02 07 20 Vol. 41 No. 25

THELEAVEN.ORG | VOL. 41, NO. 25 | FEBRUARY 7, 2020

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER

Tali Machado, left, and Eve Dodge, both kindergartners, prepare to fill the boxes of food that were taken home later by those in the Emporia community in need of extra help.

Sacred Heart, Emporia, students put love in a box

By Moira Cullings moira.cullings@theleaven.org

E

MPORIA — The smiles that lit up Sacred Heart Parish here on Jan. 27 said it all. “ Y o u could tell it was a different experience than what they’re used to in these types of situations,” said Sacred Heart principal Darby O’Neill.

The visitors who arrived at the parish that day were there to collect a box filled with food — a gift from the students and their families.

It was the second annual Boxed with Love event, a pop-up food pantry hosted by Sacred Heart during Catholic Schools Week and designed for those in the community in need of extra help.

The school partnered with Catholic Charities of North-

east Kansas and shared event details through its parish bulletin to get the message out.

Its students spent around six weeks collecting items that ultimately filled 50 boxes on the day of the pantry.

Their efforts reminded Sacred Heart pastor Father Brandon Farrar of a quote from Pope Benedict’s 2005 encyclical letter “Deus Caritas Est.” “Seeing with the eyes of Christ, I can give to others much more than their outward necessities; I can give them the look of love which they crave,” the pope wrote.

“I thought this [food pantry] allowed a humanizing of the act of giving,” said Father Farrar.

“I think it gives the students lived experience of Christ’s expression that unless you lose yourself, you won’t find yourself.” he added. >> See “FOOD” on page 4

LENTEN DINNER NOTICES

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER

Principal Darby O’Neill helps fifth-grader Emmanuel Zamora stack a box filled with food during Sacred Heart School’s second annual Boxed with Love event Jan. 27.

WHEN

DEADLINE

Feb. 21.

Feb. 12.

The Leaven will publish a list of Lenten dinners in the archdiocese on

Because of space considerations, notices are limited to around 40 words and are due

INCLUDE

• Time of event • Date(s) of event • Address of event

SUBMIT

Please email your information to: todd.habiger@ theleaven.org.

FEBRUARY 7, 2020 | THELEAVEN.ORG

ARCHBISHOP

“L

2

Make your commitment to end racism a personal one

ove is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into a friend.”

These words of Dr. Martin Luther King are etched on the west side of the granite pedestal upon which rests “The Angel of Harmony” sculpture located in the cathedral basilica gardens in St. Louis.

This statue is an apt symbol of the dream that motivated and inspired Dr. King in his heroic and successful efforts to break down the walls of segregation in America.

When I resided at the cathedral rectory in my final years in St. Louis, I was impressed and gratified to witness many people every day gazing upon this sculpture that provides an artistic glimpse of God’s dream for humanity.

This striking image features three children of distinct ethnic and racial heritages playing different musical instruments surrounded by the windchime wings of an angel with African-American facial features.

All God’s children playing together; all God’s children in harmony; all God’s children celebrating both their common humanity and their diversity of gifts! Is this not God’s dream for humanity?

Coming of age in the 1960s, I was inspired by the life and ministry of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. I remember being mesmerized by Dr. King’s famous 1963 “I Have a Dream” speech. It was an oratorical masterpiece that has become an American literary treasure.

Dr. King would be the first to admit that his dream was not a dream of his own making. His dream was a fruit of his

LIFE WILL BE VICTORIOUS ARCHBISHOP JOSEPH F. NAUMANN Christian faith. Martin Luther King, before he was a civil rights leader, was a Christian, a disciple of Jesus and a minister of the Gospel.

Dr. King’s understanding of himself and others was derived from years of reflecting upon and praying over the Gospel of Jesus. Thus, Jesus’ dream became King’s dream as well.

Dr. King challenged the injustices of racial bigotry and discrimination that were both prevalent in our culture and systemic in our public policies. He was unafraid to confront injustice and to suffer in order to advance the cause of human dignity and freedom.

Dr. King took to heart the words from the First Letter of St. Peter: “Beloved: Even if you should suffer because of righteousness, blessed are you. Do not be afraid or terrified with fear of them, but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts” (3: 14-15a).

What was most remarkable about Dr. King was that he was an agent for social change and, in some ways, a social revolutionary, all the while holding true to principles of nonviolence.

He sought to expose

and eradicate injustice — not by taking up arms, but by allowing himself to be the victim of unjust laws. He compelled America to look at the ugliness of racial segregation and discrimination by permitting himself to be placed in jail cells.

From behind the bars of prison, he issued the call for setting free the truth by confronting our societal sin.

Thanks to the heroic leadership of Dr. King and so many others who shared God’s dream of respect for the inherent dignity of every human being, much has changed for the good in the past 70 years.

A modern-day Rip Van Winkle who had fallen asleep in 1950 and awakened in 2020 would be stunned by what was then and what is today.

Court decisions and changes in the law have transformed public policies that supported racial segregation into public policies that prohibit it. Seventy years ago, no one could have imagined people of color: 1) being celebrated in the world of athletics and entertainment; 2) being CEOs and members of boards for major corporations; 3) serving as mayors of major cities, governors of states, members of Congress, cabinet officers, justices of the Supreme Court, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and even

president of the United States.

At the same time, we know so much more needs to be done. We are painfully aware how lingering racial polarization continues to scar our communities. Racial fears result in segregating ourselves into nondiverse and, in some cases, gated communities.

The consequences of historic racism impacting current culture with persistent though subtler forms of bigotry are evidenced by significantly higher percentages of African-Americans living in poverty, dropping out of school and residing in prison.

In 1957, Martin Luther King spoke to an integrated crowd of 8,000 at a Freedom Rally in the old Kiel Auditorium in St. Louis. In his talk that night, he counseled against both extreme optimism and extreme pessimism regarding the state of race relations in our nation.

Dr. King believed that extreme optimism leads to a false complacency with the status quo. Similarly, he argued that extreme pessimism leads to a hopelessness that change is not possible.

He noted that extreme optimism and extreme pessimism in the area of race relations have one thing in common — they provide justification to those who accept them to do nothing.

Dr. King called for realism that acknowledged major progress had been achieved, but also admitted significant change was still needed.

Realism in race relations today challenges us to face the hard reality that much more needs to be done before God’s dream for humanity is realized.

This is why the Catholic bishops of the United States in November 2018

Feb. 11 Priests Personnel meeting Administrative Team meeting

ARCHBISHOP NAUMANN Feb. 7 Mother’s birthday — St. Louis

Feb. 9 World Marriage Day Mass and reception — Church of the Ascension, Overland Park St. Isidore Mass and dinner — St. Isidore Catholic Student Center, Manhattan Feb. 10 Pastoral Council meeting

promulgated a pastoral letter against racism entitled: “Open Wide Our Hearts: The Enduring Call to Love.” We state: “Racism still profoundly affects our culture, and it has no place in the Christian heart. This evil causes great harm to its victims. . . . The persistence of the evil of racism is why we are writing this letter now.

People are still being harmed, so action is still needed.”

I encourage you to read or reread “Open Wide Our Hearts” and ask yourself both what can you do personally as well as what your parish can do to liberate our society from the lingering menace of racism.

I was given the opportunity for 10 years to serve in predominantly African-American parish communities. I am a better priest and person for my time in these remarkable and beautiful communities of faith.

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

Feb. 12 Adoration — Bishop Miege High School, Roeland Park Permanent deacon candidate pre-ordination interviews Feb. 13 Religious Alliance Against Pornography conference call Vespers and dinner with priests ordained less than five years

I have great respect and admiration for African-American Catholics, many of whom persevered in living their Catholic faith despite enduring bigotry and racism within the church. Their belief in the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist motivated them to remain resolute in their Catholic faith despite the sins and failures of some of the church’s ministers and members.

During February, we observe Black History Month. Let us pray especially during these days for the eradication of racism in America.

I encourage each of us to make a personal commitment: 1) to remove any vestiges of racism from our own hearts; and 2) to strive through concrete ways in speech and in action to promote the dignity of each and every human person, no matter race or ethnicity.

