12-27-13 Vol. 35 No. 20

theleaven.com | vol. 35, no. 20 | december 27, 2013

archdiocesan

Year

In

review

2013

There will be no issue of The Leaven on Jan. 3. The next issue of The Leaven will be on Jan. 10.

2 archbishop

theleaven.com | december 27, 2013

Life will be victorious

World is drawn to Gospel lived with boldness, authenticity

I

t seems that every year the effort to remove Christ from Christmas escalates.

This year a group called American Atheists financed a billboard in Times Square that posed the question: Who needs Christ during Christmas?

The billboard answered its own question with one word: Nobody! It is their belief that Christmas is better without Christ!

Several of the nation’s most popular retail stores no longer sell Nativity scenes. Employees are instructed to wish people “Happy Holidays” as opposed to “Merry Christmas!” The Christmas crèches from two dining halls at the naval base at Guantanamo Bay have been moved to the chapel courtyard as a result of complaints made by a group called the Military Religious Freedom Foundation.

Perhaps the most outrageous manifestation to ban Christ from Christmas was the rejection by ESPN of an ad for Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital in St. Louis which had the audacity to speak of this season as a time when the birth of Jesus is recalled. The ad also confessed that the mission of the hospital is to bring God’s healing love to the children they serve. Fortunately, after receiving an outpouring of complaints, ESPN reversed its decision.

I was relieved that I could still watch “Sports Center” in good conscience.

The effort to remove Christ from Christmas is part of a larger agenda by

archbishop Joseph F. Naumann secularist extremists to attack Christianity in general, and the Catholic Church in particular. Recently, the ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union) filed a lawsuit against the bishops of the United States, because our Ethical and Religious Directives prohibit Catholic hospitals from performing abortions. The suit claims that our prohibition against killing unborn children makes the care of pregnant women at Catholic hospitals substandard.

In addition to the preceding, the A&E Network suspended indefinitely Phil Robertson, a star of one of its most popular shows, “Duck Dynasty.” Phil Robertson is not Catholic, but a devout evangelical Christian. I confess that I have never seen “Duck Dynasty” nor have I read Phil Robertson’s interview in GQ (Gentlemen’s Quarterly) magazine. If the news reports are accurate, Phil Robertson was suspended because, in his response to a question about what he considered to be a sin, he included homosexual activity among a larger list of sins.

For gay activists and their secular extremist allies, this is the unforgivable sin — to even suggest that homosexual activity is immoral.

The assault against Christianity in general and Catholicism in particular has intensified in recent months.

Certainly, the administration’s effort to coerce the Catholic Church and other Christian organizations to provide abortifacient drugs, sterilization, and

Publication No. (ISSN0194-9799) President: Most Reverend Joseph F. Naumann

contraceptives as part of the Affordable Care Act has emboldened other groups to attack people of faith and their beliefs.

This is happening against a backdrop where morally offensive language and images have become increasingly prevalent on cable and network stations. Christian parents have to monitor closely what their children watch. The pornographic industry strives to addict people to its materials that objectify women, not only harming those in the industry, but also those who become addicted, as well as their spouses and families.

Parents cannot allow their children to watch college or professional athletic competitions without being be prepared to explain what Viagra does. If the trend of recent years proves true, it is not even safe to have children watch the Super Bowl halftime show.

All of the above could make us hopeless, but it must not. In fact, these cultural battles make clear why we need a Redeemer and Savior — why the world needed the birth of Jesus 2,000 years ago! If you are on the verge of despair, remember who was Time magazine’s Person of the Year? Pope Francis is pointing us to the way to break through this dense cultural fog. The world is still drawn to the truth of the Gospel when it is lived with boldness, authenticity, and joy.

The radical secularists want us to think the situation is hopeless — that our American culture is completely lost. Yet, a culture is composed of the net result of millions of individual choices. The culture is a result of what artists and authors create, what viewers watch and what readers choose to read. It is important that we resist the efforts to marginalize Christians and the public expressions of our faith. We must fight

calendar

Jan. 15 Presbyteral Council meeting

Open house for priests

archbishop

Naumann Dec. 27 Serra Mass and lunch — Ascension, Overland Park Vespers and dinner with seminarians

Jan. 16 Religious Alliance Against Pornography conference call

Kansas Catholic Conference Red Mass — Assumption, Topeka

Dec. 30 “One Thing Remains” evening of worship — ReachKCK campus

Jan. 16-17 Kansas Catholic Conference — Topeka

Jan. 3-10 Region IX bishops’ retreat

Jan. 18 “Catholic Way” taping

Jan. 11 Apostles of the Interior Life spiritual mentorship program Mass and dinner

Catholic Charities Snow Ball

archbishop

Jan. 13 “Shepherd’s Voice” recording

Jan. 1 Mass — St. Sebastian, Fla.

Administrative Team meeting

Jan. 5 Mass — St. Sebastian, Fla.

Jan. 14 Priests Personnel meeting Vespers and dinner with recently ordained priests

to protect our religious liberty and conscience rights.

However, we must not allow ourselves to become distracted by these cultural battles from the essence of our Catholic faith. Our faith is about a God who so loved us that he was willing to become one with us. It is about a God who does not just love us collectively, but wants to have a unique and personal friendship with each of us.

Though our human nature has been fractured by sin and we are drawn to what is evil — to what on the surface seems so appealing but, in reality, dehumanizes and harms us — the One born in Bethlehem has come to rescue us and liberate us. The good news of Christmas cannot be denied.

The light has pierced the

Editor Reverend Mark Goldasich, stl frmark@theleaven.com

Production Manager Todd Habiger todd@theleaven.com

Reporter Jessica Langdon jessica@theleaven.com

Managing Editor Anita McSorley anita@theleaven.com

Senior Reporter Joe Bollig joe@theleaven.com

Advertising Coordinator Julie Holthaus julie@theleaven.com

keleher

Jan. 6-9 Bishops’ retreat Jan. 11-12 Mass — St. Sebastian, Fla.

darkness and the darkness cannot overcome it.

Sometimes, I hear it said that Christmas is for children. I understand why people suggest this. We all enjoy the enthusiasm and joy of children receiving gifts at Christmas. Yet, this is not the essence of Christmas. If we really believe this, we do not have to fear anyone removing Christ from Christmas — we have already done so ourselves.

Christmas is for people of all ages, because we all need Jesus. Moreover, those of us who have lived longer and spent more years battling our own vulnerabilities know better than any child can why we need a Redeemer. You want to help win the culture war? This coming year make sure Jesus Christ is at the center of your life.

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.

second front page 3

december 27, 2013 | theleaven.com

archdiocesan

Year

In

review

2013

E

By Joe Bollig | joe@theleaven.com

very year is filled with important events, but the year 2013 was especially noteworthy, if only for being the year of two popes.

Pope Benedict XVI shocked the church and the world when he became the first pope in nearly 600 years to resign, saying that, due to age and health, he was no longer able to serve effectively.

The conclave of March brought a surprise: Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, archbishop of Buenos Aires, Argentina, was elected pope. He took the name Francis.

Pope Francis is the first pope from the Americas, the first Jesuit pope, and the first pope to take the name Francis. From the moment he stepped out on the loggia, Pope Francis made it clear that this new papacy would be personal, humble and accessible.

If John Paul II was the pope of faith, and Benedict XVI was the pope of hope, then Francis is the pope of love — and of mercy.

This was also the Year of Faith, as proclaimed

by Pope Benedict in his apostolic letter of Oct. 11, 2011, “Porta Fidei” (“The Door of Faith”). The Year of Faith began on Oct. 11, 2012, and concluded on Nov. 24, 2013. It was a “summons to an authentic and renewed conversion to the Lord” and a celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Second Vatican Council and 20th anniversary of the Catechism of the Catholic Church.

The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas observed the Year of Faith by launching its own initiative — “Faith: Love It, Learn It, Live It.” With a convocation in October, the archdiocese then transitioned into a new phase, with an emphasis on living out the new evangelization: “Proclaim It!” To promote the new evangelization, the archdiocesan office of evangelization, directed by Father Andrew Strobl, replaced the office of evangelization and Catholic formation of adults. New collaborative efforts were begun with the School of Faith Institute and St. Paul Outreach.

The year for the archdiocese was filled with celebrations and anniversaries, of exciting initiatives and pastoral action, and of personal milestones and final farewells.

So before we close the book on this eventful year, let’s take one last look back at the events and people that affected our lives as the church of northeast Kansas in 2013.

January • It was announced on Jan. 11 that Father James Robert Albers, OSB, a native of Bendena, had been elected the ninth abbot of St. Benedict’s Abbey in Atchison on Dec. 22, 2012.

• Archdiocesan Catholics contributed $86,084 for victims of Hurricane Sandy.

• Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann blessed the new chapel of the St. Rose Philippine Duchesne Latin Mass Community, located in Westwood, on Jan. 12.

• Mary Jo and Phil Doherty, members of Ascension Parish in Overland Park, were named 2013 chairpersons for the Archbishop’s Call to Share appeal.

• More than 600 youths and young adults from the archdiocese joined tens of thousands of others at the annual March for Life, held Jan. 25 in Washington, D.C. • Father Gerald E. Sheeds, 71, a priest of the archdiocese since 1968, died on Jan. 28 in Kansas City, Kan. • The Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth announced on Jan. 29 that they would sell Providence Medical Center in Kansas City, Kan., and Saint John Hospital in Leavenworth to Prime Healthcare.

February • The Benedictine Sisters of Mount St. Scholastica in Atchison opened their yearlong celebration of the 150th anniversary of their founding, called “With Grateful Hearts,” by inviting women religious for a Mass and luncheon on Feb. 10. Earlier, on Feb. 5, the Sisters participated in a historical panel presentation on Atchison in the 1860s at Benedictine College.

• Pope Benedict XVI surprised the church and the world when he announced on Feb. 11 that he would resign at the end of the month, due to declining health, after serving an eightyear pontificate.

• Father Ronald Joseph Cornish, 71, a priest of the archdiocese since 1968, died on Feb. 15 in Olathe.

