11 18 22 Vol. 44 No. 15

#GIVINGTUESDAY

favorites Nov. 29

By Dean Backes Special to The Leaven

LAWRENCE — After opening its doors to thousands of Masses, baptisms, first Communions and parish get-togethers for the better part of a century, St. John the Evangelist Church here was in need of serious repair.

So, pastor Father John Cousins, OFM Cap., rallied the troops.

As last year’s GivingTuesday cam paign inched closer, Father John called on the parish’s director of communica tions Jacinta Hoyt to assist him.

“I came up with the idea that we were going to use social media, the church bul letin and an email blast as a way to pro mote the fundraiser and to encourage people to donate,” Hoyt said. “We looked through different parish directories and encouraged parishioners to submit photos of baptisms or first Communions — different ways in which the church was showing how it was their home, how they had been involved in the church and how the church had been involved in their lives.”

Hoyt took the photos she gathered, some dating back to the 1950s, and posted them on Facebook. Parishioners and

family, friends and relatives, linked to the photos, then tagged each other and began commenting on the photos, setting

the marketing plan in motion.

A generous donor offered to match the goal of $50,000 and St. John the Evan gelist wound up taking in $90,000 in do nations for a total of $140,000 after the match.

“We’d just like to give a big thank you to anyone that donated to help us sustain the church,” Hoyt said of last year’s suc cessful campaign.

That success has left organizers eager for this year’s GivingTuesday campaign, when St. John the Evangelist is looking to raise money for additional upgrades, like $6,000 to make improvements and repairs to the church’s elevator.

While donors are allowed to begin do nating to their favorite school, parish or ministry ahead of time, GivingTuesday officially launches Nov. 29. The online leaderboard at the Catholic Foundation of Northeast Kansas (CFNEK) website — cfnek.org — will be accessible from Nov. 23 through Dec. 5.

Established for the purpose of encour aging online giving for good causes the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, the idea of

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER

Mark Brown, maintenance and facilities manager at Immaculate Conception-St. Joseph Parish in Leavenworth, stands by the truck with a snowplow that was purchased with Giving Tuesday donations last year. The truck, snowplow and a salt spreader help to keep the parish up and running even in bad weather.

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER

Father Glenn Snow, O.Carm., pastor of Immaculate Conception-St. Joseph Parish in Leaven worth, shows off the camera and tripod in the choir loft of St. Joseph that is used to livestream Masses. The equipment was purchased with funds raised by last year’s GivingTuesday. This year, the parish hopes to raise enough to buy similar equipment for Immaculate Conception.

Help your parish radiate the joy of the Gospel

In my hometown of St. Louis, there is quite a bit of discussion within the Catholic com munity regarding a planning process that is designed to reduce significantly the num ber of parishes.

There is a similar process taking place in the Archdiocese of Omaha. These plan ning processes have been undertaken because of demograph ic shifts of Catholic population, fewer active Catholics and a declining number of available priests.

A goal of these pastoral planning ini tiatives is to improve pastoral ministry by reducing the financial resources devoted to the maintenance of buildings. Another goal is to allocate the limited number of priests to where they are most needed based on the current distri bution of the Catholic population. It would allow newly ordained priests to serve as parochial vicars (asso ciate pastors) longer — giving them the oppor tunity to experience, at least, two parishes and the benefit of be ing mentored by more than one pastor, before assuming the responsi bility of leadership for a parish family.

Reducing the number of parishes relieves priests from attempting to shoulder the pastoral leadership and administration, in some cases, for as many as four parochial communities. Even though the actual num ber of parishioners in each parish may be relatively small, still,

the pastor has to meet with multiple parish councils and finance councils as well as du plicate organizations for each community. It also could make it pos sible for priests to live together in communi ty, rather than living alone.

I respect my brother bishops for their for titude in undertaking such pastoral projects. Consolidating parish communities by reduc ing the pastoral and sacramental activity at particular locations is never popular. Bish ops undertake such projects and bear the criticism that often ensues, because they are convinced it is best for their people.

Similar pastoral planning efforts have taken place in many other archdioceses and dioceses. I will not implement a similar process in the Archdi ocese of Kansas City in Kansas. Before closing, merging or consoli dating parishes, I have chosen to challenge our parishes to initiate efforts to form parish ioners to become, what Pope Francis terms as missionary disciples.

This was the prin cipal goal for the 2019 Enflame Our Hearts convocation. There are many in our society who identify them selves as being spiritu al, but not religious.

There are many unchurched individu als in every neighbor hood and region. The convocation attempted to surround every pastor with a team of lay leaders eager to assist him with form ing the entire parish community to become missionary disciples.

Unfortunately, COVID interrupted those efforts. Now is the time to renew our efforts to form our entire archdiocesan community to be missionary disciples. If you experience your Catholic faith as a great blessing, why would you not be enthused to share this gift with others? We have an obligation to help others know the gift of friendship with Jesus Christ and the joy of life within his church.

If this article has created some anxiety for you, if you are fearful that a future bishop might discern to consolidate or merge parishes, then I encourage you to make it difficult for any fu ture bishop to consider

such a pastoral project.

Vibrant parishes, where the joy of the Gospel is visible, and new members are being drawn to join the parish family, make it less likely for a future archbishop to consider reducing the number of parishes. When the Gospel is lived well, it is attractive.

We have what many in our culture are seeking — a communi ty where they come to know the God of rev elation, find meaning for their life, are loved and cared for, receive strength and hope in the midst of suffering, find friends who are eager to help them carry the burdens of life in this world and discover their destiny — to live with God and the saints forever. How can we fail to try to share the blessings of our Catholic faith with others?

Finally, every parish family needs to encourage young men from their community to consider the pos sibility of a priestly vocation. We were blessed to have 10 new men enter seminary formation this year. We have 27 seminar ians. God willing, I will ordain three men to the priesthood in May. These are good numbers, but we need more.

The mission fields of northeast Kan sas are fertile. Our archdiocese is blessed abundantly in so many ways. The secular culture that margin alizes religious faith, rejecting the possibil ity of friendship with a loving God while of fering many pleasures

Nov. 18

ARCHBISHOP NAUMANN’S CALENDAR

St. Cecilia Mass and reception — Savior Pastoral Center, Kansas City, Kansas

Nov. 19

Mass followed by pro-life procession to Planned Parenthood — Christ the King, Kansas City, Kansas

Divine Winefest — Fiorella’s Event Center, Overland Park

Nov. 20

Crosier Mass — Savior Pastoral Center, Kansas City, Kansas

Nov. 21

“Shepherds Voice” recording — Savior Pastoral Center, Kansas City, Kansas

Confirmation — St. Boniface in Scipio and St. Therese, Richmond

Nov. 22

Grandparents Day all-school Mass — Holy Trinity, Lenexa

Envisioning Team meeting — chancery

Confirmation and presentation of the St. Philippine Duchesne Award — Sacred Heart, Mound City

Nov. 23

Mass of Thanksgiving and staff recognition — Sav ior Pastoral Center

Nov. 27

Mass — Church of the Ascension, Overland Park

and material comforts, cannot provide the joy and peace for which our hearts yearn.

We were built to be in communion with God. As St. Augus tine famously wrote more than 1,500 years ago, “Our hearts are restless until they rest in God.”

If you are not already a part of the Enflame Our Hearts parish team, contact your pastor and volun teer to help implement your parochial evange lization plan.

Loving marriages,

joyful families, virtu ous friendships and, most of all, the peace that comes from being in communion with God are the things for which the human heart longs.

Help your parish family radiate the joy of the Gospel of Jesus in your community.

Help create vibrant communities of faith that will challenge any future bishop to have to ponder how to provide for a vibrant and growing Catholic community.

By Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

KANSAS CITY, Kan. — Don Arth never forgot that the only way he could enroll at Conception Seminary’s prep school in Conception, Missouri, in 1946 was through a schol arship from an anonymous donor.

That’s why, for most of his life, he has supported Catholic education and vocations to the priesthood and reli gious life.

It was for their generosity that Don and Janice Arth, members of Prince of Peace Parish in Olathe, were present ed the Deo Gratias Award on Nov. 10 by Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann at the Keleher Conference Center at Savior Pastoral Center in Kansas City, Kansas.

The Catholic Foundation of North east Kansas annually presents two Deo Gratias Awards — one to individ uals and another to a Catholic Institu tion.

CFNEK, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit orga nization, provides distributions and grants to parishes, schools and institu tions through the formation of endow ments, donor advised funds, charitable gift annuities and membership in Cath olic legacy societies.

The Deo Gratias (Latin for “thanks be to God”) Award is given in recognition of outstanding achievement, service and support of Catholic institutions that are CFNEK fund holders, as well as Catholic Legacy Society members.

Don’s father died in an accident when he was one year old and his mother moved them to be closer to her family in Pilot Grove, Missouri. This was during the Great Depression, so they had little money.

His prospects brightened when he received a scholarship from an anon ymous benefactor to attend the prep school in Conception, Missouri.

Although Don spent only a year there, it had a profound impact on him. As he and his first wife Liz raised their family, they supported Catholic educa tion in ways big and small.

“I remember when my kids were starting in school, I was in the com mons at St. Thomas Aquinas High School (in Overland Park) and there was a brick with [his parents’] names on it,” said Chris Arth, Don’s son and general counsel for the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas. “It was from the old, classic ‘name on a brick’ fundrais ing campaign.

“Then we were playing basketball at Bishop Miege High School (in Roeland Park) and there was another brick with their names on it. I told my mom about it, and she said, ‘Oh, I hadn’t thought about that for years.’ Here, they sup ported schools where none of my sib lings went at the time, but Catholic education was that important to them. And what do you know? A couple of their grandchildren went [to these schools].”

Don’s wife Liz died in 2011, and Janice Arth’s husband Dan Lawless died in 2009. Both couples met at the parish and through their activities in the Serra Club. Although Janice was

not a Catholic and couldn’t be a full member, she still volunteered. Janice entered the Catholic Church in 2010. Don and Janice married in 2012.

As active members in the Serra Club, they wanted to help those pursuing a vocation to the priesthood or religious life. The couple and CFNEK established the Heart to Heart Scholarship Fund in 2021 to pay for some of the expenses of these individuals.

This fund is supported by the Mas ter’s Cup golf tournament fundraiser held annually.

Accepting a Deo Gratias Award for the Catholic Education Foundation (CEF) were Jeff Jaworski, board chair man of CEF and member of Curé of Ars Parish in Leawood, and Vince Anch, ex ecutive director of CEF.

