12-23-11 Vol. 33 No. 19

WWW.THELEAVEN.COM | NEWSPAPER OF THE ARCHDIOCESE OF KANSAS CITY IN KANSAS | VOL. 33, NO. 19 DECEMBER 23, 2011

“The Nativity” by French painter Noel Coypel. CNS/courtesy of Art Resource

Mary beholds her divine Son, as the angels marvel and St. Joseph

Joseph F. Naumann Archbishop of Kansas City in Kansas

James P. Keleher Archbishop Emeritus of Kansas City in Kansas

be The ne no re w xt Lea ill we ve ek n

gives praise to God. May the grace of the holy child, the prayers of his holy family, and the guidance of the holy angels be with you in this holy season, and throughout the new year of grace.

2 LOCAL NEWS

THE LEAVEN • DECEMBER 23, 2011

THE LEAVEN • DECEMBER 23, 2011

LIFE WILL BE VICTORIOUS

T

Archbishop makes special Christmas wish this year

he great feast of Christmas is almost upon us. I love this season. It is so beautiful to witness all the love that the birth of Jesus still inspires.

no matter how many scholarships our graduates are awarded, we will have failed in our mission (we will have Even though there is so much about failed our students), if they graduate our cultural celebration of Christmas from our schools without a close perthat has been corrupted by consumersonal friendship with Jesus and a love ism, even though each year the radical for his spouse — the church! atheists and secularists attempt to Some have asked me: “Archbishop, eliminate the name and images of the what do you mean by a personal One whose birth we celebrate, still friendship with Jesus and a love for Christmas each year spawns a great his church?” This is a great quesoutpouring of love. tion. I expect that any young person I am so pleased with the long tradiwho graduates from one of our high tion in the Archdiocese of using the schools, because of Christmas collection what they have been in our parishes to ‘The Shepherd’s Voice’ taught, but even help fund the minismore because of the try of Catholic Chariprogramming notes examples they have ties in bringing the Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann’s observed from their love of Jesus to the radio program on KEXS 1090 AM teachers and coaches, poor and the vulnerairs at 10 a.m. on Sunday and is will converse with able of our communirepeated at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday Jesus every day. If Jeties. I encourage your and 3:30 p.m. on Thursday. sus is our friend (not generosity again this just any old friend, year to help provide but our best friend), then each day we the necessary resources to make the will speak to Our Lord and, even more love of Our Lord tangible for many who importantly, several times during each are hurting and suffering. day, we will listen to him.

During my prayer throughout the To have a close personal friendship Christmas Octave, I try to recall images with Jesus means that Jesus is more of the people of the Archdiocese drawn important to us than any movie star, from my visits throughout the year to professional athlete or recording artist. many of our parishes, schools and minIt means that Our Lord is as real to us istries. Unfortunately, it is impossible as our classmates, our teachers, our to pray for all 200,000 of you by name, parents, and our neighbors. but I ask the Lord in his divine econoIt means first thing in the morning, my to distribute whatever fruits from we praise the Lord for the gift of anothmy prayer to each of you. In particular, er day and ask him to give us whatever I ask the Lord to grant each of us the we will need that day to serve him well special grace during the coming year and to bring his love to others. to grow in our friendship with him and It means consciously getting to love for his body — the church. know Jesus better by reading and prayFrequently, I have told our Catholic ing over the Gospels daily. It means school presidents, principals, teachallowing ourselves the time to listen ers and school board members that to Our Lord speak to us through the no matter how high our ACT or SAT words of the Scriptures. scores, no matter how many Merit It means checking in with Jesus Scholars our schools produce, no matthroughout the day — more frequently ter how many of our students go on to than we text, tweet or call our friends college, no matter how many champi— by acknowledging his blessings and onships our teams win, no matter how asking for his assistance. many awards our students receive in It means concluding each day by science, art or debate competitions,

giving thanks for the blessings of the day and pondering how Our Lord revealed himself to us through the events of that day. It means acknowledging our sins — the things that we did, said or thought that were inconsistent with our identity as living temples of God. It means asking forgiveness from Our Lord for the things that we failed to do — opportunities missed in bringing his love to others.

If we know Jesus Christ, if we are aware of his great love for us, then we can face any trial and overcome any problem. I want our Catholic school graduates to have the kind of relationship with Jesus Christ that allowed Immaculée Illibagiza to survive the Rwanda holocaust and the brutal murders of her parents and two brothers without becoming embittered or a psychological basket case. I want our young people to have a friendship with Jesus that will help them make good choices in life and will give them the inner strength to contend with anything the world may throw at them.

Pope Benedict XVI has spoken and written often that fundamental to our Catholic faith is not a set of dogmas or doctrines, as important as our creed is. It is not even about living a high moral code or a virtuous life, although this is certainly a necessary fruit of an authentic Catholic life. At the core of our Catholic faith is an encounter with a person — the person of Jesus Christ.

My prayer for each of you this Christmas is that you know the One whose birthday we celebrate. I pray that you not only know about Jesus Christ, but that you know Jesus as a friend who also happens to be the redeemer of all humanity.

If you already have a beautiful friendship with Jesus, I pray that it will grow stronger in 2012. If you are wondering what it means to know Jesus in such a personal way, I pray that you will be given the grace to embark, in 2012, on developing the friendship with Jesus that he desires to have with you.

We are blessed with many incredible resources to assist you with this endeavor. Many of our parishes offer Christ Renews His Parish or Light of the World retreats. Cursillo retreats have also been a means for many to encounter Jesus in a beautiful and

Archbishop Naumann’s weekly calendar

Dec. 23 Christmas Mass and lunch for chancery staff Dec. 24 Christmas Eve Masses, 4 p.m. — St. Michael the Archangel, Leawood 10 p.m. Cathedral of St. Peter, Kansas City, Kan. Dec. 25 11 a.m. Christmas Day Mass — Church of the Ascension, Leawood

SECOND FRONT PAGE 3

Traditions help make the season bright

By Jessica Langdon Leaven staff

KANSAS CITY, Kan. — Take a step back from the holiday bustle and think about what you remember — and love — most about Christmas.

Chances are, the most cherished memories don’t revolve around anything you can unwrap under the tree, but are instead family traditions.

In fact, Michael Morr isey, execu-

Dec. 27 Vespers and seminarian dinner — archbishop’s residence Dec. 28 Serra Mass and lunch for seminarians and parents — Lawrence

Archbishop Keleher’s weekly calendar

Dec. 23 Christmas Mass and lunch for chancery staff

tive director of the Catholic Education Foundation, says a tradition started in his family because he and his wife Patty didn’t really need anything, but their two children still wanted to do something.

The kids were younger then, and they decided to take their parents out for dinner on Christmas Eve. Their son chose a nice restaurant and they enjoyed the evening.

Well, this gift turned out to be a little pricier than the younger generation expected, laughed Morrisey.

“I wish we had a picture of his face when the bill came,” he said. “It was classic.”

The parents handled the check that year. It was the time together that was the true gift.

So now, every Christmas Eve, “We go to Mass together, and then we do our thing,” he said.

No tradition is too big or small, and the special touches that go into the holidays now will very likely be passed on to the next generation — and the ones after that. Maybe it’s a special food you look forward to that’s always t here and a part o f

Dec. 24 Christmas Eve Mass — St. Agnes, Roeland Park

Dec. 25 Christmas Mass — Sisters, Servants of Mary

your heritage.

“Christmas isn’t Christmas without the family making povitica!” said Cindy Werner, a member of St. Joseph-St. Lawrence Parish in Easton.

Or maybe the tradition is the time spent making the season bright.

“I think, especially in the 40 years that Barbara and I have been married,” said Deacon Tony Zimmerman, lead consultant for the archdiocesan office of marriage and family life, “there’s the anticipation that comes when we put up the Christmas tree and decorate the tree.”

Those were special times as they raised their six children.

“My wife does this with such care,” said Deacon Zimmerman.

He sees three traditions as vital parts of the holiday season for families: 1. Decorate the tree together and include symbols, such as light, of what Christmas is about.

2. Go to Mass together. “It’s being with all these other families, our own family, being with all the ones you love,” said Deacon Zimmerman.

He has many memories of Midnight Mass. “The church is so beautifully decorated . . . the beautiful carols, the incense, the Gloria, the song of the angels.”

3. Another tradition is “to somehow make sure that we have cared for someone else, another family that needs help.” Christmas is also a time

Turn to “DON’T” on page 6

Dec. 27 Bishops’ meeting

1.

Six ideas for family traditions

Share your blessings with others.

Put together a plate from your family’s Christmas meal or a tray of homemade cookies and have your youngest guest deliver it to a neighbor.

Find a way to volunteer as a family.

Have your party guests write messages of hope through the Give. Hope. campaign of Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas. Or ask each person to bring canned food or a financial gift — even $5 — to help those in need through Catholic Charities’ food pantries or emergency assistance program.

2.

Read a holiday story with your family.

3.

Try a new form of family prayer.

Deacon Dana Nearmyer’s son wanted to do night prayer.

“We listened to it through the Divine Office,” said Deacon Nearmyer, lead consultant for the archdiocesan office of evangelization and Catholic formation of youth. Now they now run the prayer on the stereo in the living room.

“It’s real meaningful,” he said.

4.

Celebrate family heritage through food.

“The one thing we do every year as our Christmas meal is always German food,” said Rose Hammes, archdiocesan director of communications and planning. Every year, the family has sauerbraten and spätzle in honor of its German heritage.

5.

Bond as a family.

Get a new board game and keep it on

the table during the holidays so you can turn a few minutes of downtime into a chance for your busy family to laugh and reconnect.

powerful way. Parish Bible studies, as well as School of Faith classes offered at many of our parishes, also are great aids in developing a deeper friendship with Jesus.