Father James Albers, OSB, became the ninth abbot of St. Benedict’s Abbey in Atchison.

• Men Under Construction 17, an archdiocesan-wide daylong retreat for men, took place on Feb. 25 at the Church of the Ascension in Overland Park.

• Deborah and Deacon Dana Nearmyer were awarded the Cross of the Order of St. Benedict at the annual Benedictine College Scholarship Ball on Feb. 23.

• Father Richard Wempe, 88, a priest of the archdiocese since 1952, died on Feb. 25 at Lawrence Memorial Hospital, in Lawrence.

• The Vatican II Lecture Series, taught and livestreamed in February and March by Archbishop Emeritus James P. Keleher and Father John Melnick, SSA, of Donnelly College in Kansas City, Kan., attracted a worldwide audience thanks to being included on the Vatican’s website for the Year of Faith. The series was part of the archdiocesan Faith Initiative.

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann reacts to the announcement of the election of Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio to the papacy.

March • Archdiocesan Catholics waited anxiously as the cardinals met in conclave beginning on March 12 to choose a new pope. The world was surprised on March 13 when Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, the archbishop of Buenos Aires, was elected pope. The Argentine chose the

name Francis.

• Archbishop Naumann and pastor Father Thomas Aduri broke ground on March 16 for an addition to Mother Teresa of Calcutta Parish in Topeka.

• Father Pat Murphy, CS, stepped down as archdiocesan animator for Hispanic ministry to become director of a shelter for migrants in Tijuana, Mexico. He was succeeded by Father Livio Stella, CS.

>> Continued on page 4 <<

4 local news

theleaven.com | december 27, 2013

April

May

September

• Archbishop Naumann joined local dignitaries and college officials on April 5 for the dedication of the newly completed Donnelly College Community Events Center.

• The Benedictine Sisters of Mount St. Scholastica conducted a special “Atchison Day” celebration as part of the order’s yearlong 150th anniversary celebration.

• Archbishop Naumann presided at the archdiocese’s inaugural celebration of the Rite for the Blessing of a Child in the Womb, held on April 20 at Holy Spirit Parish in Overland Park.

• More than 1,000 people participated in the 112th Knights of Columbus state convention, held May 2 to 5 in Overland Park.

• Holy Trinity Parish in Lenexa celebrated its school’s 100th anniversary on May 3.

• Jaime Zarse, Adam Wilczak, Anthony Saiki and Mark Ostrowski were ordained to the transitional diaconate on May 18 at Most Pure Heart of Mary Parish in Topeka.

• Deacons Lawrence Bowers, Nathan Haverland, Daniel Schmitz and Quentin Schmitz were ordained to the priesthood by Archbishop Naumann on May 25 at St. Matthew Parish in Topeka.

• Former members of the Benedictine Sisters of Mount St. Scholastica made “the great return” to Atchison on May 25 and 26 in honor of the order’s 150th anniversary.

• Catholics throughout the archdiocese and other parts of Kansas contributed to recovery efforts following tornadoes that damaged property near Marysville on May 27 and Corning on May 28.

• An open house was held on Sept. 7 for the Nativity House residence for homeless women in crisis pregnancies in Kansas City, Kan. • Benedictine College was consecrated to Jesus through Mary on Sept. 8, the feast day of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

• The Benedictine Sisters of Mount St. Scholastica in Atchison continued the celebration of their 150th anniversary with a special “Kansas City Day” on Sept. 15 at St. Pius X Parish in Mission.

Photo by Susan mcspadden

From left, Fathers Lawrence Bowers, Nathan Haverland, Daniel Schmitz, and Quentin Schmitz stood before Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann at their ordination to the priesthood on May 25 at St. Matthew Parish in Topeka.

LOCAL NEWS 5

december 27, 2013 | theleaven.com

Abbot James Albers, OSB, leads Benedictine College’s consecration to Jesus through Mary ceremony on Sept. 8 — the feast day of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

October

July

• St. Francis Parish in Lapeer celebrated its 150th anniversary with a Mass and potluck dinner on Oct. 4.

• Relics of St. Thérèse of Lisieux, the Little Flower, were on display for public veneration on Oct. 8 at the Church of the Nativity in Leawood.

• Archbishop Naumann dedicated a new altar and installed Father Barry Clayton as pastor on Oct. 13 at Sacred Heart Parish in Sabetha.

• Father Thomas Francis Cawley, CM, 83, died on Oct. 18 at the Vincentian Parish Mission Center in Independence, Mo. • The Sisters, Servants of Mary gathered at a special Mass on Oct. 19 honoring four women of their order who were martyred during the Spanish Civil War. Nine of the Sisters attended the beatification Mass on Oct. 13 in Tarragona, Spain.

• The archdiocese capped its one-year Faith Initiative: “Love It, Learn It, Live It,” and began the next step, “Proclaim It!,” at the annual archdiocesan convocation of parish ministries on Oct. 30 at Savior Pastoral Center.

• The four parishes of St. Benedict, St. Joseph, Sacred Heart and St. Patrick, in and near the city of Atchison, were merged effective July 5 to form St. Benedict Parish. Atchison Catholic Elementary School was named St. Benedict Catholic School.

• Keeler Women’s Center in Kansas City, Kan., celebrated its 10th anniversary with a luncheon on July 12 at the Jack Reardon Civic Center in Kansas City, Kan. • The Benedictine Sisters of Mount St. Scholastica in Atchison continued their yearlong celebration of their 150th anniversary with visits by Sisters from daughter monasteries in Brazil, California and Mexico. On July 7, they feted their golden jubilarians. Wanjira Mathai, the daughter of Nobel Peace Prize winner Wangari Maathai, was a guest speaker at the Keeler Women’s Center luncheon and visited the mount.

• St. Joseph of the Valley parishioners in rural Leavenworth County invited Archbishop Naumann to join them in a celebration of the parish’s 150th anniversary, the installation of Father Matthew Francis as pastor, and the dedication of the parish hall in the name of former pastor Father George Bertels.

• The archdiocesan office of evangelization and Catholic formation of youth announced the addition of Angie Bittner as rural outreach coordinator for youth and Liz Halfmann as youth outreach coordinator for Wyandotte County.

• Father Scott Wallisch was appointed archdiocesan vocation director, succeeding Father Mitchel Zimmerman.

Susan Hervey, center, a member of Church of the Nativity and a third-order Carmelite, views the relics of St. Thérèse of Lisieux.

November Former Kansas City Royals All-Star Mike Sweeney pitched and offered instruction at a Catholic baseball camp that bears his name.

June • Archbishop Naumann joined pastor Father Arul Carasala for a Mass of dedication on June 1 for the renovated Sts. Peter and Paul Parish in Seneca. Joining them at the altar was Bishop Prasad Gallela from the Diocese of Cuddapah in India.

• Former Major League baseball player Mike Sweeney conducted the first Catholic Baseball Camp June 4 to 6 at Mid-America Sports Complex in Shawnee.

• St. Joseph Parish in Wathena celebrated the restoration of its lighted steeple cross and honored then-pastor Father Roderic Giller, OSB, on the occasion of his retirement on June 5.

• Father John Patrick Dunnivan III, 84, died on June 7 at Aberdeen Village in Overland Park.

• The Leaven won a total of nine awards at the Catholic Media Convention, held June 19 to 21 in Denver: four first place, two second place and three third place.

• The archdiocese held four Fortnight for Freedom events from June 21 to July 4 at Holy Spirit Church in Overland Park, St. Matthew Church in Topeka, St. Francis Xavier Church in Burlington and Corpus Christi Church in Lawrence.

• Donnelly College in Kansas City, Kan., launched its Urban Teacher Education Program.

Photo courtesy of Jonathan Dizon

Deacon Jaime Zarse leads the Stations of the Cross during a pilgrimage to Wisconsin Aug. 7-10 with 33 archdiocesan seminarians and Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann.

August • After 15 years of service, Jerry Mayne was succeeded by Carla Mills as archdiocesan chief financial officer.

• Jan Lewis, who served as president and chief executive officer of Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas for seven years, was succeeded by Ken Williams.

• Archbishop Naumann, two priests and 33 seminarians made a pilgrimage to cathedrals and shrines in Wisconsin from Aug. 7 to 10.

• The second cohort of men seeking to become permanent deacons passed from aspirancy to candidacy during a Mass and Rite of Admission to Candidacy for Holy Orders on Aug. 25 at Savior Pastoral Center in Kansas City, Kan. >> Continued on page 5 <<

• The Catholic Education Foundation celebrated the 10th anniversary of its annual Gaudeamus fundraiser on Nov. 2 at the Overland Park Convention Center.

• The St. James Academy Thunder girls volleyball team won its sixth straight Kansas 5A championship on Nov. 2 at the Kansas Expocentre in Topeka.

• Archbishop Naumann dedicated a new altar on Nov. 3 at St. Dominic Parish in Holton.

• Bernie and Jackie Madden of St. Ann Parish in Prairie Village, and Sacred Heart Parish in Emporia, received the Deo Gratias Award during the Catholic Foundation of Northeast Kansas’ Deo Gratias dinner on Nov. 7 at Savior Pastoral Center.

• Pastor Father Mitchel Zimmerman and parishioners of Christ the King Parish in Topeka celebrated the 20th anniversary of the beginning of perpetual

Eucharistic adoration at the parish.

• Abbot Owen Purcell, OSB, 82, who led St. Benedict’s Abbey in Atchison from 1989 to 1994, died on Nov. 8 at the abbey.

• Father Bertrand LaNoue, OSB, 86, longtime economics professor at Benedictine College, died on Nov. 16 at St. Benedict’s Abbey in Atchison.

• Archdiocesan superintendent of schools Kathleen O’Hara received the 2013 St. Rose Philippine Duchesne Award from Archbishop Naumann on Nov. 17 at Sacred Heart Parish in Mound City.

• Archdiocesan Catholics took up special collections to aid those who were affected when Typhoon Haiyan struck the Philippines.

