48,178 25% 16% 181,676 28% 647,094 828,769 4 33,367,918 100% 29,281,067 100% 101,914 138,741 36,828 36% 94,281 370,253 468,234 1,217,838 141,124 200,000 225,000 280,000 125,000 974,350 121,877 100,000 400,000 349,779 169,384 $6,403,023
101,992 5 505,805 6 602,321 1,233,039 161,259 190,000 225,000 280,000 125,000 1,157,782 7 172,406 100,000 400,000 349,779 180,358 7,323,487
7,711 135,552 134,086 15,200 20,135 (10,000)
8% 37% 29% 1% 14% -5%
183,432 50,529
19% 41%
10,974 $920,464
6% 14%
Not included in pie chart:Health and Dental Insurance Claims
23,448,254
41%
23,063,932
Outreach: Serving those in need
Evangelization
Stewardship
For the Year Ended June 30, 2022
National Collections: Propagation of Faith (Includes World Mission Sunday) $499,333 Holy Land 126,011 Retirement Fund for Religious 116,159 Operation Rice Bowl 55,431 Military Archdiocese 54,876 American Bishops’ Overseas Appeal (CRS) 78,116 Peter’s Pence (Collection for the Holy Father) 41,096 Black and Native American Missions 44,108 Church in Latin America 28,408 Catholic Home Mission Appeal 40,294 Aid to Church in Central and Eastern Europe 49,047 Catholic University of America 30,570 Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD) 33,475 Catholic Communication Campaign (CCC) 20,914 $1,217,838
Outreach by Archdiocesan Entities: Program Services Provided by Catholic Charities of NE Kansas $24,549,244
$1,214,165
2%
2022
2023
1
Victim Settlement
$70,000
$362,500
Priests Pay, benefits and retirement contribution $100,156 $79,599 Mental Health Counseling $1,640 Canon 384 payments to credibly accused priests $101,796 # of Priests 3 1 1
$79,599 2
The Code of Canon Law section 384 requires the diocesan bishop to provide for the priest’s financial support and social assistance, including daily living expenses, health insurance and retirement. Normally, that is facilitated through the parish via Canon 222.1 where the Christian faithful are obliged to provide for the decent support of its ministers, however, in the case where a diocesan priest is not assigned to a parish, the responsibility falls back to his bishop. In the cases of these priests, the amounts also include mental health counseling. Child Protection efforts $433,331 $591,752 All archdiocesan employees and volunteers who have substantial contact with children and youth are required to complete on-going training for the protection of minors.
1
VARIANCES
s
$1,591,844
Tuition Assistance Provided by Catholic Education Foundation $4,185,644 Additionally, the archdiocese conducts criminal background checks on each Archdiocese remits 75% of Operation Rice Bowl, 75% of Catholic Campaign for Human Development and 50% of Catholic person undergoing this training. Communication Campaign. The amounts retained in the archdiocese are used to fund archdiocesan programs.
14% -3% 27% 117% -35% -15%
360,846 353,329 (7,517) -2% 362,815 401,356 38,541 11% 143,912 108,601 (35,311) -25% 381,258 415,719 34,461 9% 330,966 344,217 13,251 4% 305,148 277,112 (28,036) -9% 132,673 13% 1,017,100 1,149,772 14 23,448,254 23,063,933 15 (384,322) -2% 257,809 594,783 16 336,974 131% $26,608,109 $26,708,822 $100,714 $56,816,172 $52,345,000 $(4,471,172) -8% $377,679
TRANSPARENCY Amount spent to assist victims with healing $59,813 $122,854 Counseling to aid in healing is offered to all victims. A Healing Assistance Coordinator works with victims to receive assistance.
Special Emergency Collections: USCCB Tornado Relief $119,842 Ukraine 19,069 Haiti Earthquake and Storm 600 Hurricane Ida 2021 200 $1,357,549
-39% 3% 16% 4% 6% 14% 4%
44%
Conversion
HELP FOR THE NEEDY & DISASTER RELIEF
-100% -52% 2% 11%
25%
Education
316,497 284,073 (32,424) -10% 19,475 13% 153,605 173,081 105,965 97,325 (8,640) -8% 153,448 191,326 37,879 25% (1,816,174) -56% 3,269,264 1,453,090 8 891,271 893,727 2,456 115,000 30% 385,000 500,000 9 100,000 10 100,000 30,000 30,000 30,000 17,500 (12,500) -42% 40,000 40,000 110,316 132,753 22,437 20% $5,455,367 3,912,875 (1,542,492) -28%
23,503 (23,503) (3,848,589) 7,463,072 3,614,483 11 825,389 842,471 17,083 25,000 27,740 2,740 250,000 250,000 100,000 100,000 825,000 505,000 (320,000) 353,291 365,596 12,305 401,316 466,606 65,289 763,536 795,088 31,552 111,131 118,311 7,180 134,691 154,126 19,435 64,310 66,670 2,360 - 18,413 21,044 2,631 354,048 343,000 (11,048) 496,463 629,978 133,516 13 (496,799) 425,211 (71,587) $12,634,375 8,228,527 $(4,405,848) $30,208,063 25,636,178 $(4,571,886)
10%
Administration
Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas
11%
Business continues to pick up post-COVID, increasing variable costs. Costs of insurance and utilities also increased significantly. Evangelization increased staff by one headcount, increased programs and bought archdiocesan ticket allotment for the Eucharistic Congress. 4 Added a new cohort in September of 20 men. Headcount increased by one person and related costs by $100k. Grant spending increased by $67k and professional fees by $11k for a database project. 5 Addition of Communio program. 6 Victim healing and settlements increased by $97k and background checks increased by $27k. 7 Increase in seminaries tuition rates. 8 Prior year was unusually high due to Respect Life campaign and Value Them Both. 9 Additional assistance provided by Santa Marta. ACTS also increased their grant. Funds needed as Villa has had to reduce resident count to do capital improvements. 10 This is a new grant. 11 All One Faith distributions have been made except for Parish revitalization and Parish Share (still collecting pledges) and Evangelization. 12 Decreased in required priest pension funding as the plan funding brought current through contributions from the One Faith Campaign. 13 Adjustments to Allowance for Doubtful Accounts 14 Increase in claims due to significant wind storm damage. 15 Decrease in claims largely due to decrease in medical claims. 16 Increase in activity in Bridges fund for survivors of priests sexual abuse. 1
2 3
Compliance with this program is checked by the archdiocesan internal auditor on a rotational basis as well as United States Conference of Catholic Bishops auditors on an annual basis. This office also provides for an investigator. For additional information please go to: https://www.archkck.org/virtusinfo Legal Fees
$100,663
$59,069
10 FEATURE
NOVEMBER 17, 2023 | THELEAVEN.ORG
Matthew Perry’s surprising prayer reminds us to pray, even for the famous By Kathryn Jean Lopez
“G
od, please help me,” Matthew Perry whispered. “Show me that you are here. God, please help me.” In his memoir, the late actor described an encounter where he unmistakably knew God’s presence. He had been struggling with addiction. He even thought he was dying. But the peace that he received when he cried out to God “with the desperation of a drowning man” — which would ultimately be how he would die — was something he would go back to — to stay sober and to remember the truth of God, the truth of more. I have no reason to believe Perry was schooled in St. Ignatius Loyola, but like a good Ignatian student, he would return to that moment to remember the certainty of God. He had gone from hating himself to feeling “safe” and “taken care of.” He wrote: “Decades of struggling with God, and wrestling with life and sadness — all was being washed away, like a river of pain gone into oblivion.” In years past, he had prayed for fame. For better or for worse, that prayer was an-
swered. But now he had prayed “for the right thing: help.” He wrote that “everything was different now. I could see color differently, angles were of a different magnitude, the walls were stronger, the ceiling higher, the trees tapping on the windows more perfect than ever, their roots connected via soul to the planet and back into me.” He described “one great connection created by an ever-loving God — and beyond, a sky, which had been before theoretically infinite was now unknowably endless. I was connected to the universe in a way I had never been.” He experienced wonderment: “Even the plants in my house, which I had never even noticed before, seemed in sharp focus, more lovely than it was possible to be, more perfect, more alive.”