Mike Scherschligt will be offering his own reflection on knowing and encountering Jesus in prayer, reflection on the Bible and participation in the Eucharist at his Jan. 6 first Thursday of the month free lecture at Holy Spirit Parish in Overland Park at 7 p.m.

6.

Make decorating a process — just like Advent is a process of preparation.

Life gets busy with work, family obligations, social engagements, activities — you name it. And family dynamics change, whether it’s through divorce, kids growing up, or other circumstances. Those factors can have an impact on old traditions, but they also open room for new ones.

With three of her four kids away at school this year, Jennifer Siebes, advertising manager at The Leaven, decided instead of gathering everyone for one day of intensive decorating, to do a little at a time.

Each night after dinner, she and her daughter Allison would work on one task, maybe putting 10 ornaments on the tree or setting up the crèche.

The process of preparing the house for the New Year can be similar — if in reverse.

Publication No. (ISSN0194-9799)

Editor Reverend Mark Goldasich, stl frmark@theleaven.com

Senior Reporter Joe Bollig joe@theleaven.com

Reporter Jessica Langdon jessica@theleaven.com

President Most Reverend Joseph F. Naumann

Managing Editor Anita McSorley anita@theleaven.com

Production Manager Todd Habiger todd@theleaven.com

Advertising Representative Jennifer Siebes jennifer@theleaven.com

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 $18/year. Periodicals postage paid at Kansas City, KS 66109.

4 LOCAL NEWS

THE LEAVEN • DECEMBER 23, 2011

THE LEAVEN • DECEMBER 23, 2011

LOCAL NEWS 5

GIVING THE GIFT OF LIFE — AFTER DEATH Young woman will be remembered for her organ donation at the Rose Parade 2012

K

By John Shultz

Special to The Leaven

elli Smith never met Alicia Sabaugh.

She didn’t follow Alicia’s progression from promising grade schooler at Curé of Ars in Leawood to promising law student at UMKC. She didn’t participate in the lively debates Alicia helped spark in her family home. And she wasn’t there the challenging night Alicia’s parents agreed to fulfill their daughter’s wish to not let her organs go to waste.

But Smith is forever grateful to Alicia.

Her life was extended thanks to the gift of Alicia’s heart — a perfect match for Smith. And Smith cherishes every available opportunity to show her gratitude to Alicia.

Earlier in December, Smith was on hand at Curé of Ars Church, helping to put the finishing touches on a “floragraph” portrait of Alicia — a picture made entirely of natural products, like seeds and spices — that will be displayed on the Donate Life float at the 2012 Rose Parade Jan. 2 in Pasadena, Calif.

What would the Grain Valley, Mo., Leaven photo by Susan McSpadden resident and mother of four like to tell The Sabaugh family — (from left to right) Sam, Sue, Sam III, Jason and his fiancee Jillian Ukropina — puts the finishing touches on a floragraph portrait Alicia?

“I would tell her I love her,” Smith of Alicia Sabaugh who died in a car accident in 2009. It will be displayed on the Donate Life float at the 2012 Rose Parade Jan. 2 in Pasadena, Calif. said. “I don’t even know her and I love “I remembered that about three making such a difference in a lot of peoher and thank her, and I will do everything in my power to honor this gift. . . . months before the accident, she and I ple’s lives — not just helping them with I thank the family for letting me partici- were watching the six o’clock news,” her organs, but in creating more awarepate. I can’t put into words how gracious said Sam, “and there was a segment on ness for organ donation.” about organ donation.

The Donate Life Rose Parade float, and welcoming they were.”

“They actually showed a kidney be- dubbed “. . . One More Day,” seeks to do If Smith is appreciative of the opporAlicia Sabaugh tunity, Alicia’s family is just as thankful ing received by somebody, and it start- just that. The float features the portraits that friends, family, supporters, and ed functioning immediately. That im- of 72 organ donors, in floragraph form, recipients continue to honor Alicia’s pressed her, and she looked over at me made up to resemble the faces of mul- ica, Calif., and Sam, who attends the University of Arizona — will attend the memory. And they’re thrilled that the and said, ‘Hey, Dad, if anything ever tiple clocks. parade and all of the related organized happens to me, don’t you bury my orThe float’s organizers create the Midwest Transplant Network asked to gans with me.’” portraits based on photos supplied events, including the bowl game. include Alicia on the Rose Parade float.

Alicia attended — and thoroughly en“We made a deal to that effect. So when by the donors’ families, then ship the “This is just such an honor,” said Sue they told us her con- floragraphs to the families for the final joyed — the parade when she went years Sabaugh, Alicia’s ago while her brother attended USC. dition was terminal, touches. mother. “One of the Learn more about the . . .

“She loved it,” Sue said. “We were we instructed them Dozens attended Alicia’s event at things you worry just all marveling at how gorgeous the to donate her orCuré on Dec. 10, a crowd made up of about as a mother Donate Life Rose Parade float at: gans. This was really some family and close friends and a lot floats were and the pageantry of the when you lose a http://www.donatelifefloat.org Alicia’s decision,” he of supporters. The finishing touches on event. That she’d now be honored in this child is that people said.

Alicia’s floragraph came from grand- way is really amazing.” will forget her. You Midwest Transplant Network at: Sue, for her part, said she’s lookSince then, the mother Phyllis Malone. (“We think Alipray that people http://www.mwtn.org Sabaughs have cia inherited her artistic talent from her ing forward to the parade and was imwill always remempressed with the floragraph’s likeness. been in touch with grandmother,” said Sam.) ber Alicia. And multiple recipients of Alicia’s last gift, The family credits their strong per- But then, any image of Alicia has a lot of through organ donation, and events like sonal support system — including those qualities to capture. this, you know Alicia’s memory will go like Smith. They’ve also met in person “I miss her sense of humor and I miss with the recipient of Alicia’s liver and who turned out at the December event on and on.

— with helping them through the trying my daughter — so many wonderful “There’s a domino effect. The recipi- spoken with a kidney recipient. They’ve qualities that she had,” said Sue. “There times. ents are grateful, the families are grate- also developed a close relationship with the Midwest Transplant Network.

Msgr. Charles McGlinn, pastor of are so many things we wish she could be ful. Donation takes a horrible tragedy That Alicia would be drawn to favor Curé of Ars, has known the family for a part of. and makes some good come of it.”

“Life goes on, and you learn you just years, and anointed Alicia shortly before The tragedy that took Alicia from her organ donation speaks to her character, have to truly treasure every day, besaid Sam. she died. family came as they all do: suddenly.

“My daughter was always very giv“This has been such a huge hurdle cause you don’t know what will happen Alicia, 27, was on her way home to ing,” he said. “We’ve been blessed to for them,” he said. “I still remember tomorrow.” the Country Club Plaza from visiting her Smith, who had been given mere have a lot of good things happen in what a terrible shock it was. But I also family in Leawood on a Saturday night will always remember what a wonderful months to live before receiving the gift in January 2009 when she got into an our life. And she was the one who was always interested in helping someone response there was from their friends, of Alicia’s heart, said she’ll be unable accident on Interstate 435. who was less privileged.” most of whom were there that night. to attend the parade, but “will be absoShe called her parents, and said she Alicia studied math and sociology They just really all rallied around them lutely watching. . . . It’s really hard to thought she was OK. during her undergrad years at KU and and have been a real source of strength put into words. How do you ever thank But, her family learned later, she somebody?” developed a keen interest in, and talent for them.” was trapped in her car. And while her Sam says Alicia wouldn’t need the “Everybody knows about organ transfather, Sam Sabaugh, was en route to for, art. She had just completed her first semester of law school at the time of the plants, but nobody thinks about it,” he thanks. the scene, her vehicle was struck by an “As a father, I’m proud to do this,” he wreck. added. “This event can really raise some elderly motorist and Alicia was thrown said. “It filled us with a lot of genuine “I’m fairly certain she would have prac- consciousness. And it’s wonderful for from the car. pride that our daughter was selected to ticed law that was more social-driven, the family.”

A neurosurgeon at Research Medical The Sabaughs will travel to Pasadena have her picture on the float. I’m sure Center in Kansas City, Mo., told her fam- more centered around social issues, not ily that she had suffered a severe head business or criminal law,” Sam said. “She as guests of the Midwest Transplant Net- she’s somewhere looking over us and is thrilled that we did exactly what she work. Sue and Sam, along with adult injury, and that her situation was grave, always wanted to make a difference.

“Little did she know that she’d be sons — Jason, who lives in Santa Mon- asked us to do.”

Sam recalled.

”

“Hey, Dad, if anything ever happens to me, don’t you bury my organs with me.”

Christ’s Peace House of Prayer, formerly known as Shantivanam, sits on 120 acres. The retreat house, in addition to its new name, has a new emphasis to identify it as more of an archdiocesan ministry.

New name, renewed ministry at house of prayer

By Joe Bollig

Contemplative Prayer

Leaven staff

EASTON — The name has changed, but the most attractive aspect of the archdiocesan house of contemplative prayer remains the same.

The silence. A whole 120 acres of it.

Next year will be the 40th anniversary of the founding of what used to be known as the Shantivanam House of Prayer. Today, it’s Christ’s Peace House of Prayer.

In addition to the new name, the ministry has a new board, board chairman, and director.

Shantivanam is a Sanskrit word meaning “forest of peace,” explained Vince Eimer, the new director since Dec. 1. The founder, Father Ed Hays, chose this name after a visit to a Catholic monastery with the same name in India.

After Father Hays returned from his one-year sabbatical in 1971, during which he learned to pray with people of many faiths, Archbishop Ignatius J. Strecker asked him to build a house of contemplative prayer.

The retreat house was Christ-centered, but it had a strong ecumenical component and an openness to what was true in other world religions, said Eimer.