• Catholics of the archdiocese were invited to join others around the world in sharing their input through a Vatican survey on the family, in preparation for the Oct. 5 to 19, 2014, Synod of Bishops.

December

Jenna Gray (No. 6) sets for fellow sophomore Audriana Fitzmorris. St. James volleyball finished its season undefeated and ranked No. 1 in the country by prepvolleyball.com.

• Father Albert J. Fey, CPPS, 92, pastor of Sacred Heart Parish in Baileyville from 1994 to 2007 and a member of the Kansas City Province of the Missionaries of the Precious Blood, died on Dec. 7 at the St. Charles Center in Carthagena, Archbishop Keleher Ohio.

• Archbishop Emeritus James P. Keleher celebrated the 20th anniversary of his arrival in Kansas subsequent to his appointment as ordinary of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas.

• Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann dedicated the newly renovated ReachKCK facility in the former Blessed Sacrament School in Kansas City, Kan., at its grand opening, “One Thing Remains,” Dec. 30.

6 Local news

theleaven.com | december 27, 2013

local news 7

december 27, 2013 | theleaven.com

Group keeps Croatian traditions alive through music

Snowflake Streak will benefit Caritas Clinics, Inc.

By Jessica Langdon jessica@theleaven.com

K

ANSAS CITY, Kan. — Their ages span several decades, and they might — or might not — have crossed paths in the past. But about two dozen people come together several times each month to tell a story — a love story, to be exact..

Their story is one of love for their Croatian heritage, traditions and music — the latter of which tells its own love stories of the land and its people.

They’re part of a group called the Hrvatski Obicaj Tamburasi.

“Hrvatski Obicaj” means “Croatian Traditions,” and the musical group is rooted not only in Croatian history, but in the Kansas City, Kan., area as well.

It formed in 2007 and brings together a lively group, including members of the one-time junior performing group, the St. John’s Catholic Club Tamburitzans of St. John the Baptist Parish in on Strawberry Hill.

Kristina Mikesic, who handles public relations for Hrvatski Obicaj, is married to the group’s director, Rick Mikesic.

(They’re just one family unit among the performers; several sets of siblings are members.)

As kids, both played in the St. John’s Tamburitzans and cherished those experiences.

Although Mikesic wasn’t born in Croatia, her parents were, and she jokes that she should have been.

The traditions run that deep.

Rich history “I just grew up listening to the music,” she said. “Somehow it was a part of me.”

Decades of grade school and high school students grew up learning and playing songs from the Slavic cultures under the tutelage of Don Lipovac, who directed the folk orchestra at St. John the Baptist.

Mikesic remembers starting with the basics on the mandolin and progressing from there. Later on, there were kolo dances to learn, and older kids were trained to perform the songs, which Mikesic relished.

Matt Thomas, a longtime parishioner of St. John the Baptist, danced in a kolo group in high school. Later, although he was in his 20s and older than the kids in

L

Leaven photo by Jessica Langdon

Rick Mikesic, left, directs members of the Hrvatski Obicaj Tamburasi in a rehearsal leading up to the group’s trip to Pennsylvania in November to perform with groups from across the nation. The group’s name means “Croatian Traditions.” Many of the members were part of the St. John Catholic Club Tamburitzans growing up, and were excited for the opportunity this group gave them to perform as adults and carry on the traditions. the performing group, he joined them in song and playing the tamburitza.

They called him “Grandpa,” he said, and today at 72, he’s also the most senior member of Hrvatski Obicaj.

“Don had a beginner’s group and a performing group,” he said. “You had to prove yourself musically that you knew what you were doing.”

They gave an annual concert and produced six LPs. But as the years went on, the kids grew up and started college, careers and families, and newer generations didn’t fill the ranks. Eventually, the Tamburitzans as a group faded into history.

Yet many former members maintained magical memories of those performing days and the bonds they formed.

Reconnecting Then, in 2006, a group from Kansas City took a bus to St. Louis for a Croatian Fraternal Union of America festival.

“There were several of us from our group who had performed as juniors and saw the adults performing,” said Mikesic.

And they started thinking, “We used to do that. We had fun and enjoyed that.

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What if we did it again as adults?”

“And that got our blood a-boiling,” said Thomas.

They held a couple of round-table meetings to share ideas.

Mikesic had helped on a committee for the 40th anniversary of the juniors group — 40 years of kids who were now all adults — and she decided to send a letter asking, “Do you guys miss this?”

And people did.

Now, about 21 active members — and an occasional drop-in — gather twice a month or more to rehearse.

“It’s about your homeland, it’s about your country, it’s about the pride that the Croatians feel,” said Mikesic, describing the music.

Not all of the group’s members are generations removed from the Old Country.

Vocalist Mario Viskovic is now a parishioner of St. John the Baptist. But he did not come to Kansas City until July 2000. Like so many immigrants before him, he came seeking peace and opportunity.

Yet even with family and friends here, he still misses his extended family and his homeland. So he was thrilled when the music group formed.

“Yes! Finally, live Croatian music!” he said.

Want to hear more?

For more information on Hrvatski Obicaj or to order a copy of the CD, visit its website at: www.kctamburasi. com.

Singing the songs of his country in his native tongue can’t help but connect him to the land where he grew up, where relatives still live today.

And more than once, the music has brought tears to his eyes.

Larger stage Hrvatski Obicaj has released one CD, and its members play at festivals, weddings and other events during the year.

Proceeds help pay for bus fare to events such as the CFU Adult Tamburitza Festival, which was held in early November in Pittsburgh.

Music festivals in other cities are a high point of the year for the group, and they were particularly pleased to make the Pittsburgh one.

“That’s really neat, on the national stage, to see everyone in the United States and Canada preserve our Croatian heritage,” said Mikesic.

A statue of the risen Christ was recently installed overlooking the southwest side of Resurrection Cemetery, Lenexa.

Risen Christ towers over Resurrection Cemetery

L

enexa — A bronze statue of the risen Christ now dominates the landscape overlooking the three new garden sections of Resurrection Cemetery here, located at 83rd and Quivira.

Catholic Cemeteries of Northeast Kansas installed the statue in Resurrection Garden at the far south end of the new sections in November. A

Retreat set for Jan. 18

KANSAS CITY, Kan. — A New Year retreat focused on the new evangelization will be held Jan. 18 at the Sanctuary of Hope Prayer and Retreat Center here, at 2601 Ridge Ave. The cost to attend is $30. For more information and for reservations, send an email to: julie@sanctuaryofhope.org or call (913) 321-4673.

columbarium (for holding cremated remains) forms the base of the statue. LP Bronze International, Toronto, crafted the statue; Johnson Granite Supply, North Kansas City, Mo., the columbarium.

The other two sections will also feature large statues on the gradually sloping landscape. A Pietà (statue of Mary holding Jesus after he was

removed from the cross) will be positioned at the south end of the middle section, Sorrowful Mother Garden.

Completing the visual artistry will be a Crucifixion scene in Redemption Garden in the north section of the three new gardens. Statuary will be installed over a three-year period, or sooner, based on memorial contributions.

Resurrection School to host Taste of KCK kansas city, Kan. — Resurrection School here is having its second annual Taste of KCK fundraiser Jan. 25.

Registration is now open on the school website at: http://resurrectionkck.edu 12.net/.

Tickets are $30 each or $240 per table of eight. Join in an evening of di-

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verse cultures and cuisine to benefit Resurrection Catholic School.

Steven Minnis, president of Benedictine College in Atchison, will speak at the fundraiser, and the Catholic Education Foundation will receive an award. Proceeds will be used for a heating and cooling system.

EAVENWORTH — Every patient who walks through the doors of the Saint Vincent Clinic here has his or her own unique story.

The clinic — part of Caritas Clinics, Inc. — serves as a “medical home” to the poor and uninsured of Leavenworth County.

Patients are asked to pay a $15 flat fee per visit, which could be for diagnosis of an acute illness, management of a chronic condition, a checkup, or a referral to a specialist.

But the cost to provide care for patients at the Saint Vincent Clinic and the Duchesne Clinic in Kansas City, Kan., adds up to $750 per patient per year.

The funds that help Saint Vincent operate largely come from the community’s individuals, businesses, churches and other organizations.

This coming year, a one-mile walk on Jan. 25 — the inaugural Snowflake Streak — will give teams of walkers a chance to get some exercise and have some fun, while helping to raise funds to cover the costs of serving patients.

Organizers encourage walkers to form teams of at least 10 people, and ask that each walker set a minimum fundraising goal of $75. That way, each team helps support medical care for one patient for one year.

Check-in begins at 8 a.m. and the walk starts at 9 a.m. on Jan. 25 at the Riverfront Community Center in Leavenworth. Pancakes and hot cocoa follow the walk.

To register, visit the website at: www.snowflakestreak.org.

The clinic would like to get registrations in by Jan. 15.

Anyone who has questions or would like to volunteer may call Debbie at: (913) 651-8860.

Birds of a feather

When The Leaven ran its story on Bishop Ward High School’s science department, we could have done an entire photo spread on just the animal room. This was one of our favorite shots by Lori Wood Habiger, featuring Bishop Ward teacher Ignacio Martinez-Alonso giving a kiss to the umbrella cockatoo, Cloud.

Every year, thousands of THE IMAGES CAPTURED by LEAVEN photographers never MAKE IT INTo print. Here are some that deserve better — AND GIVE READERS A GLIMPSE INTO THE TOUGH CHOICES called for each week.

Best Rest of

the

Pain and gain Danger zone

We knew we were going to have trouble narrowing down to a few the many terrific photos Elaina Cochran brought back from her trip to Tijuana, Mexico, to document the work of Father Pat Murphy, CS. Father Pat, former animator for Hispanic ministry in the archdiocese, is now director of Casa del Migrate, which provides respite to deportees from the U.S. This dark silhouette of bars that protect the facility illustrate just how dangerous Tijuana can be.