While giving the award, Archbish op Naumann noted that in the past 25 years, CEF has provided $28 million in tuition assistance to students in need who otherwise could not afford a Cath olic education.

CEF annually supports 1,800 stu dents in 27 archdiocesan schools with

President Most Rev. Joseph F. Naumann

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

LEAVEN PHOTO BY KATHRYN WHITE

$4 million in scholarships.

In his report on the state of CFNEK, Bill Maloney, the foundation’s execu tive director, said that the foundation grew to 238 funds and ended the fiscal year with $110 million in assets, de spite the challenging investment mar kets.

This year, CFNEK gave more than $6 million in grants, scholarships and distributions to schools, parishes and other Catholic charities in the archdi ocese.

Moira Cullings moira.cullings@theleaven.org

Editor Anita McSorley anita.mcsorley@theleaven.org Production/Business Manager Todd Habiger todd.habiger@theleaven.org Publication No. (ISSN0194-9799)

Senior Reporter Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org NOVEMBER 18, 2022 | THELEAVEN.ORG 3 LOCAL NEWS

Advertising Coordinator Beth Blankenship beth.blankenship@theleaven.org

New pregnancy resource center spreads its wings to serve those in need

By Marc and Julie Anderson mjanderson@theleaven.org

LANSING — Nine months. That’s about how long it took from “conception” to “birth,” so to speak, for the newest pregnancy re source center within the archdio cese to open its doors.

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann blessed Sparrow Women’s Clinic, lo cated at 100 E. Kansas St. in Lansing, on Oct. 31. It opens later this month.

The name comes from Psalm 84, which says: “As the sparrow finds a home and swallow a nest to settle her young, my home is by your altars, my king and my God.”

Founders Brice and Patty Halley hope the welcoming environment provided by the medical clinic will help many women choose life for their children.

The idea for the clinic was born approximately nine months ago.

After moving to the area in August 2021 from Bentonville, Ar kansas, the couple said they planned to settle into a retirement lifestyle.

God, they said, had different plans.

“I thought we were going to travel, do hobbies and spend time with family,” Patty said.

The couple had moved to Kansas to be near Brice’s family. They had no other plans beyond that, except maybe to use their time and talents to serve at a pregnancy resource center in the area. Throughout the past 15 years, they had volunteered, worked at and served as board mem bers of other centers in Alaska and Arkansas.

“Brice went out looking for a place for men’s counseling, and he went to Birthright. I was looking around for a place where I could do ultrasounds

I AM GRATEFUL TO SPARROW WOMEN’S CLINIC FOR OPENING ITS DOORS TO SERVE WOMEN FACING DIFFICULT PREGNANCIES. THIS IS AN INCREDIBLY IMPORTANT TIME FOR THE WORK OF PREGNANCY HELP CENTERS IN KANSAS.

ARCHBISHOP JOSEPH F. NAUMANN

again. There wasn’t any,” Patty said.

Thinking it might be “time to get back to work,” the couple started praying.

As days turned into weeks and weeks into months, Brice said, one day the couple just looked at each other and realized they needed to found a clinic themselves, one that would serve clients in the area.

“There weren’t any plans for it,” Brice said.

Patty agreed.

“We asked family and friends to talk us out of it,” she said, “but they all said they thought we needed to do this.”

That was in February.

Since then, the couple founded a 501(c)(3) foundation, formed a board of directors, secured and renovated a brick-and-mortar location, and en listed the services of medical direc tor Catherine Grote, D.O.

The new clinic is distinct from some of the other pregnancy re source centers found within the

archdiocese in a few ways.

First, it will be solely a medical clinic. As such, the clinic will offer pregnancy verification testing ad ministered by a registered nurse, ultrasounds and abortion pill re versal treatment in partnership with Heartbeat International. And because the pregnancy verification will be signed by a nurse, a client will be able to submit the form to in surance providers.

Also, for now, it will be open all five days a week, although that could change. Most pregnancy resource centers within the archdiocese are closed on Fridays.

The clinic’s stated mission is to serve “the abortion-minded, the abortion-vulnerable and the under served” and “to treat each person with kindness,” while connecting clients to community resources.

“We are a medical clinic,” said Patty. “My vision or business plan or whatever you want to call it is that we will network with all the resourc es in the area. I think the chances of someone hearing the Gospel, meet ing a believer or seeing the love of Christ out in the community will be much better for them than if every thing was right here.

“Whatever that woman needs, we are going to connect them [to it].”

And it is all thanks, she said, to the generosity of donors and volunteers.

In his remarks, Archbishop Nau mann said, “I am grateful to Spar row Women’s Clinic for opening its doors to serve women facing diffi cult pregnancies. This is an incred ibly important time for the work of pregnancy help centers in Kansas.”

“It takes special courage and obe dience to God’s call,” he added, “to open an enterprise like this at this time, but it has never been more im portant.

John and Fran (Aziere) Sankey, mem bers of St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee, will celebrate their 50th wed ding anniver sary on Nov. 27 with a Mass of thanksgiving. Following the Mass, there will be a dinner for the imme diate family at the Raphael Hotel in Kansas City, Missouri. The couple was married Nov. 24, 1972, at St. Ann Church in Prairie Village by Father Larry Albertson.

Michelle (French) and Bernie Rock ers, members of St. Boniface Parish, Scipio, will celebrate their 50th wed ding anniversa ry on Nov. 18. A family dinner, replica wedding cake/flowers, and photogra pher will commemorate this special day on Nov. 20. The couple was married on Nov. 18, 1972, at St. Boniface. Their chil dren are: Rachel Padfield, Tonganoxie; Blake Rockers, Ottawa; Ryan Rockers, Garnett; and Brice Rockers, Shawnee. They also have nine grandchildren.

John and Dorothy (Hanway) Halling, mem bers of St. Louis Church, rural Atchi son, will celebrate their 65th wedding anniversary on Nov. 23. They were married on Nov. 23, 1957, at Immacu late Conception Church in St. Joseph, Mis souri. Their children are: Tom Halling, Denton; Phil Halling, Lancaster; Mary Ann Massey, Denton; Laura Bell, Marion, Arkansas; and Angela Zepeda, El Dorado. They also have 11 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. They will celebrate with their family on Nov. 26.

Ernie and Norma Boehner, members of Holy Trinity Parish, Lenexa, celebrated their 50th wedding an niversary on Oct. 8 with a surprise celebration fiesta thrown by their daughters, Angie Boehner and Molly Price, with all their family and friends in attendance at the Holiday Inn Sunrise Ballroom in Overland Park. The couple was married on Nov. 18, 1972, at Christ the King Church in Kansas City, Missouri.

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann, assisted by seminarian Dan Mauro, blesses Sparrow Women’s Clinic, located at 100 E. Kansas St. in Lansing on Oct. 31. It will open later this month.

Catholics to learn to tell the church’s ‘big story’ this Advent

By Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

KANSAS CITY, Kan. — As Cath olics, we don’t know our “big story” — and that’s a prob lem. This, however, is going to change.

On every Sunday this Advent season, Catholics in parishes across the Archdi ocese of Kansas City in Kansas will hear about our “big story” — the core of the Gospel — in a special preaching series based on the book “Rescued” by Father John Riccardo, a priest of the Archdio cese of Detroit.

“Father Ric cardo . . . has been released by his bishop, Archbishop Allen Vigneron, to focus on evangelization in the church, so Father Riccardo formed an apos tolate [called] Acts XXIX,” said Father Brian Schie ber, pastor of St. Michael the Archangel Parish in Leawood and vicar general for clergy.

There is, however, no 29th chapter in the Book of Acts in the New Testament, he said. The point Father Riccardo is trying to make is that we Christians today are supposed to carry on the work of evange lization begun by those first Christians.

“Father Riccardo’s main message is our people don’t know our story,” said Father Schieber. “We don’t know our Christian story. We don’t know the core of the Gospel — the kerygma.

“So, Father Riccardo says we need to preach anew our story, the kernel of the Gospel, the good news.”

In his book, Father Riccardo rephras es the kerygma — that’s Greek for “proc lamation” — into four short questions and then, even more concisely, into four words: created, captured, rescued and response.

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann and the priests of the archdiocese listened to Father Riccardo speak about the kerygma

during the annual archdiocesan priests convocation at Benedictine College in Atchison in early June.

Acts XXIX was then discussed fur ther at a Presbyteral Council meeting in September. At that time, Archbishop Naumann decided to ask the priests of the archdiocese to preach a series of hom ilies during the Sundays of Advent based on the approach outlined by Father Ric cardo in “Rescued.”

The Archdiocese of Denver did a simi lar series during Advent in 2021.

To assist the pastors with the preach ing series, Archbishop Naumann sent each a copy of Father Riccardo’s book “Rescued,” and then Emily Lopez, lead consultant of the adult evangelization office, developed homily resources to ac company the pertinent readings.

“I pray that this emphasis on the kerygma will lead listeners to a place of deeper conversion and response to God’s call, especially in this season of Advent,” wrote Archbishop Naumann.

Although every Catholic will hear the same message each Sunday, they won’t hear the same homily, said Father Schie ber.

“This is not going to be like a canned homily series where all the priests say the same exact thing every Sunday,” said Father Schieber.

“It’s important that each priest, as a preacher, preaches with conviction from the heart. And that we also give our own witness and testimony of how Christ works in our lives,” he added. “Every priest is invited to preach a homily on that word, that theme, for the week.”

Although it’s true that many Catholics do, indeed, know the kerygma and have heard it preached all their lives, there is still value in this Advent preaching series for them.

“Conversion is an ongoing thing in our lives, a process,” said Father Schie ber. “The Scriptures are a wellspring of spiritual life, an inexhaustible source of inspiration. We cannot exhaust the Scriptures. We encounter Jesus there. The Gospel is alive, the living word of God.”

“So, you just can’t say ‘I’ve heard that and I’m done with it,’” he continued. “Jesus is alive. We need that living rela tionship with him. And we need to hear it over and over. We are called to go deeper in our relationship with Christ. Hearing the Gospel anew helps us do that.”

Faith-based nonprofits receive the most #GivingTuesday dollars

GivingTuesday was introduced in 2012 and eventually became a global move ment. CFNEK has been participating in the fundraising blitz for several years, making it easy for archdiocesan entities to call attention to their needs.

According to Marie Baranko, the di rector of communications for Christ’s Peace House of Prayer in Easton, the ministry began taking advantage of the online donating platform in 2019 when it raised funds to paint some of its cabins. Then in 2020, like plenty of other orga nizations, Baranko’s ministry was forced to focus on bringing in enough money to stay afloat due to COVID-19.