The name was changed to Christ’s Peace House of Prayer this fall, however, to reflect a changed emphasis and to define the identity of this archdiocesan ministry a bit more precisely.

“We felt that . . . most people upon hearing [the name Shantivanam] would not realize that this was a Catholic house of prayer,” said Eimer.

“Even though [the name] comes

Photos courtesy of Tim Chik

While Christ’s Peace House of Prayer may have a new name, board, board chairman and director, it remains the same, beautiful place to pray and reflect. from a Catholic institution, [it isn’t] even recognizable as Christian,” he continued. “So, to help our guests know that this was a Christ-centered Catholic house of prayer, we made that name change to make that evident.”

The house of prayer was based in 1972 on two Scripture passages, and it remains so today, said Eimer. One is Psalm 46:10 (“Be still and know that I am God”); the other, Isaiah 56:7 (“For my house shall be called a house of prayer for all people”).

“We’re still keeping the contemplative emphasis,” said Eimer. “And anyone and everyone are welcome to come

Fees and Donations Christ’s Peace House of Prayer is open all year. Plows clear the roads of snow within 24 hours.

• One day (i.e.: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)

Cabin/courtyard room: $50 Hermitage: $25 (closed in winter) • One or two nights Cabin/courtyard room: $85 (per night) Hermitage: $40 (per night) • Three or four nights Cabin/courtyard room: $70 (per night) Hermitage: $35 (per night) • One week Cabin/courtyard room: $300 Hermitage: $150

• Sabbatical, 1 to 12 months $800 a month to eat with the community $600 a month if you bring your own food Couples • $20 a night extra for food.

Donations Write checks to “Christ’s Peace House of Prayer,” 22019 Meagher Road, Easton KS 66020 For information, call (913) 773-8255.

For inquiries by email, or to get on the mailing list for the newsletter, send an email to: shantivanam@embarqmail. com.

here. But we want them to know when they do come here, that . . . we are not emphasizing the other spiritual traditions and the ray of truth they contain, but [instead] our Catholic tradition of contemplative prayer.”

Eimer is a lifelong Catholic, born and raised in Independence, Mo. He has spent most of his life in monastic communities or in house of prayer communities. He was a Benedictine monk for 16 years and was at Shantivanam for five years in the early 1990s. He is currently a member of Nativity of Mary Parish in Independence.

Christ’s Peace House of Prayer is comprised of a main building with offices, a library, a chapel and a couple of courtyard guest rooms. On the grounds there are 12 private cabins for staff and guests. Ten cabins have heat and running water.

Two of those cabins are “hermitages,” with slightly more rustic accommodations. People have to bring their own water, but the cabins do have electricity. These are closed during the winter.

The land consists of woods and meadows, and no hunting or fishing is allowed on the property.

Guests stay for a self-directed time of contemplative prayer, or they may seek assistance from the permanent staff.

Currently, there are four staff members, with one or two more coming aboard in January.

Eimer hopes to draw more guests to the house of prayer, and plans to conduct workshops in parishes throughout the archdiocese in aid of that.

Contemplation is a desire for God that expresses itself in the simple gaze of love, said Vince Eimer, director of Christ’s Peace House of Prayer.

Contemplative prayer is the most common practice that leads to this simple state of contemplation.

Examples of contemplative prayer are “lectio divina” (meditative reading) the Jesus Prayer and centering prayer.

These, as well as other forms of contemplative prayer, have in common a focused attention on a word or phrase leading to a state of inflamed love or peace. When at peace, one is at rest in God with loving attention. That is the state of contemplation.

When practicing in this way, thoughts will come. When the thoughts are noticed, go back to the simple word or phrase and let it lead you back to the inner silence.

As you become empty, God fills you. St. John of the Cross teaches that, as you rest in God with loving attention, you are transformed in God. God draws you inwardly into himself, and the Holy Spirit guides you outwardly to acts of virtue and charity to all.

Suggestions • If you want to commit to this in your life, you need to do it daily.

• In the beginning, set aside a time of day to do it, but don’t set a time limit. It may be long or short.

Let it develop naturally.

• A good book about contemplative prayer is “John of the Cross: Doctor of Light and Love,” by Kieran Cavanaugh.

“I hope [the house of prayer] becomes the contemplative center for the archdiocese and that it will actually become a contemplative center for people in our country and beyond our country,” said Eimer.

“There aren’t many places like this in the United States,” he continued.

“We’ve been given a precious legacy, and we want to continue the legacy of contemplative prayer. . . . What is different is that we really want to emphasize our Catholic tradition. I think the time is overripe for this tradition to [be]come known to Catholics.”

6 LOCAL NEWS

THE LEAVEN • DECEMBER 23, 2011

THE LEAVEN • DECEMBER 23, 2011

Whoa! Christmas Tree!!!

By Joe Bollig

C

Leaven staff

hristmas, our most sentimental time of the year, is awash with all kinds of über-cute and mawkish stories on TV — stories so saccharinely sweet that, after watching a few, you feel like you’ve chugged a gallon of maple syrup.

There’s the Grinch who saved Christmas, Rudolph with his nose so bright who saved Christmas, and the mouse that saved Christmas, not to mention Frosty with the happy jolly soul, and the little drummer boy with anger management issues.

And who could forget the pathetic Christmas tree that was transformed into a thing of beauty when the Peanuts kids caught the true spirit of Christmas?

At which time, it must be noted, Christmas was saved yet again.

Well, have I’ve got a Christmas tree story for you. And it isn’t pretty or cute.

I was driving my son’s car south on K-7 recently after getting off work. It was rush hour, so naturally it was dark and cold, and a fair number of pinheads were speeding and passing recklessly . . . as usual.

I was just north of the Lenexa city limit when the car in front of me suddenly swerved, brake lights bright, onto the shoulder.

“A flat? Deer-strike?”

Before I could even finish this thought, an object flashed in my headlights. It was smack in the middle of the right lane — my lane — lying lengthwise.

A Christmas tree. At 60 miles per hour, I was on it instantly.

“WHOMP—CRUNCH.” The car in front of me swerved back onto the highway and disappeared into the night without so much as a “Hey, Mac, you doin’ OK back there?”

More by instinct than thought, I took my foot off the gas, hit the hazard lights, let the car coast a couple of hundred feet, turned off onto the shoulder, and gently braked to a stop.

Dash lights normal, gauges normal — good. I got out and looked.

The tree was flush with the front wheels, so I got back into the car, backed up a bit, and then got out again. With a flashlight hanging by its strap, in my teeth, I grabbed that tree and pulled, and kicked, and uttered short, earthy words of Anglo-Saxon origin.

Few of the cars flying past slowed or moved over, even when the passing lane was clear. And none stopped to roll down a window to see what was the matter.

I finally yanked it loose, threw the tree into the ditch, checked for leaks and damage, and drove home with a car freshly pine scented the honest way.

“Maybe, I thought, I shouldn’t be mad. Maybe I should say, “Thank you, Lord.” So I did. I also told him I was sorry for my lack of control, my lack of maturity, and my lack of faith.”

”

Joe Bollig, Leaven senior reporter Oh, was I in a foul mood. I was mad at the clueless fool who couldn’t figure out how to tie a tree to his or her vehicle, and didn’t know the tree was missing.

Or, if they discovered it missing, didn’t bother to backtrack — just left it in the road for me to hit.

I was mad at my lousy luck. That evening I had to drop off another car at a mechanic, and I didn’t need more car troubles, especially with my son’s car.

I was also mad because I couldn’t even listen to the soothing voice of Patrick Coffin on my favorite Catholic Radio program, because I couldn’t get a signal.

Oh, Patrick, where were you when I need you?

So as I drove to meet my wife at the mechanic’s shop, stewing and gripping

GUEST COMMENTARY

the steering wheel, a thought came to me: What if this were a good thing?

What if some inexperienced kid hit the tree and panicked? What if someone instinctively swerved and hit another car, God forbid, full of kids? What if some good Samaritan tried to drag the tree off the highway and got hit by one of those recklessly speeding cars? I removed a hazard from the road from the safety of my car and, in the process, swept some annoying loose gravel off the road.

What, really, did I have to complain about? I had the experience to handle the situation. I was OK. The car was OK. It even smelled better.

Maybe, I thought, I shouldn’t be mad.

Maybe I should say, “Thank you, Lord.”

So I did. I also told him I was sorry for my lack of control, my lack of maturity, and my lack of faith — my sin.

God, the wise Father, gives us these opportunities so we can grow our trust in him and gain some spiritual maturity. Our pain, misfortune, inconveniences — whatever — are the ore God will refine into spiritual gold, if only we’re willing to offer it back to him with faith and trust.

There’s only one thing now that bothers me.

If I had been thinking, I could have taken home a free tree.

Don’t forget that Christmas Day just begins the season Continued from page 3 to pray for the people you have helped.

Advent calls for a penance — not the penance of Lent, but a way to rid your life of the things that block Christ’s presence, said Deacon Zimmerman.

It is a time to see Christ in — and celebrate his birth with — the people you love.

The aroma of a favorite cookie baking could conjure happy childhood memories. Or maybe it’s the places, the sights and sounds.

The Leaven’s advertising manager Jennifer Siebes remembers when all four of her kids were under five. They were all excited about Christmas, and nearly impossible to get to sleep.

“I would put them all in their footed

pajamas,” said Siebes. Each set of little hands would get a spill-proof cup of hot chocolate and they would load into the minivan.

“We had more fun singing Christmas carols and drinking hot cocoa from sippy cups and looking at Christmas lights,” said Siebes, “till they would pass out one by one.”

Family has been a big part of her kids’ memories.

Ellen, 20, recalled “Grandma taking all the granddaughters out for dinner and to ‘The Nutcracker’” and going with family to Midnight Mass.