Welcome in

Isolation

Photographer Susan McSpadden did an amazing job documenting the coaching exploits of Resurrection CYO football coach Tom Lally in Kansas City, Kan. We love this shot of Tom comforting his son Tommy after an injury. Despite the pain, Tommy was back in the game on the very next play.

Doug Hesse has an amazing eye. He can take the simplest of assignments and bring back beautiful art. This photo is a case in point. Taken from the inside of the first solemn high Mass at the St. Philippine Duchesne Latin Mass chapel in Westwood, Doug framed this perfect moment as Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann processes in from the outside.

This photo by Doug Hesse underlines the simple, yet harsh reality of life for teens put in isolation at the Topeka Juvenile Correction Complex. It was a difficult choice not to use this photo, but we ultimately decided to go with one showing Archbishop Naumann and Father Joseph Chontos, chaplain of the facility, praying at one of the teen’s doors.

Professor keleher

When The Leaven wanted to do a story about Archbishop Emeritus James P. Keleher teaching his “Documents of Vatican II” class at Mundelein Seminary outside Chicago, we knew just who could get us some great images — Karen Calloway of the Chicago New World. And she didn’t disappoint. We love the lines in the photograph above. But we especially love how she captured Archbishop Keleher’s signature habit while teaching or preaching — touching the Good Shepherd pectoral cross he was given by Cardinal Joseph Bernardin.

10 nation

theleaven.com | december 27, 2013

Moral concerns raised in fracking debates

By Dennis Sadowski Catholic News Service

W

ASHINGTON (CNS) — In ongoing national discussions about the mining of natural gas, Catholic voices have emerged to raise significant moral questions while not necessarily taking sides.

From New York to Colorado, from individual bishops to umbrella organizations, Catholic contributions to the discussions have decidedly held up the church’s social teaching on the importance of protecting creation and promoting the common good.

Blessed John Paul II, Pope Benedict XVI and Pope Francis all have addressed the need to protect the environment, saying that the health of the earth and its inhabitants must not be sacrificed in the pursuit of short-term economic gain.

And the U.S. bishops’ Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development in May reaffirmed the moral principles from the bishops’ 1981 statement on energy, “Reflections on the Energy Crisis,” as a framework for examining key energy issues, including fracking.

Such declarations raise important questions that can be applied to the growing push by energy companies to extract natural gas from deep underground, particularly through a process known as slick water hydraulic fracturing, or fracking.

A heavy industrial process, fracking utilizes water mixed with sand and chemicals pumped under extremely high pressure to fracture shale formations and release the natural gas.

Thanks to technological advances that have allowed for pinpoint horizontal drilling, the practice has become widespread with hundreds of thousands of wells in 34 states. But reports of illnesses, air and water contamination, blackened ground and animal deaths near fracked wells have led to calls in some church circles for caution.

Although state Catholic conferences where fracking is most widespread, Pennsylvania, Colorado and Texas, have not issued formal statements on fracking, the executive directors of all three conferences said it is an issue that is being watched closely.

“As it comes to our attention in more of these individual communities, it is definitely something the bishops in Colorado are committed to examining,” Jenny Kraska, executive director of the Colorado Catholic Conference told CNS. Some bishops have raised questions as well.

While not supporting a ban, Bishop Paul D. Etienne of Cheyenne, Wyo., president of Catholic Rural Life, said he harbors deep concerns over fracking.

“I think the public needs more information than is presently being provided about the chemicals in this mix that is being injected into the earth to release the gas and oil,” he told Catholic News Service.

The bishop also expressed apprehension about the amount of water fracking requires, especially in parts of the country where water is a precious commodity. Each fracturing uses from 2 million to 6 million gallons of water and each well can be fracked multiple times along each horizontal lateral.

CNS photo/Dennis Sadowski

A natural gas well in rural Westmoreland County, Pa., is shown Oct. 3. Thousands of similar wells have been constructed throughout Pennsylvania since 2006 when energy companies began developing natural gas reserves in underground shale formations using the hydraulic fracturing process.

Some wells have up to six laterals. Because of the chemical mix, the water cannot be returned to normal usage so essentially it is taken out of use.

“So many of the people around here and the businesses rely on these water resources, from ranchers to farmers to everybody who drinks the water,” he said. “I’m just surprised that our government officials are not demanding that these oil and gas companies be more forthcoming with information about what they’re actually putting into the earth.”

In many cases the chemically laden water — called produced water — is pumped into underground injection wells. In a few areas injection wells have been linked to earthquakes, such as a series near Youngstown, Ohio, that culminated in a magnitude 4 tremor on New Year’s Eve 2011. Ohio Gov. John Kasich subsequently ordered that particular well closed.

Because the vast majority of fracking wells are located in rural areas, Catholic Rural Life has begun examining fracking as well.

James F. Ennis, Catholic Rural Life executive director, explained to CNS that the organization regularly receives requests for more information about the process. He said the organization would like to develop a study guide to aid communities facing an influx of well construction and natural gas extraction.

“We’re trying to continue to do all we can as Catholics to at least enlighten people to these issues,” he said.

Bishop Etienne’s western colleague, Bishop Michael W. Warfel of Great Falls-Billings, Mont., raised other concerns that impact life in regions experiencing the natural gas boon.

“My concern is with the sociological impact of the industry, where it brings in so many people and the infrastructure of the communities just can’t handle it well,” explained Bishop Warfel, also a member of the Catholic Rural Life’s board.

He pointed to issues such as the rising cost of housing in areas where an influx of well-paid workers has moved in, rising crime, including drug use and prostitution, to stresses on infrastructure not meant to handle heavy truck traffic.

“I think whatever is done, it has to be done responsibly. I’m not really against the drilling as long as it’s done in a socially responsible manner and

follows ethics of care for creation and good Catholic social principle,” the bishop said.

It is the concern for water that fuels the work of Christiana Z. Peppard, assistant professor of theology, science and ethics at Jesuit-run Fordham University. She told CNS that the Catholic Church is among the best positioned organizations to help build an ethical framework to protect the earth’s water resources.

“People don’t generally think too much about their water supply and certainly don’t think about the relationship of their water supply and the energy economy,” she said.

Water is “foundational for human life,” and therefore every means possible must be exercised to protect water — as well as land — when discussing energy development, explained Peppard, whose book on the moral dimensions of protecting water supplies will be published in January.

Dan Misleh, executive director of the Catholic Coalition on Climate Change, which complements the environmental justice work of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, said the discussion on fracking naturally flows into questions about personal energy consumption and the importance of developing renewable energy resources such as solar and wind power.

“As the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change said once again [in September] burning up these fossil fuels is the primary cause of climate change,” he said. “So we have to very quickly begin to transition ourselves off of these fuels or dramatically reduce their use before we just get this runaway cycle of climate change.”

The church’s efforts have crossed over into faith-based organizing as well on the issue. One course of action finds the Catholic Campaign for Human Development funding Illinois People’s Action in its education and advocacy work as energy companies prepare to step up natural gas extraction in the southern part of the state.

The grassroots organization has focused on trying to get the strongest possible regulations in place to assure that some of the problems about air and water contamination experienced in other states around fracking sites do not occur in Illinois.

World 11

december 27, 2013 | theleaven.com

Push for measures to limit gun violence continues

Prince troubled by plight of Middle East Christians

WASHINGTON (CNS) — The Senate’s inability last spring to pass a bipartisan plan to expand gun background checks despite strong nationwide sentiment in favor of it is motivating a broad coalition of advocates to promote gun violence prevention laws. From grass-roots petition campaigns to sign-on letters from organizations such as Faiths United to Prevent Gun Violence, the efforts are focusing on members of Congress who have consistently opposed such legislation. The advocates told Catholic News Service they hope to eventually sway enough House and Senate members to overcome the influence of gun rights groups and firearms manufacturers. Vincent DeMarco, national coordinator of Faiths United, knows how difficult the effort can be given the strong influence of pro-gun rights groups on Congress even in the wake of the violence of Dec. 14, 2012, in which a lone gunman killed 20 children and six adults at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn. The advocacy groups want to see several provisions aimed at reducing gun violence enacted at the federal level.

They came close in April when amendments to a firearms measure garnered 55 votes in the Senate. Sixty votes were needed for passage under Senate rules, however.

LONDON (CNS) — Prince Charles said he is “deeply troubled” by the plight of Christians in the Middle East. In a Dec. 17 address at London’s Clarence House, the Prince of Wales said the Mideast’s Christians were being persecuted by “Islamist fundamentalist militants,” and he called upon the followers of Christianity, Judaism and Islam to unite to end the suffering. “I have for some time now been deeply troubled by the growing difficulties faced by the Christian communities in various parts of the Middle East,” said Prince Charles, heir to the British throne.

“It seems to me that we cannot ignore the fact that Christians in the Middle East are increasingly being deliberately targeted by fundamentalist Islamist militants,” the prince said. “Christianity was literally born in the Middle East,” he said, “and we must not forget our Middle Eastern brothers and sisters in Christ.”

The prince said the festive season was an opportunity for Christians, Muslims and Jews to stress what bound them together and to redouble their combined efforts to “express outrage at all that tears us asunder.”

10-year-old gives gifts to needy children GREEN BAY, Wis. (CNS) — Christmas came early for 10-year-old Tora Schneider of Waupaca. On Dec. 14, her Christmas wish to help other children was granted. With the aid of her mother and stepfather, Tora delivered more than 50 wrapped presents to children at Love Life Ministry, located in the basement of a building adjacent to St. Joseph Church in Green Bay. In early December, when Tora wrote her letter to Santa, her request was simple: “All I want for Christmas is for at least 20 kids in need” to receive gifts. So taken aback were her mother, Lora Tankersley, and stepfather, Darick Tankersley, that they did all they could to make Tora’s wish come true. “I cried,” said Lora. “I was so happy. We have six kids and a foster daughter and for her to be the only one [to make the request], it made my day.”

It turned out to be a daunting request. It took a few tries to find a place that would accept the gifts Tora wanted to hand out.

The family finally learned about Green Bay’s Love Life Ministry, which collects and distributes baby items to needy mothers, and contacted Sharon Zambrowicz, one of the ministry’s volunteer organizers.