Christ’s Peace began combining Giv ingTuesday with its fall fundraiser two years ago. Last fall, Baranko said $10,000 was raised through the GivingTuesday campaign — and $15,000 altogether — to renovate the facility’s conference room. Extra funds received allowed the minis try to add an extra counter in the back of the room.

Baranko hopes to raise $12,000 this fall to repair and paint the siding on the House of Prayer’s main building.

“It’s out there,” Baranko said of the growing awareness of the GivingTues day opportunity. “People look for it. I think we get a different demographic of people to donate than what we’d normal ly get.”

After raising the funds to make the church site at St. Joseph Parish in Leav enworth internet-accessible and to purchase the video equipment needed to stream Mass two years ago, Immac ulate Conception-St. Joseph Parish in Leavenworth went a different route last fall.

Their former groundskeeper, who now works at the Carmelite House in Washington, D.C., did it all — snow re moval, mowing, religious education, contracting, housework and more. So, when he left, the community was forced to raise the $18,000 needed to purchase a truck with a snowplow, a salt spreader and a good mower to go along with the help needed to keep the parishes up and running.

This year, GivingTuesday coordi nator Susan Harrington said her twin parishes are looking to raise another $6,000 to begin making Immaculate Conception Church internet-accessible

and to purchase the equipment neces sary to livestream Mass and some of the other events that take place on church grounds.

“If you have a project that they like — that they support — they donate,” Har rington said of her fellow parishioners. “That’s what makes for the success of [GivingTuesday].”

Faith-based nonprofits now receive the largest percentage of GivingTues day online donations, with the average gift amount exceeding $204, up from $134 a year ago. Overall, online giving rose 21% with 17% of online donations coming from people donating from their mobile devices. Last fall, $2.7 bil lion was generated for nonprofits on GivingTuesday.

Jane Schmitt, the marketing coordina tor of CFNEK, urged parishioners of the archdiocese to get out and donate.

“First, we have Thanksgiving and Black Friday,” Schmitt said. “Then, Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday. All of those days are just leading us to the biggest event of all — GivingTuesday. It’s become a nationwide day of giving and is increasing in momentum.

“I think most people give to Giving

Tuesday projects because it’s something that’s near and dear to their hearts or it’s very relatable. Or it might be their school or their parish that is participat ing and they’ll be able to see and reap the benefits and rewards of the gifts that they’re giving on GivingTuesday.”

For donors that frequently buy or give online, giving is easy. They can donate with a credit card by texting the organi zation’s text-to-give phone number and keyword, or by scanning a QR code that takes the donor directly to an organiza tion’s crowdfunding page.

If they are in possession of a public giving page direct URL, donors can go that route, or they can walk into a partic ipating school, parish or ministry with a check or cash.

Donors wanting to track the progress of their favorite charity can go online to: cfnek.org to access the leaderboard. Once there, donors can find their favor ite charities by scrolling down and click ing on the drop-down menu. Donors will then be able to see where their money is going by accessing the participating or ganization’s crowdfunding page.

LEAVEN FILE PHOTO

Father Michael Hermes, pastor of St. Paul Parish in Olathe, preaches during Advent last year. This Advent, Catholics in parishes across the Arch diocese of Kansas City in Kansas will hear about the church’s “big story” — the core of the Gospel — in a special preaching series based on the book “Rescued” by Father John Riccardo, a priest of the Archdiocese of Detroit.

NOVEMBER 18, 2022 | THELEAVEN.ORG 6 LOCAL NEWS

John the Baptist in a movie.

o, after two years, I finally succumbed to COVID-19.When I woke up feeling like a cold was coming, I wasn’t surprised. I’d been ex posed by a grandchild. Nevertheless, since I was going out to lunch with friends, I took a quick test. Negative.

On the drive home, I started to feel bad. I yearned for a cup of cocoa and a place to crash. The next day, it was worse. I stayed in bed, took another test, once again negative. COVID-19 is a weird thing.

By the third day, I felt better. But my daughter brought me another test on the fourth day, and there it was — positive, a test I never wanted to ace.

EFFIE CALDAROLA

He speaks slowly and with authority. All he had to do on this particular Sun day when he reached the altar was make the sign of the cross, say, “The Lord be with you,” and then look at the assembly, and say, forcefully, “This man welcomes sinners.”

welcome him.” Those words, he said, “have been in my mind and heart these last few weeks.”

So, by Sunday, still feeling punk, I went online to a beloved Jesuit parish to “go” to Mass.

The Jesuit pastor is a quiet, gentle guy. He’s tall, almost gaunt, with a beard. He could play

It’s hard to express how moving I found those words. This man. No introduction neces sary, no need to speak his name. I could feel Jesus’ presence in the midst of my own sin.

This preacher knows how to use a long, weighty pause. After a few seconds, he added, “And eats with them.”

Then: “And he allows sinners to

This was the Sun day we heard about Zacchaeus, a wealthy senior tax official, one of a despised class in Palestine. In my neigh borhood, there are many sycamore trees. If Zacchaeus climbed a similar tree to catch a glimpse of Jesus, it must have been quite a climb.

When Jesus spots him and invites himself to dinner at Zacchaeus’ house, there are the inevita ble complaints. As a matter of fact, Luke says “they began to grumble” because Jesus was going to stay at a sinner’s house.

Things don’t change, do they? Two millennia

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later, and we still fret about other people’s sins. It’s hard to deeply examine or admit our own sinfulness. We all need forgiveness, and Jesus welcomes us all. Again and again.

As Catholics, we know repentance is a continuing thing, not a one and done. Conver sion is ongoing, always calling us deeper.

But Jesus doesn’t give up on us, despite the fact that we ex clude some from the table, because we think we have the right to judge others’ motiva tions. We decide which — and whose — sins are worst.

Jesus often focused on two sins in particu lar: greed and hypocri sy. So, when Zacchaeus spontaneously offered to give half of his

property to the poor, I wonder if Jesus ever worked on that other half. Over dinner of course.

The actual homily that day was a state-ofthe-parish report, be cause it was steward ship Sunday. It didn’t matter. We all know the shortest homilies are usually the best.

This pastor’s brief introductory words were probably around 60 seconds, but it was the best homily I’d heard in weeks. He didn’t have to allude to Zacchaeus. We knew to whom he referred. We knew the things he was referencing.

I let his words sink in, and in the midst of my COVID-19 isolation, I wept a bit. I, too, will keep those words in my mind and heart.

Retired Persons (abbr.)

Tribe of Israel

Walking (KJV)

Girl in “Beverly Hills, 90210”

A witch lived here

Corporate top dog

Fake chocolate

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© BY CLIFF LEITCH, THE CHRISTIAN BIBLE REFERENCE SITE, WWW.CHRISTIANBIBLEREFERENCE.ORG. USED BY PERMISSION

Effie Caldarola is a columnist for Catholic New Service.

Two millennia later, and we still fret about other people’s sins

‘Winter is coming. Winter is here.’

‘God moments’ surprise

St. Michael parishioners in their efforts to help Ukraine

By Moira Cullings moira.cullings@theleaven.org

LEAWOOD — “I look at life through daily mir acles, and I know those are happening here,” said Konrad Milews ki, a parishioner of St. Michael the Archangel Parish here.

Milewski is a native of Poland, whose work brought him, his wife Ola and their three children to the United States six years ago.

Since Russia launched a large-scale invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24, Milews ki has been desperate to get involved.

Although he can’t be on the front lines in Poland assisting Ukrainian ref ugees, he’s found himself in a different position to help.

Milewski has become a connec tion between St. Michael, Poland and Ukraine, bridging the gap between the three with help from fellow parishio ners and connections back home.

“It’s a beautiful network of people,” said Shawna Davidson, director of reli gious education at St. Michael. “It does seem like there’s something really big [happening] — that God’s hand is in this.

“It can’t all be a coincidence.”

Help Bishop Jan Sobilo’s community

St. Michael the Archangel pa rishioners are encouraged to contribute to the Disaster Relief Fund online at: stmichaelcp.org/ donations-payments. Checks can be mailed to the parish office at 14251 Nall Ave., Leawood, KS 66223. Make checks out to: Disaster Relief Fund.

Those outside of St. Michael the Archangel Parish may con tribute directly to the dedicat ed fundraising page at: https:// crs.donordrive.com/campaign/ saving-live or contact the relief coordinator, Konrad Milewski, by email at: konrad.milewski@ yoolovemee.com or online at: http://yoolovemee.com.

It began with a simple question: “How can

When Milewski’s children Szymon and Kornelia were preparing for their first Communion, and his daughter Paulina was preparing for the sacra

ment of confirmation, Davidson and religious education coordinator Jane Gregory got to know the family.

“It started in friendship and love of Christ through the sacraments,” said Davidson.

From there, a relationship began to blossom.

The parish was curious how they could assist families in Poland and

Ukraine.

Milewski reached out to Polish native Helena Anderson, who had connected her own parish, St. Paul in Olathe, with a Polish priest in need of support earlier this year.

Eventually, Milewski learned about another group in need: Auxiliary Bishop Jan Sobilo of the Diocese of Kharkiv-Zaporizhzhia in Ukraine and

‘There is no escape’

we help?”

CNS PHOTO/VYACHESLAV MADIYEVSKYY, REUTERS

A Ukrainian woman holds her baby on a bed in a bomb shelter during the Russian invasion of Kharkiv Oct. 12. As winter begins in the war-torn country, residents worry about the freezing tempera tures they could face with little to no electricity. The Russian army has taken control of Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, the largest one in Europe, and the future remains uncertain.

COURTESY PHOTO

Pope John Paul II with now-Auxiliary Bishop Jan Sobilo at one of their 11 meetings. The saint cared deeply for Ukraine, and Bishop Sobilo believes he is interceding for the country still.

Quick stats

As of Nov. 8, according to the Operational Data Portal of the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), 7,431,013 people had crossed the border from Ukraine to Poland and 4,699,333 Ukrainian refugees are registered for Tempo rary Protection or similar national protection schemes in Europe.

his parishioners.

“This is true poverty,” said Milewski of their situation, “and they don’t know where to go. There is no escape.”

‘Constant fear’

Every morning, Bishop Sobilo is confronted with the sound of air-raid sirens, a stark warning to seek shelter in the basement.

“Everybody is living in constant fear,” he said.