Audrey, 18, loved “Mom’s homemade cookies” and waking her siblings on Christmas morning to race downstairs and check their stockings.

Andrew, 16, fondly recalls “Mom’s

homemade snowman and Santa Claus cookies.”

Allison, 14, especially remembers “family dinner with all the cousins on Christmas Eve and coming home from morning Mass to have breakfast with Grandma and Grandpa, then opening gifts around the tree.”

Ron Kelsey, consultant for the archdiocesan pro-life office, said his family split the Christmas holiday into two distinct celebrations.

“So that way, the kids got to celebrate both aspects,” he said.

On Christmas Eve, their eight kids got to celebrate Santa.

“We went out looking for Santa Claus,” he said.

They reserved Christmas Day for Jesus’ birthday celebration.

“Christmas Day, of course, was Mass and sometimes a birthday cake for Jesus,” said Kelsey.

One family anticipated notes from Dad. They were often poems or clues about what was in the packages beneath the tree. In another home, parents wrote a heartfelt letter to the kids.

And no matter what traditions make the holidays shine at your house, it’s never too late to start a new one — even this year.

For Catholics, noted Deacon Zimmerman, Christmas Day merely begins the Christmas season. Although radio stations will stop playing Christmas songs by the end of Christmas night, and some decorations will come down, it’s still Christmas until the feast of the Epiphany, he said.

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LOCAL NEWS 7

‘Protect rights of conscience, Mr. President’

I

n May 2009, President Obama gave the commencement address at Notre Dame University and received an honorary degree.

That Notre Dame would confer an honorary degree on an elected official who advances abortion rights in contradiction to Catholic teaching caused no small controversy among many Catholics throughout the United States.

Those who supported Notre Dame felt vindicated, however, when in his speech the president promised to “honor the conscience of those who disagree with abortion,” stating that his administration would provide “sensible” protections for those who wanted no involvement in the procedure. This would presumably include health care providers, social service providers, and consumers who might otherwise have to pay through their health care plans for other people’s abortions. Obama later reiterated this position to Catholic newspaper editors, stating that he would make such protections “robust.”

Fast forward to late 2011, and the record shows that the president’s promises are not being kept. In fact, it seems that pro-life Catholics, such as Democratic Congressman Bart Stupak and Catholic Health Association’s Sister Carol Keenan — who trusted the administration’s position that abortion was not part of the health care bill — along with Notre

Dame’s leadership have been played by the president.

In truth, his administration is running roughshod over conscience protection provisions long part of the law of our land that find their justification in the First Amendment guarantee of freedom of religion, a foundational human right.

It is one thing for an administration to support and promote an agenda; it is quite another to force those who disagree with it to violate their moral and religious principles.

The long line of evidence is disturbing. As a first step, the administration reversed earlier regulations enforcing federal conscience laws, stating, instead, that it would pursue the same goals by educational outreach on rights of conscience. In the final health care bill passed in March 2010, traditional protections for conscience rights were omitted; instead, a provision was included that would subjugate conscience rights to federal and state “emergency” service laws.

In other words, any abortion declared an

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“emergency” (broadly defined) by a government requires a health care provider’s full cooperation, regardless of his or her views on the matter.

Moreover, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has issued a rule which will require almost all health plans to include coverage for sterilization and contraception — including abortifacient drugs. This will force almost all employers — including Catholic organizations — to pay for such procedures, regardless of any moral objections. HHS seemingly wants to regard fertility as a disease — and elective abortion subsidized by the taxpayer as health care.

The most recent frontal assault on conscience rights has come in the form of federal contracts and grant announcements, which have begun to require grantees to help provide all legally permissible family planning and obstetric/ gynecological services, regardless of the provider. A large number of grants under the State Department’s AIDS program, for example, now require “integration” with family planning and “reproductive health” services, ignoring the conscience clause the program’s authorizing statute passed by Congress.

When the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops recently said it could not meet a similar requirement inserted into an HHS grant announcement for services to human trafficking victims, and pointed

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out that the requirement violates existing federal conscience laws, its funding was discontinued — hurting victims of human trafficking, since few-if-any other entities have the track record and nationwide capacity to serve them.

Catholic social and health care providers — the largest private network in the nation — are at risk of being left out of all federal programs, despite their wellearned reputation for providing superlative service to the American public. In effect, the Obama administration is telling these Catholic providers to surrender their conscience rights and their Catholic ethos or shut their doors.

Regardless of one’s position on the morality of abortion, we — and elected officials on both sides of the aisle — should be concerned with these developments. If religious and conscience rights of some Americans can be violated by the state, everyone else’s rights are also in jeopardy.

This is unacceptable — for it undermines our nation’s promise of “freedom and justice for all.” The president should honor his pledges to U.S. Catholics — and other Americans — and instruct his agencies to reverse course and protect conscience rights.

MT CALVARY – KC KS Mary D. Allen Francisca Alvarez Rose A. Andrisevic Anthony I. Anzek Mary L. Ayala Helen Bocelewatz Joan Carson Lois F. Cisneros Guadalupe P. Esteban Gregory T. Fowler Robert M. Gonzales Epifania Guereca Felicia Guerra Frank J. Horosko Leona I. Jones Olga Jurado William E. Klingler Ana Krstulic Rose M. Lagoski Agnes D. Lipp Roman L. Madrigal Maria Martinez Rose M. Mazzeffe John J. Meyers Dorothy Munjak Rose C. Munjak Jesse A. Ornelas Frank L. Oropeza Dominic M. Palacio Joseph F. Rebeck Alfred J. Ryan Mary A. Sachen Dora Santillan Paul W. Stark Marjorie K. Stimetz Stella E. Tluscik Walter L. Uziel Larry L. Wenski Helen York RESURRECTION Catherine L. Bayer Richard E. Beechwood Joseph C. Brennan James E. Brown Baby Clapp Robert H. Colbert Frank L. Colich Angel Noel Corral William E. Delich Rosemary Dipple Roy H. Dittemore Cecile B. Driscoll Alex Emerson Jr. Elmer K. Forrest Daniel Freisner Mary F. Giorza John E. Grauberger

Archbishop Thomas Wenski is the archbishop of Miami.

David K. Hamilton Francis E. Hashman Rita M. Heider Francis T. Heimburger Mary E. Holland Rose E. Horan Rebecca A. Johnson Arnold B. Judson Thomas J. Karlin Karen C. Keeth Mildred J. Kelly Silva Itl Kenagy Gregory P. Kiblen Augusta C. Klaus Isabella Michelle Lopez Earl R. McCauley Ernest R. Merfen Ernest Micheels Alvar Negrete Olivia P. Numrich Thomas G. Ondick Rose A. Pretz George G. Reintjes Mary F. Reintjes Aloysius H. Rilinger Dorothy L. Risner Frances Rolston Susan J. Rushing Ralph Sabala Sr. Dora N. Scardello Walter C. Schmidt Joseph E. Sheehy Margaret Stephenson Elizabeth L. Stevens Marsha G. Sullivan Florence J. Sutton Robert W. Tolman Charles J. Van Hee Richard P. Walter Henry M. Westerfield Jr. Anne M. Whalen Selica H. Paiz de Yaquian Connie D. Yearsley ST JOSEPH Jerre A. Noland ST JOHN – LENEXA Thomas J. Maurer Jr. MT CALVARY – OLATHE Michael E. Balloun Todd A. Lattner GATE OF HEAVEN Ricardo Meza Lola J. Schmitz Cecil D. Sturgeon Shirley R. Weaver

BEST of the REST

JAMMIN’

Guitar players are cool. Music can bring us to our feet with joy or reduce us to tears with sadness. There’s power and passion in music. Photographer Joe McSorley captured this unidentified musician as he rocked the stage for thousands of youth at the National Catholic Youth Conference in Indianapolis last month.

FIELDS OF THE LORD

I never miss deadlines. Never. OK, I missed one for the birth of my first child and one because of jury duty. And then there was this year when, for the first time ever, I scheduled a vacation over a deadline day. Unfortunately for me, while I was gone, photographer Doug Hesse brought back some stunning images from Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann’s visit to a Catholic Charities-run refugee farm in Kansas City, Kan. While Katie the intern designer did a great job, I’m glad this one also gets to see the light of day.

I

really have an incredible job. Designing The Leaven each and every week for the past 17 years has been a dream come true. Through design, I’ve tried to make reading The Leaven a more enjoyable experience. Thankfully, my job has been made easier by having lots of excellent photographers over the years. Photographers are a fickle bunch. Forget a credit line once or, even worse, use the wrong photo, and they never let your forget it. It can be a difficult job choosing photos. Weighing artistic value against enhancing the written word can be stressful. Most of the time, the latter wins out and I’m left feeling terrible that some really outstanding photos will never be viewed by anyone but me. Years ago, we here at The Leaven came up with the idea of showcasing some of the photos that never ran in an end-of-year display. So, here, for your viewing pleasure, are my picks for this year’s “best of the rest.”

— Todd Habiger, Leaven production manager

KIDS AT PLAY

I’ll admit it. I’m a sucker for silhouettes. This one, by photographer Doug Hesse, struck me with its simplicity.

Just a sliver of the ground and a hint of the tree to the right are the perfect touches to this great photograph taken at the new Xavier Elementary School in Leavenworth before it was blessed on Aug. 20.

THE DIRECTOR

I really loved this shot that Susan McSpadden gave me of Jared Ostermann, founder and director of Sursum Corda, a group that specializes in singing sacred Renaissance polyphony. Alas, the focus of the story was on this newly formed voice ensemble and not specifically on its director, so I ended up going with a photo that was a little more inclusive.

TOUCHED

I really like photos that capture a special moment. This one, by photographer Lori Wood Habiger, shows CEF board member Ricky Paradise receiving a handwritten note from a student at St. Rose Philippine Duchesne School in Garnett.