Rape of elderly nun shocks community PITTSBURGH (CNS) — An 18-yearold Pennsylvania man has been charged in the Dec. 13 rape of an 85-year-old retired member of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Baden. The Sister, who has not been identified out of respect for her privacy, was attacked in the parking lot of St. Titus Church in Aliquippa, about 30 miles northwest of Pittsburgh. Andrew Bullock, 18, of Aliquippa, was arrested later that day in connection with the attack on charges of felony rape, aggravated assault, sexual assault, indecent exposure, simple assault and reckless endangerment. He was taken to the Beaver County Jail in Beaver where he was held on $50,000 bond pending a preliminary hearing Dec. 19 before District Judge James DiBenedetto.

Aliquippa police said Bullock admitted to the attack during questioning after initially denying any involvement. The victim was taken to Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh for treatment and released Dec. 14.

CNS photo/Mohammed Salem, Reuters

Palestinian civil defense volunteers paddle a boat to evacuate people Dec. 16 from their flooded houses in the northern Gaza Strip. The snowstorms and torrential rain that battered the Mideast in mid-December threatened to make this Christmas season an especially difficult one for Christians in Gaza.

Floods make Christmas difficult in Gaza

By Judith Sudilovsky Catholic News Service

J

ERUSALEM (CNS) — The snowstorms and torrential rain that battered the Mideast in midDecember threatened to make this Christmas season an especially difficult one for Christians in Gaza.

Matthew McGarry, Catholic Relief Services’ country representative, described the situation as “quite bad.”

“There is extensive damage to infrastructure, and we haven’t been able to get our staff in until today,” McGarry told Catholic News Service Dec. 17.

“We are targeting the most vulnerable families.”

Many schools remained closed because of structural damage, he added.

The bad weather has made a bad situation worse, he said, noting, “They have not yet been able to resume what passes for normal life in Gaza.”

While the northern part of the Gaza Strip saw floods that left thousands of families homeless, 10,000 people evacuated from their homes, and essential hospital personnel traveling to work by boat, most of the Gaza Strip’s tiny Christian community and its institu-

tions are located in Gaza City itself and were saved from the worst of the storm, said Sami El-Yousef, regional director for Israel and the Palestinian territories for the Catholic Near East Welfare Association.

He said Latin Patriarch Fouad Twal had to cancel his Dec. 15 visit to celebrate Mass at Holy Family Parish, which traditionally opens the Christmas season in Gaza.

El-Yousef also had to cancel a planned visit to Gaza in which he was to serve as presenter for a three-way Christmas telecast Dec. 14 that included Holy Family Parish, a suburban Washington parish and one in Bethlehem, West Bank.

In addition, Egypt’s closure of smuggling tunnels that had served as a lifeline for Gazans increased prices of everyday commodities, and the cash-strapped Holy Family Parish found itself without any immediate funds to organize its annual Christmas party for the children, said El-Yousef.

He said his organization was trying to provide funds with a bank transfer, but it was not known whether the money might would arrive in time to arrange for the modest celebration.

Israel has blockaded the Gaza Strip since the Islamist group Hamas took power in 2007.

After the storms, on Dec. 14, Israel allowed shipment of fuel for Gaza’s only power plant, which had been without fuel for weeks, complicating rescue operations.

Palestinians charged Israeli water authorities with deliberately opening overflowing dams outside the Gaza Strip to prevent floodwaters from overflowing on the Israeli side. However, an Israeli municipal official responsible for drainage in the area told the daily Israeli newspaper Ha’aretz that there was only one three-foot dam in the area that cannot be opened or closed. He said that, because of the storm, the water level was so high that the dam could not stop the water from reaching Gaza.

In some places the floodwaters combined with the rain brought water levels to 13 feet.

Ha’aretz also reported that the Israeli water utility company had responded to a request by the Palestinian Authority via the United Nations to send four water pumps to Gaza to aid in controlling the flooding.

Bishop won’t be buried until government returns cemetery

T

ANGSHAN, China (CNS) — The Tangshan Diocese announced it would not bury deceased Bishop Paul Liu Jinghe until the government returns a former church cemetery, so government officials took clergy away for questioning Dec. 18.

The Asian church news portal ucanews.com reported that, in an escalating standoff between church and state, the announcement delaying the burial was made at Bishop Liu’s memorial service at Tangshan’s Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception Dec. 17, prompting two minutes of applause from the 3,000 people gathered.

Officials arrived the following morning and took clergy away to offices of the State Administration for Religious Affairs. A source who declined to be named told ucanews.com that the mobile phones of all priests and nuns in Tangshan, east of Beijing, were placed under surveillance.

The disagreement over the cemetery escalated following the Dec. 11 death of Bishop Liu, 92. Before his death, the bishop had demanded to be buried at Lulong Cemetery, the final resting place of the diocese’s first bishop, Ernst Geurts of Holland, who died in 1940.

The site became a church cemetery after priests and nuns were later buried

there, but it was wrecked during political turmoil in the 1950s, shortly after the communists took power.

Since then, it has been used as farmland, and in 1993, with the government’s permission, Bishop Liu reburied Bishop Geurts and other clergy in a corner of the 6.6-acre site.

The late bishop had demanded the return of the site several times during his lifetime.

Church members were taking turns to guard the bishop’s body inside Tangshan Cathedral as they awaited a solution to the dispute.

Finance officer works to protect the Vatican VATICAN CITY (CNS) — News headlines in 2013 about turmoil at the Vatican bank and an arrested monsignor who served as a Vatican accountant seem to be modern-day illustrations of a famous line from the First Letter of Timothy in the New Testament: “For the love of money is the root of all evils, and some people in their desire for it have strayed from the faith and have pierced themselves with many pains.”

But from his office near the Vatican gas station, a young Swiss lawyer is working to prevent the greedy or corrupt from misusing the Vatican’s financial structures, which serve its own operations and those of dioceses, schools, hospitals and charitable activities around the world. Rene Brulhart, 41, is director of the Vatican’s Financial Intelligence Authority, charged with establishing procedures and checks to ensure Vatican institutions cannot be used for money laundering or the financing of terrorism.

He also investigates suspicious transactions and works internationally with other government financial-intelligence units to fight financial crime. “This isn’t window dressing,” Brulhart told Catholic News Service Dec. 17. “It is a sustainable process.”

Man sets self on fire in St. Peter’s Square VATICAN CITY (CNS) — A 51-year-old man was severely injured after he set himself on fire in St. Peter’s Square. The unidentified man doused himself with gasoline he had carried in a bottle and then lit himself aflame at the end of the colonnade near Piazza Pio XII at 8:30 in the morning Dec. 19. A Jesuit priest on his way to work at the Vatican was the first passer-by to come to the man’s aid, according to a written statement from Italian police that was then distributed by the Vatican press hall. The priest tried to smother the flames with his cloak and jacket. Two Italian police agents on duty at the square went to the scene and used a blanket and fire extinguisher to put out the fire. The man was hospitalized with severe burns on his upper body and the two agents were treated and released for “respiratory problems and burns to the hands,” the statement said. The statement said a piece of paper was found nearby that had the phone number of the man’s daughter. It added that the motive for the man’s actions was unknown.

12 classifieds Employment Data entry - The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas has immediate openings for two temporary data entry positions. These individuals will assist the office of stewardship and development during the busy Call to Share annual appeal. Required hours will be 30+ hours per week beginning in Jan. with approximate end date in late March. Requires reliability, collaborative demeanor and demonstrated data entry skills. Qualified individuals should email cover letter, resume, and application (available on the archdiocesan website) to: jobs@archkck.org by Jan. 2. May also be mailed to: Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, Office of Human Resources, Stewardship - Data Entry, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109.

Housekeepers - The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas has immediate openings for several seasonal parttime housekeepers. These individuals will assist with housekeeping duties at Savior Pastoral Center as needed. Hours will vary from week to week; hours may vary by weekend or weekday depending on facility needs. This job requires flexibility, reliability, attention to details, and the ability to work independently. Prior housekeeping experience and knowledge of chemical solutions a plus.

Qualified individuals should email cover letter, resume, and application (available on the archdiocesan website) to: jobs@archkck.org by Jan. 2. May also be mailed to: Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, Office of Human Resources, Savior Pastoral Center - Housekeeper, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109.

Baseball coaches - Bishop Ward High School is looking for two baseball assistant coaches. Anyone interested in the positions can contact Greg Duggins by sending an email to: gduggins@wardhigh.org or by phone at (913) 371-1201.

Musicians - Musicians are needed for the 11 a.m. Mass choir at Holy Name Church, Kansas City, Kan. Guitar and/or piano. Please contact Father Michael Hermes by email at: frhermes@wardhigh.org.

Middle school youth minister - Church of the Ascension seeks a part-time role that is perfect for a person who loves to share the faith with young people. Please send resume by email to: findithere@gmail.com.

Office accountant - A CPA firm located in Topeka is seeking an office accountant. Qualified candidates must have three-plus years of experience with processing payroll, accounts payable, reconciling the general ledger, and generating statements for billing. Human resource experience is a plus. Strong computer skills are mandatory, and experience with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook are required. The position will be flexible and we will consider candidates that are seeking 30 to 40 hours a week. Successful candidates will be professional, highly motivated, problem solvers, and organized.

Our firm offers a professional environment, challenging work, competitive compensation and a benefits package. Please send resume in complete confidence to Mr. Eric Otting, Wendling Noe Nelson and Johnson LLC, 534 S. Kansas Ave., Suite 1500, Topeka, KS 66603, or by email to: eotting@wnnjcpa.com.

Financial representatives - Due to the success and growth of the Knights of Columbus, we are adding a financial representative in the Kansas City metro, Lawrence, Topeka and the Seneca - Sabetha area. 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. Please contact John A. Mahon, general agent, for more information or an interview by sending an email to: john.mahon@kofc.org, by phone at (785) 408-8806 or at 1275 Topeka Blvd., Topeka, KS 66612.

