12 13 19 Vol. 41 No. 18

THELEAVEN.ORG | VOL. 41, NO. 18 | DECEMBER 13, 2019

AN AFRICAN HARVEST THANKSGIVING PHOTOS BY DOUG HESSE

Ike Nwabuonwu offers the sign of peace during Mass. A new ministry for African Catholics launched on July 7 at Prince of Peace.

African Masses are celebrated the first Sunday of each month.

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Lucy Pufong processes with others bearing fruit of the harvest to lay before the altar as part of the African Thanksgiving Harvest Mass Dec. 1 at Prince of Peace Church in Olathe.

Geraldine Awasum-Ndikum carries, as part of a special Gospel procession, a traditional African broom used to sweep the floor to make way for the Word of God.

From left, Lee Sendze and Anita Sendze process in as battle-worthy protectors of the word of God. They are followed by Curtis Che and Lucien Fru, who signify the stately significance of the ceremony.

he African Catholic community, a new ministry launched on July 7 of this year, kicked off the Advent season with an African Harvest Thanksgiving Mass at Prince of Peace Parish in Olathe, where the ministry is based.

Colorful traditional dress and African dancers highlighted the event. An African Mass is celebrated on the first Sunday of each month at Prince of Peace.

Each Mass seeks to incorporate aspects of the African culture into the liturgy, but the harvest Mass, in particular, was an opportunity for the community to express gratitude for God’s many blessings and to share the vibrancy and diversity of the African culture as lived through the Catholic faith.

DECEMBER 13, 2019 | THELEAVEN.ORG

ARCHBISHOP

Friendship with Jesus is the best gift you can give your child

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D

riving back from St. Louis on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, I stopped in Kingdom City for fuel and a Quarter Pounder at McDonald’s.

I refuse to order from the kiosk as a mini-protest against machines replacing people and the cultural trend of minimizing human interaction. It was not crowded. In front of me was a father holding what I guessed to be his 3-yearold son.

The man allowed the little boy to place his own order. The lad was a bit indecisive so it took a while. I grew a bit impatient. I confess for a moment I thought: “Doesn’t this guy know this is a fast food restaurant?” I was even tempted to use the kiosk!

So much for my commitment to being a champion for human interaction!

Once I received my order, I chose one of those tall tables and prayed a meal blessing.

As it turned out, I was seated not far from the table where the same man, his wife and the little boy were seated.

Before eating, they paused to pray. The boy had his eyes closed with a look of intense concentration. I could not hear the content of the prayer but from his facial expression, it was obviously fervent. You could see the delight in the faces of his parents as their child prayed.

I was deeply touched by what could have been a modern Norman Rockwell scene. I admired the parents for teaching their son from his earliest years the importance of prayer.

This past week, I received a letter from a woman that wrote to follow up on a conversation we had at the “Enflame Our Hearts” convocation. She grew up on a farm in rural Kansas.

Her parents were devout Lutherans. When she was around 8 years old, she came home from school brokenhearted because

LIFE WILL BE VICTORIOUS ARCHBISHOP JOSEPH F. NAUMANN the girl she had considered her best friend had been rude to her.

Her mother consoled her and counseled her that friends will come and go, but there is one friend who will always be faithful: Jesus. She encouraged her daughter to pray and speak to Jesus about whatever was happening in her life. The mother told her daughter to make Jesus her best friend.

Two years later, her parents were in a terrible car accident. Her mother died at the scene of the crash and her father was hospitalized for several months.

As you can imagine, this was a great trauma for this young girl.

Until her father had

Baptisms for children of larger families To show his personal support for those couples open to raising larger families, Archbishop Naumann has offered to celebrate the baptism of the third or greater child of any family interested. Please contact your parish office for more information.

Additional information is also available from the archdiocesan office for liturgy and sacramental life at (913) 647-0330 or by email at: liturgy@ archkck.org.

sufficiently recovered, she and her siblings were cared for by relatives.

Eventually, her father remarried, but her relationship with her stepmother was far from ideal. Through all of this, she remembered what her mother had told her.

Her friendship with Jesus helped her through some tough times in her childhood and some rocky moments as a young adult.

Through God’s providence, she married a very devout Catholic man who inspired her to enter the church. Her mother-in-law became a true mother figure for her and helped her develop a beautiful devotion to Mary as her spiritual mother.

As she looks back on her life, she is grateful for the advice she received from her mother. Her friendship with Jesus sustained her through difficult times.

The most important gift parents can give to their children is to teach them to pray and to develop a friendship with Jesus. The most effective way to mentor your children is to pray as a family.

Make meal prayers a priority. Resist the temptation for the meal blessing to become just perfunctory. Meal prayers can be a time when family members share with each other what is in their hearts. The intentions that each family member brings to the table help parents catch a glimpse of what is happening in their children’s lives.

Make sure your children know how important

SHARE WITH [YOUR CHILDREN] HONESTLY ABOUT YOUR FRIENDSHIP WITH JESUS AND HOW YOU RELY UPON OUR LORD’S GUIDANCE IN THE DECISIONS YOU MAKE FOR THE FAMILY. prayer is in your own life.

Share with them honestly about your friendship with Jesus and how you rely upon Our Lord’s guidance in the decisions you make for the family.

I am edified by families who make a habit of praying the rosary together. The rosary is a tool for meditation.

Through pondering the mysteries of the rosary, we contemplate with Mary the central events of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus.

The family rosary can be a tool to teach children meditation adapted to their age level.

I am thrilled that some couples have begun the practice of inviting other families to join them in praying the rosary. It is a way of spiritually knitting together neighborhoods.

The conversations that occur in this setting are often much deeper and more significant than the normal party small talk.

When you ask another person: “What can I pray [about] for you?,” you often find out what is going on in their lives and what is in their hearts.

Praying together inevitably deepens the quality of friendships.

Several months ago, Dr. Mike Scherschligt, founder of the Holy Family School of Faith, was told by some business leaders that it was difficult for them to make time in their schedule for daily meditation.

They challenged Mike to prepare a podcast of brief daily meditations for the rosary. If you Google “Holy Family School of Faith Daily Rosary Meditations,” you can access Mike’s podcast.

The School Faith

Rosary Meditations do not use the traditional mysteries, but provide reflections based on the Bible, the Catechism and other spiritual writers. Mike suggests that individuals pray the rosary with him on their commute to work, while having a morning cup of coffee or as a family.

Last time I checked, more than 3,500 individuals from all over the world, but mostly from Kansas, take advantage of this prayer resource.

Mike spends several nights a week recording his podcasts in family homes. His only requirement is that the host couple invites family, friends and neighbors to join them.

Mary uses the rosary to draw us closer to her Son. I am very grateful that I grew up in a home where we prayed the family rosary. Most nights, I conclude my day by calling my 96-year-old mother in St. Louis for conversation and praying the rosary over the phone. What a blessing this shared time of prayer is for both of us.

I am grateful to that couple in the Kingdom City McDonald’s for inspiring this column by praying a meal prayer with their young son.

I am grateful that my mother taught me by her example to make Jesus my best friend. She also taught me to draw close to Mary, who will bring you even closer to her Son. Finally, the famous saying of the late Father Patrick Peyton, a great apostle of the family rosary, is still true today: “The family, who prays together, stays together.”

ARCHBISHOP NAUMANN Dec. 13 Juvenile Correctional Facility visit Dec. 14 Deacon community Mass and lunch — Savior Pastoral visit — Holy Family and St. John the Baptist parishes, Kansas City, Kansas Dec. 15 Vespers, blessing and dinner — Sacred Heart, Emporia Dec. 16 “Shepherd’s Voice” recording Confirmation — Sts. Peter and Paul, Seneca Dec. 17 Priests Personnel Board meeting Administrative Team meeting Ethics Council meeting Dec. 18 Confirmation — Annunciation, Baldwin Dec. 19 Seminarian vespers and dinner Dec. 23 Chancery staff Mass and luncheon

Dec. 20, 21 “Quo Vadis” retreat Dec. 24 Mass — Cathedral of St. Peter, Kansas City, Kansas Dec. 25 Mass — Cathedral Dec. 27 Serra parent/seminarian Mass and luncheon

Call or stop by to learn about the options of advanced planning, and pick up your FREE Personal Arrangement guide.

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DECEMBER 13, 2019 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

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Couple’s work with youth earned them St. Philippine award

By Moira Cullings moira.cullings@theleaven.org

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OUND CITY — The St. Rose Philippine Duchesne award is an honor for any of its recipients, but the honor held special meaning for this year’s recipients: Deacon Dana and Deborah Nearmyer.

St. Rose Philippine was a French nun and educator who, at an advanced age, fulfilled a lifelong ambition of ministering to Native Americans by spending a year with the Potawatomi in what is now Linn County.

Deacon Nearmyer is himself a voting member of the Oklahoma Cherokee Nation and a member of the Northern Cherokee Nation.

“My great-grandmother, who helped raise me, was a very intense part of my upbringing and she was born in the Oklahoma territory even before it was a state,” said Deacon Nearmyer.

“She and my grandma on that side had a deep impact on my spirituality,” he added.

Knowing the impact St. Rose had on Native Americans in Kansas, “it was coming full circle for me,” said Deacon Nearmyer.

“And [with] us working with [St.] Kateri Tekakwitha and her intercession for the camp [in Williamsburg], it’s been really mind-blowing,” he continued.

Since 2006, Sacred Heart Parish in Mound City, which has its own shrine to St. Rose, has presented an award named after her to a person or persons in the archdiocese who embody her giving spirit.

On Nov. 19, one day after her feast day, the Nearmyers were added to the list of its recipients.

They received a plaque following Mass celebrated by Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann and concelebrated by Sacred

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER

Deborah and Deacon Dana Nearmyer are this year’s recipients of the St. Rose Philippine Duchesne award. The award is given annually to a person or persons in the archdiocese who embody the giving spirit of St. Rose.

“

“THEY’VE REALLY HELPED SO MANY YOUNG PEOPLE COME TO FALL IN LOVE WITH JESUS AND THE CHURCH. THEIR IMPACT IN THE CHURCH WILL BE FELT FOR DECADES — AND REALLY GENERATIONS — TO COME.” Heart pastor Father Barry Clayton, with assistance from Deacon Don Poole.