Bishop Sobilo, who was born in Poland but was sent to Ukraine after he became a priest, is based in Zapor izhzhia in the southeast part of the country.

The Catholics in his care are spread out among seven regions from north to south in the eastern part of Ukraine.

In Zaporizhzhia, the situation is par ticularly dire.

The Russian army has taken control of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, the largest one in Europe.

“They’re sending rockets or missiles every day,” said Bishop Sobilo, “mainly now [to control] the critical infrastruc ture [of] the gas, electricity and water.”

“Still, millions of people stay in these towns,” he added. “They’re in very, very bad situations now.”

For around four hours at a time, people lose electricity, and Bishop Sobilo predicts that in the near future, they will have no electricity at all.

He said people are drinking water from a river. He and a few priests were forced to build a water well close to their church, but it will no longer pump water if they lose power.

“These are very hard times in the parish,” he said. “And winter is coming. Winter is here.”

If people don’t starve, freezing to

death is a major concern, along with the potential bombing of the power plant.

“That would be a huge humanitarian crisis never seen before,” said Bishop Sobilo.

Despite the treacherous conditions of the war, Bishop Sobilo has also wit nessed good things, especially as his own city takes in refugees from other parts of Ukraine.

“Everybody’s in great poverty, and [they don’t have] much to share,” he said. “But they are welcoming other ref ugees to stay with them.

“They’re sharing the last piece of bread they have with them.”

Wheeler. “You really can be directly in volved. We’re not all going to go vol unteer in the rubble. But if you send a card to a kid whose parents just died and they’re now living in a monastery, that’s pretty direct.”

His presentation at Family Night was a way for even more youth of the parish to learn what children impacted by the war are going through.

They were introduced, both through the presentation and an activity, to the concept of human dignity as un derstood by St. John Paul II, as well as human value and merciful love in the context of the war.

Adam Alt, who has four children in religious education at St. Michael, said the event had an impact on his family.

“To become a saint, one must expe rience a lot of suffering and offer it to God,” said Milewski. “He went through this unbelievable process, John Paul II. And Bishop Jan is a mirror of John Paul II to me.”

‘Vibrant faith’

Father Brian Schieber, pastor of St. Michael, is grateful to have a pa rishioner like Milewski, who’s given his parish a personal connection to the war and to the Catholic Church in Poland.

“The Polish people have such a vi brant faith,” he said. “We see that in Konrad. He’s really passionate about his faith. That’s leading him to help those in need, those refugees.”

That same desire to provide relief is nothing new for his parishioners.

“The people here have a much larger global vision of the church that they see,” said Father Schieber. “Our local community goes out from here to help others.”

He called to mind how intertwined that giving spirit is to the Catholic faith.

“How beautiful [it is, what] we’ve seen in Poland — where they haven’t had to set up any refugee camps,” he said, “but the Polish people are so faithful in taking the people into their homes.

“We from the United States then can lend certainly our prayer, but also our support, to help these refugees and the Polish families who are taking them in.”

‘God is with us’

Bishop Sobilo said war “is a strange thing. War brings refugees, funerals, extreme poverty.”

Since learning about Bishop Sobilo’s situation, parishioners and staff at St. Michael have moved quickly to help.

The parish opened a fund for pa rishioners interested in donating to Caritas Sandomierz, a Catholic charity based in Poland. Milewski has a con nection there who has ensured that donations will go toward the purchase and transport of life-saving items to the Kharkiv-Zaporizhzhia region.

Items include food, medicine, power generators, sleeping bags, wood burn ing stoves and winter clothing.

St. Michael School is also taking action.

Dean Wheeler, seventh and eighth grade social studies teacher at St. Mi chael, joined Milewski in a presenta tion on the parish’s efforts at three reli gious education Family Night sessions held Nov. 8 and 9.

Wheeler explained how, with Milewski’s help, his students reached out to a school in Chelm, Poland, near the Ukraine border.

The school is now home to Polish stu dents and Ukrainian refugees.

Wheeler’s class made cards with drawings and notes, which they shared with their “sister school,” saying “hello” and informing them of their prayers.

Since then, the schools have built an ongoing relationship, sharing photos and videos digitally.

St. Michael hopes to find a way to send Christmas gifts to its sister school this winter.

“It’s a very teachable moment,” said

“My children enjoyed the evening and learned more about the human toll of this conflict through pictures of other kids and their living conditions,” said Alt.

“Since that evening,” he continued, “my family has had discussions about sacrificing some of our own Christmas wishes to allow us to send more help to Catholic relief organizations in the war-torn region.”

‘A mirror of John Paul II’

Davidson and her colleagues can’t help but notice the many “God mo ments” the parish has witnessed these past few months.

Bishop Sobilo’s church, which he helped build, has an outdoor statue of St. Michael nearly identical to the one outside the Leawood parish.

St. Michael is also the patron saint of Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine.

In August, the Leawood parish hosted a first class relic: the blood of St. John Paul II. Bishop Sobilo met the late pope 11 times and was formed by him throughout his priesthood.

The late pope had a deep concern for Ukraine, and Bishop Sobilo provided guidance to the pope on the country’s situation over the years.

Even though his help was mean ingful then, said Bishop Sobilo, “I be lieve now from heaven he’s doing even more.”

Milewski said the connection he sees between Bishop Sobilo and St. John Paul II is uncanny.

“There is a huge pain when you look [at] the people who are losing their life. There are so many people who were killed,” he said. “Many people are wounded. Many people are without legs, without arms.”

But the sorrow he’s observed hasn’t altered his faith in God.

“I see this and realize there are evil things happening around me,” he said. “But I have a deep and great peace when I’m praying.”

The bishop is especially comforted while saying Mass, which he still does regularly for many of his parishioners.

“God is giving a lot of gifts to help this internal peace,” he said. “[My priests and I] have it, and we share it with our parishioners.

“They go back home, [and] they are strengthened by this. The spiritual life hasn’t stopped. God will give us enough strength, enough power, to survive.”

Bishop Sobilo believes that what’s going on in his country is “a war for a civilization of love.”

He encourages people of the world to pray and fast for Ukraine. He hopes his own people will realize their faith is being tested, and it’s an opportunity to grow closer to God.

“God is with us,” he said. “God loves us.”

“The nation is united,” he contin ued. “We are feeling solidarity of the whole world. Polish people brought millions of people to their houses. They welcomed them. American society [is] . . . sending humanitarian aid, a huge amount of resources and money.

“An egoistic world is uniting in huge solidarity because of huge suffering.”

‘A very teachable moment’

LEAVEN PHOTO BY KATHRYN WHITE

Konrad Milewski speaks to a group of children and parents gathered at a religious education Family Night at St. Michael the Archangel Parish in Leawood on Nov. 9. Milewski, a Polish native, has become a point of connection between St. Michael and communities in Poland and Ukraine.

Philippine mission stations take the church to the peripheries

By Paul Jeffrey Catholic News Service

MANILA, Philippines

(CNS) — When Father Victor Sandoval went knocking on doors in one of Manila’s toughest slums to tell people he was moving into their midst, he was met with disbelief.

“At first, many didn’t trust us. They didn’t believe we were really Catholic priests, because Catholic priests don’t come to live in a place like this. They thought we were maybe evangelicals or fake priests,” he said.

Father Sandoval, a Mexican member of the Missionary Servants of the Word, came to the northern outskirts of the Philippines capital four years ago, invit ed by Bishop Pablo Virgilio David, who wanted to reach out to the poor in his sprawling Diocese of Kalookan. Frus trated by the limitations of traditional parish structures, Bishop David had invited religious congregations from around the world to help him start 17 mission stations.

“Many of our parishes are old and tired institutions. They tend to be very parochial, in a negative sense. They are in maintenance mode. They tend to cater to church-going Catholics, but those are less than 20% of baptized Catholics. The great majority of Catholics have nothing to do with the formal church institu tion. If you ask them their religion, they say they’re Roman Catholics, but that’s about all. Our parishes have tended to cater only to those already close to the church,” Bishop David told Catholic News Service.

“The mission stations are an effort to make the church more present among those at the margins of society. We’ve been talking about the church of the poor for decades, but in all humility, we haven’t grown into a church of the poor. This is an effort to make the church more present with the poor,” he said.

Father Sandoval’s neighborhood is a 15-minute walk from the parish church of St. Anthony of Padua, but the distance

is social as well as geographic.

“Before I came here, people in the parish told me to be careful. ‘Don’t go there at night, it’s a dangerous area,’ they said. They considered some areas too risky for pastoral work. The priest didn’t want to put his catechists and others at risk. It was easier to invite people from here to go to the parish instead. The problem is that few did that. Only about 40 people, out of some 40,000 residents, were active in the parish,” Father Sandoval told CNS.

So he and another priest moved into a tiny apartment in the middle of Para dise Village, a crowded warren of small streets and tiny dwellings.

“We began by going to the edges of the neighborhood, knocking on doors, sharing a brief reflection on the word of God. Through those conversations we came to know the realities of the people. We then organized activities, includ ing the rosary and Bible studies, and through the word of God helped consci entize people about the dignity to which

God calls them,” Father Sandoval said.

Pastoral challenges abound in a neighborhood formed when the gov ernment filled in fish ponds with gar bage, allowing work-seeking migrants from the countryside to stake out tiny lots where they constructed makeshift dwellings.

“The bishop says our priority is to form communities, but when people come from the provinces they start to focus on survival, which fosters indi vidualism. Because they came from different places, it wasn’t easy to build trust. Where there’s poverty and indi vidualism, it’s difficult to build solidar ity and overcome injustice,” Father San doval said.

His flock has faced extrajudicial kill ings, part of a government-sanctioned “war on drugs,” as well as the emergence of gangs, which the priest said began as a way of providing a sense of protection for some residents, yet often devolved into criminal activity. Getting young people from different neighborhoods involved in church choirs and other activities has helped erode the violent divisions. And a feeding program start ed by Father Sandoval’s mission sta tion has brought together 180 children whose families’ arbitrary differences are ignored by hunger.

“Participation in Christian life can break down walls and form communi ty,” the priest said.

In a nearby neighborhood, Sister Mitzy Perez, a Mexican member of the Missionary Sisters Servants of the Word, staffs another mission station, which she says is making real the bish op’s dream of moving the church closer to the people.

“For years, people haven’t gone to Mass or received the sacraments, in cluding confession or even marriage and baptism, yet now we organize those things here in the mission station. Bit by bit they get closer to the church and feel

the church is closer to them,” she told CNS.