Together, we can overcome!

is affiliated with Warren-McElwain Mortuary, Lawrence, KS “Locally Owned and Operated Since 1904”

1844 Minnesota Ave. Kansas City, Kansas 913-371-7000 “Dignified and Affordable Without Compromise”

Kansans for Life Valentine Banquet — Overland Park Convention Center

Jim Larkin

Sam Garcia

FEBRUARY 7, 2020 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

3

‘AD LIMINA’

Meeting with Pope Francis proves to be ‘a powerful experience’

By Moira Cullings moira.cullings@theleaven.org

K

ANSAS CITY, Kan. — It’s a photo that captured the hearts of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas.

Pope Francis, Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann and Father Anthony Saiki are seen laughing together, each one radiating joy.

Their laughter is the result of Father Saiki, a priest of the archdiocese currently studying in Rome, offering Pope Francis a new white zucchetto.

The tradition goes that if you give the pope a zucchetto, he’ll give you the one he is wearing.

But when the pope put Father Saiki’s zucchetto on his head, “he didn’t feel like it quite fit as comfortably as the one he had,” Archbishop Naumann explained.

Not wanting to disappoint the young priest, the pope “took it and pressed it down on his head, and he gave it back to Father Anthony and said, ‘All of the spirit and the power of the successor of Peter is in this now,’” said the archbishop.

The three burst out laughing.

It was one of many highlights of Archbishop Naumann’s fourth “ad limina” visit (his first with Pope Francis) from Jan. 11-17 in Rome.

The archbishop traveled with the bishops of Region IX, who represent Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska.

For Archbishop Naumann, that meant traveling with familiar faces, such as Bishop James Johnston of the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph, who is just across the state line, and Archbishop George Lucas of the Archdiocese of Omaha, who he attended high school with.

“It was good to be able to travel with them and share this experience together,” said Archbishop Naumann.

During their time in Rome, the bishops prayed at the tombs of the apostles Peter and Paul and visited with Pope Francis.

But because the real purpose of the “ad limina” was for the bishops to update Pope Francis and Vatican congregations on how their dioceses are doing in a variety of areas within the church, much of their time was spent in meetings.

Since Archbishop Naumann’s first “ad limina” in 1998, he has noticed a few changes, and explained that the style of every pope is different.

The congregations have become more focused on listening to what the bishops have to say, he said, and Pope Francis, in particular, asked the bishops to be very frank and open with him.

“He said he wanted to hear from each of us whatever was on our heart,” said Archbishop Naumann.

“In my case, I talked to him about the pro-life issues and about this initiative ‘Walking with Moms in Need’ that the bishops were undertaking,”

PHOTO COURTESY OF FATHER ANTHONY SAIKI

Pope Francis shares a light moment with Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann and Father Anthony Saiki concerning a zucchetto Father Saiki gave to the pope. the archbishop added. “He was very pleased to hear about that.”

The meeting with the pope lasted around three hours, and each of the bishops had the chance to ask him a question.

“I think all of us in Region Nine felt it was a pretty extraordinary moment to have that amount of time with the Holy Father,” said Archbishop Naumann.

Although the discussions were serious, the bishops also shared some lighthearted moments with the pope, who Archbishop Naumann said “has a good sense of humor, and we saw that frequently in our conversation.”

The archbishop was also impressed by the energy Pope Francis had throughout their time together.

“He seemed very engaged and energized through the whole time. He didn’t seem exhausted or anything,” he said.

Another highlight of the trip for Archbishop Naumann was seeing Father Saiki, who is studying canon law in Rome and is the only priest from the archdiocese currently living there.

“It was nice for me because he’s near the end of his studies, so to have those days to spend with him and hear how he’s doing and encourage him” was very fruitful, the archbishop said.

Father Saiki was able to attend Mass with the bishops and personally interact with the pope for the first time.

“I think that was a high point for him,” said Archbishop Naumann.

That interaction was one of the archbishop’s favorite moments of his “ad limina,” too.

President Most Rev. Joseph F. Naumann

Publication No. (ISSN0194-9799)

“It was really a powerful experience,” he said.

PHOTO COURTESY OF FATHER ANTHONY SAIKI

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann preaches the homily at a Mass he celebrated at the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome Jan. 14 with the bishops of Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska. The bishops were all making their “ad limina” visits to the Vatican to report on the status of their dioceses to the pope and Vatican officials.

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

Production Manager Todd Habiger todd.habiger@theleaven.org

Advertising Coordinator Beth Blankenship beth.blankenship@theleaven.org

Managing Editor Anita McSorley anita.mcsorley@theleaven.org

Senior Reporter Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

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

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

FEBRUARY 7, 2020 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

4

Virginia and John Zumalt, members of Good Shepherd Parish, S h a w nee, will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary with Mass in the Good Shepherd chapel on Feb. 18. The couple was married on Feb. 13, 1960, at Christ the King Church in Kansas City, Missouri. Their children are: Marcie Zumalt, Johnny Zumalt and Jimmy Zumalt. They also have six grandchildren.

PHOTO COURTESY OF FOCUS

Father Nick Blaha (second from left) pastor of Blessed Sacrament, Our Lady & St. Rose, and Christ the King parishes in Kansas City, Kansas, was honored with the St. Francis Xavier Award at the Fellowship of Catholic University Students national event Jan. 3.

Father Blaha honored by FOCUS

K

ANSAS CITY, Kan. — The Fellowship of Catholic University Students honored Father Nick Blaha for outstanding service to the new evangelization at its national event SLS20, held Dec. 30 to Jan. 3 in Phoenix.

Father Blaha is pastor of three Kansas City, Kansas, parishes: Blessed Sacrament, Our Lady & St. Rose,

and Christ the King.

He is the fourth recipient of the St. Francis Xavier Award, given to alumni, but the first to be awarded at a national Fellowship of Catholic University Students (FOCUS) event.

Father Blaha was a FOCUS missionary from 2003 to 2006. He has an ongoing investment in the men who attended his Bible study while he

was a missionary at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Six men from his Bible study are priests — seven, counting Father Blaha.

He also began a group — consisting of two FOCUS missionaries, who went fishing every year — that has grown to include seven priests and four married men who continue to develop their relationships and brotherhood rooted in Christ.

Colette (Schmitz) and Frank Peel, members of St. Stanislaus Parish, Rossville, will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary on Feb. 13.

The couple was married on Feb. 13, 1960, at St. Mary Church, St. Benedict.

Their children are: Gary, Donald, Kevin, John and Ronald. They also have 10 grandchildren.

Angela and Steve Salem, members of Church of the Ascension, O ve r l a n d Park, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary with a family trip this summer to Hilton Head, South Carolina. The couple was married on Feb. 7, 1970, at St. Clement Church, Cincinnati. Their children are: Stephen Salem, Kyle Salem and Emily (Salem) Schaffhausen. They also have 10 grandchildren.

Food drive opens students’ eyes to the plight of the needy >> Continued from page 1 “It helps in the process of formation to redirect their gaze away from themselves to the other,” he continued.

Not only did the students gather the food items and organize the boxes, but they also interacted with the people they were serving firsthand, making for a unique food pantry experience.

Third-grade students like Julena Zamora sang church hymns, and fifth-graders like Cooper Legako held the door open and greeted visitors.

The fifth-grade students also drew pictures on prayer cards that were placed in each box, Legako explained.

For Zamora, “doing what Jesus calls us to do” felt good, and she and Legako said it’s something they would love to do again.

“Seeing them grab the boxes” was fourth-grader Kadie Wade’s favorite part of the day “because I was glad that we helped them.

“I liked seeing the smiles on their faces, and it made me smile seeing them happy,” she said.

Third-grader Henry Tajchman enjoyed “getting to carry out boxes for people because I knew that I was helping them.”

O’Neill said the experience impacted his students in a profound way.

“You could see kids’ eyes widen as they recognized some of the people that were coming,” he said. “We have volunteers who come in and help the school for various reasons, and one of the vol-

Parish takes food pantry to next level

T LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER

From left, third-grader Xavier Logsdon, fifth-grader Emmanuel Zamora, fourth-grader Henry Sheeley and fifth-grader Brandon Ruiz carry boxes filled with food to the cars of the people they served. unteers went through the line.

“It helped them realize that we don’t know who needs help or what people are going through.”

It also encouraged the students to “treat everybody like Jesus, because we don’t know who we’re interacting with or what they’re going through,” O’Neill added.

Marcie Logsdon, whose son is a third-grader at Sacred Heart, was the team captain for the PTO group during Catholic Schools Week.