The couple was “surprised and humbled” to receive the award, particularly

knowing that Louise Naumann, the archbishop’s mother, was its first recipient in 2006.

“She’s such a role model to me as a mom and a Catholic woman,” said Deborah, speaking of Mrs. Naumann. “She’s amazing and one of the giants in our world when it comes to living a faithful life.”

The Nearmyers have had a critical impact on young people in the archdiocese over the years, beginning with their work in youth ministry at Church of the Nativity in Leawood and extending to Camp Tekakwitha at Prairie Star Ranch, Benedictine College in Atchison and St. James Academy in Lenexa.

Deacon Nearmyer currently serves as the lead consultant for the archdiocesan office of evangelization and Deborah is the director of faith formation at St. James.

“Dana and Debbie have served as

mentors for many young people who are now adults in our parishes and serving here and other parts of the country,” said Archbishop Naumann.

“They’ve really helped so many young people come to fall in love with Jesus and the church,” he continued. “Their impact in the church will be felt for decades — and really generations — to come.”

The Nearmyers’ work with youth is one of the many reasons the couple was chosen to receive the award this year, as 14 young people were confirmed during the Nov. 19 Mass, said Father Clayton.

“We wanted to honor their really profound commitment and the wonderful inspiration that they have offered to youth for a number of years now,” he said. “Our archdiocese has been really blessed by them.

“I personally think they’re saints in the making.”

For the Nearmyers, the opportunity to serve the archdiocese has been a gift.

“I think every day we wake up, wanting to waken people up to the dignity they have and to what Jesus is doing for them,” said Deacon Nearmyer.

The couple explained their work wouldn’t be possible without the guidance of several local leaders, including Archbishop James P. Keleher, Archbishop Naumann and Msgr. Tom Tank.

“They know the mercy and love of God, and they know the brokenness, and they see it in us and expect us to live in the goodness of the Lord anyway,” said Deborah.

The Nearmyers will never know how their efforts have impacted the archdiocese and beyond.

“But I pray every day for the impact of the Holy Spirit in the life of northeast Kansas and the individual hearts that are here,” said Deborah.

“I just think being a part of this community is the greatest gift God gave us,” she added.

CATHOLICS AND KANSAS MEDICAID EXPANSION

The search for authentic health care coverage and protection

By Chuck Weber Special to The Leaven

contentious in the ongoing debate.

Medicaid expansion legislation must include conscience protections for health care atholics in the Archdiocese of providers and institutions. This is common Kansas City in Kansas can be sense legal and ethical security for doctors rightly proud of a rich heritage and other caregivers who provide Medicaid and history of their supportive services at deeply inadequate (low) rates. care of those in need. Born or They don’t need yet another reason not to unborn, young or old, rich or poor, healthy provide Medicaid services. or sick — Catholics serve life at It should come as no sureach and every stage. prise that the Catholic Church OP/ED Modeling Christ the great is asking that Medicaid expanphysician, the Catholic bishops of Kansas sion not pay for abortion in Kansas. It’s are united in seeking health care access for a little-known fact that taxpayer-funded all people, no matter their socioeconomic abortions are commonplace in state Medstate in life. icaid programs around the country.

Although a complicated and imperfect Last year alone, taxpayers footed the bill solution, the Kansas Catholic Conference for 75% of the abortions in Connecticut.

— the public policy voice of the Kansas Thankfully, exclusion of taxpayer-funded bishops — recently offered testimony in Medicaid abortions is the policy position alfavor of Medicaid expansion. ready adopted by the Kansas House of RepLike virtually every other interested resentatives in an overwhelming bipartisan group or legislator, our position includes vote of 90-34 (Humphries amendment, HB provisions we consider critical to the im2066, March 20). provement and success of this complex Unfortunately, because of a recent legislation. These provisions are reasonable Kansas Supreme Court decision, taxpayand responsible. They are hardly the most er-funded Medicaid abortions now pose a

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President Most Rev. Joseph F. Naumann

Publication No. (ISSN0194-9799)

real and even imminent threat in Kansas.

Last April, the Kansas Supreme Court issued their infamous ruling in the abortion case Hodes & Nauser v. Schmidt. Remarkably, the court discovered and established a “natural right” to virtually unlimited and unregulated abortion.

Few realize that the court justified its decision by citing four cases involving state-funded abortions, including two cases specifically compelling state Medicaid funding of abortion. This clearly signals that the Kansas Supreme Court believes publicly funded abortion is required by its decision.

Therefore, in order for any legislative restriction on abortion to be upheld, Kansas must adopt a state constitutional amendment reversing the Hodes decision and restore the ability of the people to pass reasonable regulations regarding abortion.

The process to pass a constitutional amendment begins with a two-thirds majority vote by legislators allowing the people of Kansas to decide this issue the old-fashioned way — at the ballot box. The Medicaid expansion provision requested by

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

Production Manager Todd Habiger todd.habiger@theleaven.org

Advertising Coordinator Beth Blankenship beth.blankenship@theleaven.org

Managing Editor Anita McSorley anita.mcsorley@theleaven.org

Senior Reporter Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

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

the bishops simply asks that Kansans get a chance to vote on this issue sometime in 2020.

The Catholic bishops are responsibly responding to a new legal situation created by the Supreme Court’s Hodes decision.

The bishops didn’t create this roadblock — they’re making every effort to remove it to protect their flock.

It is abortion advocates, through legislative efforts and the courts, who insist on inserting abortion into health care policy.

The exploitation of mothers in crisis and abortion of preborn children are not health care. We can and should provide authentic, life-affirming health care for all.

No matter what happens in this important debate, you can be sure that the Catholic Church in Kansas will continue doing what we’ve always done — caring for the elderly, advocating for the immigrant, feeding the hungry, sheltering the homeless, educating the disenfranchised and healing the sick.

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

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

DECEMBER 13, 2019 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

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Sixth-grader’s T-shirt drive benefits school family Carolina blue and the celebrant talked about Dave’s love for University of North Carolina basketball and ended RAIRIE VILLAGE — Chil- the homily with the word “swish.”

Gracen set up her online fundraiser dren who make a difference are inspirational, reminding and put the word out on social media. us that no matter how bleak People were encouraged to purchase a things seem, there are kids “swish” T-shirt in blue, white or gray.

Proceeds were directed to the Akins who want to make the world a brighter family. place.

To date, 270 shirts have been sold Gracen Thibault is one of those kids.

“I like to help others,” she said. “I like and over $3000 raised.

“I picked T-shirts because people like to put a smile on people’s faces.”

A sixth-grade student at St. Ann to wear them,” said Gracen. “I picked School in Prairie Village, Gracen has North Carolina colors because that was Dave’s favorite.” happily participated in sev“I have to say they are eral school-wide activities to so comfy and it brings me help others. joy to wear mine,” said Liz Students complete a Minks, school principal. monthly Act of Kindness Gracen and her mom project for others. So far T-shirts can still reached out to Coach Roy this year, they’ve done a coat be purchased Williams at the University drive, a book drive and raked online at: bonfire. of North Carolina to tell him leaves for older parishioners com/tweenyabout a great fan and the in the community. More rebird-tees-akins.

T-shirt project. cently, a Halloween candy In a response letter, Wildrive was held and the candy liams said: “I know Dave was was sent to the troops. a true Tar Heel and is in Carolina blue Upcoming will be the school’s Red heaven looking down on you.” And he Bag project, which helps families with ended his letter with “swish.” foster children have a better Christmas.

Students and staff will be wearing As the oldest child in her family, their “swish” shirts on school Spirit Gracen is used to helping. So, when a school family lost their dad, Dave Days to show continued support for the Akins, last August after a three-year Akins family.

The staff and parents at St. Ann battle with cancer, she wanted to help.

School want the spirit of giving to be a The St. Ann community was already way of life for their children. The stureaching out to the Akins family by prodents are finding ways to make charity viding meals and house cleaning, drivbecome a habit. ing children to activities and babysit“Gracen’s project is a wonderful exting.

“But Gracen recognized that Mrs. ample of faith in action,” said Karen Kroh, assistant superintendent of stuAkins did not work and now had five dent services for the archdiocese. “She young children to take care of on her own. She wanted to do more,” said is truly taking care of her neighbor.”

T-shirts can still be purchased online Emily Thibault, her mother.

After seeing a social media post about at: bonfire.com/tweeny-bird-tees-akins. a T-shirt fundraising project being done Gracen’s fundraising journey can be followed on Instagram @tweenybirdkc. in another state, Gracen decided to start In a world where you can be anyone for the Akins family.

At the funeral Mass, the family wore thing, Gracen has chosen to be kind.

By Jan Dixon Special to The Leaven

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You can still help

By Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

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LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAN DIXON

Gracen Thibault, sixth-grade student at St. Ann School in Prairie Village, organized a T-shirt fundraiser to help out a school family that lost their father in August.

Give the gift of a retreat this holiday season

ANSAS CITY, Kan. — As a Jesuit, Father Joe Laramie knows how important it is for the Christian to partake of some spiritual refreshment by getting away from it all and going on retreat.

But he also knows how hard that can be for most people who have jobs, families and a long list of responsibilities.

That’s why he wrote the little book “Abide in the Heart of Christ: A 10-Day Personal Retreat with St. Ignatius of Loyola.”

St. Ignatius, the founder of the Jesuit order, knew a thing or two about busy lives and making retreats.

“The wisdom of St. Ignatius is perfectly suited to our busy times,” said Father Joe, a campus minister at St. Louis University. “He spent the bulk of his ministry in the big, busy cities of Europe — Paris, Madrid and Rome.”

Father Joe studied at KenrickGlennon Seminary in St. Louis prior to joining the Jesuit novitiate in 2000.

He studied graduate theology at Boston College, earning Master of Divinity and Sacred Theology Licentiate degrees. He was ordained a priest in 2011.

He also has some Kansas City area connections.

While a high school student, he helped lead a Kairos retreat at Rockhurst High School in Kansas City, Missouri, in 1995. He also helped lead a retreat for high school youth in St. Louis.