Services Garage door and opener sales and service - 24-hour, 7-day-a-week service on all types of doors. Replace broken springs, cables, hinges, rollers, gate openers, entry and patio doors, and more. Over 32 years of experience.

Call (913) 227-4902.

CLUTTER GETTING YOU DOWN? Organize, fix, assemble, install! “Kevin Of All Trades” your professional organizer and “HONEY-DO-LIST” specialist. Call today for a free consultation at (913) 271-5055. Insured. References.

Visit our website at: www.KOATINDUSTRIES.com.

Brick mason - Brick, stone, tile and flat work. 19 years of residential/commercial experience. FREE QUOTES - KC metro area. Small and large jobs accepted. Call Jim at (913) 485-4307. www.facebook.com/faganmasonry.

Electrician - Free estimates; reasonable rates. JoCo and south KC metro. Call Pat at (913) 963-9896.

Tim the Handyman - Small jobs, faucets, garbage disposals, toilets, ceiling fans, light fixtures, painting, wall ceiling repair, wood rot, siding, decks, doors, windows, and gutter cleaning. Call (913) 526-1844.

Cleaning lady - Reasonable rates; references provided.

Call (913) 940-2959.

Quilted Memories - Your Kansas City Longarm Shop - Nolting Longarm Machines, quilting supplies and machine quilting services. We specialize in memorial quilts - Custom designed memory quilts from your T-shirt collections, photos, baby clothes, college memorabilia, etc., neckties etc. For information or to schedule a free consultation, call (913) 649-2704. Visit the website at: www.quiltedmemoriesllc.com.

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). Serving the 913 area code area.

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.

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.

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.

We moved! Come check out our new office in Lenexa.

Agua Fina Irrigation and Landscape The one-stop location for your project!

Landscape and irrigation design, installation and maintenance.

Cleanup and grading services It’s time to repair your lawn. 20% discount on lawn renovations with mention of this ad.

Visit the website at: www.goaguafina.com Call (913) 530-7260 or (913) 530-5661 Lawn Mowing Spring Cleanups/Landscaping Local Parishioner Insured/References Free Estimates Call Tony (913) 620-6063 MEDICATION SETUP & MANAGEMENT - RN support visits for filling weekly pill boxes & managing medication. Affordable and convenient. To learn more, call Home Connect Health Services at (913) 627-9222.

Home Improvement 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.

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.

House painting Interior and exterior; wall paper removal.

Power washing, fences, decks.

30 years experience. References. Reasonable rates.

Call Joe at (913) 620-5776.

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) 491-5837 or (913) 5791835. Email: smokeycabin@hotmail.com. Member of Holy Trinity, Lenexa.

Heating and cooling repair and replacement - Call Joe with JB Design and Service. Licensed and insured with 20 years experience. Member of Divine Mercy Parish. Call Joe at (913) 915-6887.

Swalms Organizing Service - Reducing Clutter - Enjoy an Organized Home! Basement, garage, attic, shop, storage rooms - any room organized! Belongings sorted, boxed and labeled, items hauled or taken for recycling, trash bagged. For before and after photos, visit: www. swalmsorganizing.com. Over 20 years of organizing experience; insured. Call Tillar at (913) 375-9115

Adept Home Improvements Where quality still counts!

Basement finishing, Kitchens and baths, Electrical and plumbing, Licensed and insured. (913) 599-7998 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.

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

Caregiving Childcare - Need some time to run errands or go to an appointment and want your child to benefit from a fun, Catholic, social environment all at the same time?

Consider Our Lady’s Playcare! We provide quality by-thehour childcare that offers flexible hours and a schedule that works with yours. No long-term commitment is required. Simply register in advance of the day you would like your child to attend. We also offer a long-term Mother’s Day Out program. For more information, please call Coronation of Our Lady Catholic Church at (816) 7618811 or send an email to: ljenkins@kc.rr.com.

Have a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease? Inquire about our fresh, unique approach to care. ComfortCare Homes, a local, family-owned care option, opened its first home in 2005. We have now grown to four homes located in Overland Park and Leawood. All of our homes are located minutes from highways I-35 or I-435, allowing easy access from anywhere in the Kansas City metropolitan area including Lee’s Summit, Shawnee, Liberty and Olathe. To learn more or take a tour, call Courtney Minter at (913) 609-1891 or visit the website at: www.

ComfortCareKC.com.

Caregiving - Live-in nurse/companion position wanted.

Will be responsible for all care related to the client. Salary negotiable, recent references. Call (913) 579-5276.

Caregiving - I am a private duty caregiver/nurse with 17+ years experience. I have worked with patients with diabetes, cancer, dementia, Alzheimer’s, and MS. I am familiar with feeding tubes, Foley catheters, Hoyer lifts, CPAP and oxygen tanks. Bathing, grooming, skin care for diabetic sores. Companionship, meal preparation, and light housekeeping. Call (816) 786-1794.

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 family-owned, with offices in Lenexa and Lawrence. Call Benefits of Home Senior Care, Lenexa: (913) 422-1591 or Lawrence: (785) 727-1816 or www.benefitsofhome.com.

Caregiving - CNA home health care specialist provides quality home comfort and care for the elderly. Available anytime. References. Affordable/seasoned/nonsmoker.

Call (816) 521-1336.

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.

vacation

December 27, 2013 | theleaven.com

REAL ESTATE

January

sacred polyphony sung by the resident archdiocesan choir, Sursum Corda.

St. Therese Little Flower Church, 5814 Euclid, Kansas City, Mo., will host its annual Mass dedicated to Kansas City police officers who have died in the line of duty on Jan. 1 at 10 a.m. For more information, contact Father Ernie Davis at (816) 444-5406.

High Mass to celebrate the feast of Epiphany will be celebrated at St. Philippine Duchesne Latin Mass Church, 5035 Rainbow Blvd., Westwood, at 7 p.m. on Jan. 6. Confessions will be heard 30 minutes before Mass.

For sale - 28 Binder Lane, Ottawa, built in 2004. 4 BR, 3 BA, with a finished walkout basement, oak floors and vaulted ceilings. Sits on 5.7 acres of trees and manicured lawn with lake. All paved roads and covenants. Call (913) 980-3007 or send an email to: tomandmaryw@gmail. com for pictures and pricing.

For sale - 10504 W. 65th St., Shawnee. Built in 1966. 3 BR, 2 BA, wood floors, 2 fireplaces, family room, steel storage room, fenced yard. Asking $149,000. Call (913) 268-5337.

For sale - 15615 Conser St., Overland Park. St. Michael the Archangel Parish. 3 BR, 2.5 BA. Approximately 2,000 square feet. New floors, paint, roof, garage doors, furnace and AC. $225,000. Call Frank at (913) 558-5204 for more details.

for RENT For rent - 4934 Leavenworth Rd., Kansas City, Kan. 2 BR, full walkout basement, laundry hookups, deck. No smokers, no pets. $545 per month. Call (913) 334-0124.

For rent - Western Shawnee; almost new. 5 BR, 4 BA, 3 car garage, W/D included. Call Ken at (913) 484-6942.

For rent - Turner - 2 BR, brick fourplex; excellent condition; $625 per month. Call Ken at (913) 484-6942.

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.

For sale - Noritake China plus serving dishes, large antique Bastian-Blessing all dry soda fountain for commerical use. Has double sink, needs compressor and motor.

Call (913) 685-4378.

ENTERTAINMENT New Year’s Eve singles extravaganza - Dec. 31 from 8:30 p.m. - 12:30 a.m., Holy Trinity Church hall, 9150 Pflumm Rd., Lenexa. Save $5 on advance tickets. For tickets and table reservations prior to Dec. 20, call John Stuart at (913) 219-3465. Includes DJ Zepster, delicious appetizers, beer, wine, soda, water and champagne at midnight! The cost to attend is $40 at the door.

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Are you suffering from an acute, chronic or terminal illness? Are you someone who is caring for a loved one with one of those conditions? Come together or come alone, join a group of friends to walk the journey with on the first Thursday of every month from 7 - 8 p.m., following the rosary and anointing of the sick at 6:30 p.m. in the conference room at Church of the Ascension, Overland Park. For more information, contact Jean Hinman at (913) 681-3348 or send an email to: jhinman@ kcascension.org.

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The motherhouse of the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth, 4200 S. 4th St., Leavenworth, will host a Taize prayer on Jan. 2 at 7 p.m. in Annunciation Chapel. For more information, visit the website at: www. marillaccenter.org or call (913) 680-2342.

St. Michael the Archangel Parish, Leawood, will hold public adoration of the Blessed Sacrament on the first Sunday of each month at 1 p.m., concluding with solemn vespers and Benediction at 4 p.m., beginning on Jan. 5, the solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord. Music each month will include Gregorian chant and

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

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Do you and your spouse need help with improving your communication skills? Marriage for Keeps, an outreach of Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas, is returning to St. Paul Parish, Olathe. Marriage for Keeps offers education, support and resources for couples seeking to improve their marriage and strengthen their family. Workshops teach couples to communicate effectively, reduce conflict, connect emotionally and learn to better meet each other’s needs. Classes begin Jan. 7 and run seven consecutive Tuesdays through Feb. 18 from 6 - 8:30 p.m.

Registration is required by calling (913) 6215775, ext. 1105, or send an email to Donna at: dmills@catholiccharitiesks.org.

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The parenting series, “Becoming a Love and Logic Parent,” will be presented at Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kan., on Wednesdays, Jan. 8 - March 5, from 9:30 - 11 a.m., with the exception of Jan. 22 and Feb. 26. Call (913) 906-8990 to reserve a limited spot. Be sure to mention if you need child care.

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Everyone wants to have a happy, healthy and stable relationship, and what people do in their relationships, especially in romantic

relationships, affects every other area of their lives. Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kan., in partnership with Marriage for Keeps will offer a seven-class workshop, Love Within My Reach, on seven Fridays, Jan. 10 Feb. 21, from 10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Lunch is included. Acquire skills to improve your chances for relationship success and set future relationship goals. Don’t settle for less. It will make a difference for you and for your children. Registration is required.