She was impressed by the students’ work ethic and is grateful her son had the

experience.

“Catholic school is just so amazing,” she said. “My heart is so happy when I get to see our students and my own child do things like this.

“So often, kids will take a food donation, even to the grocery store. But not only did these kids collect food for six weeks or more, they actually boxed it and they actually got to see the people come and get it.

“For them to truly work hands-on and understand that we’re helping somebody — even people we know — I think is a pretty special thing.”

he students at Sacred Heart aren’t the only ones at the parish eager to get involved in their community.

The parish will kick off its own soup kitchen and food pantry on Feb. 23. It will initially be open twice a month with the hope of eventually making it available weekly.

The idea came about when a husband and wife at the parish passed away within a short period of time. The couple left its estate to the parish, asking that it help the poor in some way.

“We could’ve just written checks,” said Father Farrar, “but we took it as encouragement to collaborate with that gift of this husband and wife and saw it as a responsibility on our part to join in their act of giving.”

The project is fittingly named the John and Frances Ice Soup Kitchen and Food Pantry after the couple that made it possible.

“The response from those that I have invited or asked to lead in this initiative,” said Father Farrar, “has really been quite remarkable.”

FEBRUARY 7, 2020 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

5

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS TAKE CENTER STAGE

Archdiocesan schools celebrate Catholic Schools Week

s HIGH TECH

From left, eighth-grader Grace Tinsman and second-graders Reese Whitney and Kaelyn Haverty work with Mike Lisson on the first Hour of Code at St. Ann School in Prairie Village during Catholic Schools Week.

During the event, several parents and Amazon employees shared their experiences working in the technological world. Older students were paired with younger students to explore a coding activity.

PHOTO BY JUDI WOLLENZIEHN

s A TIME TO GIVE

Bishop Miege, Roeland Park, sophomore William Watson, a member of the Page Pirates Book Club, sorts donated cans for the annual SOUPer Bowl. All items will be donated to Project Uplift to help feed the homeless.

s FOR CHARITY

Students at Resurrection School in Kansas City, Kansas, participated in a dress-down day to raise money for the Catholic Education Foundation. Pictured are Resurrection principal Lynda Higgins and kindergartner Paw Zahme.

s COME TOGETHER

In what’s become a Catholic Schools Week tradition, students at St. Gregory School, Marysville, and Sts. Peter and Paul School, Seneca, spent the day together attending Mass, and participating in activities and recess together.

From left, kindergartners Claire Olberding, Madelyn Schell, Ty Sudbeck and Colby Hill are pictured above.

u LET’S CELEBRATE

Sacred Heart of Jesus School, Shawnee, had a weeklong celebration. At Mass, Father Pat Sullivan, pastor, blessed Sacred Heart medals for all the students, who then made cards for soldiers in their faith families. The eighth-graders hosted a carnival to raise money to support Catholic Charities, and the week closed out with a school talent show, pictured at right.

s LIKE IKE

Jonah Stewart, a seventh-grader at Most Pure Heart of Mary School in Topeka, portrays Dwight D. Eisenhower during the Famous Kansans Wax Museum at the school during Catholic Schools Week.

s PRAY IT FORWARD

For Catholic Schools Week, each Prince of Peace, Olathe, student received a handmade rosary. And like second-graders Emma Coatney (left) and Charlotte Calovich, each prayed the rosary for the intention of another and then passed the rosary on to the person they had prayed for. Then that person prayed the rosary for the intention of another and so on, in a touching new twist on an ancient devotion.

FEBRUARY 7, 2020 | THELEAVEN.ORG

FAMILY LIFE

T

6

For a marriage to thrive, couples must change and grow

he public address system in the mall was playing Billy Joel’s words: “Don’t go changing to try and please me. . . .

I love you just the way you are,” and couples were strolling on the eve of Valentine’s Day. My counseling office, tucked away in a corner of the mall, was filled with sadness. A young lady in tears was sitting with me. The contrast was striking. Outside my door, the world was celebrating romantic love, while inside my office, I was collecting pieces of broken dreams.

My client was complaining of feeling inadequate in her own home: “I do not seem to do anything right. My husband criticizes my cooking; he does not agree with the way I correct our children. He wants me to be more like his mother — run our home as she did when he was growing up.”

That evening, while the words “I love you just the way you are” echoed in the mall, the young lady in my office was telling me that her husband was asking her to change. She was deeply hurt and angry.

Marriage is a collaborative venture. To build a marriage, spouses start by bringing to the relationship the best of their selves: their personalities, talents,

Question for reflection: As you think about your marriage, consider how you go about accommodating each other. When was the last time you made a change to accommodate your spouse?

JOHN BOSIO John Bosio is a former marriage and family therapist, director of religious education and diocesan family life coordinator. He is a member of the National Association of Catholic Family Life Ministers.

dreams, experiences and personal preferences.

In the marriage vows, we promise to give ourselves and to accept each other without conditions.

That is a tall promise.

As married life moves forward, spouses discover that, to become a couple, each one has to make some changes; each has to give up something to accommodate the other. This is how we become one and stay one. Change is necessary. But change cannot be imposed or demanded. It must come as an act of self-giving. That is love.

According to Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, as love grows, it moves from a love that

is self-seeking to one that seeks the good of the beloved, and is even willing to sacrifice. (“Deus Caritas Est”).

When this self-giving love is mutual, the relationship thrives.

Often, we seek the good of our spouse by encouraging change through helpful suggestions; some would say that we are nagging.

Linda Waite and Maggie Gallagher, sociologists at the University of Chicago, talk about the benefits of nagging in marriage in their ground breaking book “The Case for Marriage.”

They write: “A spouse’s nagging can have a powerful impact on one’s health for both men and women.”

Change cannot be demanded, but it can be encouraged through gentle suggestions.

I remember a day, after 25 years of marriage, when returning from a business trip to Asia in the midst of the SARS epidemic. I did not feel well, and my wife pressured me to go see my doctor.

I did not want to go, but consented because I sensed that she was concerned for me. When the doctor asked why I was there, my first words were: “Because my wife made me.” The doctor laughed and then said: “Always listen to your wife, she only wants what is best for you. That is love.”

It is out of love and care that sometimes we

pressure each other to do certain things or to make the changes that we would not make on our own.

Dr. John Gottman, an expert on marriage relationship, explains in “The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work” that the most stable marriages are those in which husbands listen to their wives’ suggestions, especially in decision making.

He writes: “Statistically speaking, when a man is not willing to share power with his partner, there is 81 percent chance that this marriage will self-destruct.”

“Don’t go changing” is a well-intended message of a popular song but, in reality, for a marriage to thrive and

to grow both spouses need to make changes.

What is critical to the health of the marriage is how we help each other to change and grow so that together we bring out the best of the two lives we are trying to merge.

In my client’s marriage, the accommodations were not mutual.

In addition, the requests for change came in the form of criticism, and not as polite “helpful suggestions.” Criticism is quite different from “helpful suggestions.”

Criticism and sarcasm are deadly to the relationship because they attack the person.

It tells the other: “You don’t count.”

Married life is a long journey of negotiating and adjusting to each other.

It is a life of constant change to build a life together that is fulfilling to both spouses.

Hastings Catholic Schools is seeking a qualified candidates for St. Cecilia Middle/High School Principal, grades 6-12.

The candidates will be able to effectively lead the faculty and students in carrying out the mission of the school, where students encounter Christ, grow in knowledge and become Christian witnesses.

Apply at: www.hastingscatholicschools.org.

RIGHT ON THE ‘DOTTE Spirituality and service guided KCK native in communications career

STORY BY JOE BOLLIG |

K

PHOTOS BY LORI WOOD HABIGER

ANSAS CITY, Kan. — For Therese Horvat, her 52-year career in communications has been more than a profession or a vocation.

It has been her

Church and matters of faith were important in her family — family rosaries, First Friday Masses and Catholic schools.

She was taught by women religious of three orders.

Her long association with the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth literally began at birth, which was in the old Providence identity.

“I don’t separate a lot of that out,” she Hospital (now site of Donnelly College) run by the Sisters of Charity. said. “It’s what I do and who I am.”

Later, she and her siblings went to Her career has included working for the Eastern Kansas Register (now The St. Rose of Lima School, where she was Leaven), Providence Medical Center, the taught by these Sisters.