“There were six of us [who led] that retreat,” said Father Joe. “Two of us are now priests: me and Father Scott Wallisch, former Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas vocations director.

“And another leader on that retreat was Tim Chik, director of the Savior Pastoral Center in Kansas City, Kansas.”

Father Joe returned to Rockhurst High School as a teacher’s aide in 2002, and again to be director of the pastoral office from 2012 to 2015.

“I loved my time there,” he said.

In his book, Father Joe used the writings of St. Ignatius as a guide to deepen the reader’s relationship with Christ. The book, which was released on Sept. 14, has 151 pages and is divided into 10 chapters or “Exercises.” The chapters consist of one or more meditations and then five or so questions and activities.

The book came about because of “three streams of grace” in his life, he said.

The first stream came from a 30-day silent retreat he made two

Jesuit Father Joe Laramie (right) has written “Abide in the Heart of Christ: A 10-Day Personal Retreat with St. Ignatius of Loyola,” to help busy people have a retreat on their own time. years ago. From it, he said, he received “tons of grace” and was inspired by the wisdom of St. Ignatius.

The second stream came from working with young people on high

school and college retreats. Through that work, he saw how receptive boys and young men were to the spirituality of St. Ignatius.

The third stream was the experience and knowledge he gained from working as a preacher and spiritual director at the White House Retreat Center in St. Louis.

“The book is an opportunity to make a retreat in daily life — while you are going to work, caring for your kids or going to classes,” said Father Joe. “That might mean spending 20 minutes in the morning to read the chapter, and then 20 minutes in the evening to do some prayer and reflection, and some journaling.”

The book can be used in a group or by oneself, for a 10-day retreat or spread out over a month. A couple can use it together.

“It makes a retreat flexible or accessible,” said Father Joe. “Abide in the Heart of Christ” costs $15 and was published by Ave Maria Press in Notre Dame, Indiana. The book can be purchased at Catholic bookstores, through the Ave Maria website at: ave mariapress.com, through Father Joe’s website at: joelaramiesj.com or from major online booksellers.

DECEMBER 13, 2019 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

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Panel encourages sustainable environmental change

By Moira Cullings moira.cullings@theleaven.org

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ANSAS CITY, Kan. — The event center was packed at Donnelly College here for an environmental ethics panel Nov. 8.

“We’re here to talk about . . . something greater than ourselves — how we live and give witness to and put into practice environmental justice,” said Msgr. Stuart Swetland, president of Donnelly.

Msgr. Swetland facilitated the panel after offering a message to the audience.

“You don’t have to share our Catholic faith to believe that the earth is a gift,” he said. “And when you receive a gift, one should be grateful. But one should also use that gift as it was meant to be used — not use it and abuse it and toss it aside.”

Dr. Paula Soican-Console, a professor of English literature at Donnelly, organized the panel, which included Susan Daily, Richard Mabion, Althea Moses and Michael Wolfe, all local professionals who work in various capacities on environmental justice.

They answered questions from the audience and explained ways the students can get involved in their community and become better stewards of the environment.

“We’re in a moment right now where what we can do can actually make a difference,” said Wolfe. “We owe that not just to ourselves but to the future generations.”

The panel encouraged the students in the audience to share their ideas with various environmental groups in the Kansas City area and

LEAVEN PHOTO BY MOIRA CULLINGS

Althea Moses speaks to the crowd at Donnelly College’s environmental ethics panel Nov. 8 in Kansas City, Kansas. She was joined by three others in a panel that answered questions from attendees and discussed how to be better stewards of the environment. make small sustainable changes in their own lives.

Moses also explained the importance of talking about environmental issues with others in order to make a greater difference.

“There are things we all care about,” she said. “Finding common ground in these discussions is so important.”

Ralph Martin to lead Cursillo retreat

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why is it important?,” “The Link of ANSAS CITY, Kan. — Holiness and Evangelization,” and Have you ever wanted “The Need for a New Pentecost.” to do the work of evanThere will be opportunities for gelization but didn’t discussion — as well as fellowship have the tools?

Or wanted the advice of an — between the talks. A continental breakfast and a lunch will be providexpert?

You can have both if you attend ed, and Martin will have his books the Cursillo winter retreat, led available for purchase and signing.

People should also go if

by Ralph Martin, from 8 they want to be equipped a.m. to 3 p.m. on Feb. 1 in for evangelization. the Keleher Conference “I think we sometimes Center at Savior Pastostruggle with how to talk ral Center in Kansas City, to other people about Kansas. our faith, and Martin is a Martin, president of great example through his Renewal Ministries, is program on EWTN,” said an author and host of the Shepard. weekly Catholic television “[He will tell] how we program “The Choices We can evangelize and apFace.” He holds a doctorRalph Martin proach people, and begin ate in theology and is the that faith conversation,” director of graduate theology programs in the new evangeli- she added. “Sometimes, we know zation at Sacred Heart Major Semi- why but we don’t know how, and he’s going to help us with how to apnary in the Archdiocese of Detroit.

“The retreat is for anybody who proach other people.”

The cost to attend is $45 per is looking for a deeper relationship person, cash or check at the door. with Christ in the church,” said Gail Seating is limited to 225.

Shepard, a member of St. Joseph Reservations are required and Parish in Shawnee and lay director of Cursillo in the Archdiocese of must be received by Jan. 10. To register, go online to: cursilloKCK.com; Kansas City in Kansas. send an email to: cursilloKCK@ The retreat is not limited to those who have attended Cursillo gmail.com; or call Jean Snyder at (913) 217-7269. in the past.

The event is limited to adults beMartin will give three talks: “What is the new evangelization and cause day care is not available.

Msgr. Swetland closed the panel with his own encouraging words.

“The Catechism of the Catholic Church talks about our religious responsibility, our religious respect for the integrity of creation,” he said.

“But even if you didn’t share my biblical worldview about how we should respect God’s creation,” he continued,

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“I think everybody has the experience of awe and wonder.

“If we can build on the awe and wonder and the religious sentiment that people have about the goodness and integrity of what surrounds them, we’re a huge step down the road for environmental justice,” he concluded.

Talented musician and spiritual mentor, Sister Dominique Long, SCL, dies

EAVENWORTH — Sister Dominique Long, 93, a Sister of Charity of Leavenworth, died on Sept. 26 at the motherhouse here. A gifted musician, talented composer, beloved teacher and spiritual mentor, she was a Sister of Charity for 69 years.

Eleanor was born on Dec. 11, 1925, in Livingston, Montana, the first of two children of Dominic E. and Lucy (Napoli) Long.

The natural beauty of her surroundings, family celebrations and music influenced Eleanor at an early age.

She began piano and violin lessons in the third grade. She graduated from St. Mary Grade School where the Sister of Charity taught and from Park County High School.

After earning a music education degree from Saint Mary College, Leavenworth, Eleanor returned to Livingston High School as a music teacher for two years.

She joined the Sisters of Charity on Aug. 18, 1950, and professed vows on Aug. 15, 1952. She took her father’s name as Sister Dominic, but later transitioned to Sister Dominique.

Music was Sister Dominique’s love throughout her life. She taught at high schools in Billings, Montana; Kansas City, Missouri; and Helena, Montana.

She was a member of the Remnants, a Sisters of Charity stage band that performed across the country and taped a show for television with Lucille Ball.

Sister Dominique earned her master’s in music education from DePaul University, Chicago. From 1967 to 1976, she taught in the music department of Saint Mary

College and worked in student services and campus ministry.

Sister Dominique was among the founding staff of the Jesuit Institute in Denver for the Focus on Leadership sabbatical and renewal program. She continued this ministry in Spokane, Washington, in association with Gonzaga University, where she taught courses on prayer and spirituality of the arts for priests, men and women religious, and lay ministers.

As she did with her music, Sister Dominique helped others get in touch with the mystery of God deep within them. She went out of her way to meet people and made everyone feel special and important. An acquaintance observed, “Through her creativity, through music and movement, through light and color, through silence and contemplation, through communication and affirmation, Sister Dominique encourages, invites others to explore soulful and inner places.”

Her spirituality, happiness, music and personality endeared her to a wide circle of former students, colleagues, friends and family. Her nieces and nephews remain amazed at how many people she knew. For them, she will always be their beloved “Auntie.”

In 1998, Sister Dominique returned to Livingston where she was devoted full time to her music ministry, composing and giving workshops. In early 2012, she moved to the motherhouse in Leavenworth and assisted with musical accompaniment for events. She transferred to Ross Hall in September 2015.

DECEMBER 13, 2019 | THELEAVEN.ORG

FAMILY LIFE

E

When it comes to giving, less is more

very year, my sister and I make the same promise to each other.

“One year, we’re not going to do presents at all,” we declare over the phone. “And it will be the best Christmas ever.”

Our kids are all still at home, eager Christmas lovers, so we haven’t yet been able to make good on our dreams of a gift-free holiday.

But I daydream of a December free from shopping lists and shipping stress.

I know I’m not alone. The average American will spend $700 on Christmas gifts this year. This season of cheer is also an overload of consumption.

Ironically, the greatest gifts on the first Christmas were given freely. Mary and Joseph’s love for Jesus. The shepherds’ wonder. The angels’ glorious song. The star’s guiding light.

The goodness of God incarnate.

Could we celebrate

LAURA KELLY FANUCCI Fanucci is a mother, writer and director of a project on vocation at the Collegeville Institute in Collegeville, Minnesota. She is the author of several books, and blogs at: www.motheringspirit.com.

Christmas by giving less to each other and keeping the focus on faith and family?

It can be tricky to transform longstanding traditions, especially when it comes to the holidays. But it also brings a breath of fresh air to let the Holy Spirit inspire our exchanges of love in new ways.

Years ago, our

family switched to celebrating the octave of Christmas.

Now we open one present each morning for the eight days from Dec. 25 through Jan. 1. The kids love this tradition, running downstairs every morning to see what small surprise might be waiting under the tree.

Rather than buy each child eight presents, we’ve found that we can fill up the octave with gifts from grandparents, godparents, aunts, uncles and siblings.

We start with stockings on Christmas morning and then add a few gifts from us: books for everyone one day, a surprise outing another night.

Switching to the octave — from one manic morning of unwrapping — has been such a gift for our family. We get to stretch out the Christmas celebration. We avoid the Dec. 26 “letdown.”