“We had activities during Holy Week, at least before the pandemic, and for many it was their first time to par ticipate in a foot-washing or an Easter vigil.”

Sister Perez said the nature of em ployment available to most of her neigh bors makes church participation diffi cult.

“Most people are so poor they are very focused on how to get money every day. Many work all day, every day, and don’t earn much. It’s tough, especially for the men. They work all day, don’t get home until late at night. Some don’t have days of rest. All these things affect the evangelization we carry out. We give Bible classes in their homes or sit ting out in the narrow streets. But it’s hard for men to participate when their days are full of work. And some of the women work in offices, leaving early and getting home late, leaving little time for church activities,” Sister Perez said.

While most of the mission station’s activities are led by laypeople — what Sister Perez says is an important part of her congregation’s charism — her phys ical presence is important.

“The fact that we live here helps them feel close to you. It’s not the same when you only visit. We experience what they experience. When there’s no water, we don’t have water. Like them I have to go out with my bucket and get in line,” she said. “And when it rains and the streets flood, I have to wade through the water like everyone else. All those little things help them feel closer.”

Bishop David said the mission sta tions are slowly making a difference, re juvenating the parishes where they are located.

“The priests are discovering a rec iprocity between the mission stations and their parishes. That’s essential if we’re going to transform our parishes from maintenance to mission,” he said.

Joy Jacita, a catechist who helps Sister Perez work with youth, said the mission station has made a big difference in her life.

“Before the Sisters arrived, I was Catholic but only went to Mass once a month. After they came and we orga nized Mass here, I started going every Sunday and participating in activities during the week. The church is much closer to the barangay now,” she said, re ferring to the local unit of government in the Philippines.

Father Sandoval said the church’s closeness to the poor will help trans form it in the long run.

“We’ve tried to address both spiritu al and material needs, because they’re closely linked. Poverty isn’t the fruit of laziness. It’s an evil that can’t be solved with just one approach. It’s a long pro cess. The best way to work with the poor is to be with them, and learn from their capabilities, energies, and experiences. You can only do that by getting close to them,” he said.

NEED HELP HEALING FROM A PAST ABORTION?

children 5-12; Free for children under 5, $5 for dogs

Tickets and information are available at www.kcrenfest.com

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

Call or text 913-621-2199 Compassionate, Confidential, Free

Thoughtful Care is looking for high quality caregivers to take care of our senior community members. Very rewarding work!

CNS PHOTO/PAUL JEFFREY

Father Victor Sandoval, a member of the Missionary Servants of the Word from Mexico, poses for a photo in a poor neighborhood of Kalookan, Philippines, Oct. 20. Father Sandoval lives and works in the neighborhood, where the diocese has established a mission station to extend the outreach of the church to poor neighborhoods unreached by traditional parish structures.

TURKEY BINGO

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

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

BEREAVEMENT MEETING

Curé of Ars (Father Burak Room) 9405 Mission Rd., Leawood Nov. 19 at 8 a.m.

The bereavement ministry will have a grief support meeting after the 8 a.m. Mass. The topic will be: “Giving Thanks During Grief.” For more information, call (913) 649-2026.

PARISH FUNDRAISER

St. Joseph-St. Lawrence Parish 211 W. Riley, Easton Nov. 19 from 4 - 7 p.m.

We will be serving chili, soups and des serts. Meal tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for kids under 10 years of age. Bingo will follow. Raffle tickets will be sold for prizes of one-half beef, one-quarter beef and another one-quarter beef (processing included), $150 and $100 cash.

ROSARY RALLY IN HONOR OF OUR LADY OF FATIMA

All Saints Parish 811 Vermont Ave., Kansas City, Kansas Nov. 20 from 3 - 4:15 p.m.

We will pray the joyful, sorrowful and glorious mysteries of the rosary. Benedic tion will follow as well as an opportunity for attendees to enroll in the brown scapular. For more information, visit the website at: www.rosaryrallieskc.org.

PANCAKE BREAKFAST

St. Patrick Parish (center) 1086 N. 94th St., Kansas City, Kansas Nov. 20 from 8 - 11 a.m.

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

TAMBURITZANS MUSIC AND DANCE

Shawnee Mission Northwest High 12701 W. 67th St., Shawnee Nov. 20 at 3 p.m.

Join us for a lively concert of music and dance of cultures from around the world. The Tamburitzans from Duquesne, Pennsyl vania, will be performing. Milan Bajich, from Kansas City, Kansas, will be celebrating his

third year in the ensemble. Tickets can be purchased online at Eventbrite and Ticket fly, or at the door for $15 - $28.

ANNUAL GOLUMBKI DINNER

St. Casimir Parish (hall)

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

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

EAST HILL SINGERS IN CONCERT

St. Joseph Parish

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

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

HOLIDAY SUPERFOODS

Keeler Women’s Center Suite 100-B 759 Vermont Ave., Kansas City, Kansas Nov. 21 from 10 -11 a.m.

Learn what foods you need to add to your holiday pantry and keep your body strong and healthy this season.

POTLUCK HOLIDAY LUNCHEON

Most Pure Heart of Mary (Culhane Room)

3601 S.W. 17th St., Topeka Nov. 27 from 1 - 3 p.m.

The Christian Widow and Widowers Organization will host the potluck dinner. There is no cost to attend. For more infor mation, call (785) 233-7350.

‘PREPARE FOR THE UNIMAGINABLE’: AN ADVENT EVENING OF REFLEC TION AND PRAYER

Rockhurst High School 9301 State Line Rd., Kansas City, Missouri Nov. 29 at 7 p.m.

Have you every wondered how Mary could have responded to the Angel Ga briel like she did? Do you desire to slow down and enter Advent with more intent? Father Thomas Pesci, SJ, will guide you in an evening of inspiration, music and time for reflection to open yourself to the won ders of Advent. The Ignatian Spirituality Center of Kansas City is presenting this event. There is no cost to attend. For more

information and to register, go online to: www.ignatiancenterkc.org/events/2022/ advent-evening.

CATHOLIC ADVISORS NETWORK

Offices of Polsinelli 900 W. 48th Place, Kansas City, Mis souri

Nov. 30 from 5:30 - 7 p.m.

Attorneys, financial planners, accoun tants and life insurance consultants are invit ed to a reception and networking social with a speaker. This event is sponsored by the Catholic Foundation of Northeast Kansas. RSVP online at: cfnek.org/events/catholicadvisors-network-inaugural-event.

ADVENT SILENT RETREAT

Christ’s Peace House of Prayer 22131 Meagher Rd., Easton Dec. 2 - Dec. 4

The retreat will begin on Dec. 2 at 5:30 p.m. and end on Dec. 4 at 4:30 p.m. Prepare your hearts for the coming of the Lord this Advent. There are conferences, eucharistic adoration, Mass, confession, and time for pri vate prayer, reflection and walking. Cabins/ courtyard rooms are $170 single, $250 couple. Single guest rooms are $100 (meals included). To attend, fill out the retreat reser vation form online at: ChristsPeace.com.

‘YULETIDE RINGING’

St. Joseph Parish 11311 Johnson Dr., Shawnee Dec. 2 at 7:30 p.m.

Ring in the holiday season with a con cert of Christmas classics performed with festive fervor! This event is free to attend.

‘HUMILITY’

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

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

SEVEN SISTERS APOSTOLATE WOMEN’S RETREAT

St. Andrew the Apostle Parish 6415 N.E. Antioch Rd., Gladstone, Missouri

Dec. 3 from 6:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.

There will be a Rorate Mass followed by First Saturday devotions and confes sions (check-in at 9 a.m.). Lunch is $15. A freewill offering will be taken up. Retreat talks include “Curbing Distractions in Prayer” and “Seven Privileges of Prayer for Priests.” A relic of St. John Vianney will be present for veneration and prayer. To register, go online to: sevensisterskcsj@ gmail.com.

FATHER MITCH PACWA EVENT

Mother Teresa Parish 2014 N.W. 46th St., Topeka Dec. 3 at 8:30 a.m.

Father Pacwa is known for appearanc es on EWTN where he hosts two television programs and a weekly radio program. He has also written many books on both Scrip ture and the Catholic faith. For more infor mation and to register (required), go online to: mtcctopeka.org.

CALLED TO LOVE MINISTRY HEALING EVENT

Church of the Ascension 9510 W. 127th St., Overland Park Dec. 3 at 6:30 p.m.

The event will begin with refreshments in the gathering space. Following refresh ments, Father Joel Haug will give a pre sentation on the church followed by a Holy Hour with confessions available.

LIVING NATIVITY

Douglas County Fairgrounds 2120 Harper St., Lawrence Dec. 11 from 2 - 5 p.m.

Come experience the joy of the first Christmas. Join the Franciscan Servants of the Holy Family for a living Nativity experi ence. There will be live animals, music and more. Admission is free.

ST. LUCY DAY CELEBRATION

Precious Blood Renewal Center 2120 St. Gaspar Way, Liberty, Missouri Dec. 13 from 10 a.m. - noon

Prepare for Christmas by sharing sto ries, songs and poems while planting wheat. Join us for a traditional celebration of St. Lucy Day. If you are not familiar with this ancient tradition as part of your Christ mas rituals, join us and learn more about it. Go online to: pbrenewalcenter.org, scroll down to “St. Lucy Day Celebration” and then scroll down and click on the “Regis ter” button.

CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS

DEADLINE: Noon, Thursday, eight days before the desired pub lication date.

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

ANNUAL GOLUMBKI DINNER IN LEAVENWORTH

AD COURTESY OF DOUG SCALARD, CFP®

EMPLOYMENT

Communications specialist - The Diocese of Kansas City – St. Joseph is seeking a full-time communica tions specialist. The primary objective of this position is to create targeted and strategic content for a vari ety of print and digital platforms to reach a diverse Catholic audience. This position is full time, benefiteligible based upon 40 hours per week, and officed in the chancery building in downtown Kansas City, Missouri. For a full job description and to apply, visit the Job Openings page at: www.kcsjcatholic.org.

Administrative assistant - The Archdiocese of Kan sas City in Kansas is seeking qualified candidates to fill the full-time position of administrative assistant for the office of marriage and family Life. Qualified appli cants must have experience handling general office duties; assisting with event preparations; creating and maintaining databases; using software platforms to create fliers and promotional materials; must be proficient using Microsoft Suite of office products in cluding Word, Excel and PowerPoint. A high school di ploma or equivalent, plus a minimum of three years’ prior experience working in a professional office en vironment, are required. To see additional job duties or to apply for this position, visit: archkck.org/jobs.