“I had the SisSisters of Charity of ters from grades Leavenworth and one to eight, and I her own consulting have fond memofirm.

“SHE IS INVOLVED AS ries of the Sisters,” As a communicasaid Horvat. “I credit tions consultant, she has brought a life- ANYONE COULD POSSIBLY BE my love of writing my eighth-grade time of knowledge IN THE PARISH. . . . SHE IS to teacher, Sister Mary and expertise in service to the church ALWAYS SO PLEASANT AND Corita Conlan.”

Sister Corita and nonprofit orgaCHEERFUL, AND HAS A GOOD would give them crenizations. ative writing assignShe has also TAKE ON THINGS.” ments that would served the commubegin with a promptnity, offering her ing word or phrase leadership to various civic organizations as board member, [such as: “The pilot stepped from the cockpit”] and then have them read their chairperson or president.

Like a tapestry, her career in commu- work aloud for critique.

“That, I really feel, is where my love of nications has been woven from these threads of her life: faith, home, mission writing started,” she said.

For high school, Horvat went to the and storytelling.

The foundation for all has been her old Loretto Academy in Kansas City, Missouri, and was taught by the Sisters fascination with the transcendent Word.

“I was thinking how important words of Loretto. There, she experienced her are to me,” she said. “I was thinking about first leadership role as student council the Gospel of John: ‘In the beginning was president.

After graduation, she briefly considthe Word.’

“That means that words are sacred. ered a religious vocation.

There is that identity of Jesus being the “I went for two weeks to the Sisters ‘Word made flesh.’ I think words are very of Loretto, who at that time sent their telling.” postulants to Littleton, Colorado,” said Horvat. “I got extremely homesick.”

Upon her return to Kansas City, Kansas, she enrolled at Donnelly College, founded and run by the Benedictine SisAlthough she has lived now for 30 ters of Mount St. Scholastica in Atchison. years in Leavenworth County, Horvat She graduated from Donnelly with an grew up a “’Dotte,” which means that she associate of arts degree in 1966. Next, she is a native of Wyandotte County — or went to Mount St. Scholastica College Kansas City, Kansas, for those not from (now Benedictine College) in Atchison, there. Being a ’Dotte is not a matter of also run by the Benedictine Sisters. She mere geography, but a rootedness to her graduated with a bachelor of arts in 1970. identity. It means history, heritage, relaHorvat was editor of the literary magtionship and family. azines at the academy and both colleges.

“I’m the oldest of four kids,” she said. And while at Donnelly, she worked part “We were all baptized at St. John the time as reporter for the Eastern Kansas Baptist Church, the Croatian parish, but Register.

Mom and Dad’s first home was in [the] “I liked to write,” she said. “I think I Quindaro (neighborhood).” knew I wanted to do communications,

Therese Horvat prays inside her parish of Holy Angels in Basehor. She was chairperson of the capital cam

“

Words from the start

Horvat serves as a lector, greeter and extraordinary minister of holy Communion at Holy Angels Parish in Basehor. but what shape it would take I didn’t over northeastern Kansas, and I liked the stories.” know.”

Next, she worked briefly in the comAfter graduating from Mount St. Scholastica, Horvat received a scholarship to munications department at the Universiattend Harvard Divinity School in Cam- ty of Kansas Medical Center. But in 1976, she “came home” to the Sisters of Charity bridge, Massachusetts. As she learned in Colorado, you can take the girl out of the of Leavenworth when she became public relations director at Providence-St. Mar’Dotte, but . . .

“I had a notion that I wanted to be garet Health Center (later Providence the religion news editor for Time maga- Medical Center) in Kansas City, Kansas, zine,” she said. “So, I went to Harvard for run by the Sisters.

By the time she left in 2000, she had a semester and a half, but I got dreadfully become vice president of strategic planhomesick.

“It’s one of the few regrets I have that I ning and community relations.

While at Providence, Horvat enrolled didn’t complete a theology degree there.”

She returned to the Kansas City area in the Executive Fellows program at to look for work. Eventually, she became Rockhurst University in Kansas City, Missouri, and graduated with a master’s news editor of the Eastern Kansas Register from 1972 to 1975. Archbishop Ig- in business administration in 1987. natius J. Strecker was the new ordinary, the changes of the Second Vatican Council were being implemented and Call to Share study groups were meeting all over During her 23-year career in hospital the archdiocese. communications for Providence and St. “It was an exciting time,” said Horvat.

John Hospital in Leavenworth, Horvat “I got to meet a lot of people, travel all

Expanding horizons

Therese Horvat and Sister Noreen Walter (standing), director of the Marillac Center, review the retreat and spirituality center’s website. Horvat did public relations for many of the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth ministries for years.

mpaigns to build the new church and a eucharistic adoration chapel.

Therese Horvat visits with Sister Mary Kenneth Messina in the corridor of the main floor of the mother house of the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth. Horvat’s association with the Sisters began, literally, at birth. grew deeply involved in the communities of both Wyandotte and Leavenworth counties.

She exercised her leadership skills as board member, president or chairperson

of a number of organizations, including the KCK Chamber of Commerce; Wyandotte Development, Inc.; Caritas Clinics; and the Kansas City Area Hospital Public Relations Society.

In 2000, Horvat founded her own firm, WTGG (an acronym for “Way To Go, Girl”). The firm’s focus is strategic communications, strategic planning, group facilitation and grant-writing consultation.

At that time, she also began to study for a master’s degree in religious studies at Central Baptist Theological Seminary in Kansas City, Kansas, graduating in 2004.

Most of her clients have been nonprofits or Catholic entities. It wasn’t planned this way but, rather, the result of her contacts and personal associations.

In 2006, for example, she was engaged by the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas as a consultant to work with Meitler Consultants to do pastoral planning with parishes in Wyandotte and Leavenworth counties.

“I was on the task force for each county to oversee the process,” she said.

“Those were difficult, sensitive times.

There were fewer priests, and parishes needed to be consolidated. There were difficult decisions for people to grapple with.

“In those situations I used my planning and facilitation skills I developed. . . . It was to try to get people to come to agreement that some things needed to change . . . . There were a lot of evening meetings, and those could be contentious because these things were near and dear to people’s hearts, and it would mean change for them.

“I was the ‘on the ground person’ sharing information and bringing feedback back to the [leadership] group as to what people were saying.”

Horvat has also used her professional skills at Holy Angels Parish in Basehor, her parish.

She was chairperson of the capital campaigns to build the new church and a eucharistic adoration chapel, and has also been involved in the archdiocesan capital campaign “One Faith, One Family, One Future . . . in Christ.”

“She was one of the first persons, when I arrived, to offer me her services,” said Father Richard McDonald, pastor.

“She has been more than helpful. She has been phenomenal.”

Additionally, she is a lector, greeter, and extraordinary minister of holy Communion. She has also done publicity work for Holy Angels.

“She is involved as anyone could possibly be in the parish,” said Father McDonald. “Would that more people would step up to the plate like she does.

“She is always so pleasant and cheerful, and has a good take on things. Everyone respects her and she is very much liked.”

As a leader, she brings people together, he said. Horvat has the ability to bring consensus by focusing on core issues

and eliciting from people their points of view in ways that are respectful to them.

A return to her roots Horvat’s long history with the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth led her to becoming an SCL Associate in 1996, while working at Providence.

“An associate is someone who adheres to the philosophy, mission and values of the Sisters,” she said. “That’s important to me, because it’s my identification with the Sisters.”

Horvat’s spiritual association with the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth became professional as well when, as a consultant, she became part-time communications director for the Sisters in 2005. She continued as an independent contractor with the Sisters until November 2016, when she became a full-time employee.

Sister Constance Phelps, SCL, now community director, met Horvat when she was on the Providence Medical Center board.

“I saw what she was able to do in her position at the medical center,” said Sister Constance. “She’s articulate. She certainly writes well. She has good ideas and she’s personable.”

As communications director, Horvat published a thrice-yearly magazine Voices of Charity; upgraded their website; wrote and sent the daily email blast to the associates and far-flung houses of the Sisters in the United States and Peru; did special communications and projects; wrote communications plans; published newsletters; and sent out news and feature articles to various news organizations.

“She is a creative leader,” said Sister Constance. “Because she is centered in herself, she is calm. She can encourage others and pulls out the leadership qualities in others. She certainly has the ability to get things done.”

And she’ll be hard to do without.