We’ve put the focus back on enjoying time together.

If you’ve ever felt stressed by December shopping (or felt the regret from credit card statements in January), consider bringing this question to prayer: How does my celebration of Christmas honor the Christ Child — the humble baby born into poverty?

Might the Spirit whisper ways that you could celebrate differently this year?

Here are a few ideas to ponder: • Give to others first. Prioritize your charitable giving before deciding how much to spend on family and friends.

• Simplify your gift-giving. Buy secondhand or fair trade items. Try homemade gifts or regifting something you own.

(Our extended family has found more fun with a goofy gift exchange — limited to things we already own or purchases under $10 — than with anything else on Christmas Day.) • Give the gift of time. Sharing an

experience with a loved one brings more lasting memories than most presents we can wrap. (Hint for grandparents: A museum membership or tickets to an event can be a welcome alternative, especially when parents feel overwhelmed by the influx of new toys.)

• Follow an easy formula for kids if you can’t resist buying gifts: something they want, something they need, something to wear and something to read. Four simple categories for fun.

However you choose to celebrate Christmas, let your faith guide your giving. Buying less is a great first step: To focus on Christ, resist greed and bring relief to your budget and the environment.

“Christmas is preferring the silent voice of God to the noisiness of consumerism,” said Pope Francis.

When it comes to giving, we need this good news — now more than ever.

Announcement Joseph A. Butler & Son Funeral Home has re-opened as

Tom and Josephine (Vega) Ramirez, members of St. John the Evangelist Parish, Lawrence, celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary on Oct. 5 with a family party in Lawrence.

The couple was married on Oct. 1, 1949, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, Topeka. Their children are: Gloria, Cindy, Rosemary and Tom Jr. They also have six grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.

ANNIVERSARY ANNIVERSARYsubmissions submissions POLICY: The Leaven prints 50, 60, 65 and 70th anniversary notices.

They are for parishioners in the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas

DEADLINE: eight days before the desired publication date.

INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING: • The couple’s names • their parish • the date they were married • church and city where they were married • what they are doing to celebrate • date of the celebration • names of children (no spouses) • number of grandchildren and great-grandchildren;

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SILVER LININGS

Janelle Stamm shares a photo of Lucinda, a Guatemalan woman who she sponsored for a number of years. Lucinda was a great support to Janelle throughout her treatments and recovery from cancer.

Local charity enables sponsors to honor their elders around the world

BY JILL RAGAR ESFELD

PHOTO COURTESY OF UNBOUND

Tom Slattery meets Francisca, an elderly woman living in the Philippines who he sponsored through Unbound until she passed away in 2016 at the age of 105.

K

ANSAS CITY, Kan. — “I do have faith and I do believe in Jesus,” said Tom Slattery.

“And I believe the Holy Spirit moved me to pick up the folder for Francisca and to go visit her,” he continued. “We had some pretty tear-jerking moments.”

Slattery, a member of St. Christopher Parish in Hobe Sound, Florida, heard a presentation about the nonprofit Unbound years ago.

The organization, originally founded by Catholic laymen as the Christian Foundation for Children and Aging and headquartered in Kansas City, Kansas, facilitates sponsorships of the needy throughout the world.

Unique to Unbound is the ability

to sponsor not only children, but also elders.

After the presentation, Slattery and his wife looked at folders containing pictures and information on individuals in need of sponsorship.

“And I was just drawn to this woman,” he said. “Then, I checked the organization out.”

Slattery was impressed with what he found. Unbound is one of the most transparent and accountable charities in the world.

So, the couple began to sponsor and correspond with Francisca, an elderly woman living in the Philippines.

“It started out just being a check and a letter back and forth,” said Slattery.

“You start hearing more about their family and you tell them about yours.”

Through that process, a dear friendship grew and Francisca’s let-

“

“IT’S ONE OF THOSE THINGS THAT ALLOWS A PERSON TO OPEN UP AND SEE THE OTHER SIDE OF THE WORLD AND HOW PEOPLE LIVE.” ters became a support during difficult times ahead — when Slattery lost his wife to cancer.

After his wife passed away, Slattery learned that Unbound was having an awareness trip to the Philippines. He decided to go and meet his dear friend.

As he was walking out of his house

on his way to the airport, he happened to catch sight of a blanket his wife had wrapped around herself after chemo treatments.

“We lived in Georgia at the time,” he said. “And it would be hot, but she would come out of there and she would say, ‘I’m cold.’

“So, we always had this blanket and we’d wrap her up in it.”

On impulse, he tucked the blanket in his carry-on.

“The first time I met Francisca,” recalled Slattery, “it had to be almost 90 degrees.

“I said, ‘How are you?’ She said, ‘I’m good, but I’m so cold.’

“So, I took the blanket out and I wrapped her in it.

“That was an inspiration from the Holy Spirit.”

Francisca passed away in 2016 at the

Unbound celebrates 35 years

U

PHOTO COURTESY OF UNBOUND

Pedro Gonzalez is an Unbound sponsored elder who lives in El Salvador. He uses the money he receives through sponsorship to make and sell sorbet around his community for extra income. age of 105. Slattery has since sponsored two seminarians and another elder.

Clearly, he is hooked on the Unbound experience.

“It’s one of those things that allows a person to open up and see the other side of the world and how people live,” he said.

Paco Wertin, Unbound church relations director, knows exactly what he means.

Through correspondence, sponsors get to witness the beauty and hardships of a life so different — and yet so similar — to their own.

“The sponsor knows that they’re helping someone in that struggle who might not have help otherwise,” said Wertin. “And someone they may never see is interested in them and loving them from a distance.”

It is a reciprocated love, as Janelle Stamm found out when she had her own experience with a devastating diagnosis of cancer.

Stamm was praying, asking God to help her get through a future over which she had little control.

She saw her answer in compassion, a word that kept creeping into her mind and heart.

“I wanted to lift that experience up to a greater purpose,” she said. “And so, I decided to adopt an elder.”

Stamm, who worked for Unbound at the time, looked through folders while she prayed to find the right person.

“I picked up Lucinda’s folder and was struck that her hobby was compassion,” she said. “She visited sick people while she herself was sick.

“It just struck me that compassion was so ingrained in her life that it became a hobby. I saw that as an answer to my prayer of: ‘How do I get through this?’

“In that regard, she had a profound influence on me.”

This is the great advantage of sponsoring an elder; you are gaining a friend with a wealth of knowledge and understanding.

Diamond Dixon, media relations and community outreach specialist at Unbound, has often witnessed the close bond that develops between elders and their sponsors.

“It’s definitely more powerful when you’re speaking with someone who has gone through so many life experiences and has so much wisdom,” she said.

The Stamm family sponsored Lucinda in Guatemala until she passed away. She was a great support to Janelle through her treatments and recovery from cancer.

Like Slattery, Stamm was so enriched by the experience that she now sponsors another elder named Margaret.

“And that relationship has just been humbling and amazing,” she said.

“God is present in our lives, and we recognize his presence through our relationships with others.”

The core of the Unbound program for both elders and children is simple: “I believe in you.”

“And we know that belief in one another highlights the dignity of each

person,” said Wertin. “And it shows the bond of unity that we have with one another.

“It’s the symbol of the body of Christ, expressing the love of God right there in their midst.”

Both Slattery and Stamm recommend the Unbound experience.

“Don’t hesitate,” said Slattery. “If money is an issue, find a partner, find two or three partners.

“You will have a pen pal, an acquaintance. And then, pretty soon, you will have a very dear friend.”

Stamm agreed “Do it,” she said. “And write them letters. Learn from them. They have a whole wealth of experience from just living life that we don’t know anything about.

“I promise you will get so much more out of it than you put in.”

nbound’s Elder Program began 35 years ago when two of the organization’s founders were visiting Latin American countries.

Then known as the Christian Foundation for Children, the focus of the organization was on helping children be lifted out of poverty into a better future.

The founders saw an equally great — though different — need in the elders.

“We usually see two different dynamics play out with the elders in our program,” said Diamond Dixon. “Either the elder will move away from their family because they don’t want to be a burden in their old age, or that family will move from the elder and seek opportunity in the nearby urban area.”

The result is isolation, loneliness and lack of support.

Sponsorship gives aging adults access to: • medical care • nutritious food • support groups • recreational activities • fellowship in the Unbound community An important component of the program are the social workers who go out to the elders and visit with them to evaluate needs.

“That’s a really beautiful way of breaking down that isolation,” said Paco Wertin.

Elders are invited to participate in social programs, dancing, exercise and activities, building a sense of belonging.

In the 35 years since the start of Unbound’s elder program, more than 65,000 elders have been served.

At the time of this writing, 1,793 elders are waiting for sponsorship.

For more information, visit the website at: unbound.org and click on the “Sponsor” tab.

Pope’s book encourages alliance between young and old

D

uring one of his daily prayer sessions, Pope Francis was inspired to encourage an alliance between young and old people, believing that younger generations can be inspired by the wisdom of experience.

To that end, he commissioned a book called “Sharing the Wisdom of Time.” Unbound became a natural source for stories from the elderly.

For more than a year and a half, Loyola Press and its partners interviewed 250 people, including more than 60 Unbound elders and one young member of the Unbound staff, Yenifer, a former sponsored child who is now a social worker for Unbound in Colombia.

Not all stories could fit into the book, but every contribution helped shape it.

Contributors offer amazing insights on work, love, life and death, illustrated by beautiful photographs.

Pope Francis writes the book’s preface and responds to 31 of the book’s contributors with his own reflections.

In November 2018, Unbound was honored to be part of the launch of the book.

“Sharing the Wisdom of Time” is an

PHOTO COURTESY OF UNBOUND

Maria Fonegra is an Unbound elder living in Medellín, Colombia. In Pope Francis’ book, Maria shares how she uses her Unbound sponsorship money to help pay her rent and buy food. uplifting, inspirational journey with an overall message of hope and faith that would make a great addition to anyone’s

Christmas list.

For more about the book, go online to: sharingwisdomoftime.com.