Call Marriage for Keeps at (913) 9068925 or Keeler Women’s Center at (913) 906.8990. There is no cost to attend.

A course in the sympto-thermal method of natural family planning will begin Jan. 11 at 9 a.m. at Holy Spirit Parish, 11300 W. 103rd St., Overland Park, and on Jan. 19 at 1 p.m. at the Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library, 1515 S.W. 10th Ave., Topeka.

The cost to attend is a reasonable course fee. Call Dana or Eric Runnebaum at (785) 380-0062 or the Couple to Couple League of Kansas City at (913) 894-3558 for more information. Registration is required on the website at: www.ccli.org.

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Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kan., hosts a monthly book club for women from 6 - 7:30 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month. The book for Jan. 14 is “Unbowed” by Wangari Maathai. Call (913) 906-8990 to register.

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A 10-week divorce recovery class for women will be held on Wednesdays, Jan. 15 - March

26, from 7 - 8:30 p.m. at Church of the Ascension, Overland Park. For more information, contact Mary Ann Gaston at (913) 609-7794; send an email to: ma_gaston@yahoo.com; or call Jean in the office at (913) 681-3348. Class size is limited. Share with women you may know who are struggling with divorce.

The cost to attend is $85 for materials.

Scholarships may be provided as needed.

St. Philippine Duchesne Knights of Columbus Assembly 2260 will host a winter formal from 7:30 - 10:30 p.m. on Jan. 18 at the Father Quigley Center on the Holy Trinity Church campus, 9201 Summit Rd., Lenexa.

The cost to attend is $18, which includes food and drinks. The “Fairfax Four” band will provide dance music. Dress will be dark suits/tie or tuxedos/social baldric for Knights and evening dresses or gowns for the women. Knights of any degree or any council/assembly are invited to attend. This is a chance to socialize with fellow Knights as we celebrate the start of a new year. For more information or to purchase tickets, contact Bob Sherman at (913) 709-9671 or send an email to: bobby sherm@everestkc.net. Tickets will not be available at the door.

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A New Year retreat focused on the new evangelization will be held Jan. 18 at the Sanctuary of Hope Prayer and Retreat Center, 2601 Ridge Ave., Kansas City, Kan. The cost to attend is $30. For more information and for reservations, send an email to: julie@sanctuaryofhope.org or call (913) 321-4673.

Stair lifts & More We’ll lift you up!

Scooter/bath/wheelchair/pool Free consults. Leaven discounts!

Member Good Shepherd, Shawnee

Call Ed Toll Free 1-855-543-8632

MISCELLANEOUS Donate a vehicle. Make a difference. Donate your vehicle to Catholic Charities to support those in need.

Your tax-deductible donation of a vehicle 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 (866) 430-9499 or visit our website at: www.cars4kckids.com.

wanted to buy Wanted to buy - Antique/vintage jewelry, lighters, fountain pens, post card collections, paintings/prints, pottery, sterling, china dinnerware.

Renee Maderak, (913) 631-7179.

St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee

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

We are here to serve you and your family.”

Wanted - Old drugstore, pharmacy, apothecary, soda fountain. Also will buy old signs and Coca-Cola.

Call (913) 593-7507 or (913) 642-8269.

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.

Pilgrimage to France with St. Thérèse - Lourdes, Paris, Lisieux, Normandy. Sept. 8 - Sept. 18, 2014. From Kansas City, $4,499. Call Father Ernie Davis at (816) 444-5406.

Funeral home • crematory • Memorial chapels

Ireland in the spring - A roundabout tour. April 30 – May 13, 2014. Meet the Irishman — your tour guide — on Jan. 23 at 5 p.m. Refreshments. Call Gerry for a reservation at (913) 648-1560.

Colorado vacation - Winter Park; 2 BR, 1 BA, furnished.

Mountain biking, golf, hiking, and fishing. $125 per night or $700 per week. Call (816) 392-0686.

calendar 13

theleaven.com | DECEMBER 27, 2013

10901 Johnson Drive Shawnee, Kansas 66203 Telephone 913-631-5566 Fax 913-631-2236 Gregg Amos

www.amosfamily.com

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

14 commentary Scripture Readings

theleaven.com | december 27, 2013

mark my words

octave of the nativity of the lord Dec. 29 the holy family of jesus, mary, and joseph Sir 3: 2-6, 12-14 Ps 128: 1-5 Col 3: 12-21 Mt 2: 13-15, 19-23 Dec. 30 SIXTH DAY WITHIN THE OCTAVE OF THE NATIVITY OF THE LORD 1 Jn 2: 12-17 Ps 96: 7-10 Lk 2: 36-40 Dec. 31 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 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 THE EPIPHANY OF THE LORD Is 60: 1-6 Ps 72: 1-2, 7-8, 10-13 Eph 3: 2-3a, 5-6 Mt 2: 1-12 Jan. 6 André Bessette, religious 1 Jn 3:22 – 4:6 Ps 2: 7-8, 10-12a Mt 4: 12-17, 23-25 Jan. 7 Raymond of Penyafort, priest 1 Jn 4: 7-10 Ps 72: 1-4, 7-8 Mk 6: 34-44 Jan. 8 Wednesday 1 Jn 4: 11-18 Ps 72: 1-2, 10, 12-13 Mk 6: 45-52 Jan. 9 Thursday 1 Jn 4:19 – 5:4 Ps 72: 1-2, 14, 15bc, 17 Lk 4: 14-22a Jan. 10 Friday 1 Jn 5: 5-13 Ps 147: 12-15, 19-20 Lk 5: 12-16 Jan. 11 1 Jn 5: 14-21 Ps 149: 1-6a, 9b Jn 3: 22-30

A

I’m happy to share this idea with you

wag once said, “We know that money can’t buy happiness, but it will allow you to be miserable in lots of really nice places!”

“Happy New Year” is something that we wish one another in this season.

But what really makes us happy? While the answer to that will vary from person to person, I’ll bet that most people have never even taken the time to think about it. Well, in 2014, I decided to do something that I’d intended for a long time: Start a “happiness project.”

The idea comes from a 2009 book by that name, written by Gretchen Rubin.

Its subtitle outlines the reason for the book: “Or, Why I Spent a Year Trying to Sing in the Morning, Clean My Closets, Fight Right, Read Aristotle, and Generally Have More Fun.” I’m right with her when she writes: “I had much to be happy about. . . . But too often . . .

I felt dejected after even a minor professional setback.

I drifted out of touch with old friends. I lost my temper easily. I suffered bouts of melancholy, insecurity, listlessness and free-floating

Father Mark Goldasich Father Mark Goldasich is the pastor of Sacred Heart Parish in Tonganoxie. He has been editor of The Leaven since 1989. guilt.” Her conclusion? “I wasn’t as happy as I could be, and my life wasn’t going to change unless I made it change.”

So, she wrote this book about her experiences and as an incentive for other folks, like me, to not waste life, but live it to the full.

Her approach is simple: Designate 12 areas that you’d like to grow in, assign one “project” to each month and then formulate some practical actions to move that project from dream to reality. Ideally, what you make into a habit each month will continue into the succeeding months.

For example, some of Rubin’s projects were: Boost energy in January, by going to sleep earlier; exercising

better; tossing, restoring and organizing; and tackling a nagging task. August saw her contemplating the heavens, by keeping a gratitude notebook and imitating various spiritual masters. The author laughed out loud, used good manners and was encouraging and enthusiastic as part of her November goal of “keeping a contented heart.”

Now, if Ruben’s book wasn’t enough of an encouragement for me to grow happier, Pope Francis put the icing on the cake in his homily on May 10, saying: “When Christians have more of a sourpuss than a face that communicates the joy of being loved by God, they harm the witness of the church.”

So, I’m using the days until Jan. 1 to compile 12 areas for my own happiness project. I’m still polishing up the list, but here are a few that I intend to tackle . . . in no particular order.

• Keep in touch with friends: Send birthday cards; pay more attention to Facebook postings and send messages of encouragement or consolation; make time for getting together.

• Tune up the body: Walk

more consistently; dust off the bicycle and helmet; use the Wii to get in some cardio when the weather outside is frightful; • Have a song in my heart: Download wish list items from iTunes; break out the tamburitza again (see page 6 to find out what this is); learn to play the ukulele.

• Use things: Don’t let gift cards languish; wear new items of clothing; don’t waste food.

• Pray better: I read about a great retreat house that I’d like to visit, but I’ve got to find where I read about it, what the place is, and make time for it.

• Be “hobbyer”: Read more; jigsaw puzzle more; TV less.

I’ll let the author close with a final observation: “Contemporary research shows that happy people are more altruistic, more productive, more helpful, more likeable, more creative, more resilient, more interested in others, friendlier, and healthier. Happy people make better friends, colleagues and citizens. I wanted to be one of those people.”

Me, too! How about you?

local news 15

december 27, 2013 | theleaven.com Ellen and Leonard McKinzie, members of Curé of Ars Parish, Leawood, celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on Oct. 26 with Mass and a dinner hosted by the family. The couple was married on Oct. 24, 1953, at St. John Church, Pilot Grove, Mo. Their children and their spouses are: Mark and Mary Pat McKinzie; Linda McKinzie; Carol and Kurt Kuhlmann; and Paul McKinzie. They also have eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Dale and Alice Rockey, members of St. Paul Parish, Olathe, will celebrate their 80th wedding anniversary on Dec. 29 with an open house at Cedar Lake Village in Olathe. The couple was married on Dec. 29, 1933, at St. Bridget Church in Hemmingford, Neb. Their children and their spouses are: Jim and Deanie Rockey; Bruce and Sally Rockey; Tom and Sandy Rockey; John and Loretta Rockey; and Mike and Wendy Rockey. They also have 15 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; and six great-great-grandchildren.

Diana and Floyd Smotherman, members of St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on Dec. 28. The couple was married at St. Joseph on Dec. 28, 1963.