Known for more than ‘Friends’ Obviously, this isn’t St. John of the Cross. And his “Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing: A Memoir” used the F-word a fair amount, which I do not remember from “The
OSV NEWS PHOTO/POLICY EXCHANGE, VIA WIKIMEDIA COMMONS CC-SA 2.0
Actor Matthew Perry attending a Policy Exchange conference, “Smarter Justice: Lessons from the American problemsolving court movement.” Perry, who died Oct. 28, openly discussed and wrote about his struggles with substance abuse. Dark Night of the Soul.” And yet, our lives are meant to be a journey to union with God. And in his struggles, Perry seemed to have sought this. He told an interviewer: “I would like to be remembered as somebody who lived well, loved well, was a seeker. And his paramount thing is that he
wants to help people. That’s what I want.” He continued in a 2022 podcast with Tom Power promoting his book: “The best thing about me, bar none, is that if somebody comes to me and says, ‘I can’t stop drinking, can you help me?’ I can say ‘yes’ and follow up and do it. When I die, I don’t want
‘Friends’ to be the first thing that’s mentioned. I want that (helping people) to be the first thing that’s mentioned. And I’m gonna live the rest of my life proving that.” And in the days since his death, people have testified to being helped by Perry. Actor Hank Azaria, who appeared on “Friends,” posted on Instagram about how Perry accompanied him to Alcoholics Anonymous meetings. “As a sober person,” Azaria said, “he was so caring and giving and wise, and he totally helped me get sober.” As it happens, I’ve always associated Perry with heaven. I suspect he’d be pleased to know that. My introduction to the actor was not “Friends”; it was the somewhat silly short-lived sitcom “Second Chance,” where he played a teenager who was visited by his older self. St. Peter had sent him back to put his younger self on the straight and narrow. I went back and watched a half-episode after the news of Perry’s death. It wasn’t high art. But it got me praying. Back then and now. Perry’s is not the first celebrity death that prompted an examination of conscience for me. When I was a teen, he had me thinking of
God. Later, though I was not a religious watcher of “Friends,” he made me laugh on occasion. Did I ever pray for him? I don’t remember. We should never encounter anyone and not pray for them. Even on our screens. Maybe especially on our screens — we live enough of our lives on them, after all. I’ve known enough public figures in my life to know that it can be a lonely, desperate experience, even if you’re not living the Hollywood life. Pray for the repose of the soul of Matthew Perry and the consolation of his family and friends. And remember that there is not even one of us who could not use a prayer. Desperation creeps into even the lives of those of us who have a more schooled understanding of God. It is because we are sinners that we need a savior. Savor the gifts of God more this hour and day. We’re not guaranteed another. Keep your eyes on heaven. Our second chance is now, in confession and the sacramental life. Kathryn Jean Lopez is a senior fellow at the National Review Institute and editor-at-large of National Review.
12 CLASSIFIEDS EMPLOYMENT Pastoral Minister and Animator - The Adorers of the Blood of Christ (ASC), a community of Catholic women religious with deep roots in Wichita, are looking for two persons to help form the convent’s community Life Team, which will be comprised of two vacant positions, a pastoral minister and an animator, plus our current center administrator. Qualified applicants would minister to bring vitality and quality of life to the Sisters living at our Wichita Center, a continuum care residence in west Wichita. This three-member team will collaborate on administration, communication, spirituality, community vitality, hospitality and health/wellness for approximately 40 Sisters. Team members may be offered full-time or part-time employment, including benefits. Detailed job descriptions of the two available positions may be requested from the director of human resources at: cuddiheed@adorers.org. Campus minister - St. James Academy is seeking a full-time campus minister. The ideal candidate will be a practicing Catholic with a passion for evangelization and discipleship who is experienced in Catholic ministry. Those interested should apply at the archdiocesan website at: archkckcs.org/apply and send a cover letter and resume to the vice president of faith and mission, Deborah Nearmyer, at: dnearmyer@sjakeepingfaith.org. Catholic elementary school principal – St. Matthew, Topeka, is seeking an individual with demonstrated skill in the academic and spiritual formation of students, as well as in the recruitment, development and retention of high caliber, joyfully Catholic faculty and staff. The principal must be current regarding best practices in Catholic education and be able to lead a diverse community in continually striving for greatness. St. Matthew has approximately 140 students in grades K-8 and employs 15 teachers. Applicants for principal must be practicing Catholics, understand the mission of Catholic schools and have or be eligible for Kansas licensure in educational leadership. Proficiency in Spanish is preferred. Please apply on line at: www.archkckcs.org/apply. For more information, please contact Rev. John M. Torrez at: jtorrez@ archkck.org. Deadline for applications is Nov. 30. Bookkeeper/accountant - The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas is seeking to hire a full-time bookkeeper/accountant. Responsibilities include all aspects of the accounts receivable functions for the chancery offices and to issue invoices to parishes and archdiocesan institutions. A minimum of two years’ relevant work experience in accounts receivable or other accounting functions is preferred. Please go online to: archkck.org/jobs and scroll down and click on “Current Job Openings” then click on “Bookkeeper/ Accountant” for details and to apply. Coordinator of vision and campus ministry - The Didde Catholic Campus Center is seeking a coordinator of vision and campus ministry position. The coordinator is responsible for the pastoral and strategic leadership of the campus faith community in an academic setting. The position is full-time exempt, based on 40 hours per week, with a flexible schedule and some presence during weekend and evening events as necessary. To apply, contact Father Ashmore at: chaplain@diddecenter.org; Vickie Walworth at: vickie@diddecenter.org; or call (620) 343-6765. Nonmedical caregivers - Saint Rita Home Care is hiring nonmedical caregivers for seniors. Seeking compassionate individuals to fill all shifts. We serve people in Johnson, Douglas, Miami, Franklin and Leavenworth counties. Kansas state licensed, nonmedical home care agency. Call or text Renee Margush at (913) 229-4267, or rmargush@saintritahc. com. Member of Prince of Peace Parish, Olathe. Part-time LIFEChoice associate - The purpose of the LIFEChoice intern is to assist in the execution of the Coalition Life mission of “Ending Abortion Peacefully and Prayerfully” through sidewalk counseling activities at the local abortion facility in Overland Park and collaboration with volunteers, churches and donors. Furthermore, the LIFEChoice intern assists with office- and outreach-related tasks as assigned by the intern’s supervisor. Requirements include: pray daily for the mission of Coalition Life; no experience needed; flexible work schedule; 20 - 29 hours per week; work three - four shifts per week; maintain equipment and signs at sidewalk counseling/prayer vigil locations; and assist with banquet and other fundraising or outreach activities. To apply, go online to: coalitionlife.com/jobs. Part-time accountant - St. Pius X Parish in Mission is looking to hire a part-time accountant. This position usually requires two - five hours per week and requires working from home with a church-provided computer loaded with QuickBooks accounting software. Responsibilities include overall financial management, payroll, accounts payable, posting weekly deposits, preparing monthly financial statements and annual budget, reconciliation of accounts and other financial tasks. The successful candidate will preferably have an accounting degree with five years’ experience along with strong interpersonal and communication skills. If interested, please submit a cover letter and resume to: galba@spxmission.org. Staff job openings - Donnelly College in Kansas City, Kansas, has the following staff job openings available: Chief financial officer, nursing school faculty, admissions counselor, director of development. Find job descriptions and details at: www.donnelly.edu/careers.