DECEMBER 13, 2019 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

11

Rosary crusade launched for constitutional amendment

K

LEAVEN FILE PHOTO BY JILL RAGAR ESFELD

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann addresses the participants of the 2019 Support Our Seminarians event that was held in January. Funds raised at the event help fund vocational development for the seminarians of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas and the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph at Conception Seminary College in Conception, Missouri.

Union Station event benefits seminarians from both sides of the state line

By Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

K

ANSAS CITY, Kan. — Michael Skoch needed only one word to describe last year’s Support Our Seminarians benefit dinner.

“Outstanding,” said Skoch.

The 27th annual Support Our Seminarians (SOS) event will take place 5:30 - 10 p.m. on Jan. 31 at Union Station in Kansas City, Missouri.

Funds raised at the event help fund vocational development for the seminarians of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas and the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph at Conception Seminary College in Conception, Missouri.

Michael and Ginny Skoch, members of St. Wenceslaus Parish in Omaha, are the parents of archdiocesan seminarian Tim Skoch.

Although their son is in formation at St. John Vianney Seminary in Denver, they believe it’s important to support archdiocesan seminarians through the SOS. And it’s fun, too.

Michael and Ginny Skoch have sent their seven kids to Catholic schools — from kindergarten through high school. Consequently, they are veterans of all sorts of fundraising events for Catholic education. “[The SOS] is not a new sort of thing for us,” said Michael Skoch.

How to attend Something new for the SOS event this year is that organizers are making it easier for young adults to attend by discounting their admission to $75.

The regular price for an individual is $175 ($225 per person after Jan. 20). The cost for a table of 10 is $1,750.

For information or to make a reservation, contact: • Martha Hodes: (913) 2079893 or at: mmmhsos512@gmail. com • Jenny Huard: (660) 944-2827, or at: jhuard@conception.edu • Fran or Linda Van Nieuwenhuyse: (913) 432-8292, or at: franlinvan@ gmail.com • Event website: SupportOur Seminarians.com

“The setting at Union Station, the kinds of auction items, the witness of the seminarians, and the presence of the archbishop and bishop made it a fantastic evening.”

This year, they’re trying to get as many adult family members as they can for their own “family table” at the event.

This year’s SOS will feature cocktails, a silent auction, a raffle and dinner. Father Edward Looney, a Marian theologian who serves in the Diocese of Green Bay, Wisconsin,

will be the keynote speaker. He is the author of “Our Lady of Good Help: Prayer Book for Pilgrims.”

The “signature items” to be auctioned off are a dinner with Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann, Bishop James Van Johnston Jr., and Lamar and Rita Hunt at the Hunts’ home; two tickets to the Abbot’s Table; two round trip tickets on Southwest Airlines; and a registration to Camp Tekakwitha for summer camp.

Currently, the archdiocese has four seminarians at Conception Seminary College, said Father Dan Morris, archdiocesan vocation director. Many priests who have served archdiocesan parishes over the years have studied at Conception’s pre-theology program.

Like students at secular colleges and universities, seminarians at Conception have to pay for part of their tuition. Unlike their secular counterparts, there aren’t many scholarships available to help the seminarians.

That’s why SOS is so important, said Father Morris. Both the archdiocese and the seminary college use the monies raised at SOS to help seminarians with their tuition.

A total of $160,000 was raised last year, after expenses. The funds were distributed in equal thirds to Conception Seminary College, the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, and the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph.

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

ANSAS CITY, Kan. — The bishops of Kansas are urging Catholics throughout the state to pray the rosary every Thursday — starting immediately — to lift up in prayer a campaign to advance and eventually pass an amendment to the Kansas Constitution.

The campaign is in response to the Hodes and Nauser v. Schmidt decision announced April 23. The ruling declared a law barring live dismemberment abortions to be unconstitutional — a decision with the potential to void virtually all state abortion laws.

Signatures have been gathered urging legislators to support the passage of a constitutional amendment that would nullify the decision and would then be presented to Kansas voters. Meanwhile, the Kansas bishops are asking all Catholics to join the Kansas Rosary Crusade and pray for the intercession of Our Lady of Guadalupe for the success of this effort.

“I urge every member of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas to join the Kansas Rosary Crusade by praying the rosary every Thursday for the passage of a state constitutional amendment, making it crystal clear there is no right to abortion in the Kansas Constitution,” said Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann.

To join the crusade, go online to: kansasrosarycrusade.org. At the top of the home page click on “Join the Crusade.”

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DECEMBER 13, 2019 | THELEAVEN.ORG

CLASSIFIEDS

EMPLOYMENT Bus drivers - With multiple locations in Johnson County, Special Beginnings Early Learning Center provides high quality early childhood education in a safe, loving, Christian environment. With a balanced curriculum of preacademics and social-emotional development, children grow with us, build confidence, and a strong self-esteem. At Special Beginnings, we believe providing the right environment will give children the foundation to be successful in life. Special Beginnings Early Learning Center is seeking a part-time bus driver (15-20 hrs/week; no weekend hours) of a 15-passenger bus to drive children to school and/or pick them up after school. Duties include: safely transport children to and/or from school following ALL safety & security procedures; safely transport children to and from field trips and other off-site activities; follow a planned route on a time schedule; help children get on and off the bus; ensure children stay in their seat at all times; follow traffic laws and state and federal transit regulations; carefully navigate roads and watch for ice, debris or slippery spots; report accidents immediately; maintain “clean” driving record during off hours. We require the following: driver must be at least 25 years old (due to insurance requirements) with a “clean” driving record for at least 2 years; pass a background check; must maintain and practice safe driving and have a “clean” driving record; have patience and understanding when working with children ages 5-12 years old; enjoy working in a child friendly environment. Benefits: competitive benefit package; excellent support and training from an experienced leadership/management team; pay: $11-15/hour depending on experience.

Bookkeeper/accounting coordinator - The accounting coordinator is organized and detailed. Confidentiality and accuracy are important in this position, as well as flexibility and problem-solving. This person must possess a strong knowledge of general accounting principles; assist in day-to-day accounting needs including: processing accounts payable and receivable; prepare, distribute and follow-up on client and partner invoices; prepare and process wire transfer requests; be familiar with QuickBooks; set up payment terms with new vendors; pull and upload job reports; receive financial requests; and assist in monthly credit card reconciliation review and approval process. A bachelor’s degree in accounting or other relevant field, or equivalent in years of private sector accounting/bookkeeper experience is required, as well as proficiency in Microsoft Excel, QuickBooks and Google Docs. QuickBooks Pro Advisory certification preferred or willingness to obtain certification. The coordinator should be a multitasker with the ability to change direction quickly and frequently; be organized and able to prioritize; be detailed and thorough; have excellent written and verbal communication; high level of customer service; be a creative problem solver, self-starter and be resourceful. Must also be able to make quick decisions and work in a high pressure, fast-paced environment. If interested, apply online at: www.wellingtonexperience.com/careers/.

Elementary School Principal – St. Michael the Archangel School in Leawood is seeking an individual to serve as principal with demonstrated skills in spiritual and instructional leadership in Catholic schools beginning with the 2020-21 school year. The successful applicant will provide leadership, direction, and oversight to teachers and staff, as well as set goals and ensure successful completion of learning objectives for students. The principal will also establish and execute the school budget and coordinate activities and priorities with the pastor and parish staff. Applicants must be practicing Catholics, understand the mission of Catholic schools and have or be eligible for Kansas licensure in educational leadership. Apply online at: www.archkckcs.org select “Employment” and send resume and credentials to: Superintendent Dr. Vincent Cascone, Catholic Schools Office, Archdiocese of Kansas City, Kansas, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109, or send an email to: vcascone@archkckcs.org.

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

We have a recycling program and community activities.

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

School cafeteria workers – Holy Spirit School is seeking school cafeteria workers willing to learn all duties in assigned areas including: production; preparation; storage of food/supplies; accountability; and safety/sanitation.

Workers may perform sales transactions and must interact with students in a friendly, service-oriented manner.

Compliance with sanitation and safety requirements is essential, and basic math skills are required. Shifts will be Monday – Friday during the lunch hour when school is in session. Previous kitchen/cafeteria experience preferred but not required. If interested, please contact Larry at: lgroce@hscatholic.org to schedule an interview.

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

Positions are now available in Olathe, Overland Park and Kansas City, Kansas. Competitive wages and flexible schedules. CDL not required. Retirees encouraged to apply. Call (913) 262-3100 or apply online at: Assisted Transportation.com. EEO.

Administrative assistant - Looking for something new?

Use your administrative skills to help a developmental optometrist change people’s lives. The hours are: T/W/TH from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.; summer hours vary. No health benefits. Need to know basic bookkeeping skills. Background needed in Work, Excel and QuickBooks. Customer service and medical office experience helpful. Send resume to: Dr. Beth Bazin, 13600 Washington, Kansas City, MO 64145 or send via email to: bbazin@visiondevelop.com.

Bell ringers needed - Holy Cross Parish is ready to start “ringing” again by reorganizing the bell choir ministry.

The choir needs a volunteer director to work with a limited number of dedicated members to enhance the parish music ministry at Masses. The parish has a complete set of bells and chimes, as well as music just waiting to be heard! Contact Dee Dee at (913) 897-1504 or send an email to: Deetecc@aol.com for more information. The bell choir also needs more ringers to help round out our sound. Interested persons need not be members of Holy Cross to play, just love beautiful music and fun people to join!

Career opportunity – Due to the success and growth of the Knights of Columbus, we are adding a financial representative in the Kansas City, Kansas, and Missouri metro areas, St. Joseph, Mo., and Maryville, Mo. This is ideal for a determined, high energy, high expectation, professional, self-disciplined, independent individual, who desires to serve others yet earn a better than average income. We provide top-rated financial products to our members and their families, and will provide excellent benefits and training. This is a full-time position. For more information or an interview, please contact John A. Mahon, General Agent, 1275 S.W. Topeka Blvd., Topeka, KS 66612; call (855) 3564849; or email: mahonagencymail2@kofc.org.

Substitute teacher - Nativity Day School is looking for a substitute KDHE lead qualified teacher for preschoolaged students. Interested and qualified persons should contact Jami Huderski by sending an email to: jami. huderski@kcnativity.org.