“She’s put her stamp on things and moved things forward without seeming overloaded,” she added.

This past December, Horvat decided to retire from full-time work with the Sisters. She’ll continue part time and will assist her successor. She’ll continue to freelance and do communications consulting, and pursue other things that she enjoys.

“Sharing the stories and supporting the missions of the organizations I’ve worked for, whatever they are, has been my greatest accomplishment,” she said.

“And I’ve never been bored,” she continued. “There’s never a dull moment when you’re doing communications because the stories change and your efforts are to share the stories in a positive way . . . and let people know what they do.”

FEBRUARY 7, 2020 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

T

11

Annual appeal strengthens parishes, funds vital programs

he lives of young people preparing for marriage or seeking a religious vocation are touched by a gift to the Archbishop’s Call to Share.

An elderly grandmother receives hope and care. A college student finds a place of peace and grace.

An immigrant is given guidance and support.

Each year, contributions to the Archbishop’s Call to Share appeal reach thousands of people throughout northeast Kansas with help and hope through more than 40 agencies and ministries.

From Leavenworth to Olathe, from Topeka to Wyandotte County, these programs touch the lives of individuals and families at all stages of life — from pregnancy clinics, to schools and religious education, vocation formation, and support and care for those living in retirement.

Charities outreach to those in rural areas, and the My House program provides anti-pornography resources for families — often saving marriages.

Helping young people meet Jesus Conversion and evangelization efforts throughout the archdiocese strengthen parish communities. Catholic campus centers provide a sacramental home for college students. Retreats at Christ’s Peace House of Prayer in Easton are available year-round.

Bilingual retreats are available at designated locations. Young people are inspired at the annual Topeka Youth Conference and events at Prairie Star Ranch.

Helping families and children

Above, New Roots for Refugees helps newly arrived immigrant families support themselves with agriculture programs.

Right, pro-life pregnancy clinics throughout the archdiocese serve women and help protect the young and unborn.

Future priests and sisters The archdiocesan office of vocations offers many programs to students beginning to prayerfully consider their vocations, including Project Andrew, “Quo Vadis” retreats and opportunities for young women to discern the call to religious life. Additional support for seminarians, ordained priests and the perma-

nent diaconate helps keep the sacramental life of each parish strong.

Those living on the margins or with addiction Outreach and direct assistance to those in need takes many forms: the New Roots for

Refugees program, in partnership with Cultivate KC, helps connect recently arrived immigrant fam-

TOUCH OF HEAVEN

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

ilies with community-supported agriculture programs. The Mobile Resource Bus provides Catholic

Disabled? Can’t Work?

I help you win disability benefits.

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

785.331.6452

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

Pro-life pregnancy clinics in Wyandotte County and Olathe are supported, in part, by the Archbishop’s Call to Share appeal and serve women throughout the region. As families grow, Catholic schools and educational programs inspire students and their parents to live and witness their Catholic faith boldly.

To see more ways the Call to Share appeal impacts people and reaffirms their faith, visit the website at: smallestseed.archkck.org.

Your gift to the annual Archbishop’s Call to Share appeal will help ensure that parishes, schools and ministries continue to serve the people of northeast Kansas into the future. Please prayerfully consider renewing your commitment to the Archbishop’s Call to Share appeal today.

FEBRUARY 7, 2020 | THELEAVEN.ORG

CLASSIFIEDS

EMPLOYMENT Director of human resources - The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas is seeking qualified candidates to fill the position of director of human resources. The archdiocese provides shared services for 120 associated organizations. Services include: benefits administration; Workers’ Compensation; retirement plans; and a standardized payroll process. Applicants must be a practicing Catholic in good standing and an active and faithful steward in their parish. Applicants must have expertise in creating and implementing HR policies and processes; client employee services and support; legal compliance; HRIS and data management; and employee benefit management and administration; Workers’ Compensation, leave management and related processes; employee relations and performance management; and employer/employee communications. This position manages a staff of three HR professionals; is the chief human resources consultant to parishes, schools and other archdiocesan organizations; and manages all human resource functions at the chancery. The successful candidate will have expertise in multiple HR disciplines, demonstrated skill with innovation and process improvement, and have excellent people skills. For a complete job description and to download the job application, go online to: archkck.org/jobs. Send cover letter of recommendation from your pastor and resume to: Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, attn.: Carla Mills, Chief Financial Officer, 12615 Parallel Parkway, Kansas City, KS 66109; or email to: cmills@archkck.org with subject line HR Director. Application deadline is Feb. 7.

High school principal - Bishop LeBlond Catholic High School is accepting applications for the position of principal. The principal leads school programs that ensure not only academic excellence, but also the spiritual, moral, physical and emotional development of the school community.

Regular duties include: • Lead and facilitate the church’s teaching mission and provide for religious development of the school community members.

• Identifies, implements and monitors annual goals and strategies to ensure the overall quality of the academic program.

•Supervise students and faculty, financial processes and maintenance programs.

Candidate must have a master’s degree, state certification and previous experience, be a practicing member of the Catholic Church, have a minimum of three years’ teaching experience in a Catholic school, and have state certification/license in administration. To apply, go to: https:// careers.hireology.com/thecatholicdioceseofkansascityst joseph/369951/description.

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

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

We have a recycling program and community activities.

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

Drivers - Assisted Transportation is now hiring caring and reliable drivers to transport K-12 students to and from school and other activities in company minivans. Positions are now available in Olathe, Overland Park and Kansas City, Kansas. Competitive wages and flexible schedules. CDL not required. Retirees encouraged to apply. Call (913) 262-3100 or apply online at: AssistedTransportation.com. EEO. School secretary - Full-time secretarial position in the early childhood center. The candidate should have good interpersonal skills, computer skills necessary for office work and a record of reliability. A background check and CPR/first-aid training required by state; child care workshop required by the school. If interested, please contact Ms. Theresa at (913) 248-4589.

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

Popcorn texture removed and apply knockdown texture.

Renew your walls with a fresh coat of quality paint!

Sheetrock and plaster repair Fully insured, serving Kansas for 27 years Call or text Jerry at (913) 206-1144.

Administrative assistant - Looking for something new?

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

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

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

Full- and part-time teaching positions - St. Joseph Early Education Center is currently looking for candidates for openings for a full-time teacher and a part-time teacher who can support at multiple levels at our center. These candidates are for our infant and toddler rooms in hopes of expanding our ability to care for the children on our waiting lists. The salary is at or above the norm and benefits are excellent. Please contact us if you are interested by calling the school secretary, Ms. Patricia, at (913) 2484588; the general number at (913) 631-0004; or by sending an email to: pfraley@stjoeshawnee.org.

Summer camp coordinator - Coordinator needed to begin in May. Summer camp begins with the children the Tuesday after Memorial Day, May 26. If interested, call Ms. Theresa at (913) 248-4589.

Equestrian manager and laborer - Prairie Star Ranch, the archdiocesan retreat center, has an immediate opening for the position of equestrian manager and laborer.

This permanent, full-time position oversees all areas of our equestrian program, herd management and serves as a part of our facilities improvement team. The ideal candidate will be a practicing Christian; have a strong foundation in horse care and management; demonstrated skills in instructing youth and adults; a practitioner of safety awareness; and a commitment to detail and professionalism. Interested individuals should submit a resume and application, which can be found at: www.archkck.org/ ranch/jobs, as soon as possible, to: Prairie Star Ranch, 1124 California Road, Williamsburg, KS 66095, or via email to: psr@archkck.org.

Assistant principal - St. Joseph School in Shawnee is accepting applications for a new assistant principal for the 2020-21 school year. The preferred applicant is a practicing Catholic; has a strong desire to help others foster a relationship with Christ; has demonstrated experience in spiritual and instructional leadership within Catholic schools; and holds or is working toward Kansas licensure in educational leadership. The assistant principal works directly with the principal to uphold the mission of the school and to provide ongoing support in a variety of ways for teachers, students and parents. The assistant principal is responsible for specific tasks related to discipline; school-wide assessments; scheduling; technology; classroom support for teachers; supervision; as well as other duties. Interested applicants should apply online at: www. archkckcs.org., select “Employment” to access the online application. Once the online application is submitted, email resume and cover letter to: Jodie Maddox, principal, St. Joseph School, at: jmaddox@stjoeshawnee.org.