NOVEMBER 17, 2023 | THELEAVEN.ORG Assistant direct support professional - L’Arche Heartland is seeking an assistant direct support professional. This person would report to the community home supervisor. Key responsibilities include: utilize person-centered support plan to provide guidance, support, growth and development opportunities to each core member through attentiveness and caring; be a strong role model of appropriate behavior; foster positive and supportive relationships among core members as well as families and professionals; follow all policies, procedures and protocols to ensure core member safety; participate and contribute to house team meetings to ensure household is maintained to include regular upkeep, meal planning and preparation as well as event planning and community interaction; monitor and assist core members with the following as needed: personal hygiene, appearance, laundry, meal preparation, cleaning, personal finances and leisure activities while promoting core member independence; perform all documentation activities (financial, medication, behavior, etc.) as required by policy/programming while maintaining confidentiality; transport core members as assigned; administer medication, properly document and assist with securing refills; participate in and adequately complete training and recertification as required, both ongoing and upon hire; participate in community events and activities as appropriate. Required skills/abilities: exhibit respect and caring for core members and all those involved in the support of group home residents; demonstrate excellent communication and organizational skills; have the ability to problem solve and manage conflicts objectively. Experience and education requirements: experience with persons with developmental disabilities (highly preferred). Have a valid driver’s license; have a high school education or equivalent. Pass all required background checks; maintain CPR/first-aid certification. Physical requirements: must be able to lift up to 25 pounds at times; must be able to perform activities of daily living such as cooking and cleaning; able and willing to assist in house maintenance/yard work. Include signature and printed name with application. Email: Assistant@larcheks.org or call (913) 341-2265.
Now hiring - drivers and aides - Assisted Transportation is hiring safe drivers and aides to transport students in Johnson and Wyandotte Counties, in company vans. Drivers earn $14 - $16 per hour. Part-time and full-time schedules available. CDL not required. Retirees are encouraged to apply. Make a difference in your community by helping those in need! Call (913) 262-5190 or visit www.assistedtransportation. com for more information. EEO.
Full-time custodian - The Church of the Nativity Parish School has immediate openings for a full-time custodian. Qualified applicants should have prior custodial experience, specifically in a school environment. Maintenance experience would be a plus. The full-time position is scheduled to work M-F from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. and the part-time from 4 to 8 p.m. M-F. Some holiday work is expected. Applicants must have a compatible work history, references, dependable transportation and be willing to participate in a background check. The Church of the Nativity expects to pay market compensation commensurate with experience and qualifications. Nativity has a history of retaining its employees, who enjoy the advantages of working at a vibrant, collaborative, faithbased place of worship and education. Nativity Parish School is located at 3700 W. 119th, Leawood. Nativity offers a comprehensive benefit program including medical, dental, vision, vacation and 401(k). Interested applicants should send resumes and work history to: mhyde@kcnativity.org. No phone calls please.
SERVICES
Make a meaningful impact today - Join L’Arche Heartland as an assistant in our Day Service Program. Contribute to the empowerment and enrichment of adults with developmental disabilities as they engage in meaningful daytime activities. Enjoy evening and or weekend hours, Monday - Friday from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. We have immediate full-time positions available. We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes 100% coverage for medical, dental and vision expenses. Conveniently situated in downtown Overland Park. Training provided. Apply now by visiting our website at: www.larcheks.org/join-our-team. Drivers and riders needed - Drivers needed part time. We take patients to behavioral health facilities around town. Retirees welcomed. Two employees (don’t need to be drivers) ride in the company van on every trip. See Geminitransports.com or call Robert at (785) 766-5763 for more information. Early childhood educators - With multiple locations in Johnson County, Special Beginnings Early Learning 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 Anne at (913) 894-0131, ext. 102. Faculty and adjunct faculty job openings - Donnelly College, Kansas City, Kansas, is a Catholic college offering higher education for those who may not otherwise be served. Faculty job openings include prior learning coordinator, and nursing school faculty. Adjunct faculty job openings: clinical nursing adjunct, and psychology pool, English adjunct and math at Lansing Correctional Campus. Find job descriptions and details at: www.donnelly.edu/careers. Caregivers needed - Daughter & Company is looking for compassionate caregivers to provide assistance to seniors in their home, assisted living or in a skilled nursing facility. We provide sitter services, light housekeeping and light meal preparation, organizational assistance, care management and occasional transportation for our clients. We need caregivers with reliable transportation and a cellphone for communication. 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.