The board took a tour of all CEF schools in the Southern Region of the archdiocese, where members got to meet the school’s students and teachers. The genuine look on Paradise’s face is priceless.

CITIZENSHIP THE CAFE

Susan McSpadden took more than 4,000 photos at World Youth Day in Spain. And I looked at every one of them. Susan captured so many awesome images that it was painful to leave some out of our Sept. 16 special issue. I was really captivated by the subtle lighting and composition of this simple Spanish street cafe scene.

BEFOREHAND

Prairie Star Ranch in Williamsburg is a place of action. With summer camps and family camps, it is always in a state of motion. When photographer Al Davis covered the blessing of the ranch’s new chapel, he captured this rare moment of peace and quiet as the archbishop’s master of ceremonies, Msgr. Gary Applegate (left), and archdiocesan chancellor Father John Riley go over the blessing’s lastminute music details with Jeremy Heinen, youth music minister at Holy Trinity Parish in Lenexa, who was in charge of music for the day.

I was almost giddy when photographer Elaina Cochran brought back this shot from Topeka, where Father Arul Carasala became a citizen of the United States. There was no way I wasn’t going to use this photo. But as I started to look closer at the photo, I couldn’t locate Father Carasala. Finally, I discovered him blocked by the eagle on top of the U.S. flag. That was a game changer and a letdown.

THE LEAVEN • DECEMBER 23, 2011

LOCAL NEWS 11 Clarence and Darsie Clark, members of Our Lady and St. Rose Parish in Kansas City, Kan., will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on ANNIVERSARY Dec. 25 with their immediate family. The couple was married on Dec. 25, 1961, in Parkdale, Ark. Their children and their spouses are: Tijuana Wimberly, San Lorenzo, Calif.; Lewis and Cassandra Arnold, Liberty, Mo.; and Cedric and Cindy Clark, Raleigh, N.C. They also have six grandchildren.

ON ICE

Chet Surmaczewicz, executive director of Santa Marta Senior Living Community in Olathe, sculpts a sleigh out of 6,000 pounds of ice Dec. 15. Surmaczewicz, an award-winning ice carver, has been sculpting a sleigh as part of Santa Marta’s holiday celebration for a few years. Santa Marta is sponsored by the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas. Surmaczewicz began carving blocks of ice at age 16 and then went on to work under a classical Japanese ice carver at the Ritz-Carlton in Chicago.

Leaven photos by Joe McSorley

ANNIVERSARY POLICY

The Leaven only prints 50, 60, 65 and 70th anniversary notices. Announcements are due by 5 p.m. eight days (Thursday) before the desired publication date. Announcements must be typed. They are for parishioners of Catholic parishes in the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, or for those who have resided in the archdiocese for a significant period of time. Please include the following Information: • 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 (if desired); number of grandchildren and great-grandchildren; photo. Photos that are emailed need to be at least 200 dpi. Mailed photos should be on photo paper and printed at a photo lab. Photos that are printed from home printers do not reproduce well.

Send notices to: The Leaven, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109, attn: anniversaries; or send an email to: Todd@theleaven.com. If you would like your photo returned to you, please include a self-addressed stamped envelope.

ERA Manning & Associates, Inc. 9870 Quivira Rd. Lenexa, KS 66215 Office: (913) 754-3106 Residence: (913) 492-8649 E-Mail: don@dkmayerteam.com Web Site: www.dkmayerteam.com Don & Kathy Mayer

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12 CLASSIFIEDS Employment Nurse manager - Advice and Aid Pregnancy Centers, Inc., is currently seeking a registered nurse, licensed in the state of Kansas with a minimum of five years experience, to assume the position of nurse manager. Certified in limited sonograms and experience working in Christian ministry is a plus. For a complete job description and required qualifications, call Brenda Estell at (913) 962-0200 or send an email to her at: office@adviceandaid.com.

Extended day care group leader - For Holy Spirit School, 11300 W. 103rd St., Overland Park. Part time from 3 - 6 p.m., Mon. - Fri. on school days; full day when all-day care is offered. Applicants must be 18 or older; have a high school diploma or GED; have experience working with school-age children, knowledge of child development, and the ability to communicate clearly and implement the program of activities while fostering positive, healthy relationships with children. First-aid and CPR/AED certification are a plus.

Virtus training is required. For consideration, send resume and cover letter to Eileen Colling, via email, to: ecolling@hscatholic.org or call (913) 492-2582.

Communications assistant/intern - Part-time communications work for conservative issues advocacy and political campaigns. Need strong writing skills and experience with preparing content for the Web, email and social media. Graphics and Web development experience a plus. Flexible hours. Prefer 1 - 5 years experience or local college student (credit or paid internships available). Submit letter, resume, references and two samples of writing work, via email, to: contact@voterdialogue.com.

St. Agnes Early Education Center - Roeland Park, is currently seeking to fill an opening. The right candidate will be at least 18 years old; meet Kansas state lead teacher requirements; be physically able to meet the demands of working with young children; have a positive attitude; and be energetic, flexible, creative and patient. To apply, submit resume, via email, to Neona Russ, director, to: russneo@stagnes kc.org.

Financial representative - Due to the success and growth of the Knights of Columbus, we are adding financial representatives in the Kansas City, Topeka and Atchison areas. This position is ideal for a determined, high-energy, high-expectation, professional, self-disciplined, independent individual desiring 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. For information or an interview, contact John A. Mahon, 307 Dakota, Holton KS 66436; or call (785) 364-5450.

Job seeking Bookkeeper/office manager - Seeking a parttime or full-time position as a bookkeeper or a clerical position in the Johnson County area. 30 years experience. Member of St. Patrick Parish, Kansas City, Kan. For a resume, contact Nancy at (913) 788-3563 or send an email to: powellna2001@yahoo.com.

Services QuickBooks® for small business - Setup, customization and maintenance; quarterly and/or yearly accounting; support to your CPA, balance monthly statements, profit and expense tracking. Free consultations! Call Ann Evans Consulting LLC at (913) 406-9778.

THE LEAVEN • DECEMBER 23, 2011 Housecleaning - Old-fashioned cleaning, hand mopping, etc. A thorough and consistent job every time. References from customers I’ve served for over 17 years. Call Sharon at (816) 322-0006 (home) or (816) 214-0156 (mobile).

The Innovative Event - Wedding and special event centerpieces, event design and décor. Using original creations and artistic flair, The Innovative Event can turn your vision into a very special occasion. Over 10 years experience with parish community events and weddings. Call Marilyn at (913) 707-8009 or send an email to her at: Marilyn@The InnovativeEvent.com.

Husband and wife cleaning team - Reasonable rates; references provided. Call (913) 940-2959.

Bankruptcy - When debt becomes overwhelming, seek professional help. Experienced, compassionate Catholic attorney Teresa Kidd. For a confidential, no obligation consultation, call (913) 422-0610; or send an email to: tkidd@kc.rr.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: mikehammermoving@aol.com.

Machine quilting by Lyn - I also do T-shirt, photo, and memorial quilts. Official Hobbs distributor. Located in Overland Park. Call Lyn at (913) 492-8877.

Tree service - Pruning trees for optimal growth and beauty and removal of hazardous limbs or problem trees. Free consultation and bid. Safe, insured, professional. Cristofer Estrada, Green Solutions of KC, (913) 378-5872. www.GreenSolutionsKC.com.

Caregiving Looking for high quality home care? Whether you’re looking to introduce care for your family or simply looking to improve your current home care quality, we can help. Our unique approach to home care has earned us a 99% client satisfaction rating among the 1,000-plus families we have assisted. We are familyowned and based in Lenexa. Call Benefits of HomeSenior Care at (913) 422-1591 or visit our website at: www.benefitsofhome.com.

Caregiving - We provide personal assistance, companionship, care management, and transportation to the elderly and disabled in home, assisted living and 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, Debbie or Gary.

CNA home health care professional - Provides excellent service and personal assistance for seniors and the homebound. Over 20 years experience. Excellent references and reasonable rates. Let me reduce your stress by helping you keep your loved one comfortably at home. Call Rosalyn at (816) 830-7455.

Private senior care - Registered nurse offering medical and nonmedical services. Keeping seniors at home and independent. Call (913) 522-4938 or send an email to: jcseniorcare@gmail.com. Member of Holy Trinity Parish, Lenexa.

Home Improvement Roofing insurance specialist - Free estimates; repairs if needed. Hail/wind damage inspections. Insured and reasonable. Call Rob (913) 206-4524.

THE LEAVEN • DECEMBER 23, 2011 Helping Hand Handy Man - Home maintenance, upgrades and chores available by the hour. Special rate for senior and single-parent households. Electrical, painting, wood refinishing, wood rot repair, deck repair, yardwork, small to medium tree trimming, gutter cleaning, shelving and organizing. Most home problems and needs solved. Member of Prince of Peace, Olathe. Call Mark Coleman at (913) 526-4490.

Interior and exterior painting and wallpaper removal - 30-plus years experience. Quality work; excellent references; reasonable rates. Senior discount.

Member of St. Ann Parish, Prairie Village. Call Joe at (913) 620-5776.

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!!

Call Lupe at (816) 252-3376 Master electrician - Licensed in Missouri and Kansas. 35 years experience in residential and commercial electrical needs. Call Rick, L & M Electric, at (913) 362-1501 or (816) 781-1501.

Heating and air conditioning - Serving Johnson, Wyandotte and northern Miami counties. Seasonal tune-ups, full system replacements, and everything in between. 20 years experience. Call Jon at (913) 8503376.

Electrician - Free estimates; reasonable rates.

JoCo and south KC metro. Call Pat at (913) 963-9896.