Chief executive officer - Catholic Charities of Kansas CitySt. Joseph is recruiting a new chief executive officer. The 140-year-old nonprofit is a multiservice organization dedicated to serving and lifting the poor and vulnerable in the 27 counties within the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph. Together with the board, the chief executive officer is responsible for the organization’s overall success and will lead the staff, engage the board of directors and expand the financial resources to help the organization lift people out of poverty. We seek a dedicated and practicing Catholic, master’s, prepared with 10+ years’ successful high-level leadership experience in a senior management position. Qualified candidates should send a resume to Dan Heiman, Cornerstone Executive Search, at: danh@cornerstone-kc.com or call (913) 341-7655 for more information.

Staff accountant – St. Joseph Church in Shawnee is looking for a full-time staff accountant. This position is responsible for accounts payable; payroll; cash receipts; and various other accounting duties. The candidate must have accounting experience and be proficient with a variety of software products. Salary commensurate with experience. If interested, email cover letter and resume to: vcole@stjoeshawnee.org.

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.

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

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

Everything is guaranteed 100% (913) 461-4052 www.windowservicesoverlandpark.com drcconswindows@gmail.com Concrete construction - Tear out and replace amped, stained or colored patios and drives. Retaining walls, footings, poured-in-place safe rooms, excavation and hauling. Asphalt drives and lots. Fully insured; references. Call Dan at (913) 207-4371 or send an email to: dan deeconst@aol.com.

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

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

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

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

All interior and exterior work.

Honest, dependable, experienced and family owned.

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

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

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

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

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

Call Joe, mention The Leaven discount.

A Total Door (913) 236-6440.

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

Speedy Guzman Moving and delivery Licensed and insured Anytime (816) 935-0176 Mike Hammer local moving - A full-service mover.

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

8 to Your Ideal Weight Get Real, Get Healthy, Get Empowered.

Release your weight and restore your power in 8 weeks! http://8toyouridealweight.com/coach/kathi/ Tutor - Available for K - 12 in various subjects and test preps. Tutor has 17 years of experience teaching and tutoring. Call Kathleen at (913) 206-2151 or email: Klmamuric@yahoo.com.

Rodman Lawn Care Lawn mowing, aeration, verticutting, mulching, Hedge trimming, leaf removal, gutter cleaning Fully insured and free estimates John Rodman (913) 548-3002

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

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

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

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

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

Tree trimming/landscaping Free estimates licensed/insured/references (913) 620-6063

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

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

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

WE SELL HOMES - Looking to sell? This is a seller’s market.

Call for a free consultation detailing the steps to selling your home. Ask about our 39-day sales guarantee. Mention this ad for a special offer. Call Jim Blaufuss, Re/Max Realty Suburban, at (913) 226-7442. Jimblaufuss@remax.net.

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

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

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

Will buy firearms and related accessories - One or a whole collection. Honest evaluation and top prices paid.

Contact Tom at (913) 238-2473. Member of Sacred Heart Parish, Shawnee.

Wanted to buy - Old cars or hot rods. Uncompleted project cars in any condition, with or without titles. Cash buyer. Call (913) 980-3559.

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

We Guarantee your services at today’s prices.

HOME IMPROVEMENT

Helen Skradski

12

Steve Pierce

913-371-1404

Carrie Kaifes-Lally

www.skradskifh-kc.com Proudly Serving our Community Since 1929

FEBRUARY 7, 2020 | THELEAVEN.ORG

CALENDAR F.I.R.E. RETREAT 2020 Prairie Star Ranch 1124 California Rd., Williamsburg Feb. 8 - 9

The men of the archdiocese are hosting the annual Men’s Catholic F.I.R.E. Retreat. Where are you? Where is your brother? For more information and to register, visit the website at: fire-ministries.org.

BINGO St. Mary-St. Anthony Church (Bishop Forst Hall) 615 N. 7th St., Kansas City, Kansas Feb. 9 at 2 p.m.

Enjoy an afternoon of bingo and fun. Win poviticas, apple strudels and salamis. A $5 admission buys a bingo card, desserts, popcorn and coffee. Beer and soda will be available for purchase. For more information, contact Carol Shomin at (913) 897-4833 or the parish office at (913) 371-1408. Tickets may be purchased at the door.

BREAKFAST Sacred Heart Parish (hall) 106 Exchange St., Emporia Feb. 9 from 8 - 11 a.m.

Join friends and family for breakfast. The suggested donation is a freewill offering.

BREAKFAST WITH THE KNIGHTS Divine Mercy Parish Christian Formation Center 555 W. Main Street, Gardner Feb. 9 from 7:30 - 10 a.m.

Enjoy a hot and hearty breakfast of pancakes, sausage, eggs, biscuits and gravy, and all the sides. The cost is: $6 for adults; $3 for kids 6 - 12; and free for kids 5 and under.

SOUP LUNCHEON Most Pure Heart of Mary (Formation Room) 3601 S.W. 17th St., Topeka Feb. 9 from 1 - 3 p.m.

The Christian widow and widowers organization will host the soup luncheon. There is no cost to attend. For more information, call (785) 233-7350.

BREAKFAST SUNDAY St. Bede Parish 7344 Drought St., Kelly Feb. 9 from 7:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.

The parish will be hosting a breakfast of pancakes, sausage and eggs. The suggested donation is a freewill offering.

KANSANS FOR LIFE ANNUAL VALENTINE BANQUET Overland Park Convention Center 6000 College Blvd., Overland Park Feb. 11 at 5 p.m.

Tim Tebow will be a guest speaker at the event. Also speaking will be Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann, former Gov. Dr. Jeff Colyer and Lamar Hunt Jr. as master of ceremonies. For more information, call (913) 642-5433. Make reservations online at: kflbanquet.com.

SOUP AND SILENCE Sophia Spirituality Center 751 S. 8th St., Atchison Feb. 11 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Come for the morning or spend the day.

There will be hot soup and warm bread at noon. Spend time in silence, walk the grounds or pray in St. Scholastica Chapel. The cost is a freewill offering. Registration is required. To register, call (913) 360-6173 or visit the website at: www.sophiaspiritualitycenter.org.

EXPLORING OUR INTERIOR CASTLE Sophia Spirituality Center 751 S. 8th St., Atchison Feb. 13 from 10 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

St. Teresa of Avila compares the contemplative life to a castle and describes the soul’s

journey to the innermost chamber where there is union with the Divine. We will explore our own inner landscapes using the expressive arts. Wear comfortable clothes; no experience in the arts is necessary. Just bring a playful and curious spirit. The fee is $70 ($20 deposit). Register online at: sophia spiritualitycenter.org. For more information, call (913) 360-6173.

THE SPIRITUALITY OF IMPERFECTION Conception Abbey 37174 State Hwy. VV, Conception, Missouri Feb. 14 - 16

We are born into this world completely innocent, but then find out we are imperfect. If we can claim our imperfections, they can lead us into a deeper relationship with God, the source of all healing and hope. For more information and to register, call (660) 944-2809 or visit the website at: www.conceptionabbey.org/ guests/upcoming-retreats/.

MEMORIAL LITURGY FOR DECEASED LOVED ONES Curé of Ars Parish 9405 Mission Rd, Leawood Feb. 15 at 8 a.m.

Following the Mass, there will be a grief support meeting in the Father Burak Room. For information, call (913) 649-2026.

SWEETHEART DINNER DANCE St. Mary-St. Anthony Church (basement) 615 N. 7th St., Kansas City, Kansas Feb. 15 from 6-10 p.m.

The KCK German American Edelweiss Society will sponsor the event. The cost for admission is $20 for adults. There are discounted prices for young adults and children. Kids under 5 are free. Price includes dinner, drinks and dancing to the Willie Kirst Band. There will be raffle prizes. Tickets can be purchased at the door. For more information, contact Patty Orth at (913) 371-2468.

VALENTINE DANCE Divine Mercy Parish Christian Formation Center Feb. 15 at 6:30 p.m.

Everyone is invited to the Divine Mercy Valentine dinner and dance, for which there will be a DJ. The event is sponsored by the Daughters of Isabella and the Knights of Columbus. Tickets are $25 per person. For reservations, send an email to: bjnewit8@yahoo.com.

‘UNIVERSALITY’ Church of the Nativity 3800 W. 119th St., Leawood Feb. 15 at 8:15 a.m.