Scientific equipment technician - Would you like to make a difference in a small growing company? Seeking individuals looking for flexible part-time work maintaining and repairing small equipment for our family company which has been in the local area for over 40 years. Service is completed at customer’s locations locally and within a four-state area. Dependable transportation is a must. Positive attitude, dependability, time management and self-motivation skills, as well as being quality- and customer-oriented are required. Mostly on-the-job training. Electrical knowledge a plus. Please send resume to: Yourcareer101@gmail.com. Catholic high school principal - Bishop Ward School in Kansas City, Kansas, is seeking an individual with demonstrated skill in the academic and spiritual formation of students, as well as in the recruitment, development and retention of high caliber, joyfully Catholic faculty and staff. The principal must be current regarding best practices in Catholic education and be able to lead a diverse community in continually striving for greatness. Proficiency in speaking Spanish is preferred! Bishop Ward has approximately 300 students in grades 9 - 12 and employs 33 teachers. Applicants for principal must be practicing Catholics, understand the mission of Catholic schools and have or be eligible for Kansas licensure in educational leadership. Apply online at: www.archkckcs.org/apply. For more information, contact Jay Dunlap, president, at: jdunlap@wardhigh.org. Bishop Ward is accepting applications until the position is filled and will reach out to candidates as applications are submitted.
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. WELLERBEEF.COM - Let us be your local farm source for beef for your dinner table. Local, Catholic, family farm. Humanely raised. No antibiotics/hormones. Grass fed and traditional. Starter pack to a whole cow. Free delivery in Kansas City area. We pay the butcher’s processing fees Popcorn ceiling texture removal Call Jerry at (913) 206-1144. 30 years’ experience. Interior painting specialist. Member St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee.
. Faith-based counseling to cope with life concerns - Kansas City area. Call Mary Vorsten, licensed clinical professional counselor, at (913) 909-2002. Concrete construction - Tear out and replace stamped, stained or colored patios and drives. Retaining walls, footing, poured-in-place safe rooms, excavation and hauling. Asphalt drives and lots. Fully insured; references. Call Dan at (913) 207-4371, or email: dandeeconst@aol.com. Mike Hammer local moving - A full-service mover. Packing, pianos, rental truck load/unload, storage container load/unload, and in-home moving. No job too small. Serving JoCo since 1987. St. Joseph, Shawnee, parishioner. Call Mike at (913) 927-4347 or send an email to: mike@mikehammermoving.com. Masonry work - Quality new or repair work. Brick, block and chimney/fireplace repair. Insured; secondgeneration bricklayer. Member of St. Paul Parish, Olathe. Call (913) 271-0362. Catholic counseling - For individuals, couples, families, adolescents and young adults. Sam Meier, MA, LPC. Call (913) 952-2267 or book an appointment at: StillwaterKC.com, in person or Telehealth. Double A’s lawn service Lawn mowing, mulching, gutters, leaf removal, brush removal and hedge trimming Free estimates, insured and insured. Alex Spoerre (913) 488-5195. Memory quilts - Preserve your memories in a keepsake quality quilt, pillows, etc. Custom designed from your T-shirt collection, baby clothes, sports memorabilia, neckties . . . Quilted Memories. (913) 649-2704. 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.
HOME IMPROVEMENT Free estimates - We are offering free estimates to all those thinking about painting this year. At Stone Painting, we put the customer first. We provide interior, exterior house painting along with deck staining, fence painting, etc. Stone Painting ensures a professional, clean and fair-priced job. Call today for your free estimate. (913) 963-6465.
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. EL SOL Y LA TIERRA *COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL *LAWN RENOVATION *MOWING *CLEANUP AND HAULING *DIRT GRADING/INSTALLATION *LANDSCAPE DESIGN* FREE ESTIMATES HABLAMOS Y ESCRIBIMOS INGLES!! CALL LUPE AT (816) 252-1391 Tradesman - I do bathrooms, kitchens, basements, tile and all kinds of flooring, as well as painting, staining, sheetrock, knockdown ceilings, decks and fences. My family and I always appreciate the support. Please call Joshua at (913) 709-7230. Check out my Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/FSHome ExteriorsandRemodeling. Call or email Joshua to set up a free estimate at (913) 709-7230 or at: josh.fser@ gmail.com. Haus to home remodeling - Let’s give that room a nice face-lift! Specializing in affordable room remodeling. From small projects to bathrooms and basements. We have lots of other services, too: tile, paint, carpentry, wood rot, decks, drywall, etc. Free estimates. For photos of our projects and to find out more about our company, visit us at: Haustohomekc. com or call Cole at (913) 544-7352. Local Handyman - Painting int. and ext., wood rot, mason 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) 927-4118.
FOR SALE For sale - Two plots at Mount Calvary Cemetery in Olathe. Lot 25, plots 3 and 4. One burial vault and one interment fee. Current value is $6200, asking $3000. Seller to pay conveyance fee. Call Bob at (913) 768-0668. Residential lifts - New and recycled. Stair lifts, porch lifts, ceiling lifts and elevators. St. Michael’s parishioners. KC Lift & Elevator at (913) 327-5557. (Formerly Silver Cross - KC). For sale - Double marble niche at Resurrection Cemetery in Lenexa. Located in the Prince of Peace section, Queen of Saints tier H2, niche 715. Valued at $6185, asking $3700; will pay $200 conveyance fee. Must sell. Call Dick Weber at (913) 908-1373. For sale - Two plots at Mount Calvary Cemetery in Kansas City, Kansas. Section 3 Old, lot 136, plots 5 and 10. Flat markers only. Contact Ann at (913) 6205687. For sale - Single plot suitable for regular burial or cremation. Mt. Calvary Cemetery, KCK. Section 11, lot 80, space 3-A. Valued at $2200. Sell for $2100 and I pay conveyance fee. Contact David at (913) 980-0042.
REAL ESTATE We are local people who can buy your house - Big companies from all over the nation come here buying houses, but that’s not us. We are parishioners of Holy Trinity Parish and we enjoy giving you personalized service. We can offer you a fair price and are flexible to your needs. If I can help, call me, Mark Edmondson, at (913) 980-4905. We buy houses and whole estates - We are local and family-owned, and will make you a fair cash offer. We buy houses in any condition. No fees or commissions and can close on the date of your choice. Selling your house has never felt so good. Jon & Stacy Bichelmeyer (913) 599-5000.
CAREGIVING Caregiving - We provide personal assistance, companionship, care management, and transportation for seniors in their home, assisted living or nursing facilities. We also provide respite care for main caregivers needing some personal time. Call Daughters & Company at (913) 341-2500 and speak with Laurie, Pat or Gary. Family member with dementia or need help at home? - We specialize in helping seniors live SAFELY 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.
PILGRIMAGE Pilgrimage - Join us for a pilgrimage to Medjugorje March 12 - 20, 2024; May 14 - 22, 2024; and June 16 - 28, 2024 (Poland and Medjugorje). Are you being called to go? Hosted by visionary Mirjana Soldo. Call Grace Legaspi for details at (913) 449-1806. >> Classifieds continue on page 13
CALENDAR 13
NOVEMBER 17, 2023 | THELEAVEN.ORG
CRAFT SHOW AND BAKE SALE Mother Teresa Parish 2014 N.W. 46th St., Topeka Nov. 17 from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Shop for the holidays! Enjoy a large selection of handcrafted items and homemade treats. Many new and unique gifts and decor. Soups and cinnamon rolls will be available for purchase during lunch.