Detail construction and remodeling - We offer a full line of home remodeling services. Don’t move — remodel! Johnson county area. Call for a free quote.

(913) 709-8401.

Office space available - Great location in the Ranchmart area of Prairie Village. Ideal for start-ups, professional and small businesses. Flexible terms. Call Marek at (913) 461-4491.

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) 4915837 or (913) 579-1835. Email: smokeycabin@hotmail. com. Member of Holy Trinity, Lenexa.

Vacation

Adept Home Improvements Where quality still counts!

Basement finishing, Kitchens and baths, Electrical and plumbing, Licensed and insured.

(913) 599-7998 Tile work - Ceramic tile installation/repairs; kitchen or bathrooms; custom showers and flooring projects. 20 years exp.; insured. Free estimates. Call Frank Womack, In Line Flooring, at (913) 485-0745, or send an email to: inlineflooringkc@gmail.com.

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

Exterior painting, drywall projects, wood rot repair, bathroom and kitchen remodels, - Quality products, 20 years experience, references. Call (913) 206-4524.

Clutter getting you down? Organize, fix, assemble, clean . . . we do it all! For a free consultation, call your professional organizing handyman, Kevin Hogan, M.Ed., today at (913) 271-5055. Insured; references.

Visit the website at: www.koatindustries.com.

Swalms Organizing Service - Basement, garage, attic, shop — any room organized! Items taken to donation sites, trash is bagged, and areas are clean and neat when job is complete. To view before-and-after pictures, visit the website at: www.swalms.com. Over 20 years of organizing experience; insured. Call Tillar at (913) 375-9115.

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.

For Rent

Colorado ski vacation - Winter Park. 2 BR, sleeps 6. Fully furnished, fireplace, rec. center with pool & hot tub. Bus to ski area. $135/night; $800/week. Call Joe Frederick at (913) 385-5589.

For Sale Residential lifts - Buy/sell/trade. Stair lifts, porch lifts, ceiling lifts and elevators. Recycled and new equipment. Member of St. Michael the Archangel Parish, Leawood. Call Silver Cross KC at (913) 327-5557.

Wanted to Buy Cash for your antiques - Coins, watches, silverware, old rifles and shotguns, pocket knives, old military items, Zippo lighters, duck decoys, antique toys, old signs, old pine or primitive furniture. Call Chris at (913) 593-7507 or (913) 642-8269.

Dec. 24 & 25 St. Philippine Duchesne Latin Mass Community will

host several Christmas Masses. The “Missa O magnum mysterium” by Tomás Luis de Victoria, will be sung at Midnight Mass and at the 11 a.m. Christmas Day Mass. There will also be a 6:30 a.m. Mass on Christmas Day (low Mass) and High Mass (sung) at 11 a.m. Confessions will be heard 30 minutes prior to all Masses.

Services are held at Blessed Sacrament Church, located at 2203 Parallel, Kansas City, Kan. For further information, contact the Fraternity of St. Peter at (913) 236-0005.

25 Holy Angels Parish, 15440 Leavenworth Rd., Basehor, introduces Christmas Midnight Mass Dec. 25 with carols starting at 11:30 p.m.

28

The Serra Club invites all men of the archdiocese to pray with them to increase vocations to religious life. Meetings are held at noon on every second and fourth Wednesday of the month at the Hilton Garden Inn, 520 Minnesota Ave., Kansas City, Kan. For information, contact Jim Conrad at (913) 432-4162, John Muehlberger at (913) 441-5061, or Bill Peters at (913) 894-6967.

31

Holy Family Church will host a New Year’s Eve dinner dance at its club, located at 513 Ohio Ave., Kansas

City, Kan. Dinner will be served at 6 p.m.

The Don Lipovac Orchestra will provide dance music from 7:15 - 11:15 p.m. Party favors will be provided. Tickets cost $30.

For information, to purchase tickets or to RSVP, call Richard Schutte at (913) 6693677; Mike Waliczek at (913) 342-1785; or JoAnn Lipovac at (913) 299-2792.

fers a monthly book club for women.

The group will meet from 6 - 7:30 p.m. on Jan. 3. This month’s book is “Sold” by Patricia McCormick. Books are provided; space is limited. For information or to register, call (913) 906-8990 or visit the website at: www.mountosb.org/kwc.

The Kansas City area Beginning Experience group will host a New Year’s Eve dance on Dec. 31 in the Quigley Center at Holy Trinity Church, 9150 Pflumm, Lenexa. The doors open at 8:30 p.m. The cost is $30 per person. For information or to purchase advance tickets, call (913) 219-3465 or send an email to: jpstuart cpa@yahoo.com.

The Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kan., will offer a home weatherization program from 10:30 - 11:30 a.m. on Jan. 5.

For information or to register, call (913) 906-8990 or visit the website at: www. mountosb.org/kwc.

Jan.

1-3 The archdiocesan vocation office will host a short, challenging Quo

Vadis retreat from Jan. 1 - 3 at Savior Pastoral Center, 12601 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, Kan. The retreat is for single men ages 18 – 35 who are interested in discerning their purpose in life with a focused look at the priesthood. Activities will include Mass, devotions, a pilgrimage to the cathedral, vocational call stories and guidance from Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann and seminarians. For information, visit the website at: www. kckvocations.com or send an email to: vocation@archkck.org.

3

The Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kan., of-

5

The Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kan., will offer “Journaling for Personal Growth,” for women only, from 2:30 - 3:30 p.m. on Jan. 5. No previous writing experience is required. For information or to register, call (913) 906-8990 or visit the website at: www.mountosb.org/kwc.

9

Advice and Aid Pregnancy Centers, Inc., will host a volunteer information meeting from 7 - 9 p.m. on Jan. 9 at 11031 W. 75th Terr., Shawnee. For information or to RSVP, contact Mary Newcomer at (913) 962-0200 or send an email to: volunteer@adviceandaid.com.

St. Michael the Archangel Parish, 14251 Nall Ave., Leawood, will host “Inspiring Moms and Dads,” a seven-part parenting workshop. It will be presented by Amy Hilbrich Davis, a mother of seven and nationally recognized family expert, from 9:45 - 11 a.m. on Monday mornings, beginning Jan. 9. Participants will learn proven strategies and solutions to create a happier, healthier, and more

CALENDAR 13

successful family life. Limited child care is available. For information or to register, visit the website at: www.inspiring MomsAndDads.com.

11

Do you and your spouse need help improving your communication skills? “Marriage for Keeps,” a program of Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas, offers support and resources for married couples seeking to improve their marriage and strengthen their family. Our eight-part workshops help couples develop strategies that enable them to communicate more positively. Open to couples of all faiths, we are a skills-based program. The next session begins Jan. 11. For information or to register, call (913) 621-5775, ext. 1403, or send an email to: marriage@catholic charitiesks.org. Space is limited; registration is required.

13-14

Sophia Center, 751 S. 8th St., Atchison, will host “Return To The Land Of Your Soul” presented by Sister Marcia Ziska, OSB, from 7 p.m. on Jan. 13 - 4 p.m. on Jan. 14. Using the “Wizard of Oz” characters as guides, this retreat will focus on the journey home to the true self. For information or to register, call (913) 360-6151 or visit the website at: www.mountosb.org/sophia.html.

Calendar submissions:

Are due at noon on Wednesday, nine days prior to the requested publication date. Email submissions are preferred, send to: jennifer@theleaven.com or mail to: 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City KS 66109.

*** Want to buy *** Antique or vintage jewelry Single pieces or entire estate Renee Maderak (913) 631-7179 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.

Concrete Work

Any type of repair and new work Driveways, Walks, Patios Member of Queen of the Holy Rosary Parish

Harvey M. Kascht (913) 262-1555

Miscellaneous Donate a vehicle. Make a difference. Donate your vehicle to Catholic Charities to support those in need. Your tax-deductible donation helps children and families served by Catholic Charities and is an environmentally wise way to recycle your vehicle. Cars for KC Kids is a partnership between Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas and Catholic Charities of Kansas City - St. Joseph. Call 1 (866) 430-9499 or visit the website at: www.cars4kckids.com.

“Regardless of the type of services you desire, we can help to make them special.

We are here to serve you and your family.”

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Call Toll Free 888-246-1504

14 COMMENTARY

THE LEAVEN • DECEMBER 23, 2011

THE LEAVEN • DECEMBER 23, 2011

MARK MY WORDS

Catholic Press Association Award Winner

1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011

OCTAVE OF CHRISTMAS Dec. 25 THE NATIVITY OF THE LORD (MIDNIGHT MASS) Is 9: 1-6; Ps 96: 1-3, 11-13; Ti 2: 11-14; Lk 2: 1-14 Dec. 26 STEPHEN, THE FIRST MARTYR Acts 6: 8-10; 7: 54-59; Ps 31: 3cd-4, 6, 8ab, 16bc-17; Mt 10: 17-22 Dec. 27 JOHN, APOSTLE, EVANGELIST 1 Jn 1: 1-4; Ps 97: 1-2, 5-6, 11-12; Jn 20: 1a, 2-8 Dec. 28 THE HOLY INNOCENTS, MARTYRS 1 Jn 1:5 — 2:2; Ps 124: 2-5, 7b-8; Mt 2: 13-18 Dec. 29 THE FIFTH DAY WITHIN THE OCTAVE OF THE NATIVITY OF THE LORD 1 Jn 2: 3-11; Ps 96: 1-3, 5b-6; Lk 2: 22-35 Dec. 30 THE HOLY FAMILY OF JESUS, MARY AND JOSEPH Sir 3: 2-6; Ps 128: 1-5; Lk 2: 22-40 Dec. 31 THE SEVENTH DAY WITHIN THE OCTAVE OF THE NATIVITY OF THE LORD 1 Jn 2: 18-21; Ps 96: 1-2, 11-13; Jn 1: 1-18

F

BUILDING THE CULTURE OF LIFE

This Christmas, go for the gold

irst, a small digression.