Principal - Our Lady of the Presentation, a dynamic and growing parish located in Lee’s Summit, Missouri, seeks a faith-filled principal with proven leadership skills and a commitment to Catholic education. Our Lady of the Presentation is an accredited, nationally recognized Blue Ribbon elementary school that strives to educate the whole child. Qualified candidates must be a practicing Catholic with administrative certification or the ability to become certified. Candidates must also have teaching and administration experience. Applications close on Jan. 15, 2020. Applications may be made to the Catholic Schools Office on the website at: careers.hireology.com/thecatholicdioceseofkansas citystjoseph and scroll down to “Principal - Our Lady of the Presentation.”

Special events and community outreach coordinator - Advice & Aid Pregnancy Centers is looking for an outgoing individual who will assist the nonprofit ministry with special event planning and community outreach. The special events and community outreach coordinator is responsible for planning, organizing, promoting, facilitating, coordinating and recruiting for Advice and Aid’s special events, including the Walk for Life and fundraising banquet. This position is also responsible for assisting the executive director in representing Advice & Aid Pregnancy Centers in the community. This is a full-time position (35 hours per week, including some evening and weekends). Email your resume and cover letter or questions to: rtisdale@ adviceandaid.com or mail them to: Advice & Aid Pregnancy Centers, P.O. Box 7123, Shawnee Mission, KS 66207. No calls please.

Customer support specialist - My Catholic Faith Delivered is looking for a customer support specialist to help with the day-to-day needs of our clients in the areas of online learning and Catholic education delivery.

Responsibilities include: resolving customer inquiries; technical support and other assistance as necessary via phone and email support; maintaining end-to-end responsibility for customer’s needs providing timely, reliable and courteous service; providing information about our online products and services; assisting with the development and improvement of processes, standards and documentation; developing and maintaining a knowledge base of the evolving products and services we offer; recommending potential products or services by analyzing customer needs; contributing to team effort by accomplishing related results as needed; and performing other duties as assigned. Qualifications include: proven customer support experience; ability to build strong relationships with clients and act as a trusted adviser; results-oriented and capable of creatively solving problems as they arise; ability to prioritize and multitask; and excellent communication, organization and time management skills. Familiarity with cloud software solutions, learning management systems content management systems, and graphic design software a plus. Full time. Salary: $33,000 to $38,000 per year. Resumes can be emailed to: jfoster@mycatholicfaithdelivered.com.

Construction field technician - Looking to hire construction field technician to do light delivery and trim carpentry work. Experience is great but willing to train the right person. Also willing to train to install custom window coverings. Includes delivery van for use to job sites. Clean driving record required. Position available PT or FT. Call Laura at Gallery Design (913) 782-6000.

HOME IMPROVEMENT Masonry work - Quality new or repair work. Brick, block and chimney/fireplace repair. Insured; second-generation bricklayer. Member of St. Paul Parish, Olathe. Call (913) 829-4336.

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Clutter getting you down? - Organize, fix, assemble, install! “Kevin of all trades:” your professional organizer and “Honey-do” specialist. Call or email me today for a free consultation at (913) 271-5055 or KOATorganizing@ gmail.com. Insured. References.

Rusty Dandy Painting, Inc. – We have been coloring your world for 40 years. Your home will be treated as if it were our own. Old cabinets will be made to look like new. Dingy walls and ceilings will be made beautiful.

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

2 Blond Chicks Home cleaning service You dirty it, we clean it.

Jackie, (559) 816-4398 Janice, (913) 265-9448

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

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

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

All interior and exterior work.

Honest, dependable, experienced and family owned.

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

(913) 927-5240 or nelsport@everestkc.net STA (Sure Thing Always) Home Repair - Basement finish, bathrooms and kitchens; interior & exterior repairs: painting, roofing, siding, wood replacement and window glazing. Free estimates. Call (913) 579-1835.

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

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

Cracks repaired with no mess!

Serving the Leaven readers for over 25 years.

Call Jerry anytime at (913) 206-1144.

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

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

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

Popcorn ceiling removal - Renew your ceiling and walls with a fresh coat of paint. Replace drywall or plaster repaired with no mess!! 25 years’ experience.

Call Jerry anytime: (913) 206-1144.

EL SOL Y LA TIERRA *Commercial & residential * Lawn renovation *Mowing * Clean-up and hauling * Dirt grading/installation * Landscape design * Free estimates Hablamos y escribimos Ingles!! www.elsolylatierra.com Call Lupe at (816) 935-0176

CAREGIVING Looking for assisted living at home? - Before you move, call us and explore our in-home care options. We specialize in helping families live safely at home while saving thousands of dollars per year. Call today for more information or to request a FREE home care planning guide. Benefits of Home - Senior Care, www.benefits ofhome.com or call (913) 422-1591.

Home care - Caregiver has CMA and 15 years’ experience. Has also had a background check. Please call (913) 999-4340.

Caregiving - We provide personal assistance, companionship, care management, and transportation for seniors in their home, assisted living or nursing facilities.

We also provide respite care for main caregivers needing some personal time. Call Daughters & Company at (913) 341-2500 and speak with Laurie, Pat or Gary.

Caregiver - CNA has many years of experience with elderly and dementia patients. Will do meal prep, doctor appointments, errands, medication setup and companionship. Call Johnna at (816) 786-1093.

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

Cleaning lady - Reasonable rates; references provided.

Call (913) 940-2959.

Give a Unique Piece of Art This Christmas Original art and prints by Karen Kaffenberger, Three Trails Art Studio (Holy Cross parishioner) Florals, animals, landscapes & more Visit www.threetrailsartstudio.com (913) 735-9080

Tutor - Available for K - 12 in various subjects and test preps. Tutor has 17 years of experience teaching and tutoring. Call Kathleen at (913) 206-2151 or email: Klmamuric@yahoo.com.

Mike Hammer local moving - A full-service mover.

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

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

Release your weight and restore your power in 8 weeks! http://8toyouridealweight.com/coach/kathi/ HARCO Exteriors LLC Your Kansas City fencing specialists Family owned and operated (913) 815-4817 www.harcoexteriorsllc.com Loving marital mediation - Retired Catholic lawyer and certified mediator will mediate your marriage to MEND IT - NOT END IT. Mary Ellen Rose. (913) 381-6400.

Rodman Lawn Care Lawn mowing, aeration, verticutting, mulching, Hedge trimming, leaf removal, gutter cleaning Fully insured and free estimates John Rodman (913) 548-3002 Memory quilts - Preserve your memories in a keepsake quality quilt, pillows, etc. Custom designed from your T-shirt collection, baby clothes, sports memorabilia, neckties . . . Quilted Memories. (913) 649-2704.

Handyman - Furloughed railroader trying to keep the bills paid for my family. I advertised here as Father and Son Home Exteriors and Remodeling for 13 years previously. I can do carpentry, windows, doors, trim, siding and decks. Also paint, sheetrock and tiling. No project too big or too small. Give me a call and ask for Josh at (913) 709-7230.

Garage Door Repair New Garage Doors Platinum Amarr dealer, Elite Home Advisor top rating.

Call Joe, mention The Leaven discount.

A Total Door (913) 236-6440.

Bankruptcy consultation - If debts are overwhelming you, seek hope and help from compassionate, experienced Catholic attorney, Teresa Kidd. For a free consultation, call (913) 422-0610; send an email to: tkidd@ kc.rr.com; or visit the website at: www.teresakiddlawyer. com. Please do not wait until life seems hopeless before getting good quality legal advice that may solve your financial stress.

Speedy Guzman Moving and delivery Licensed and insured Anytime (816) 935-0176

REAL ESTATE CASH FOR YOUR HOME (913) 980-4905 Any condition in the metro area Mark Edmondson - local parishioner http://www.buykcproperty.com We buy houses and whole estates - We are local and family-owned, and will make you a fair cash offer. We buy houses in any condition. No fees or commissions and can close on the date of your choice. Selling your house as is never felt so good. Jon & Stacy Bichelmeyer (913) 599-5000.

Whole Estates Need to sell a home and everything in it?

We buy it all at once in as-is condition.

Call (816) 444-1950 or send an email to: www.wholeestates.com.

WE SELL HOMES - Looking to sell? This is a seller’s market. Call for a free consultation detailing the steps to selling your home. Ask about our 39-day sales guarantee. Mention this ad for a special offer. Call Jim Blaufuss, Re/Max Realty Suburban, at (913) 226-7442. Jimblau fuss@remax.net.

For rent - Condo with one bed/one bath, beautiful large open floor plan in the picturesque Tuileries. Secure building. Newly remodeled. In-unit washer/dryer and storage unit. Must see. Great location. Quiet and tranquil. New salt-water heated pool and active club house. Private patio overlooks residents’ private garden. Near 435 and Metcalf. $1,100/month. Call (913) 244-1443.

>> Continued on page 13

DECEMBER 13, 2019 | THELEAVEN.ORG

CALENDAR CHRISTMAS DANCE Church of the Nativity Parish (hall) 3800 W. 119th St., Leawood Dec. 14 from 7 - 11 p.m.

The SON (Singles of Nativity) group is sponsoring its annual Christmas dance. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Admission is $20 and includes food and drinks. For more information, contact Ana at: agrobe2@gmail.com.

HARK TOPEKA Capitol Plaza Hotel & Convention Center (Emerald Ballroom) 1717 S.W. Topeka Blvd.

Dec. 14 at 4:30 p.m.

There will be a craft beer festival, a threecourse dinner, a Christmas concert and a silent auction. This event is a fundraiser to help support Hayden High School’s performing arts and TARC. For more information, to make a donation or to buy tickets, go online to: HarkTopeka.com.

CELTIC CHRISTMAS St. Columbkille Parish (hall) 13311 Hwy. 16, Blaine Dec. 14 from 8:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

There will be cookies, candies, homemade cinnamon rolls, kolaches, breakfast burritos, homemade soups, sandwiches and pies.

There will also be holiday shopping vendors.

For more information, call (785) 927-0282.

MEMORIAL LITURGY Curé of Ars Parish 9405 Mission Rd., Leawood Dec. 14 at 8 a.m.