ANGSTROM BRASS PRESENTS: ‘MEMENTO MORI’ Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception 416 W. 12th St., Kansas City, Missouri Nov. 18 at 7 p.m.
Join the musicians of Angstrom Brass for this unique concert experience, based on the classic “Lessons and Carols” format of alternating musical selections and Scripture readings. This will be a meditation on the Four Last Things: death, judgment, heaven and hell. Tickets cost $25. For more information, visit the website at: angstrom-brass-memento-mori-2023. eventbrite.com.
TURKEY BINGO All Saints Parish (hall) 809 Vermont, Kansas City, Kansas Nov. 18 at 5 p.m.
There will be a meal of a Polish sausage and kraut sandwich, drink and one bingo card for $15. Tickets will be sold at the door. Advance tickets are available at the parish office at (913) 371-1837 or contact Pam Cornelison at (913) 787-7869.
DAUGHTERS OF ISABELLA LITTLE FLOWER CIRCLE Christ the King Parish (Yadrich Hall) 5972 S.W. 25th St., Topeka Nov. 19 at 1 p.m.
There will be a Mass for deceased members followed by a potluck dinner. If you know of a member or family member of Daughters of Isabella in need of the circle’s prayers, call Shirley Gustafson at (785) 213-0374 or chancellor Gen Orozco at (785) 213-0374.
ORGAN DEDICATION CONCERT Holy Trinity Parish 13615 W. 92nd St., Lenexa Nov. 19 at 2 p.m.
The concert will be presented by Stephen Steely — organist, pastoral musician and Allen Organ Co. sales associate — celebrating the installation of a new Allen GX-350. Steely will present a repertoire that demonstrates the many and varied “voices” of the new organ. All are invited to attend free of charge. For more information, contact Holy Trinity music director Dr. Chloe Stodt at (913) 895-0682 or send an email to: cstodt@ htlenexa.org.
BEREAVEMENT MEETING Curé of Ars Parish (Father Burak Room) 9405 Mission Rd., Leawood Nov. 18 at 8:30 a.m.
The bereavement ministry will have a grief support meeting following the 8 a.m. Mass. For more information, call (913) 649-2026.
CHILI DINNER AND BINGO St. Patrick Parish (center) 1086 N. 94th St., Kansas City, Kansas Nov. 25 at 6 p.m.
There will be a chili dinner and bingo, serving chili, hot dogs, cornbread, dessert, tea and lemonade. The cost for adults is $10 and $5 for children. Questions? Call Fritz Vertz at (913) 515-0621.
GIFTS FROM THE KITCHEN Keeler Women’s Center 759 Vermont Ave., Kansas City, Kansas Nov. 27 from 10 - 11 a.m.
Who said all gifts had to be bought? Join us and get ideas for gifts you can make at home in your own kitchen that will impress all.
ADVENT SILENT RETREAT Christ’s Peace House of Prayer 22131 Meagher Rd., Easton Dec. 1 - 3
This retreat begins on Dec. 1 at 5:30 p.m. and ends on Dec. 3 at 4:30 p.m. Prepare your hearts for the coming of the Lord this Advent as we explore the essence of the Advent season and gain a new understanding of the coming of Christ. There are conferences, adoration, Mass, confession, and time for private prayer, reflection and walking. There will be conferences, Eucharistic Adoration, Mass, Confession and time for prayer, reflection and walking. Cabins/ Courtyard room: $170 single/$250 couple or single guest room $100 (meals included). To attend, send an email to: info@christs peace.com or call (913) 773-8255.
‘IT ISN’T ALL HALLMARK: ADVENT SCRIPTURES THROUGH A DIFFERENT LENS’ Via Zoom Dec. 1 from 2 - 4 p.m. Dec. 2 from 10 - 11:30 a.m.
Through guided reflection, we will explore the Gospels of Matthew and Luke, and learn about the realities of living as a Jew in Israel during the first century to grasp more fully the struggles that Mary, Elizabeth, Joseph and others lived and what they can teach us about life today. The fee is $60. Register online at: sophia spiritualitycenter.org, scroll down to “Retreats,” click on “Scheduled Retreats,” scroll down to the December retreats, and finally click on “It Isn’t All Hallmark: Advent Scriptures Through a Different Lens.”
A MORNING OF ADVENT REFLECTION Precious Blood Renewal Center 2120 St. Gaspar Way, Liberty, Missouri Dec. 2 from 10 - 11:30 a.m.
Father Ron Will uses Scripture and guided meditations to explore the themes of Advent, Christmas and the Incarnation. Register online at: www.pbrenewalcenter. org/events.
ADVENT SPEAKER SERIES AND HOLY HOUR Corpus Christi Parish 6001 Bob Billings Pkwy. Dec. 4, 5 and 6 from 7 - 8 p.m.
To prepare our hearts and minds for Advent with a focus on the Eucharist, we are hosting the following speakers in context of a Holy Hour: Dec. 4 - Curtis Keddy, “The Real Presence of the Eucharist”; Dec. 5 - Emily Lopez, “Human Brokenness and Redemption”; and Dec. 6 - Sebastian D’Amico, “The Eucharist as a Wedding feast.” These speakers will give different, dynamic perspectives on how we can personally connect with the Eucharist.
LUNCH AND LEARN Cathedral of St. Peter 409 N. 15th, Kansas City, Kansas Dec. 6 from noon - 1 p.m.
Join us for a “Lunch and Learn” on estate planning with wills and trusts as well as end-of-the-year charitable taxsaving strategies. Lunch will be sponsored by the Cathedral of St. Peter with a presentation by Casey Connealy. Register online at: cfnek.org/events or call (913) 647-0365.
LIVING NATIVITY Douglas County Fairgrounds 2120 Harper St., Lawrence Dec. 9 from 1 - 4 p.m.
Come experience the joy of the first Christmas. Join the Franciscan Servants of the Holy Family for this living Nativity. There will be live animals, music and more. This is a free event, but donations are welcome.
YEAR-END TAX REDUCING STRATEGIES WORKSHOP St. Joseph Parish (hall) 221 N. Sycamore, Nortonville Dec. 12 at 5:30 p.m.
Father William Dun-Dery invites all to attend Bill Eckert’s presentation on year-end tax-reducing strategies and charitable year-end giving. Learn ways to give through stocks, life insurance and IRAs, and ways to minimize capital gains. Register online at: cfnek.org/ events; send an email to Jane Schmitt at: jschmitt@archkck.org; or call (913) 647-3060.
“I am proud to continue the legacy of service my grandfather and father began in 1946.”