Their children are Robert Smotherman and Beth Bracken, both of Shawnee. They also have five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Francis and Ann Spanke, members of Holy Spirit Parish, Overland Park, celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on Dec. 26. The couple was married at Sacred Heart Church, Hartman, Ark., on Dec. 26, 1953. Their children and their spouses are: Paula and Barney Schwabauer, Overland Park; and Bob and Jan Spanke, Omaha, Neb. They also have six grandchildren.

Send notices to: The Leaven, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109, attn: anniversaries; or send an email to: Todd@ theleaven.com.

In the beginning

Sirach’s teaching on family resonates still

“S

peak softly, but carry a big stick.” That proverb tells us to consider two radically different approaches for influencing people’s behavior. One way takes a gentle approach. The other takes more forceful action.

The Bible offers us both approaches when instructing children in their responsibilities toward their parents. For example, consider this penalty for disrespect: “Whoever curses his father or mother shall be put to death” (Ex 21:17). What could be more forceful than that?

On the other hand, Sunday’s first reading —Sir 3:2-6, 12-14 — presents a gentler approach. It encourages respect for parents by promising rewards for the children who take care of their parents. Specifically,

Father Mike Stubbs Father Mike Stubbs is the pastor of Holy Cross Parish in Overland Park and has a degree in Scripture from Harvard University. it assures the children that they will receive pardon for their sins, that God will hear their prayers, that they will live a long life. Notice that this third reward of long life represents the converse of the commandment against cursing the parents: “Honor your parents, and you will live a long life. Curse them, and we will kill you.”

Both threatening punishment and promising reward

Pope francis Sadness is a sign of being far from Christ because Jesus offers everyone the strength to persevere with hope and joy, Pope Francis said. “God is the one who came to save us and offer help, especially to hearts gone astray,” he said before praying the Angelus Dec. 15, “Gaudete” (“Rejoice”) Sunday.

aim toward the same ultimate goal: to strengthen the family. This goal reflects the place of the family in society.

In ancient Israel, the family stood out as especially important. For example, the most significant feast, that of Passover, was celebrated not at the Temple in Jerusalem nor at the local synagogue, but, rather, during a family meal, the Passover Seder.

That still holds true for Jewish families today. The father and the mother lead the prayers. The children also have a role to play in the celebration. It is a family event.

In ancient Israel, the father wielded absolute power in the family. For example, the children belonged to the father. If he wished, theoretically, he could sell them into slavery or even condemn

“The church is not a refuge for sad people, the church is a house of joy” because the Christian message is “good news” — “a proclamation of joy for all people,” he said. Despite the rain, tens of thousands of pilgrims turned out in St. Peter’s Square for the weekly prayer and to have the pope bless the figurines of Baby Jesus that children bring and then place in their Nativity scene at home or at school. The pope

them to death if they committed a crime. By the time of Christ, this strictness had passed out of practice. Still, compared to present time, the father of the family held much more authority. His wife and children addressed him as “lord” or “master.”

Now, that’s respect.

Modern society has moved toward equality of the sexes, as well as recognizing the rights of children. At the same time, emphasizing the value of family life still remains important. Respect for aging parents should even grow in concern as the average life span lengthens and as they are with us longer.

The basic teaching of Sirach still retains its value for us, however it may play out in our society. It is appropriate advice for us on this feast of the Holy Family.

asked the children to remember him when they pray in front of their Nativity scenes just as he remembers them in his prayers.

Before the Angelus, the pope said that no matter how big people’s sins and limits, Christians are not allowed “to be weak and waver before difficulties and our own flaws.”

— CNS

Trinity House Start Your New Year with New Books • Rose Philippine Duchesne

by Barbara Yoffie — A Dreamer and Missionary

• God’s Bucket List

by Teresa Tomeo — Heaven’s Surefire Way to Happiness in This Life and Beyond • Thirsting for God

by Mother Teresa of Calcutta — Mother Teresa- Daily Meditations

• Break in at the Basilica

by Dianne Ahern — Investigation into a break-in at the Basilica of St. Francis

• Consoling the Heart of Jesus

by Father Michael E. Gaitley — A Do-It-Yourself Retreat

• The Rosary

By Immaculee Ilibagiza — The Prayer That Saved My Life

• Pope Awesome and Other Stories

by Cari Donaldson — How I Found God, Had Kids and Lived to Tell the Tale

• Mother Teresa of Calcutta

by Leo Maasburg — A Dreamer and Missionary

Shop from over 50,000 items Mon- Friday 10-6 | Saturday 10-5

(913) 652-0080 7287 W. 97th St. Overland Park, KS 66212 Located in the Windmill Square Shopping Center

Nativity Parish, Leawood, recognized nine new Eagle Scouts during a ceremony on Nov. 10.

They are: (back row, from left) Nick Caruso, Liam North, Charlie Weiler, and Mark Embree; (front row, from left) Zach Caro, Garrett Cohoon, William Henry, Cole Hagedorn, and Mike Grasing.

Nativity honors nine new Eagle Scouts LEAWOOD — Nativity Boy Scout Troop 396 here honored nine new Eagle Scouts in a ceremony on Nov. 10. Since its founding in 1995, 101 boys have earned their Eagle under the leadership of Troop 396.

The new Eagle Scouts are: Zach Caro, Nicholas Caruso, Garrett Cohoon, Mark Embree, Mike Grasing, Cole Hagedorn, William Henry, Liam North, and Charlie Weiler.

Their Eagle projects were as follows: • Caruso built a retaining wall to help stop erosion and cleaned a French drain to stop flooding at the Prairie Oak Nature Center at Ironwoods Park in Leawood.

• Cohoon organized a food drive project for Kansas City Harvesters.

• Embree organized a food drive for

Hope House, a home providing a better future for gifted young men in difficult family situations.

• Grasing constructed wooden shelves for TurnStyles, the Catholic Charities thrift store.

• Hagedorn managed a restoration project in which he sanded, primed, and painted the ceilings and wooden parts of the Palisades at Case Park in Kansas City, Mo. • Henry organized a video game drive for Angels of Grace Day Care Center in Kansas City, Kan. • North conducted a food drive for Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas.

• Weiler built sorting tables for TurnStyles.

16 local news

theleaven.com | december 27, 2013

CNS photo/Vatican Museums

A necropolis under Vatican City State will be open to visitors in early 2014. Mud and gravel slides entombed five centuries of pre- and early Christian burials, keeping the “city of the dead” sealed for two millennia.

‘city of the dead’

Mudslides protected ancient Vatican necropolis from ravages of time

By Carol Glatz Catholic News Service

V

ATICAN CITY (CNS) — Slipping hillsides of clay, mud and gravel entombed an enormous necropolis below today’s Vatican City State, keeping its underground “city of the dead” safely sealed for two millennia.

But unlike the Italian town of Pompeii, which was abandoned and frozen in time after the disastrous eruption of Vesuvius in 79 A.D, the Vatican hillside was still used after each mudslide, and offers a multilayered record of pre- and early Christian burial practices and treasures spanning over five centuries.

“A necropolis this vast, with so many chronological phases, with so many preserved decorative objects, makes it one-of-a-kind in Rome,” Vatican archaeologist Sabina Francini told Catholic News Service Dec. 10.

Finally, after years of excavations and restoration and the installation of interactive monitors for visitors — a 650,000 euros ($900,000) project funded largely by the Canadian chapter of the Vatican Museums’ Patrons of the Arts association — the site will be opened to the public in early 2014.

Guided tours of the necropolis near “Via Triumphalis” (Triumphal Way, a major road leading out of ancient Rome) will be limited to groups of 25 people. Reservations will have to be made in advance via the museums’ website: mv.vatican.va.

The necropolis — separate from the catacombs and cemetery under St.

CNS photo/Vatican Museums

This is a computer rendition of an ancient necropolis under Vatican City State which will open to visitors in early 2014.

Peter’s Basilica believed to include the tomb of St. Peter — will give visitors a remarkable look at the detail and evolution of early Roman burial practices from the first century B.C. to the fourth century A.D. There are hundreds of burial sites on view of people belonging to the poor, middle and upper classes of ancient Rome.

Grated metal catwalks circle around bricked tombs decorated with mosaic tile floors and frescoed walls; terracotta urns containing cremated human remains; and now-open graves revealing human skeletons that lie just as the archaeologists found them.

One small child has two small metal jugs at its feet and a real egg near its right hand. Francini said the “infinite,

spherical” form of the egg could represent eternity, though other interpretations see it as a symbol of rebirth.

Another tomb was decorated with a marble replica of a small boy’s head; the inscription said the boy was named Tiberius and lived to be four years, four months and 10 days old. The same grave held a terracotta figurine, perhaps the head of doll.

It’s easy “to become a bit jaded” about death after working on so many tombs, Francini said, but seeing the loving mementos and memorials left for the departed, “you get choked up.”

Among the numerous funerary objects, many exceptionally wellpreserved, are small glass bottles that held oils and perfumes; coins placed in

the deceased’s mouth to pay the ferryman’s fare across the rivers separating the worlds of the living and the dead; and a lot of broken mirrors made of burnished metal.

Because almost no mirror was found intact, Francini said she thinks they were intentionally shattered in a symbolic gesture, “perhaps because your image, too, disappears with death.”

Bodies were cremated on a flat mound of dirt, visible where the extreme heat of the funeral pyres turned the clay bright red. Charred pinecones, perhaps used as kindling, were also found there.

To hold the ashes, poorer families would use recycled terracotta amphorae made to hold oil or wine; richer families used ceramic or marble urns.

The amphorae were buried with terracotta tubes sticking out of the ground so relatives could pour in ritual offerings of wine, milk or honey. Small libation holes can be seen in many slabs over the tombs.

According to Giandomenico Spinola, director of the museums’ ancient Greek and Roman section, people eventually stopped burying their loved ones at the Via Triumphalis necropolis around the early fourth century — the period when the Emperor Constantine legalized Christianity.

It then became much more popular to be buried near St. Peter the Apostle on the other side of the Vatican hill, he said, because even the rituals surrounding death were susceptible to “a bit of snobbery.”