There will be a memorial liturgy for deceased loved ones followed by a grief support meeting in the Father Burak Room. The topic will be: “Spirituality of Grief.” For more information, call (913) 649-2026.

ROSARY RALLY IN HONOR OF OUR LADY OF FATIMA St. Rose Philippine Duchesne Parish 5035 Rainbow Blvd., Mission Woods Dec. 15 from 3 - 4:15 p.m.

We will pray the joyful, sorrowful and glorious mysteries of the rosary. Benediction 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.

Disabled? Can’t Work?

I help you win disability benefits.

No out of pocket fees. http://www.montemacedisability.com

785.331.6452

THE SHEPHERD’S VOICE

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

Wagner’s Mud-Jacking Co.

Specializing in Foundation Repairs Mud-jacking and Waterproofing.

Serving Lawrence, Topeka and surrounding areas.

Topeka (785) 233-3447 Lawrence (785) 749-1696 In business since 1963 www.foundationrepairks.com

CIRCLE OF LOVE: A SUPPORT GROUP FOR PEOPLE LIVING WITH CHRONIC ILLNESS Precious Blood Renewal Center 2120 Gaspar Way, Liberty, Missouri Dec. 20 from 10 - 11:30 a.m.

Living with a chronic illness can be challenging. Join a group that will support you on your journey. Find spiritual healing and renewal as we gather for meditative prayer and contemplative sharing. Learn more or RSVP by calling (816) 415-3745 or visit the website at: www.pbrenewalcenter.org/ events-news/.

DIVORCED: CALLED TO LOVE AGAIN Church of the Ascension (St. Luke Room) 9510 W. 127th St., Overland Park 2nd and 4th Sundays from 7 - 8:30 p.m.

HEALING MASS Curé of Ars Parish (Father Burak Room) 9405 Mission Rd., Leawood Dec. 19 at 7:30 p.m.

A Mass with prayers for healing, sponsored by archdiocesan charismatic prayer groups, will be held. Father Dennis Wait will preside. For more information, call (913) 649-2026.

ON THE SECOND DAY OF CHRISTMAS Divine Mercy Parish 555 W. Main St., Gardner Dec. 27 from 7 - 8 p.m.

Celebrate Christmas with the “Carolers of Note,” who will be performing Christmas carols as a fundraiser for the parish. This is a family-friendly event. The suggested donation is $10 or more per family. Come and enjoy the Christmas season!

Called to Love Again is a community of support and formation for divorced Catholics.

The Nov. 24 talk will be: “The Art of Gratitude.” Enjoy dessert and fellowship while hearing witness talks from our recent retreat. The Dec. 8 talk will be: “Navigating Divorce and the Holidays” by family therapist Stacie Cordell, who will offer tips and insights. Visit our Facebook page at: www. facebook.com/giftofself143 or send an email to: calledtolove143@gmail.com.

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

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

Must be at least 18 years of age to participate.

MOTHER OF PERPETUAL HELP DEVOTIONS Queen of the Holy Rosary Parish 7023 W. 71st. St., Overland Park Tuesday evenings at 6:30 p.m.

Come join this group who prays this devotion weekly. Prayer includes the Mother of Perpetual Help novena and Benediction. For more information, call Martin at (913) 2138810.

WIDOWED WOMEN OF FAITH Perkins Restaurant and Bakery (Back Room) 1720 S.W. Wanamaker Rd., Topeka Dec. 17 from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Join other women of faith for lunch and companionship. No RSVP is needed. For more information, send an email to: WidowedWomen ofFaith@gmail.com.

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PILGRIMAGE Italy - Join Benedictine College for an experience of Italy’s “Faith & Beauty,” June 15 – 24, 2020, with theology professor Dr. Matt Ramage. For more information, go online to: www.benedictine.edu/ravendiscovery.

The Holy Land - College students and adult learners: Join Benedictine College and Dr. Mark Zia in the Holy Land, May 31 - June 14, 2020. College credit available.

For more information, go online to: www.benedictine. edu/holyland.

Study abroad - Summer high school study abroad experience with Benedictine College. “Journey with Dante” June 26 – July 16, 2020. For information and to register, go online to: www.benedictine.edu/journeywithdante.

FOR SALE Residential lifts - New and recycled. Stair lifts, porch lifts, ceiling lifts and elevators. St. Michael’s parishioners. KC Lift & Elevator at (913) 327-5557.

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

For sale - Two spaces at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens in the Garden of Everlasting Life on a hill with mature trees. Asking $1500 per space or best offer.

Seller to pay $150 transfer fee. Call (719) 633-8292.

WANTED TO BUY 3-ON-3 TOURNAMENT St. Thomas Aquinas High School 11411 Pflumm Rd., Overland Park Dec. 28 from 1 - 6 p.m.

The school recommends a four-person team wearing CYO or youth team uniforms. This is for both boys and girls. Games will be played to three until the finals. Finals will be played to five points. Parents can watch on the sidelines, but no coaching will be allowed. To register, go online to: www.stasaints.net, select “Student Life” then “Boys Basketball.” The registration deadline is Dec. 17.

TAKE-A-LOOK THURSDAY Holy Spirit School 11300 W. 103rd St., Overland Park Jan. 16 from 9 - 11 a.m.

Come join us for information, tours of the school and refreshments. Choose a learning environment that is welcoming and Christ-centered. For more information, call Anita Pauls at (913) 492-2582 or email her at: apauls@hscatholic.org.

SERRA CLUB OF JOHNSON COUNTY CHILI COOK-OFF SOCIAL HOUR Curé of Ars Parish (Father Burak Room) 9401 Mission Rd., Leawood Jan. 2 at 7 p.m.

The Serra Club of Johnson County prays, encourages and supports religious vocations.

Join us for a social get-together and learn more about our mission.

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

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

Wanted to buy - Old cars or hot rods. Uncompleted project cars in any condition, with or without titles.

Cash buyer. Call (913) 980-3559.

AUDIO ACCESS TO THE LEAVEN The Leaven is available through the University of Kansas Audio-Reader Service for those who are blind, have low vision or are otherwise print disabled (nonreader, dyslexic). For information on how to receive this service, contact the audio-reader general office at (785) 864-4600 or the archdiocesan special-needs ministry at (913) 647-3054 or send an email tracunas@arch kck.org.

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

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

DECEMBER 13, 2019 | THELEAVEN.ORG

COMMENTARY THIRD WEEK OF ADVENT Dec. 15 THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT Is 35: 1-6a, 10 Ps 146: 6-10 Jas 5: 7-10 Mt 11: 2-11 Dec. 16 Monday Nm 24: 2-7, 15-17a Ps 25: 4-9 Mt 21: 23-27 Dec. 17 Tuesday Gn 49: 2, 8-10 Ps 72: 1-4, 7-8, 17 Mt 1: 1-17 Dec. 18 Wednesday Jer 23: 5-8 Ps 72: 1-2, 12-13, 18-19 Mt 1: 18-25 Dec. 19 Thursday Jgs 13: 2-7, 24-25a Ps 71: 3-6, 16-17 Lk 1: 5-25 Dec. 20 Friday Is 7: 10-14 Ps 24: 1-6 Lk 1: 26-38 Dec. 21 Peter Canisius, priest, doctor of the church Sg 2: 8-14 Ps 33: 2-3, 11-12, 20-21 Lk 1: 39-45

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This Christmas, take a page out of these books

magine yourself listening as the lector proclaims this reading: “Elisha went up from there to Bethel; and while he was going up on the way, some small boys came out of the city and jeered at him saying, ‘Go away, baldhead! Go away, baldhead!’ When he turned around and saw them, he cursed them in the name of the Lord. Then two shebears came out of the woods and mauled 42 of the boys.” The word of the Lord.

Ever heard that passage in church? Not likely. Is that actually in the Bible? Yup. And so are another 30 tales in a book that might make a memorable gift for Christmas. But you’ll have to wait until the end of this article for the book’s title.

Each year, I highlight some books that might bring an element of the spiritual life into your gift giving, making the new year a time to grow closer to the Lord. Here are a few of my favorites: I mentioned this first one — “Make Today Matter” by Chris Lowney (Loyola Press,

MARK MY WORDS

FATHER MARK GOLDASICH Father Mark is the pastor of Sacred Heart Parish in Tonganoxie. He has been editor of The Leaven since 1989.

2018; 109 pgs.; $17.95) — in a summertime column. It’s a great and easy read and highlights “10 Habits for a Better Life (and World).” Even adopting just one of the habits, like “be more grateful,” can make 2020 a truly memorable year.

If you always find yourself too busy to pray, then Michael St. Pierre’s “The 5 Habits of Prayerful People” (Ave Maria Press, 2019; 128 pgs.; $14.95) is just for you. Billed as “a no-excuse guide for

strengthening your relationship with God,” its easy-to-read format helps readers to move beyond merely wanting a more spiritual life to cultivating the simple habits of “passion and pursuit, presence, preparation and planning, persistence and perseverance, and pondering.”

The author includes questions at the end of each chapter to help readers embrace each habit.

For people who have heard that journaling can be an effective way to pray but don’t exactly know how to go about it, author Marilyn McEntyre can help. Her book, “Make A List” (Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 2018; 190 pgs.; $21.99) shows “how a simple practice

can change our lives and open our hearts.”

The book answers the question of why you should make a list and is filled with literally hundreds of topics for your own list making. This book, along with a pen and nice writing tablet, would make a perfect gift for both amateur and veteran “journalers.”

Spending daily time in prayer is essential. My favorite resource, published annually by The Christophers, is called “Three Minutes a Day.” True to its title, the book contains a one-page meditation for each day of the year, taken from a slew of diverse sources ranging from newspapers and magazines to TV shows and people’s life stories. Each page also has a brief passage from Scripture and a one-sentence prayer.

It costs $10 and can be ordered at: www. christophers.org; click on “Shop.”

Next is a subscription to a prayer resource called “Give Us This Day.” It comes out once a month and contains Morning and Evening Prayer, the readings for daily Mass, a meditation on the readings and a

short feature on a holy person each day. It’s a great way to “virtually” attend daily Mass and pray with the church.

A year’s subscription is $44.95 (or app only for $19.99) and can be ordered at: www. giveusthisday.org.