Dorothy and Rex Polter, members of Mother Teresa Parish, To p ek a , will celebrate their 65th we d d i n g anniversary on Nov. 25 with a Mass and anniversary blessing at Mother Teresa with their children and grandchildren. The couple was married on Nov. 22, 1958, at St. Joseph Parish in Vancouver, Washington. Their children are: Patricia Kuckelman, H.R. Polter and Dennis Polter. They also have eight grandchildren. Jim and Barb (Bucher) Scherer, members of St. Francis de Sales Parish, Lansing, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on Nov. 24. The couple was married at St. James Church in Franklin, Wisconsin, by Father Denis P. Weis. They renewed their vows at the archdiocesan 50th anniversary Mass and will celebrate with family at Thanksgiving. Their children are: Jennifer Curry, Angela Gustin and Samantha Hendrix. They also have five grandchildren. Bob and Joanne Stephan, members of Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, Shawnee, will celebrate their 70th wedding anniversary on Nov. 25 with a family dinner. The couple was married on Nov. 23, 1953, at St. Patrick Church, Walnut. Their children are: Jane Posch, Patty Stahl, Mike Stephan, Tom Stephan, Carol Ricke, Father Jeff Stephan, Mary Sasenick, Susan Smith and David Stephan. They also have 27 grandchildren and 29 great-grandchildren. >> Continued from page 12
WANTED TO BUY 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. Wanted to buy - Antique/vintage jewelry, paintings, pottery, sterling, etc. Single pieces or estate. Renee, (913) 475-7393. St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee. Will buy firearms and related accessories - One or a whole collection. Honest evaluation and top prices paid. Contact Tom at (913) 238-2473. Member of Sacred Heart Parish, Shawnee. Cash paid - for old tools, old jewelry, old furniture, military items, fishing lures, hunting items, old crocks, arrowheads and old signs. I buy all kinds of older things — house or barn contents, an estate or just one item. Call Patricia any time at (913) 515-2950. Parishioner at Holy Trinity Parish in Lenexa.
FUNERAL HOME • CREMATORY • MEMORIAL CHAPELS 10901 Johnson Drive Shawnee, Kansas 66203 Telephone 913-631-5566 Fax 913-631-2236 Gregg Amos
www.amosfamily.com
Wanted to buy - I buy coin collections, military items, pocket watches, jewelry, class rings, old toys, holiday items and more. Cash in hand. Call Kirk at (913) 2139843.
Classified Advertising The Leaven reaches approximately 50,000 subscribers. Cost is $20 for the first five lines, $1.50 per line thereafter. To purchase a Leaven classified ad, email: beth. blankenship@theleaven.org
14 COLUMNISTS DAILY READINGS THIRTY-THIRD WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME Nov. 19 THIRTY-THIRD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME Prv 31: 10-13, 19-20, 30-31 Ps 128: 1-5 1 Thes 5: 1-6 Mt 25: 14-30 Nov. 20 Monday 1 Mc 1: 10-15, 41-43, 54-57, 62-63 Ps 119: 53, 61, 134, 150, 155, 158 Lk 18: 35-43 Nov. 21 The Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary 2 Mc 6: 18-31 Ps 3: 2-7 Lk 19: 1-10 Nov. 22 Cecilia, virgin, martyr 2 Mc 7: 1, 20-31 Ps 17: 1, 5-6, 8, 15 Lk 19: 11-28 Nov. 23 Thanksgiving Day Sir 50: 22-24 Ps 138: 1-5 1 Cor 1: 3-9 Lk 17: 11-19 Nov. 24 Andrew Dũng-Ląc, priest, and companions, martyrs 1 Mc 4: 36-37, 52-59 (Ps) 1 Chr 29: 10-12 Lk 19: 45-48 Nov. 25 Catherine of Alexandria, virgin, martyr 1 Mc 6: 1-13 Ps 9: 2-4, 6, 16, 19 Lk 20: 27-40
CECILIA
third century Cecilia was honored as a martyr from about 545. According to a written legend, “The Passion of St. Cecily,” she was a Roman Christian of the patrician class betrothed to the pagan Valerian. But she told him she had made a vow of virginity and persuaded him to convert. His brother Tiburtius also became a Christian; the brothers were martyred. When Cecily refused to perform an idolatrous act, she too was martyred. She is the patron of musicians; the Cecily “Passion” has her singing to God “in her heart” on her wedding day.
NOVEMBER 17, 2023 | THELEAVEN.ORG
Gracias. Merci. Danke. Arigato. Hvala. Tak. They all mean: Thanks!
T
hanks, Mom and Dad! I know I told my folks that over the years but not nearly enough. The older I get, the more aware I become of all my parents did for me, especially the life lessons they taught by word and example. Two words especially were drilled into me from a young age: Thank you. As a little kid, this verbal expression of gratitude was enough. As I got older, though, my folks taught me how important a written thankyou note was. I’m sure that I whined at that, saying, “But I SAID, ‘Thank you’ already!” Their response was always the same: “That’s great! You should do that. Now, sit down and write a thank you!” My folks were so “mean” that I didn’t get to play with the gift of a new toy, cash a birthday or Christmas check or spend money gifts until I wrote those darn thank-you notes! And I’m so glad they
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MARK MY WORDS
FATHER MARK GOLDASICH Father Mark is the pastor of Sacred Heart Parish in Tonganoxie. He has been editor of The Leaven since 1989.
were strict about this. It made me appreciate how blessed I was that someone would think enough of me to give me a present. It reminds me of a story of a farmer who brought a load of wheat to the grain elevator in a nearby town. He stopped at a restaurant and sat near a group of boys who were acting up, hassling the waitress and shouting at the cook.
When his meal was brought to him, the farmer bowed his head in prayer. Noticing this, one of the smart alecks decided to have some fun with the farmer. He shouted in a voice that could be heard by everyone in the restaurant: “Hey, old man, does everyone do that where you come from?” Calmly, the man turned toward the boy and in an equally loud voice replied, “No, son, the pigs don’t.” (Story adapted from “Give Thanks” in Paul J. Wharton’s “Stories and Parables for Preachers and Teachers.”) Our yearly celebration of Thanksgiving
Day helps us to remain “human” by reminding us to have grateful hearts, to be aware of how incredibly blessed we are. And as we acknowledge our bounty from God, we can express our thanks by responding to the “hungers” of those around us. For example, the story on page 3 of this issue about the dire needs in Catholic Charities food pantries highlights that hunger is a persistent companion for many people. We can show gratitude to God by not wasting food and by donating generously to alleviate the “food worries” of people less fortunate. Or the story on page 6 about clearing out the clutter rattled my conscience. I thought, “How grateful I am to have clutter! It means I can say thank you to God by sharing the stuff that I don’t use or even need with those who have practically nothing.” Let’s pray that the gratitude and gener-
osity of Thanksgiving Day will spread to our “every day.” Use this abbreviated Litany of Thanksgiving from the U.S. Jesuits of the Central and Southern Province as a starting point by saying, “I thank you, Lord” after each petition below: • For the gift of life: • For this astonishing and complex planet and all of creation: • For my family in faith: • For my family and friends: • For health and those who care for the sick: • For food, warmth and shelter: • For my nation, for freedom, security and peace: In gratitude for your gifts, Lord, may I respect all life; care for creation; tend the sick, the hungry, the homeless and the migrant; work to create a just nation; and love my neighbor as you have loved me.” Amen . . . and thank you, Lord!