Don’t you just love it when you see a lesson from the Scriptures played out in today’s world? Last Sunday, we heard the angel Gabriel tell the Blessed Virgin Mary that “nothing will be impossible for God.” If you had any doubts about that, I offer the following proof from about 3:30 p.m. on Sunday: (the poor, hapless) Chiefs, 19; the (previously unbeaten) Packers, 14.

I’m a believer.

OK, now that that’s out of my system, let’s bring our attention back to where it should be: the celebration of Christmas. For me, stories are the best way to convey some of life’s deepest truths. As we celebrate Christ’s birth yet again, ponder this folktale from Armenia: A rich couple and a poor couple lived next door to each other. The poor couple had a small child and was very happy. Sounds of laughter were frequently heard coming from their small home.

The rich couple had a larger home, but was rarely happy. In fact, no one heard sounds of joy coming from their house.

One day, the rich woman said to her neighbor, “You are poor. Why is it that your home is a center of joy and ours is not? Nearly every night, we can hear the sound of laughter spilling into the neighborhood from your house.”

The poor woman, with a twinkle in her eyes, said, “I guess that’s because of our ball of gold. My husband and I constantly toss it back and forth. It gives us so much happiness.”

The rich woman hurried home and told her husband, “The people next door? The ones who are always laughing? They have a gold ball that they toss back and forth all the time. Why

don’t we get a gold ball for our house?”

The next day the rich husband did as his wife asked and ordered a gold ball from a craftsman. After bringing it home, the husband tried to toss it to his wife. However, the gold ball was so heavy that it not only hurt his wife’s hands, but also crashed through the wood floor. Instead of happiness, both were reduced to tears at the destruction.

The next morning, the rich woman visited her neighbor and said, “You must tell me more about your gold ball. My husband had one made, but it hurt our hands and nearly ruined our house.”

The poor woman was very apologetic.

“When I spoke to you about a gold ball,” she explained, “I was referring to our wonderful child. We literally toss him back and forth, and he squeals with laughter. To us, he is a ball of gold and fills our home with joy and love.”

(Found in “Stories for the Gathering: A Treasury or Christian Storytellers,” by William R. White.)

Where is your focus this Christmas — on a Person or on a thing? As of this writing, I’ve not done a lick of Christmas shopping. I’ve been “distracted” by writing Christmas cards, celebrating Mass, hearing confessions, visiting the shut-ins and residents of two nursing facilities, baptizing children, hav-

ing meals out with friends, anointing folks facing surgery, etc. The deluge of emails and ads over the past few days tell me that I’ve failed miserably: I’ve missed out on all of the great deals, the free shipping, and the other perks and incentives that merchants have been offering over the past few weeks.

Strangely, though, I don’t feel like a failure. In fact, these “distractions” from shopping have made for a pretty good Advent. They’ve helped me to focus on what is most important in this season . . . and in life: people, not things.

It’s not that physical things are bad in themselves; I will be heading out, incidentally, to get presents for people in these next few days. However, so many times things overshadow people.

This Christmas, before you even open a gift, acknowledge the giver.

Look beyond the physical item, as nice as it might be. Be humbled that someone cared enough about you to give a gift, that someone put in time to pick it out, that someone sacrificed hard-earned money for your sake. Pay detailed attention to “who gave what.”

Why? Because your work is not done until a thank-you note is written.

But let’s not forget the most important aspect of Christmas: the ball of gold that we’ve been given — the Christ Child. He is a gift that needs no batteries, will not wear out, never tarnishes or breaks, never needs to be upgraded and always fits. Through him we receive additional gifts of light, joy and hope.

And because of him, we still dare to believe that we can accomplish, with his grace, what so many say is impossible: Create a world in which compassion, generosity, love, peace and respect can indeed conquer all “things.”

CHRISTMAS SEASON Jan. 1 THE OCTAVE DAY OF THE NATIVITY OF THE LORD: MARY THE HOLY MOTHER OF GOD Nm 6: 22-27; Ps 67: 2-3, 5-6, 8; Gal 4: 4-7; Lk 2: 16-21 Jan. 2 Basil the Great and Gregory Nazianzen, bishops, doctors of the church 1 Jn 2: 22-28; Ps 98: 1-4; Jn 1: 19-28 Jan. 3 The Most Holy Name of Jesus 1 Jn 2:29 — 3:6; Ps 98: 1-3, 6; Jn 1: 29-34 Jan. 4 Elizabeth Ann Seton, religious 1 Jn 3: 7-10; Ps 98: 1, 7-9; Jn 1: 35-42 Jan. 5 John Neumann, bishop 1 Jn 3: 11-21; Ps 100: 1-5; Jn 1: 43-51 Jan. 6 André Bessette, religious 1 Jn 5: 5-13; Ps 147: 12-15, 19-20; Mk 1: 7-11 Jan. 7 Raymond of Penyafort, priest 1 Jn 5: 14-21; Ps 149: 1-6a, 9b; Jn 2: 1-11

IN THE BEGINNING

A

Mary will magnify our efforts when we ask for her aid

s the Mother of Life, the Virgin Mary plays a central role in building a culture of life in our world.

She began her pivotal role with her “fiat” (“let it be done”) and bore the Child who would later defeat death and redeem our fallen world. And her lifesaving role continues today.

As I write this column, we are celebrating the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. This is the only Marian apparition where Mary appeared pregnant.

As Our Lady of Guadalupe, Mary appeared in the 16th century as a pregnant Aztec princess to Aztec Indians and to a culture that sacrificed infants and adults to their false gods.

With her appearance and intercession, the human sacrifices ended

W

As Christians, we identify Jesus Christ as this child of high hopes mentioned in Isaiah’s prophecy. That is why we draw upon that prophecy for the first reading for Christmas Midnight Mass.

During the reign of King Hezekiah, the kingdom of Judah fell under the shadow of the Assyrian empire and became a vassal state. For an idea of what that might entail, think of the relationship of countries behind the Iron Curtain to the Soviet Union, when communism dominated that area of the world. Consequently, “the people who walked in darkness” referred to the Israelites living under the domination of the Assyrians. The “yoke that

burdened them, the pole on their shoulder, and the rod of their taskmaster” referred to the Israelite subjection to the Assyrians. A passage in the next chapter makes that identification clear: “Woe to Assyria! My rod in anger, my staff in wrath” (Is 10:5).

With the child of Isaiah’s prophecy recast as the Christ Child, these other parts of the prophecy also receive new meaning. Accordingly, the darkness that the people walk in refers to the spiritual darkness of sin. The yoke and rod refer to the spiritual bondage imposed by sin. Jesus Christ frees us from this. That is why he was born.

As we wait in the darkness of Christmas Eve, we look forward to the light of God’s grace that comes to us through Jesus Christ, whose birth we commemorate. We have reason to rejoice, that God’s promises are fulfilled in him.

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

and millions of Aztecs subsequently converted to Christianity. Our Lady of Guadalupe is now officially proclaimed by the Catholic Church as the Protectress of Unborn Children, and we most assuredly need to pray for her intercession to end the unprecedented massive scale of the killing of our unborn children by abortion in our world today.

Archbishop Naumann dedicated the pro-life efforts of the archdiocese to Our Lady of Guadalupe within the first few months of his installation as our archbishop. And from my personal experience in the pro-life office, she

has been working at what I like to call “warp speed” toward building a culture of life within our archdiocese.

The most recent example of her efforts occurred, appropriately, on the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe when Wyandotte Pregnancy Clinic in Kansas City, Kan., received an unexpected generous donation of a 3D sonogram machine for its mobile pregnancy clinic.

Sonogram machines have demonstrated that they are powerful tools to help a woman, who is considering abortion, bond with her unborn child and then choose life. Therefore, it is no surprise that Mary, Protectress of Unborn Children, would assist with the placement of sonogram machines in pregnancy clinics.

We can be certain that Mary, Our Mother of Perpetual Help, will assist each of us in whatever pro-life efforts that our state in life affords us. We

simply need to ask her to help and intercede for us — for example, when we pray for a respect for life, when we donate to a pregnancy center or maternity home, when we vote pro-life, when we educate our children and others about the dignity of every human being, when we visit the elderly, when we stand in peaceful witness at an abortion clinic, etc.

She will magnify our tiny efforts, if we but make ourselves available, and turn these efforts into herculean results. Of this we can be assured. She is our friend in high places.

Mary, Mother of Life, Our Lady of Guadalupe, Protectress of Unborn Children, pray for us.

Ron Kelsey is the archdiocesan consultant for the pro-life office. You can send him an email at: prolife@archkck.org or call (913) 647-0350.

FAMILY MATTERS

I

Set an extra place at the table at your Christmas feast

n recent years, we have all heard of the attempt by some to remove Christ from Christmas.

We’ve heard the stories of companies allowing only “Happy Holidays”type of decorations in the workplace. A postmaster in Virginia demanded that carolers dressed in festive clothing who were going from shop to shop to celebrate the coming of Christmas leave his post office, as this celebration of Christmas was not allowed. For those of us old enough to remember, the post office on Grand Avenue in Kansas City, Mo., for many years had a moving Santa which belted out Christmas carols.

While Santa should not be the central

Prophecy takes on new meaning with Christ

hen I look at the photo of a newborn child, it can be hard for me to identify him or her.

They all look alike to me.

If I have only a verbal description to go by, the task becomes even harder.

But that is what is given us in the first reading for Christmas Midnight Mass, Is 9: 1-6: “a child is born to us, a son is given us; upon his shoulders dominion rests. They name THE NATIVITY him WonderOF THE LORD Counselor; GodIs 9: 1-6 Hero, FatherForever, Prince of Peace.”