Maintenance/custodian - Queen of the Holy Rosary/ John Paul ll School in Overland Park is seeking a fulltime maintenance/custodian person. The employee will perform general facility maintenance, including HVAC, plumbing and electrical on both church and school grounds. Minimal supervisory activities in clude scheduling/monitoring licensed work activities and developing facility improvement plans. Regular cleaning and assistance with occasional special proj ects will also be expected. Salary range is $22 - $25 per hour dependent on the skill set. Benefits include: medical, dental, vision and a 401(k). Must have mode of transportation. For more information on specific duties and responsibilities or to apply, contact Paul Coquillette at: qhradmin@qhr-opks.org or (913) 4324616, ext. 212.

Communications coordinator - St. Michael the Arch angel Parish, Leawood, is seeking a communications coordinator to perform some or all duties to include, but not limited to, website, bulletin, email newsletter, postcards, and special event mailings. Hours may be part- or full-time depending on scope of work. Partial remote work is acceptable. The ideal candidate will be a practicing Catholic and must be detail-oriented with outstanding written communication skills and knowledge. To discuss specific options, contact par ish manager Rob Lisch at: rob.lisch@stmichaelcp.org.

Case manager - Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas is currently hiring a case manager for our Mobile Resource Bus to bring vital services to our ru ral communities. This exciting position will serve our neighbors, and engage with community partners and volunteers, all while visiting some of the most beauti ful places in the archdiocese. The ideal candidate will have direct service experience in a human service agency, be organized and passionate about serving rural communities. Learn more or apply at: catholic charitiesks.org/careers/

Janitorial assistant - Queen of the Holy Rosary, Wea, is seeking a janitorial assistant. This is a parttime position requiring 15 - 20 hours per week. Work hours are flexible and can be negotiated with the employee’s supervisor. Basic duties include general cleaning of the church, school and adoration chapel. For a full job description or to apply for the position, visit: archkck.org/jobs.

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

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

Administrative assistant - Queen of the Holy Rosa ry, Bucyrus, is seeking an administrative assistant for the parish. General assistance in many areas such as managing the church calendar, creating the bulletin, registering new families and other dayto-day office duties. The applicant will be working 30-35 hours per week with archdiocesan benefits. Please email your resume to: mpetz@qhrwea.org or call (913) 879-7059 for additional information.

Residential life interim director and/or directorMaur Hill–Mount Academy in Atchison seeks candi dates with an interest in mentoring international and domestic high school students in a private, Catholic, college-preparatory, day-and-boarding high school, sponsored by the Benedictine order. Maur Hill-Mount Academy works in close association with Benedictine College. The director of residential life is responsi ble for the educational leadership, direction, budget management, supervision and overall operation of a 100-student residence life program. This role includes supervision of seven professional staff and liaisons with facilities and housekeeping staff. The role also in cludes oversight of the student conduct process in the residence halls and liaisons with the residential dining program. The director of residential life supervises the work of others, including planning, assigning, sched uling and reviewing work of the staff, ensuring quality standards. They are responsible for hiring, terminat ing, training and developing the residential life staff. They are also responsible for reviewing performance and administering corrective action for staff. They plan the organizational structure and position content for the office. The residential life staff initiates, plans and coordinates weekend activities and coordinates transportation for residence. This position is respon sible for working with the president to report physical needs and to determine costs associated with needed and planned improvements. This position also helps to facilitate resource allocation in securing dormitory supplies, administers student allowance and week end meal money. The successful candidate will have a servant heart and be in concert with all teachings of the Catholic Church. We require a bachelor’s degree. A master’s degree (or desire to obtain one) in the field of study in education, counseling, higher education or student affairs strengthens the application. We re quire a minimum of two years of related work experi ence and management experience. This posting is for an interim director and/or director. We expect the po sition to start as soon as possible. If interim, we seek a candidate with significant experience in a similar role to help transition to the new director. The search will remain ongoing until we name a director. Job responsibilities include working with the residential life team to: serve as in loco-parentis to ensure that residents are safe, nurtured and supported; create a welcoming, supportive and respectful living commu nity, while ensuring that boarding school policies are communicated and followed; ensure all medications are administered; encourage and support student leadership opportunities and participation in commu nity service events; support and celebrate the ethnic, religious and cultural backgrounds of the boarding students; interpret, enforce and review policies and procedures that relate to student conduct concerns; provide transportation to residential life for school events and activities in school vehicles; help stu dents navigate life as a boarding student as it relates to personal well-being, academics and environment; authorize student departures for activities off-cam pus; oversee the proper operation of the physical dorm, report maintenance issues to the head of maintenance and co-create an environment condu cive to improving education; foster relationships by building community with boarding students, parents and colleagues; offer creative after-school, evening and weekend activities and programs; authenticate travel plans during break times and college visits; upon employment, completion of Virtus: Protecting God’s Children training and successful completion of criminal offender record information and sexual offender registry information checks; other duties as assigned. Review of applications will begin immedi ately. To apply, please submit the following applica tion materials via email to the director of HR, Debbie Schneider, at: dschneider@mh-ma.com: cover letter, resume and contact information for three profession al references. Candidates must be able to provide proof of eligibility to work in the USA. We offer no visa sponsorship for this position.

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

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

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

Community engagement coordinator - The Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth community engagement coordinator works as part of a three-person team in the office of justice, peace and integrity of creation (JPIC). The position’s primary responsibility is to im plement the Laudato Si’ Action Platform (LSAP) and help the community live its mission of doing justice through the lens of integral ecology. This position will lead the congregation’s response to the LSAP through coordination and collaboration with Sisters, associates, staff, partners in ministry, and the local community. Job duties include: coordinate the con gregation’s LSAP response by serving as a central resource for Sisters, staff, associates and partners in ministry on the development and implementation of responses to the seven platform goals; manage and monitor projects related to the Laudato Si’ Ac tion Platform; develop educational materials and opportunities regarding LSAP and integral ecolo gy; engage relevant internal stakeholders in the development and implementation of the platform; network with external organizations and individuals doing activities/projects to build partnerships; share outcomes of projects internally and externally, and seek, where beneficial to mission advancement, outside partnerships and funding to implement projects; in collaboration with the rest of the JPIC office, develop workshop materials and facilitate workshops on Laudato Si’ and best practices in in tegral ecology; participate in conferences, webinars and other informational opportunities; serve as the liaison for the congregation to the LSAP religious orders working group; manage LSAP reporting re quirements through the platform website; work to ensure that the goals and journey to integral ecology extend beyond the platform’s life; and other duties as assigned. Qualifications: associate’s (bachelor’s preferred) degree in political science, sociology, theology or similar program; a team player and good communicator who is open to new ideas and eager to learn; demonstrates an understanding of integral ecology; strong commitment to and demonstrated passion for justice; strong project management skills; willingness to learn or understands the con gregation’s charism; knowledge of Catholic social teaching; have the ability to: analyze and effectively articulate the justice agenda; motivate others on be half of justice issues and concerns; engage others in active dialogue and reflective thinking; present effectively to diverse populations; strong organiza tional, written and verbal communication, and tech nology skills (Zoom, Microsoft); openness to varied points of view and cultures; sensitivity to language as it impacts race, gender and culture; limited trav el to conferences and local meetings (10%); strong self-motivation and decision-making ability; ability to manage flexible hours. Physical requirements: carrying, bending, stooping, grasping, standing, twisting, sitting, lifting, walking, filing; communi cating with Sisters, associates and co-workers via face-to-face, phone and other technological means; push, pull, lift or carry up to 20 pounds occasionally; generally sedentary. To apply, send resumes to: re cruiting@scls.org.

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

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

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

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

Controller - St. Teresa’s Academy is seeking an ex perienced controller to oversee the accounting op erations of the school. The controller will be respon sible for maintaining the financial records according to GAAP. This full-time position will initially report to the director of finance. St. Teresa’s Academy (STA) is a Catholic, accredited, college-preparatory high school. STA provides young women with a premier education that includes a rigorous academic curric ulum and technology program, award-winning arts programs, and service and mission opportunities. STA, founded by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, educates young women to think critically, encourages them through Catholic values to serve others and empowers them to make a profound impact on the world. Responsibilities include: re sponsible for the management and accuracy of the school’s accounting and financial records; prepare financial statements for presentation to the finance committee and trustees; ensure that the school complies with all applicable accounting procedures and standards in accordance with GAAP; record the endowment activity; manage and reconcile the tui tion billing system; oversee the recording of receipts and payment of vendor invoices; manage employee credit card system and maintain procedures for card holders; manage the accounting for extracurricu lars and clubs in partnership with faculty advisers; oversee payroll and benefits administration; assist with annual budget preparation; provide timely and accurate budget vs. actual reports to the budget managers and notify users when budget variances suggest potential issues; assist the development department in properly recording gifts as well as reconciling pledge activity; coordinate the annual financial audit, including preparing and/or review ing all necessary schedules for the auditors. Other duties as needed. Required knowledge, skills and experience: bachelor’s degree in accounting and CPA professional accreditation; nonprofit account ing experience, including endowment accounting, preferred; five-plus years of financial accounting ex perience; knowledge of accounting best practices; strong working knowledge of financial accounting systems and the Microsoft suite of applications; ability to oversee performance and activities of outsourced vendors and other business office staff as needed; strong written and oral communication skills and the ability to analyze financial data and communicate results effectively to all constituents, including the administration, faculty, staff, parents and trustees; strong customer service and collab oration skills, including building relationships with parents, faculty and staff; understanding of the Catholic faith, single-sex schools and the mission of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet preferred. We offer a terrific benefits package, including: tui tion remission; medical, dental and vision; FSA/ HSA plans; life and voluntary life; short-term and long-term disability; critical illness; 403(b) retire ment savings plan with school match; generous paid time-off benefits, including holidays typically enjoyed by schools! Apply on our website: https:// stteresasacademy.org/about-sta/employment/ application-for-employment/

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

FOR SALE

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

For sale - Two plots at Resurrection Cemetery in Lenexa. Valued at $5190 for both, asking $4000. Lo cated in the Assumption section near the front of the cemetery, lot 64, section D, spaces 3 and 4. Call (816) 388-3573 and leave a message or email: cindzers@ bellsouth.net.

For sale - Two plots at Chapel Hill Cemetery, located in the Garden of Valor, space 1798, spaces three and four. Asking $2500 each. Call Nancy at (913) 3340050.