Are you using God’s blessings to you to build up others?
s we gather around the Thanksgiving table with family and friends, hearts and minds fill with gratitude to God and our loved ones. We may not realize it, but in giving thanks to God we are being faithful stewards of the talents and spiritual gifts we receive each day. Faithfulness in small things opens to an abundant harvest of joy and gratitude. This is perhaps what the master in this Sunday’s Gospel means to convey at the close of the parable when he says, “Come, share your master’s joy because you were faithful in small matters.” No two people in
JEM SULLIVAN Sullivan is a professor at The Catholic University of America.
our circle of relationships — family, friends, or community — have the same talents. In creating us out of love, God lavishes on each of us particular blessings, natural talents and
spiritual gifts. And while Thanksgiving is a perfect time to recall God’s blessings, the whole of the Christian spiritual life is a journey of recognizing and unpacking the blessings of God. Taken from the final chapter of the Book of Proverbs, Sunday’s first reading sings the praises of a woman whose faithfulness is a blessing to many. Proverbs highlights the feminine personification of wisdom, so it’s appropriate that its final chapter speaks of the practical wisdom of the wife and mother who is praised for her hard work and faith. This exemplary woman is lauded for using her talents for the good
of her family and for the needy and the poor in her community. Her faithfulness in small matters is a model for those striving to live as children of God. Being faithful to God in small matters makes us children of light and frees us from fear of the present or future. This is the assurance that St. Paul gives the Thessalonians in Sunday’s second reading. The imminent expectation of the end of the world and the second coming of Christ was on everyone’s mind in the Thessalonian community, with fearful speculations about Jesus’ return in glory. The “day of the Lord” referred to this final period of history.
St. Paul insists that speculation of this kind is a waste of time — Christ’s return will be unexpected and sudden. And Christians who strive to live upright and faithful lives with hearts of gratitude have nothing to fear on the day of the Lord, whenever it arrives. Using our gifts and talents well requires a heart attuned to God’s many blessings. Rather than being satisfied with fulfilling religious obligations, God’s word challenges us to do more. In the light of the Gospel we must ask ourselves, “How do I put my gifts and talents, however simple and small, to building up the body of Christ?”
Faith always wants to move, reach out to others, pope says VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Like keeping a bicycle upright when riding it, a balanced life of faith is possible only in motion, Pope Francis said. “If you stop, it does not stay up,” he said Nov. 8 at his weekly general audience, explaining the importance of sharing the Gospel with all people by the example of one’s life and in words and acts of charity. Since Jan. 11,
Pope Francis has been using his general audiences to teach about “zeal” for evangelization, choosing a different person each week to hold up as an example. For his talk on how the call to share the Gospel is a call to go out to the people who need to hear it, the pope pointed to Madeleine Delbrêl, a sainthood candidate who lived from 1904-1964 and was a social worker, writer and mystic, who spent more
than 30 years living in a poor neighborhood on the outskirts of Paris. Delbrêl summarized her “spirituality of the bicycle” in a poetic prayer to Jesus that said: “You have chosen us to stay in a strange balance, a balance that can be achieved and maintained only in movement, only in momentum. A bit like a bicycle, which does not stay upright unless its wheels turn . . . we can stay upright only by going forward, moving, in a surge of charity.”
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When life’s many blessings call us to more
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ou Gehrig, in his famous Fourth of July speech in 1939, claimed he was the “luckiest man on the face of the earth.” Well, if Lou Gehrig was the luckiest man, then I guess I am the most blessed man on the face of the earth. The good Lord never ceases to bless me. As this edition of The Leaven is reaching your mailboxes, I will be walking my youngest daughter down the aisle at St. John Church on the campus of Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska. What a beautiful day it will be. God has blessed me with three beautiful children and all are
YES TO THE CALL
BILL MALONEY Bill Maloney is the executive director of the archdiocesan office of stewardship and development. You can email him at: wmaloney@archkck.org.
now happily married. God is good. My career in Catholic stewardship and devel-
opment is another great blessing. Day after day, I witness the generosity and strong faith of countless Catholics throughout the archdiocese. Later this month, we will be honoring John and Claudia Caton with our Deo Gratias award at the Catholic Foundation of Northeast
Kansas Deo Gratias dinner. Their commitment of time, talent and treasure to the church is unparalleled, especially in support of their parish and priestly vocations. I am blessed and thankful that I know John and Claudia. I am also thankful for all of you who support the Archbishop’s Call to Share. This past year, over 13,000 parishioners made gifts totaling over $6.8 million to support our shared ministries. The ministry offices of the archdiocese that are supported by Call to Share are also a great blessing. This past month, we hosted the
annual kickoff lunch for the campaign and each of these ministries went above and beyond to display the work they are doing and to show their appreciation to our pastors for their support of the ministries. The staff members of the archdiocesan office of stewardship and development and the Catholic Foundation of Northeast Kansas are a fantastic blessing. This has been very evident in recent weeks as we have encountered some challenges and each person has risen to the occasion by saying “yes” to additional duties. Last but not least are the blessings of my faith life and the people
who support and guide me. My pastor Father Bill Bruning is always supportive and inspirational. My Monday night rosary group is a tremendous group of men who come together to pray and lift each other up each week. I am grateful for my new spiritual mentor Herb, who I am getting to know, and my wife Patrice, who is my eucharistic adoration prayer partner and my constant cheerleader. All of these people make me the most blessed man on the face of the earth. The question for me this Thanksgiving season, is: Who am I blessing? I’ll ponder this over the next week.
Students with special needs teach us, even as they learn
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hen I was a principal in the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph, a family from Tulsa, Oklahoma, was on a nationwide search to find a Catholic school where their daughter Vincenza could attend with her siblings. This wonderful girl, who would be attending kindergarten the following school year, had PURA syndrome, an extremely rare genetic disorder linked to learning disabilities and developmental delays. My initial reaction was that there would be no way we would be able to meet her needs. Although this
FROM THE SUPER
VINCE CASCONE Vince Cascone is the superintendent of archdiocesan schools.
may sometimes be the case, Vincenza and her family deserved to have a conversation and a sincere effort to try to meet her needs. Thanks be to God, we were able
to welcome her and her siblings into our school, where she received a Catholic education with her peers. As Pope John Paul II insisted, “To welcome the weakest, helping them on their journey, is a sign of civilization. Thus, [they] should not be left alone, but to be welcomed by society
and, according to their abilities, integrated into it as full members.” A pastoral statement from the Catholic bishops of the United States regarding people with special needs made a profound point by saying: “When we think of persons with disabilities in relation to ministry, we tend automatically to think of doing something for them. We do not reflect that they can do something for us and with us. Persons with disabilities can, by their example, teach the able-bodied much about strength and Christian acceptance.” The archdiocesan office of Catholic schools is committed to doing
all we can to support students with special needs. Dr. Lorenzo Rizzi, our associate superintendent for student services, leads our office in this effort. He is currently working with an advocacy group to make sure our students get the services the law entitles them to receive. My office is blessed to have a partnership with EMBRACE, an organization that has provided various resources to our schools so they can support these wonderful students. In addition to providing funding for this advocacy group we have hired, EMBRACE has funded special
educators, professional development and more. The vision of EMBRACE is to create “a world where every child is embraced for their unique God-given abilities and provided the Catholic education necessary to learn to their fullest potential and become the person God made them to be.” We do this important work because of the inherent dignity of these students. But we also do this because these beautiful young people give so much to those around them. They enrich their schools and classmates even beyond the benefits they, themselves, receive.