Mass will begin at 8:15 a.m., followed by a meeting at 9:15 a.m. Come reflect and share the topic of “Universality” in the tradition of Salesian spirituality with the Daughters of St. Francis de Sales after Mass in the Magi Room.

All materials are provided, and coffee and light refreshments well be served. To attend, contact Ruth Owens at: rowens4853@gmail. com. For more information, visit the website at: www.sfdsassociation.org.

HEART OF MARY Divine Mercy Parish Feb. 18 at 5:30 p.m.

Auxiliary and active members or anyone interested in learning about the Legion of Mary are invited to join us for a novena and Mass. This will be followed by food and fellowship in the Christian Formation Center at 6:30 p.m. Please RSVP by email to: Legion OfMary.DM@gmail.com. Include your full name and number attending.

WIDOWED WOMEN OF FAITH Perkins Restaurant and Bakery (back room) 1720 S.W. Wanamaker Rd., Topeka Feb. 18 from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Join other women of faith for lunch and companionship. No RSVP is needed. We can help each other ease the pain and get through this time in life. For more information, send an email to: WidowedWomenofFaith@gmail.com.

13

NATURAL FAMILY PLANNING St. John the Evangelist School 1208 Kentucky St., Lawrence Feb. 19 at 6:30 p.m.

— move through the experience of grief and loss into a future with renewed hope. For more information and to register, call Donna at (816) 305-3760.

HEALING MASS Curé of Ars Parish 9405 Mission Rd, Leawood Feb. 20 at 7:30 p.m.

Sisters Lynn Casey and Pam Hinkle will facilitate a playful and contemplative approach to shaping earthenware clay while exploring transformation during a day of prayer, titled “I am the potter.” The cost of $35 includes lunch.

A $15 deposit holds a reservation. Overnight accommodations are available. Registration deadline is Feb. 15. Register online at: www. marillaccenter.org; by email at: retreats@scls. org; or by calling (913) 758-6552.

Classes are in the sympto-thermal method of NFP. A reasonable course fee is charged. Call Shannon or John Rasmussen at (785) 7491015 for more info. To preregister (required), visit the website at: live-the-love.org.

This will be a Mass with prayers for healing, sponsored by archdiocesan charismatic prayer groups in the Father Burak Room.

Father Anthony Ouellette will preside. For more information, call (913) 649-2026.

SALVATION: WHAT EVERY CATHOLIC SHOULD KNOW Most Pure Heart of Mary Parish 1800 S.W. Stone Ave., Topeka Feb. 21 at 6:30 p.m.

Michael Barber, associate professor of Scripture and theology at the Augustine Institute, will speak on “Salvation: What Every Catholic Should Know.” Cost is a freewill donation.

‘ST. IGNATIUS - DISCERNMENT OF SPIRITS’ RETREAT Christ’s Peace House of Prayer 22131 Meagher Rd., Easton Feb. 21 - 23

The retreat will begin on Friday at 5:30 p.m. and end on Sunday at 4:30 p.m. Come learn the practice of the discernment of spirits, and how God communicates directly with each of us. There will be conferences, eucharistic adoration, Mass, confession, and time for private prayer, reflection and walking.

Cabins/courtyard rooms cost $170/single or $250/couple, or single guest rooms cost $100. To attend, send an email to: info@ christspeace.com or call (913) 773-8255.

‘ARE YOU GROUNDED? THE BENEDICTINE VALUE OF HUMILITY’ RETREAT Conception Abbey 37174 State Hwy. VV, Conception, Missouri Feb. 21-23

The retreat will feature reflections on the Benedictine value of humility as a way to understand what humility and meekness really are. It will be led by Brother Cyprian Langlois, OSB.

ROSARY RALLY Holy Trinity Church (courtyard) 9150 Pflumm, Lenexa Feb. 22 at noon

The rosary is sponsored by America Needs Fatima and will honor Sts. Jacinta and Francisco. For more information, contact Sheila Ruzick at (913) 888-1582.

‘IGNITE THE GREEN AND WHITE — A NIGHT OF FAITH AND HOPE’ J.W. Crancer’s 530 Delaware St., Leavenworth Feb. 22 at 5:30 p.m.

Xavier School invites you to this event which brings together supporters of Catholic education to celebrate the gifts of our Catholic school in Leavenworth. The program features a cocktail hour with live entertainment, dinner, a silent auction and community awards. All proceeds fund financial aid at Xavier.

‘COPING WITH LIFE ALONE’ A PEER-TO-PEER SUPPORT GROUP St. Bernadette Church (hall) 9029 E. 51st, Terr., Kansas City, Missouri Feb. 22 - April 4 from 1:30 - 3:30 p.m.

“Coping with Life Alone” is a Beginning Experience grief support program that meets each week for seven weeks. The program helps those who have lost a love relationship — due to death, divorce or separation

DAY OF PRAYER, CLAY AND CONTEMPLATION Marillac Center 4200 S. 4th St., Leavenworth Feb. 22 from 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

BEEF & NOODLE DINNER Neosho Rapids Grade School (mulitipurpose room) Feb. 23 from 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

St. Mary Parish, Hartford, is sponsoring the dinner. The cost is $8 for adults and $4 for children under 10. There will be drawings for prizes. Pay at the door.

DAUGHTERS OF ISABELLA Christ the King Parish 5972 S.W. 25th St., Topeka Feb. 23 at 12:45 p.m.

There will be a rosary followed by a business meeting in Yadrich Hall and social. If anyone knows of a member or family member of Daughters of Isabella in need of the circle’s prayers, call Bobbie Graff-Hendrixson at (785) 271-0145. If you are interested in or would like more information about Daughters of Isabella, call Cindy Keen at (785) 228-9863.

MARDI GRAS St. Benedict School (commons) 201 Division, Atchison Feb. 23 from 11 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

There will be jambalaya, king cakes, beignets, maque choux, pizza, and chicken and noodles. The cost is: $8 for adults; $4 for children ages 4 to 10; and free for children 3 and under.

WORLDWIDE MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER WEEKEND Kansas City area Feb. 28 - March 1

The start of a new year brings with it the opportunity to begin anew in all relationships.

A Worldwide Marriage Encounter weekend is the perfect way to renew your love and commitment to each other. For more information or to apply for a weekend, visit the website at: www.wwme4youandme.org or call/text Tony and Barb Zimmerman at (816) 741-4066.

MEN UNDER CONSTRUCTION Church of the Ascension 9510 W. 127th, Overland Park Feb. 29 from 7 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

This Catholic men’s conference will feature Dan Spencer, Phillip Morgan, Father Andrew Mattingly and Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann.

The cost is $40 per person or $20 for students under 18. Register online at: www.menunder construction.org.

WOMEN’S LENTEN DAY OF PRAYER The Cathedral of St. Peter 409 N. 15th St., Kansas City, Kansas Feb. 29 from 8:15 a.m. - noon

Sister Charlotte White, SCL, and Susan Carroll will lead this uniquely titled retreat: “Pig Wallows and Stardust.” The day will begin with Mass, followed by registration and a continental breakfast. The cost is $15. (Checks payable to “Cathedral Altar Society” can be mailed to the cathedral at the above address.) For more information or registration, call Susan Carroll at (913) 634-9840 or send an email to: suscar1960@gmail.com.

FEBRUARY 7, 2020 | THELEAVEN.ORG

COMMENTARY FIFTH WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME Feb. 9 FIFTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME Is 58: 7-10 Ps 112: 4-9 1 Cor 2: 1-5 Mt 5: 13-16 Feb. 10 Scholastica, virgin 1 Kgs 8: 1-7, 9-13 Ps 132: 6-10 Mk 6: 53-56 Feb. 11 Our Lady of Lourdes 1 Kgs 8: 22-23, 27-30 Ps 84: 3-5, 10-11 Mk 7: 1-13 Feb. 12 Wednesday 1 Kgs 10: 1-10 Ps 37: 5-6, 30-31, 39-40 Mk 7: 14-23 Feb. 13 Thursday 1 Kgs 11: 4-13 Ps 106: 3-4, 35-37, 40 Mk 7: 24-30 Feb. 14 Cyril, monk, and Methodius, bishop 1 Kgs 11: 29-32; 12: 19 Ps 81: 10-15 Mk 7: 31-37 Feb. 15 Saturday 1 Kgs 12: 26-32; 13: 33-34 Ps 106: 6-7, 19-22 Mk 8: 1-10

ONLINE

www.theleaven.org

FACEBOOK

www.facebook.com/ theleavenkc

TWITTER

@theleavenkc

INSTAGRAM theleavenkc

14

What one kingdom can teach us about another

O

ddly enough, it was the concussive sound of what had to be an intercontinental ballistic missile that alerted me that it was safe to turn on the TV. Having been warned of the very real possibility of a heart attack for people (like me) who get too emotionally involved in the fate of their sports teams, I stayed away from watching the Chiefs in Super Bowl LIV. In fact, I even put on noise-canceling headphones lest my neighbors — with a cheer or a groan — tip me off as to how things were going.