For sale - Double lawn crypt at Resurrection Ceme tery in Lenexa, Garden of Hope section, double lawn crypt, lot 78 C, space 4. Conveyance fee included. $7500. Call Lou at (512) 656-1801.

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

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

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

HOME IMPROVEMENT

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

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

STA (Sure Thing Always) Home Repair - Basement finish, bathrooms and kitchens; interior & exterior repairs: painting, roofing, siding, wood replacement and window glazing. Free estimates. Call (913) 5791835. Email: smokeycabin@hotmail.com. Member of Holy Trinity, Lenexa.

Popcorn ceiling texture removal Interior painting

Call Jerry at (913) 206-1144. 30 years’ experience. Member St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee.

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

DRC Construction

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

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

Everything is guaranteed 100% www.windowservicesoverlandpark.com drcconstructionwindows@gmail.com (913) 461-4052

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

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

SERVICES

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

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

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.

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

Mike Hammer local moving - A full-service mover. Packing, pianos, rental truck load/unload, storage container load/unload, and in-home moving. No job too small. Serving JoCo since 1987. St. Joseph, Shaw nee, parishioner. Call Mike at (913) 927-4347 or send an email to: mike@mikehammermoving.com.

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.

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 inte rior, exterior house painting along with deck staining, fence painting, etc. Stone Painting ensures a profes sional, clean and fair-priced job. Call today for your free estimate. (913) 963-6465.

WANTED TO BUY

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

Will buy firearms and related accessories - One or a whole collection. Honest evaluation and top prices paid. Contact Tom at (913) 238-2473. Member of Sa cred Heart Parish, Shawnee.

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

$$PAYING CASH MONEY$$

For military items, pocket and wristwatches, American coins, old buttons, lanterns, spurs, silver flatware, crocks, pocketknives, oil lamps, lanterns, Southwest items/jewelry. Most old items considered. Call Patricia today at (913) 515-2950.

CAREGIVING

Retired nurse - Looking for home-care position. Will do caregiving, light housekeeping, cooking, cleaning and laundry. Call (913) 602-1289.

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

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

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

REAL ESTATE

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

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

PILGRIMAGE

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

Classified advertising

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

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

DAILY READINGS

THIRTY-FOURTH WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME

Nov. 20

OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, KING OF THE UNIVERSE

2 Sm 5: 1-3

Ps 122: 1-5 Col 1: 12-20 Lk 23: 35-43

Nov. 21

The Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Rv 14: 1-3, 4b-5

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

Lk 21: 1-4

Nov. 22

Cecilia, virgin, martyr

Rv 14: 14-19

Ps 96: 10-13

Lk 21: 5-11

Nov. 23

Clement I, pope, martyr; Columban, abbot; Blessed Miguel Agustin Pro, priest, martyr Rv 15: 1-4

Ps 98: 1-3b, 7-9

Lk 21: 12-19

Nov. 24 Thanksgiving Day

Sir 50: 20-24

Ps 138: 1-5 1 Cor 1: 3-9 Lk 17: 11-19

Nov. 25

Catherine of Alexandria, virgin, martyr Rv 20:1-4, 11 – 21:2

Ps 84: 3-6a, 8a Lk 21: 29-33

Nov. 26

Saturday

Rv 22: 1-7

Ps 95: 1-7b Lk 21: 34-36

ANDREW DUNG-LAC AND COMPANIONS

18th-19th centuries

Andrew Dung-Lac was among the 117 Mar tyrs of Vietnam killed by government officials during persecutions to suppress Europe an ideals and religious values in the 18th and 19th centuries. The group consisted of 96 Vietnam ese and 21 foreign mis sionaries (11 Spanish and 10 French); the martyrs were bishops, priests and laypeople, including a woman. They endured horrible tortures in prison before being beheaded, crucified, quartered or burned alive for refus ing to deny their faith. Andrew, a Vietnamese educated in Catholicism, became a catechist and priest. He was arrested and imprisoned with his companion, St. Peter Thi; they were beheaded in 1839. St. John Paul II can onized the martyrs as a group in 1988.

Thanks: It really is good to mention it

Every Thanks giving, I think of the late Father Ed Hays’ story about a newspa per food editor.

Apparently, she received a telephone call from a youthful sounding woman, who asked how long it takes to roast a 19-pound turkey.

“Just a minute,” said the food editor as she turned to consult a chart on the office wall.

“Thanks a lot!” said the caller as she hung up the phone.

Well, one thing you can certainly be grate ful for is that you’re not dining at that young woman’s home this Thanksgiving!

The older I get, the more grateful I become. In fact, at least once a month I say a “rosary of thanksgiving.” Instead of the usual prayers, as I hold the crucifix, I be gin by asking the Lord to help me recognize how blessed I am.

Then, on each rosary

FATHER MARK GOLDASICH

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

bead, I call to mind a particular blessing, followed by “Thank you, Lord.”

I remember, by name, people who have cared for me or mod eled the faith to me. At other times, I reflect on those things that I too often take for granted, like eyesight, hearing, taste, smell, clean water, shelter, mobility

MARK MY WORDS

perpetually. Hundreds of passersby refreshed themselves from the tree, as it never failed to give freely of its bounty.

and dozens more.

Always in the back of my mind as I list these blessings is a line from the Gospel of Luke: “Much will be required of the person entrusted with much, and still more will be demanded of the person entrusted with more” (12:48).

All of which leads to this old tale:

Once upon a time, an unusual tree grew outside the gates of a desert city. It was an ancient tree, a landmark as a matter of fact. It seemed to have been touched by the finger of God, for it bore fruit

But then, a greedy merchant purchased the property on which the tree grew. He saw all the travelers picking fruit from his tree, so he built a fence around it. People pleaded with the new owner, “Share the fruit with us.”

The miserly mer chant scoffed, “It’s my tree, my fruit and bought with my mon ey.”

Soon, an astonish ing thing happened: The tree suddenly died. Why? The law of giving, as predictable as the law of gravity, expresses this eternal principle: When giving stops, bearing fruit ceases, and death fol lows inevitably. (Story found in Brian Cavana ugh’s “Sower’s Seeds of Encouragement: Fifth Planting.”) While it’s laudable

to be grateful for our blessings at Thanksgiv ing, that’s only half of the equation. The other part is sharing those blessings with others, especially those most in need.

Kudos to parishio ners of St. Michael the Archangel Parish in Leawood for keeping the plight of the Ukrai nians on our radar. Their efforts, chroni cled on pages 8 and 9 of this issue, remind us of the responsibility we carry as those who have been “entrusted with much.”

Most of us will not be able to share our homes with refugees or the poor, but we are called to open our hearts in prayer and our wallets in gener osity.

Then, we’ll experi ence, not a half-baked Thanksgiving, but the reality of the words St. Paul attributed to Je sus, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”

Solemnity created to remind us of the lordship of Christ

St. Paul speaks on Sunday about God’s “beloved Son.” What he tells us exceeds human understanding: “All things were created through him and for him.”

The Father has brought the universe into existence through his Son and — further exceeding our compre hension — the Son has become human, has died for humanity and has risen from death.

In this way, “he is the beginning” — the begin ning of a new creation — “the firstborn from the dead” — the first of all those God will raise into life with himself forever (Col 1:16, 18).

This cosmic reality is the Christian mes sage, the faith of the church.

KEVIN PERROTTA

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

Directly or indi rectly, every Chris tian prayer, every celebration, declares that Jesus is Lord. But about a century ago,

Pope Pius XI thought it would be helpful if Je sus’ dominion over all had a special moment of recognition in the annual cycle of feasts.

So at the end of ev ery liturgical year, we have the solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe.

Pope Pius thought this celebration was fitting in view of the global turmoil of the early 20th century. The solemnity would serve as a reminder that when people “recog nize, both in private

and in public life, that Christ is King, society will at last receive the great blessings of real liberty, well-ordered discipline, peace and harmony.”

In establishing the solemnity, Pope Pius did not call Christians to a political program. He pointed to Jesus and encouraged faith.

He began his proc lamation of the solem nity by mentioning an exhibition about missions that had just taken place in Rome. It had shown “the unremitting labor and self-sacrifice of mis sionaries.”

“What happiness” there would be, Pope Pius said, if all “indi viduals, families and nations would but let themselves be gov erned by Christ!” Peace

between nations would come when “all free ly acknowledge and obey the authority of Christ.”

The solemnity, Pope Pius said, gives Christians an oppor tunity to “gain much strength and courage” by meditating on Jesus’ lordship and the fact that all of us are by “right subjected to his dominion.”

This is a day to “freely acknowledge” that Jesus “must reign in our minds” through submission to the truth he has revealed.

“He must reign in our wills,” as we obey him. “He must reign in our hearts,” as we love and cleave to him alone.

Today each of us can ask: Am I letting myself “be governed by Christ”?

Peace requires ‘gentle power of dialogue,’ pope says at audience

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — For there to be peace, people need to expand their horizons, engage in dialogue and work with each other in a way that sets aside selfishness and ambi tion, Pope Francis said.

Reflecting on his recent visit to Bahrain during his weekly gen eral audience Nov. 9, the pope said, “I sensed this need in Bah rain and I hoped that religious and

civil leaders throughout the world might be able to look beyond their own borders, their own communi ties, to care for the whole. This is the only way to confront certain univer sal issues, such as that God is being forgotten, the tragedy of hunger, the care of creation, peace,” he said.

The world needs to reject con frontation and walk the path of en counter, he said, especially when it comes to “the insanity of war of which battered Ukraine is a victim,

and of many other conflicts that will never be resolved through the infan tile logic of artillery, but only with the gentle power of dialogue.”

Pope Francis told people at the audience why he decided to visit a Muslim-majority nation when there are so many countries in the world with a predominantly Christian population. The answer, he said, can be summed up in three words: dia logue, encounter and journey.

Father

Living as good stewards begins with gratitude

Without a doubt, fall is my favorite time of year.

The beauty of God’s creation is evident in autumn’s sights, smells and sounds. We cap it off next week with our Thanksgiving holiday and the gathering of family and friends to give thanks to God, who is always good.

In the spirit of giv ing thanks, last week the Catholic Founda tion of Northeast Kan sas hosted its annual Deo Gratias dinner. We are thankful for all of the donors whose gifts have created a foundation that pro vides and will provide

BILL MALONEY

support to so many of our parishes, schools and institutions. The foundation

celebrates our donors, fund holders and mem bers of the Catholic Legacy Society of the archdiocese.

Each year, we honor a distinguished family and institution at our event. Don and Janice Arth, from Prince of Peace Parish in Olathe, were honored for

their generosity and commitment to our vocations office and the Catholic Education Foundation.