OK, back to that bizarre opening Bible story from 2 Kgs 2: 23-24.

It’s found in Sébastien Doane’s “Zombies, Unicorns, Cannibals: Strange Tales from the Bible” (Paulist Press, 2018; 142 pgs.; $15.95).

Despite the cute title, this book is for mature readers and will definitely have you scurrying to your Bible to see if the stories are really there.

(Spoiler alert: They are.)

The author does a nice job of explaining each story in just two or three pages and helps readers to understand its context and literary style as well as the potential lessons for us today. This is not written for scholars but for all who want to explore how to read the Bible better.

Oh, and by the way.

Please be nice to me in 2020: Remember, I’m balding!

Isaiah prophesies all that Christ will accomplish

W

hy is it that people go all out in setting up decorations for Christmas, while they pretty much ignore the other holidays in that respect?

After all, nobody puts up an Easter tree in the living room, or strings colored electric lights on the outside of the house for the Fourth of July.

Is it that they esteem Christmas above Easter, the Fourth of July, Thanksgiving? Or, is there something else going on?

Perhaps, the answer lies in the way that the world would look otherwise. People see the bare and stark landscape. They gaze up at the bleak winter sky.

In view of that, they

IN THE BEGINNING

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

decide that the world needs some decorations. The world needs something to brighten it up, to make it look

more cheerful.

Sunday’s first reading — Is 35:1-6a, 10 — takes a similar approach. It looks at the barren and arid desert and sees it transformed by God: “The desert and the parched land will exult; the steppe will rejoice and bloom.” But this is not merely a cosmetic change. It goes deeper than that.

God comes to bring

POPE FRANCIS The sacrament of marriage cannot be “improvised,” but must be prepared for, nourished and supported throughout the couple’s journey, Pope Francis said.

Christian couples also must be helped to pursue their “particular vocation to become missionary disciples as spouses, witnesses of the Gospel in family life, at work, in society, wherever the Lord calls them,” he said. And they must be given the space in parish ministries to fulfill that call.

The pope made his remarks Nov. 30, in a meet-

about a transformation of the people as well, to “strengthen the hands that are feeble, make firm the knees that are weak.” God’s arrival will work marvels among them: “Then will the eyes of the blind be opened, the ears of the deaf be cleared; then will the lame leap like a stag, then the tongue of the mute will sing.”

We can interpret these wonderful events as miracles, as physical healings. At the same time, they can point to a spiritual transformation that God will work.

People’s eyes will be opened, so that they will see the truth.

People’s ears will be opened, so that they will listen to God’s word. They will be energized to do God’s

will, so that they will no longer be lame. They will be emboldened to proclaim God’s glory.

This prophecy from Isaiah points to the transformation that Jesus will accomplish in his ministry. He would perform miracles, works of spiritual healing.

At the same time, he also worked a spiritual transformation in people’s hearts that paralleled those works of healing.

Jesus still wishes to come into our world, to bring about these wonderful changes.

He wishes to heal our bodies, to convert our hearts, to transform our world.

The promise that God makes in this prophecy of Isaiah still offers us hope.

ing with men and women enrolled in a course offered by the Roman Rota, the Vatican tribunal primarily responsible for hearing requests for marriage annulments.

The course, held Nov. 26-30, was on safeguarding marriage and on the pastoral care of “wounded couples.” “The church will never be able to go on its way, turning its head away” from those couples facing crisis, he said. “The church, when it encounters the reality of wounded couples, first of all cries and suffers with them,” the pope said. “It draws near to them with the oil of consolation to soothe and to heal. It wants to take upon itself all the pain it encounters.”

— CNS

DECEMBER 13, 2019 | THELEAVEN.ORG

COMMENTARY

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This Christmas give the gift that can change a life

e all remember the best Christmas gifts we received as children. Often, these gifts were on our wish lists for months before winter arrived.

As much as we looked forward to those special Christmas gifts, we may not have recognized the gifts that were best for us as children.

Dr. James Dobson from “Focus on the Family” once stated that parents today spend a lot of time giving their children what they did not have when they were children, but have forgotten about giving their children what they did have.

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15

CEF CENTERED

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

He was referring to faith, structure, discipline, manners and other virtues that are essential in developing children

into successful Christian adults.

Two gifts that should be on the top of every parents’ list for their children are faith and education. When you can give both gifts at the same time, it makes a powerful impact.

This is what donors to the Catholic Education

Foundation (CEF) do each year by supporting scholarships for children in need.

CEF provides high-quality, faith-filled education for children who otherwise would not be able to attend Catholic schools.

This year, Catholic Education Foundation donors from throughout the archdiocese will fund scholarships for more than 1,400 children from low-income families.

The children receiving these scholarships may not realize now just how great the gift of a Catholic education is. One day, however, they will understand the profound impact it had on their life.

Perhaps they, too, will support scholarships for children in need and experience another divine gift: the joy of giving.

At this time of year, we are thankful for all the generous donors, volunteers, teachers, parents and school administrators who support the Catholic Education Foundation and the students it serves.

One of our scholarship recipients said it best: “I am writing this letter to tell you how grateful I am for your help and support. I am glad to know that you care for me and my education. At this school, I feel comfortable to express my love for my faith and still learn at the same time. My

faith and education are very important to me, and you give me the opportunity to learn at a faith-based school. You don’t know how incredibly thankful I am to be at this school. In return, I will remember you in my prayers. You made a great impact on my education. God bless you.”

During this season of giving, we hope that everyone remembers the gifts that have the most impact, and passes those gifts along to those most in need.

Visit the website at: www.cefks.org to learn more about how Catholic Education Foundation scholarships change lives.

Diaconate originates with ‘the seven’ chosen by the apostles

uriously, the church celebrates the feast of St. Stephen, the first post-Resurrection martyr, the day after Christmas.

At first glance, this feast may seem odd because of the stark contrast between the joy of Bethlehem and the violent stoning of St. Stephen.

The church considers the day of martyrdom a birthday. Because of Christ’s death and resurrection, the death of the martyr is a birth into eternal life.

That’s why we celebrate the first martyr the day after Christmas: Christ was born to die, so that those who unite their death to his might be born again

ORDAINED TO SERVE

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

into eternal life.

But who was St. Stephen?

He was one of the “seven men of good

repute” (Acts 6:3) chosen by the apostles to assist them in their ministry.

A strong tradition, dating back to the second century, sees the origin of the diaconate in the institution of “the seven” in the Acts of the Apostles. Among them, St. Stephen is the best known and most beloved.

We know that “the seven” were appointed to assist with the daily distribution to the Greek-speaking widows.

Certainly there was an element of “service” involved, so that the apostles could devote themselves to prayer and ministry of the word (Acts 6:4).

Yet, there was more going on here than meets the eye. At the time of Acts, readers would have understood the “daily distribution” as entailing the “daily preaching of the word.”

The apostles were preaching in the temple and in people’s homes in Aramaic (cf. Acts 5:42), so the Greek-speaking widows were missing out on this.

Immediately after the appointing of “the

seven,” the word of God increased and the number of disciples multiplied greatly (Acts 6:7).

It should be noted that in Scripture “the seven” don’t address people’s need for earthly food but, rather, their need for the Gospel.

We see this not only in the eloquent testimony and eventual martyrdom of St. Stephen in Jerusalem in Chapter 7 of the Acts, but also in the evangelistic work of Philip the Evangelist (another deacon) in Samaria in Chapter 8 of the Acts.

This fulfills the progressive mission that the disciples bear witness to Jesus first in Jerusalem, then “throughout Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8).

TOUCH OF HEAVEN

Catholic Store 119 SE 18th Topeka, KS (785) 232-2543 Hrs. T-F - 10 a.m. 5:30; Sat. 9 a.m. to noon

Some scholars have interpreted the “daily distribution” of “the seven” in Chapter 6 of the Acts in light of Chapter 2, Verse 46, of the Acts (“they devoted themselves . . . to breaking bread in their homes”), asserting that the deacons’ mandate had a connection not only to the proclamation of the word, but also to the Eucharist.

But whatever the exact mission of the first deacons might have been, there is no doubt that on Dec. 26 we celebrate the “birthday” of St. Stephen into eternal life.

May our celebrations this season be ever mindful of our own new birth — the ultimate Christmas gift — made possible by the Christ Child.

LOCAL NEWS

DECEMBER 13, 2019 | THELEAVEN.ORG

16

THE MAGI

From left, Patrick Gorman, Ethan Christy and Ashton Cooper portray the wise men, who came from the East to visit the newborn King.

EVANGELIZING LIKE IT’S 1223

PHOTOS BY JAY SOLDNER

N

early 800 years ago, St. Francis of Assisi decided to enflame the hearts of people for Christmas in a new and visible way by creating the first living Nativity scene.

In an effort to evangelize in a similar Franciscan fashion, Sister Doris Engeman of the Franciscan Servants of the Holy Family, along with a lay ministry team from Corpus Christi Parish in Lawrence, created a 2019 living Nativity.

It was done in response to the call made at last October’s convocation to “Enflame Our Hearts, Homes and Communities” by building a culture of evangelization.

The living Nativity was held on Dec. 8 at the Douglas County Fairgrounds indoor arena in Lawrence. Not only did parishioners from Lawrence Catholic parishes participate, but also members of local Protestant communities.

The ministry team of more than 100 people built the stable, made the costumes and gathered the animals. Father Barnabas Eichor, OFM Cap., from St. John the Evangelist Parish in Lawrence, blessed the stable, animals and volunteers.

Teens and young adults served as greeters, led children in activities, served refreshments and became players in the holy drama: shepherds, the Magi, Joseph, Mary and angels. Choirs, and other musicians and singers, provided a meditative ambiance for the hundreds who visited.

HOLY FAMILY

Above, onlookers get a close-up view of the Holy Family. The part of Joseph is being played by Trevor Christy, the angel

by Molly Christy and Mary-Clare Wilson portrays the Blessed Virgin Mary.

WARM WELCOME

At left, Bob Brill, a parishioner of Corpus Christi Parish in Lawrence, plays the part of St. Francis, who first introduced Nativity scenes as a way to celebrate Christ’s birth. Brill welcomed participants to the event and explained what was happening.