Potential deacons start with a commitment to the interior life
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ast month, I discussed how a diaconal vocation entails much more than mere eligibility, availability and the desire to serve, even though those qualities are essential. So what are we looking for in tomorrow’s deacons? At the outset, we have to distinguish the permanent diaconate program from various retreats, movements and organizations that target men. These programs — such as Journey or Welcome, Men Under Construction and the Knights of Columbus, to name but a few — are needed more than ever today. By their nature, these groups cast a big net
ORDAINED TO SERVE
LEON SUPRENANT Leon Suprenant is the co-director of the archdiocesan office of the permanent diaconate. He may be reached at: leons@archkck.org.
for their events and programs, which often serve as a catalyst for deeper conversion and continued growth.
The diaconate program, on the other hand, as pointed out by Deacon James Keating, is not for laymen who may see the diaconate as a way to grow in their faith, to become more Catholic. Rather, the diaconate program, to fulfill its mission and purpose, must only select
applicants from the ranks of spiritually mature men who are already committed to Christ and the Catholic Church as devoted laymen. We see this approach even in the selection of the very first deacons, described in the Book of Acts. The apostles called together the community of the disciples and instructed them to “select from among you seven reputable men, filled with the Spirit and wisdom” (6:3). In other words, prior to “ordination,” the first deacons were already established members of the faith community, known to be wise, Spirit-led disciples. That must also be our
standard today. At the same time, it’s concerning when a potential deacon applicant seems to make too big of a deal of his resume — all his pious devotions, fancy degrees or parish activities. These are all important, of course, but only with the understanding that the diaconate is something that is received, not earned. The most important quality of a potential applicant for the diaconate may be described in various ways, but it comes down to a fundamental commitment and openness to the interior life. The church is not so much looking for someone who wants to do good things
or simply “help out” as much as someone who brings a spirit of contemplation into all he does — who is fascinated with the things of God and desires abiding intimacy with him. The church is looking for someone who is attracted to the actions of Christ the Servant, and who may be vulnerable enough to allow Christ to relive — to sacramentalize —these mysteries of his redemptive service (“diakonia”) in his very body. But what does this profound openness look like in the man who is presently discerning a vocation to the diaconate? We will break down this subject in the next installment.
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Kids’ CHRONICLE
The king of Babylon sees a hand writing on the palace wall By Jennifer Ficcaglia Catholic Courier
Q&A 1. What did the king see on the wall? 2. Who did the king ask for help?
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ILLUSTRATION BY LINDA RIVERS
Bible accent
WORD SEARCH
n Daniel 2, we read that Daniel interpreted a dream for King Nebuchadnezzar. The king had asked the wise men of Babylon to interpret the dream for him without actually telling them what it was about. Daniel learned of the king’s request and asked for time to interpret the dream. During the night, God gave Daniel a vision in which the dream and its meaning were revealed. Daniel asked to see the king. He described the king’s dream, which was about a very large and bright statue with a head of gold; a chest and arms of silver; a belly of bronze; legs of iron; and feet that were partly iron and partly tile. Daniel explained that the statue’s head represented Babylon, and the other parts represented various kingdoms that would take Babylon’s place. A stone that struck the statue’s feet and made the entire thing crumble represented the kingdom that God would create to put an end to other kingdoms and that would not be destroyed. The king was so pleased that he made Daniel ruler of the whole province of Babylon.
TRIVIA: What happened to King Belshazzar after Daniel interpreted the writing on the wall? (Hint: Daniel 5:30) Answer: He was slain that night.
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ne day, King Belshazzar, the pagan king of Babylon, gave a great banquet at his palace for 1,000 of his lords. During the feast, the king ordered that gold and silver vessels be brought in so that he, his lords, his wives and the entertainers could drink from them. These vessels were very special. One of the previous kings of Babylon, Nebuchadnezzar, had taken them from the Jewish Temple in JerusaREAD MORE lem when he ransacked the city and ABOUT IT: brought its citizens to Babylon as Daniel 5 captives. As the people drank from the sacred vessels, they praised their pagan gods of gold, silver, bronze, iron, wood and stone. Suddenly, the fingers of a human hand appeared and began writing in the plaster on the wall. When the king saw the hand, the color drained from his face. He was so terrified that the joints of his hips shook and his knees knocked together. The king ordered Daniel to be brought before him. Daniel was a Jew who had been brought to Babylon as a captive. He also was a prophet of God and, in the past, had interpreted Nebuchadnezzar’s dream. The king said he would give Daniel valuable items and a position of power in the kingdom if he could reveal the meaning of the words written on the wall: MENE, TEKEL and PERES. Daniel refused the king’s gifts but said he would read the words and tell him what they meant. “You have rebelled against the Lord of heaven,” Daniel said, explaining that the king had praised false gods while drinking from the Temple vessels. “But the God in whose hand is your life breath and the whole course of your life, you did not glorify. By him were the wrist and hand sent, and the writing set down.” Then, Daniel interpreted the meaning of the three words that had been written on the wall. MENE, he said, meant that God had numbered Belshazzar’s kingdom and put an end to it. TEKEL meant that Belshazzar had been weighed on the scales and was found wanting. And PERES meant that the kingdom of Babylon had been divided and given to the Medes and Persians.
St. Juan Diego
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t. Juan Diego was a native Mexican who was born near present-day Mexico City in 1474. He converted to Christianity and was baptized at the age of 50. On Dec. 9, 1531, he was walking to Mass when Mary appeared to him on Tepeyac Hill. She instructed him to ask the bishop to have a shrine built there. The bishop asked for a sign that would prove the request was from Mary, so Juan returned to the hill on Dec. 12, 1531. Mary told him to pick flowers that were blooming atop the hill and carry them in his cloak to the bishop. When Juan opened the cloak, the flowers fell out, revealing the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe adorning his garment. Juan lived the remainder of his life as a hermit near the first chapel built on the hill. He died in 1548, and we remember him on Dec. 9.