Their work assures that Catholic schools are available to all who desire a Catholic edu cation for their chil dren. We are grateful to Don and Janice and the Catholic Education Foundation.

We are celebrating our Archbishop’s Call to Share Crosier Society Mass this weekend. The Crosier Society recognizes parishioners who give at least $1,000 or 1% of their income to Call to Share.

This year over 2,000 of the faithful made

a gift at this level. We are thankful for their support, which funds more than 40 minis tries throughout the archdiocese.

Over the last two years since joining the archdiocese, we have been truly blessed, and I am grateful to all whose lives transmit the light of Christ. Our priests tirelessly serve our parishes, and many of them also serve on various boards and commit tees. Our deacons, who have full-time careers, are devoted to assist ing our priests and ministries.

When you work for the archdiocese, one thing you witness is

the tireless commit ment of the lay faith ful. The faithful give thousands of hours to our parishes, schools and ministries. When you take an up-close look, you see how many people bring the light of Christ to others.

Living a steward ship way of life begins with gratitude and our gratefulness to God for all his blessings. Living as good stewards and doing the will of God provides an unsur passed joy.

Happy Thanksgiv ing, and may the peace and happiness from service to the church fill your hearts.

Bishops’ conference works for common good at the statehouse

It is an intriguing fact that we name what we do — the Catholic Mass — by its final action: the dismissal.

“Go in peace, glori fying the Lord by your life.”

At that moment, we are called to embrace the mission of proclaim ing the Gospel in word and deed beyond the doors of the church. We might think of our Catholic involvement in public policy, the political arena and the community-at-large with this “post-Mass” mission in mind.

Public policy advo cacy is an extension of the heart of the Catholic Church, expressed through the teachings of our bishops. Initiated by

CHUCK WEBER

our Kansas shepherds and guided by them, the Kansas Catholic Conference (KCC) seeks public policies reflect ing authentic Catholic thinking and priorities.

We are greatly blessed to live in a nation where we are not only allowed, but encouraged, to exercise these cherished liberties.

The loss of the “Value Them Both” amendment is but a temporary setback. We will not abandon moms and babies. The parish-based “Walking With Moms in Need”

initiative unfolding in parishes throughout the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas (and elsewhere) is powerful and effective.

As Kansas grows as an abortion destination (yes, it’s happening), the need for alternatives to abortion will likewise grow. Legislatively, the KCC is exploring ideas to help “moms in need” in Kansas, including greater access to preg nancy resource centers and maternity homes. Our Missouri neigh bors are far ahead of us in this regard.

Issues of great interest to the KCC beyond traditional “life” issues include economic realities like the impact of inflation. When family finances

are under stress, so is the family. Inflation is brutally real, hitting lower-income Kansans harder than others.

We are grateful for and applaud the recent reduction in the food sales tax. Every little bit helps as household budgets continue to be squeezed.

The Kansas Catholic Conference will contin ue imploring legislators to seriously take up the issue of unfair predato ry lending practices that hurt families and the working poor each day. If one cannot acquire good credit, the harsh alternative for making ends meet is a shortterm cash loan loaded with exorbitant fees, in terest rates and pay-off options. We do not seek

the elimination of the payday loan industry — only a more fair and just structure.

The issues men tioned above are sim ply a sampling of the many topics addressed by the KCC. Collec tively, Catholics have long been intimately involved in the protec tion, care, education and healing of a great many. We have some thing important to add for the common good at the Kansas statehouse and beyond.

Thank you in ad vance for your prayers. Your additional help with the Kansas Catholic Conference begins by signing up for legisla tive updates online at: kansascatholic.org/ take-action.

Remembering Black Catholics as an antidote to racism

November is a time to re member. As citizens, we are called to remember what our represen tatives did (and more importantly did not do) as we vote.

As Catholics, we are called to remember all the saints that came be fore us as inspiration, and all the souls who have died who need our prayers.

In America, Novem ber is also a time to re member the contribu tions of Black Catholics to the life of the church as it is Black Catholic History Month.

For American Catholics, this can be an uncomfortable area of reflection because

it compels us to con tend with the reality of racism. However, taking the time to study

and learn about the lives of Black holy men and women in America is a valuable spiritual exercise.

When we see how they loved in the face of hatred, even when it came from within the church, we have a powerful example of how Christ calls us to love and Our Lord’s

antidote to racism.

St. John Henry New man observed that “to be deep in history is to cease to be Protestant.”

In a similar way, to know Black history — and, in particular, Black Catholic history — is an antidote to racism.

In this time when secular proponents of Critical Race Theory stir controversy by tilting the American historical narrative, it is crucial for Catho lics to know about the stories of our Black Catholic heroes, the holy men and women who became and stayed Catholic against incred ible resistance.

Venerable Father Augustus Tolton, though rejected by

every teaching semi nary and order in the U.S. because of his race, in prayerful patience persevered and became the first ordained Black American priest.

Sister Thea Bowman fought for the rights of African-Americans in the Catholic Church, and pushed back against the racial injus tices that she witnessed in the institutions of the church, always with kindness that called us to something better.

As a white Catholic, I have realized there is a lot I have to learn from the Black Catholic expe rience. I have learned that as much as I want to think of racism as a problem mostly in the

rearview mirror of American life, its in fluence lingers in ways often invisible to me.

I have found in their stories inspiration in how to practice hope by setting my expec tations to God’s time frame and not mine. I have learned how love ly my Catholic Church is, because if Black Catholics still love the church after what other self-professed Catho lics have done to them, who am I not to love the church they love with that same of kind of righteous patience?

So, this November, may you too be blessed to remember the lives and history of Black Catholics.

Bill Maloney is the executive director of the archdiocesan office of stewardship and de velopment. You can email him at: wmaloney@archkck.org.

Chuck Weber is the executive director of the Kansas Catholic Conference.

DEACON BILL SCHOLL

Deacon Scholl is the archdi ocesan consultant for social justice. You can email him at: socialjustice@archkck.org.

Topeka grade school hosts Veterans Day assembly

By Marc and Julie Anderson mjanderson@theleaven.org

TOPEKA — A single place set ting on a white place mat with a napkin.

An upside-down glass. An empty chair.

Those are a few items that students at Most Pure Heart of Mary School in Topeka placed on a table as part of a cer emony to honor fallen soldiers or those missing in action. The ceremony was one part of what is believed to be the school’s first Veterans Day assembly held in the gym on Nov. 11.

More than 40 veterans with connec tions to the school or parish participated. Hosted by the students, the assembly in cluded patriotic musical selections by the school band and choir, a video tribute fea turing pictures submitted by some of the veterans, and a short speech by Rachel An derson, the school’s band teacher and tech nology coordinator. Anderson serves in the Army National Guard as the Executive Officer of the 35th Infantry Division Band. Additionally, at one end of the gym, the school created a wall of stars with more than 400 names of men and women from the parish or school who have served or are serving in the military. The school also collected personal care items like shampoo and toothpaste for those serv ing in the Middle East with the 2-130th Field Artillery Battalion of the Kansas Army National Guard. Among those is Mike Rumford, father of fourth grader Brenna and kindergartner Bowe.

In her speech, Anderson told the stu dents, veterans and parents, “I joined the Kansas Army National Guard in 2006, and honestly, it was one of the best deci sions I ever made.”

Sharing the history of Veterans Day, Anderson said the holiday began

as Armistice Day and was created to honor the exact time when World War I officially ended in 1918, the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month.

President Woodrow Wilson’s inten tion, Anderson said, “was to create a last ing peace after the war by remembering and honoring the sacrifices the military made during World War I.”

Kansas has special ties to Veterans Day.

“It was [citizens of] Emporia, Kansas, who initiated the idea that Armistice Day be changed to Veterans Day to rec ognize and honor all veterans from all conflicts and wars,” Anderson said.

President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the bill into law, and the first nationwide remembrance of Veterans Day was Nov.

11, 1954.

If they knew any veterans, Anderson told the students in conclusion, “You can be very proud of them today and every day. Many of them have given much to keep us safe and free.”

Near the end of the assembly, eighth graders Kian Kennedy and Noah Stewart read the names of the veterans in atten dance.

But it was the ceremony to honor the fallen soldiers or those missing in action that seemed to move students and veter ans alike.

Often part of weddings, military balls and other formal occasions, the White Table ceremony consists of placing a small table somewhere in the room as a reminder of the solider who will not be

able to attend the occasion. The table is then covered with a white tablecloth to “honor a soldier’s pure heart when he an swers his country’s call to duty” and then decorated with items, all replete with meaning. For example, an empty chair is pushed next to the table “for the miss ing soldiers who are not here” while an upside-down glass symbolizes the meal which will not be enjoyed.

Eighth grade students, along with their second grade math and book bud dies, prepared the table, while eighth grader Megan Thummel read out the sig nificance of each item, saying it was her favorite part of the assembly.

Stewart agreed.

“The White Table was pretty cool be cause of what it symbolizes,” he said. It was important to honor veterans because “they’re risking their lives to keep our country safe.”

Veteran Rory Pischer, who served in the Navy from 2006 to 2010 as a Petty Offi cer Third Class, agreed.

Rory is married to Britta Pischer who teaches seventh grade. Together, the couple has four children, three of them students: sixth grader Izzy; third grader Gabby; and kindergartner Kayla.

Although he enjoyed the entire assem bly, he thought the White Table ceremony was important because “it educated those who didn’t know.”

Likewise, veteran Mike Ahlstedt, who served 12 years in the Air National Guard and whose youngest son Jason is an eighth grader, said he appreciated the efforts the kids undertook to make veter ans feel special.

“I thought it was outstanding,” he said. “It’s nice as a school that they all come together for a common purpose: to rec ognize veterans. . . . Most veterans are humble. This is not why we do it, but it’s still appreciated.”

LEAVEN

PHOTO BY MARC ANDERSON

Rachel Anderson, the band teacher and technology coordinator at Most Pure Heart of Mary School in Topeka, gave a short speech at the school’s Veterans Day assembly on Nov. 11. Anderson serves in the Army National Guard as the Executive Officer of the 35th Infantry Division Band.

LEAVEN PHOTO BY MARC ANDERSON

Most Pure Heart of Mary third grader Karoline Davis sits with her father, Albert Davis, after the Veterans Day assembly. Davis was one of more than 40 veterans with ties to the parish or school who joined the students for a Veterans Day assembly. He serves as a Sergeant First Class in the Army.