Biblical scholars continue to argue over the identity of the child mentioned in this prophecy of Isaiah. Many believe that these words originally referred to Hezekiah, the king of Judah (715-687 B.C.). When he was born, people had high hopes for him. But those hopes were not fulfilled.

It was necessary to reinterpret those words of the prophet to apply to someone in the more distant future. That “someone” was the long-awaited Messiah.

COMMENTARY 15

image for Christmas in our hearts and home, these attempts in our culture to sanitize Christmas into a generic day of rejoicing troubles and saddens us.

The latest news story is the dearth of Nativity scenes available for purchase at major retailers. Where will we find that image of salvation come to earth in the image of Mary, Joseph and the babe lying in a manager? To be sure, it will be present in our churches, in our homes, and perhaps on some

private lawns.

The problem is that these are all artful representations of what the shepherds found upon their arrival in Bethlehem. What can we do to make the saving love of God, which took on human flesh when Christ was born in Bethlehem, really present to others?

We can do this by reaching out to those in need who find this time of year especially barren and dark because they cannot provide a gift for their children or food for the Christmas dinner. As we plan our Christmas dinners, we can set aside some of the money or food that we would have used for our celebration and donate it to a food pantry such as Harvesters. Don’t forget the good done by the Wyandotte Pregnancy Center in Kansas City, Kan., which not only provides counseling, but also

food and clothing for its clients.

To have real solidarity with those who are in need, set an extra place at the Christmas dinner table. This space will be a reminder of the need to keep an open place at our table and in our families for Christ, who is present in our sisters and brothers who are in need of food, shelter and clothing.

What a beautiful tradition this would be for our children and grandchildren to see and carry forward in their lives.

And don’t despair if you read this on Christmas Eve or morning. Still set an extra place at your table and donate to those in need, as hunger is not just at Christmas.

Deacon Tony Zimmerman is the lead archdiocesan consultant for the office of marriage and family life.

WORD OF LIFE

I

Christian men need other Christian men in their lives

n the Catholic Church, we are hemorrhaging young adult men once they leave high school, all the way through their 20s.

National statistics indicate that 75 percent of freshmen in college are practicing the faith of their parents; that number dwindles to 15-20 percent by the time they are 29 years old.

There are very few opportunities for young adult men to hang out with other Christian men of their age in the church. There are very few environments that allow for Christian men to get together for the purpose of building each other up in Christ. To be honest, there are very few men in their 20s

who are interested in joining Catholic organizations.

To address this issue, missionKC and Saint Paul’s Outreach recently hosted a men’s night at a local cigar club in Kansas City. We were trying to get young adult men in their mid-20s together.

This is a particularly tough group to get. We had a good group of guys join us for a drink, a cigar, and to hear a great message about what it means to be a Christian man in our culture.

One of the things that struck me was these guys really wanted to get togeth-

er with other guys. We talked about how men need other men in their lives in order to learn how to become better men. We talked about how men need older men to be mentors in the Christian life. We also talked about how we need peers or brothers in the Christian life. We talked about the importance of helping each other become the kind of men God wants us to be.

This stuff really resonated with these men. It dawned on me that these guys do not hear this message from literally anywhere else! They are not hearing it at their jobs, from their buddies, the people they live with. They hear it nowhere and from no one!

All Catholic men in our archdiocese need fellowship with other Catholic men. Whether you are young, old or in between, Christian men need other Christian men in their lives as brothers and as mentors. God designed it that

way. There are serious hazards out there in our culture and to go it alone as a Christian man is impossible!

I encourage all Catholic men to consider some of our upcoming offerings in the archdiocese that are specifically for men. Men of Valor (www.pure hope.net/kcmenofvalor.asp) will be hosted in Olathe on Jan. 28, 2012. Men Under Construction (www.ksmuc.org), a Catholic conference for men, will be held Feb. 25, 2012, at Church of the Ascension in Overland Park.

If you are a young adult man, we are hosting a five-week men’s formation program beginning Jan. 9 at Savior Pastoral Center in Kansas City, Kan. For information, visit the website at: www.archkck ecat.org. We hope you will join us.

Matt Karr is the lead consultant for the office of evangelization and Catholic formation of adults.

16 LOCAL NEWS

THE LEAVEN • DECEMBER 23, 2011

Keeping Christmas all year long

By Woodeene Koenig-Bricker

“I

The Twelve Days of Christmas

Special to The Leaven

will honour Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year,” says the repentant Ebenezer Scrooge in Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol.”

As the end of 2011 draws near and we look toward a new year, “keeping Christmas in our hearts” could become our resolution for 2012. One way to do so might be to take the familiar carol “The 12 Days of Christmas” as our guide.

In recent years, it has been asserted that “The Twelve Days of Christmas” was originally written as a secret catechism, used to teach the principles of the Catholic faith during times of persecution in England — i.e., four calling birds were secret references to the four Gospels, or the four evangelists, etc.

While the evidence for this claim is a tad dubious (see sidebar), that doesn’t mean it might not serve us well just the same.

By taking a new look at this old song, we may discover we have 12 months’ worth of ideas to help us keep Christmas — and to grow in our faith — in the year ahead.

January: A partridge in a pear tree The partridge is said to represent Jesus, the one true gift of the Father.

This month, renew your commitment to faith by spending time each day in prayer with Jesus. Don’t make it so difficult you quit before you begin. It is enough to start each day (maybe while brushing your teeth) by simply saying, “Jesus, be with me today.”

After doing this for 31 days, it’s likely a new habit of trust and hope will have taken root in your heart . . . just like the pear tree in the song.

February: Two turtledoves The Old and the New Testaments are presumably signified by the turtledoves. This month, pay special attention to the readings from the Old Testament and the New Testament at Mass. If you are feeling particularly motivated, you might choose to read one book from each of the testaments. If you’ve never read the Book of Genesis, you might be surprised at what some of the stories you think you know by heart, like Adam and Eve, really say. The same goes for Paul’s letters, especially the Letter to the Ephesians.

March: Three french hens The Magi are said to have brought gold, frankincense, and myrrh to the Christ Child. Gold is symbolic of our money, frankincense of our faith, and myrrh of the ultimate end of our lives. During March, take time to consider how you are using your

financial resources, how you nurture your faith, and how you are living your life in light of the final union with God.

April: Four calling birds The four Gospels tell the story of Jesus and our salvation. Select one Gospel verse this month and ask for the faith to bring it to life. Since April is tax month and a time of worry for many people, consider Mt 6: 25-34: “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?

Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? “. . . But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”

The Corporal Works of Mercy 1. Feed the hungry 2. Give drink to the thirsty 3. Clothe the naked 4. Shelter the homeless 5. Comfort the imprisoned 6. Visit the sick 7. Bury the dead

The Spiritual Works of Mercy 1. Admonish sinners 2. Instruct the uninformed 3. Counsel the doubtful 4. Comfort the sorrowful 5. Be patient with those in error 6. Forgive offenses 7. Pray for the living and the dead

May: Five gold rings The first five books of the Old Testament are called the Torah or the Pentateuch and contain the foundations of our faith in the one, true God. They would have been very familiar to Jesus, who would have read them in the Temple. During May, the month of Our Lady, take some time to consider how the prophesies of the Old Testament were fulfilled through Mary and her son.

The Twelve Days of Christmas traditionally begin on Dec. 25 and last until Epiphany, Jan. 6. The carol, which lists an ever-moreelaborate array of gifts, dates from 18th-century England. It first came to the United States in 1910 when a Wisconsin schoolteacher put on a Christmas fete.

The idea that it might contain a secret catechism was first proposed in 1979 by Canadian English teacher and hymnologist Hugh D. McKellar in a short article, “How to Decode the Twelve Days of Christmas.” A Catholic priest, Father Hal Stockert picked up on the idea and further publicized it in 1982. There is no historical evidence, however, that dates the “catechism” element of the carol back to earlier times. and confirmation, these gifts enter into our lives. This month, ask that you can fully experience their presence in your daily life.

June: Six Geese a-laying For six days, God labored and worked at creation. On the seventh day, he rested. This month, make an attempt to keep the Sabbath free of unnecessary work. Use it, instead, for things that renew and rejuvenate your spirit.

July: Seven Swans a-swimming We are taught that the Holy Spirit has given us seven gifts: wisdom, understanding, right judgment, courage, knowledge, piety and fear (or awe) of the Lord. During July, look for evidence of the gifts of the Spirit in your life. Pray that the gift you need the most becomes manifest and “swims” bountifully in your life.

August: Eight maids a-milking Listed in Mt 5: 1-12, the Eight Beatitudes give us a concrete formula for living a holy life. In fact, St. Augustine called the Beatitudes the ideal model for every Christian life.

During August, choose one of the corporal or spiritual works of mercy (see sidebar) in order to live out the Beatitudes in your own life.

September: Nine ladies dancing In his Letter to the Galatians, Paul lists nine fruits of the Holy Spirit: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control” (5:22-23). When we receive the Holy Spirit at our baptism

October: Ten lords a-leaping This month the presidential campaign will kick into high gear. As you prepare to vote, pray that the candidates remember the Ten Commandments and the principles on which our nation was founded.

November: Eleven pipers piping We sometimes forget that there were only 11 faithful disciples left at the time of the Crucifixion. During November, remember all those family members and friends who are no longer practicing the faith, as well as all those who have died and gone before us.

December: Twelve drummers drumming Sometimes we make our faith more complicated than it really is.

The Apostles’ Creed contains all the basics that we must believe. Sometime this month, read the creed slowly and make your own assertion of faith to each of its 12 points.

To maintain the spirit of Christmas alive all the year is simply to keep the spirit of Christ living in our words and in our deeds. By looking at an old familiar carol in a new way, we can truly keep Christmas every month of the year.