After that ICBM — in reality, some massive firework — I flipped on the TV for the last couple of minutes of the game. I was thrilled to see the Chiefs beating the 49ers, 31-20. I had absolutely no idea that just a few minutes before, we were behind by 10 points. Yeah, my heart couldn’t have taken that stress.

I really was hoping for a Chiefs win. After all, it had been 50 years since we’d even been in a Super Bowl. I remember watching that 1970 game at my aunt’s and uncle’s house, since they

W

MARK MY WORDS

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

had something really special: a color TV. I was 14 and would never have imagined how long it would take to get back to the Super Bowl.

I wanted a win for a number of reasons, especially for Coach Andy Reid. I wanted quarterback Patrick Mahomes to dazzle the nation.

Most of all, I wanted it for KC sports fans, who know well how many times our teams have snatched defeat from the jaws of victory.

And so, I prayed for the Chiefs — not specifically for a victory, but

that we’d play our best and that the players from both teams would stay healthy.

The biggest thing I prayed for was that I could accept the outcome of the game . . . if we lost. There was so much hope riding on this team in the hearts of Chiefs Kingdom. People were united as one, regardless of race, political affiliations, religious beliefs or neighborhoods.

A loss could destroy this and plunge people into a lingering depression.

I know it’s not logical to think of a sports team’s victory or defeat affecting people on such a deep level. But, I can tell you from personal experience, it does. It’s a hugely emotional thing.

But, the Chiefs did win! And I was amazed at the parallels between their philosophy for

winning and the spiritual life. Here are a few of those lessons: • Never quit. Inevitably, there will be ups and downs in games and in life. Pressing onward, no matter what, helps develop a courageous and stalwart heart.

• Don’t go it alone; rely on your team for encouragement and support. A heartwarming thing about this group of Chiefs is that they’re like a close family. Spiritually, too, we don’t need to go it alone. We have plenty of people — both living and in heaven — working with us to grow in holiness.

• Make it about others. In interviews, it was clear the players wanted this victory for Coach Reid and the fans.

It wasn’t about their greatness, but about bringing joy to others.

Being other-centered is where true and lasting happiness is found.

• Concentrate on one play at a time. Don’t look too far into the future or be distressed about the past. Remain in the present and take it one step at a time. Holiness, too, happens one prayer, one good deed, at a time.

• Be humble and grateful. Mahomes is a great example of

this. Although hugely talented, he always gives credit to others: God, his parents, his teammates, the fans. No one is self-made; being grateful for the help of others defines a humble person.

I’ll end with this story: There was a piano teacher who had many students over the years.

Inevitably, when she prepared them for a recital, she would have them practice the conclusions over and over again. When students grumbled because of the repetition of the last few measures of music, the wise teacher would always answer, “You can make a mistake in the beginning or you can make a mistake in the middle. The people will forget all that if you make the ending glorious.” (Found in Paul J. Wharton’s “Stories and Parables for Preachers and Teachers.”)

The 49ers learned that lesson the hard way.

Let’s not do the same, but instead live each day of our lives as if it were the last so we can win, not a trophy, but a crown of glory in heaven.

God’s word sheds light on the path ahead

hen I went with a group on pilgrimage to the Holy Land, we were fortunate to have the opportunity to climb Mount Sinai.

Because of the extreme daytime heat, we began the climb in the evening. That meant that we were descending the mount when night had fallen and it was pitch dark.

To enable us to maneuver the climb, the tour guides had issued us flashlights. Unfortunately, the batteries were dead. Coming down was a mess. We were stumbling over rocks. It was hard to follow the path.

It is always difficult to undertake a journey

IN THE BEGINNING

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

in the dark. That is why Sunday’s first reading, Is 58:7-10, promises that “light shall rise for you in the darkness, and the

POPE FRANCIS

gloom shall become for you like midday.”

The reading harkens back to a journey in Israel’s past, when the Hebrew people wandered in the desert after leaving Egypt and traveled to the Promised Land.

God led them by a pillar of cloud by day, and a pillar of fire by night.

God’s saving word doesn’t seek pristine and safe places to reside but instead goes in search of the dark corners of people’s lives that it can brighten, Pope Francis said.

By taking his ministry to the “periphery” of Galilee, Jesus proves that God “wants to visit the very places we think he will never go,” the pope said in his homily Jan. 26 during Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica. Jesus “is not afraid to explore the terrain of our hearts and to enter the roughest and most difficult corners of our lives. He knows that his mercy alone can heal us, his presence

“The Lord preceded them, in the daytime by means of a column of cloud to show them the way, and at night by means of a column of fire to give them light.

Thus they could travel both day and night” (Ex 13:21).

The reading alludes to that, where it says: “Your vindication shall go before you, and the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard.”

Of course, the reading offers the image of a light guiding the journey in a metaphorical sense rather than a literal sense.

The people of Israel are engaged now in the journey of life. God’s word, especially as spoken through the prophet, will guide them now. We should remember another

biblical passage: “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light for my path” (Ps 119:105).

God’s word points out to us the direction that we need to go in our life.

Besides that, God’s word also sheds light upon our world that so often appears chaotic and illogical.

It offers insights to help us make sense of the world around us. It helps us to see God’s plan, not only for us personally, but for the whole world.

When that happens, our spirits are lifted up. The world does not look so dark. The words of the prophecy come true: “The gloom shall become for you like midday.”

alone can transform us and his word alone can renew us,” he said.

The Mass marked the first Sunday of the Word of God, an annual celebration Pope Francis has set for the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time.

In his Sept. 30 declaration of the day, the pope said it would be devoted “to the celebration, study and dissemination of the word of God,” which will help the church “experience anew how the risen Lord opens up for us the treasury of his word and enables us to proclaim its unfathomable riches before the world.”

— CNS

FEBRUARY 7, 2020 | THELEAVEN.ORG

COMMENTARY

15

When it comes to vocations, the Serrans have our backs

T

his past December, 54 men attended our annual “Quo Vadis”

retreat.

Held just before Christmas, “Quo Vadis” is our most important discernment event of the year.

This weekend retreat affords serious discerners the opportunity to experience a preached theme, and quality time with our seminarians and priests, including the chance to meet and hear from Archbishop Naumann. And since “all pray and no play” makes for a dull retreat, also included was a visit to the Community of the Lamb for Mass and lunch, and, later that

VOCATIONS CORNER

FATHER DAN MORRIS Father Dan Morris is the archdiocesan vocations director. You can email him at: dmorris@archkck.org.

evening, bowling.

As you can see, a lot of time, energy and re-

sources go into planning and hosting this retreat.

Which is why, when we had more than double the men sign up than in previous years, our only option was to find creative ways to stretch the resources and budget that was allocated.

Because, as vocation director, having to turn

away men who were open to responding to God’s call was NOT an option!

Enter into the picture . . . the Serrans. Inspired by the life and mission of St. Junipero Serra, the Serrans are a Catholic lay organization whose mission is to foster and support vocations, especially to the priesthood and religious life.

Currently three regional chapters in our archdiocese carry out this mission in ways both big and small.

This includes, but is not limited to, helping with Fifth-grade Vocation Day, Runnin’ Revs, and hosting events to recognize and support our seminarians, clergy and religious.

When it comes to

supporting vocations, the generosity of the Serrans is truly a love without end.

Which is why, upon making our appeal for assistance, one Serran summed up their willingness to do whatever it takes by saying, “Absolutely, Father! We want these men to know that we’ve got their backs!”

So, from providing the financial support ensuring that every man still received discernment tools such as a prayer journal and book, to making enough treats to last us throughout the weekend — the generosity and efforts of the Serrans was in no small way what made this year’s “Quo Vadis” one of the best ever. These efforts

did not go unnoticed nor unappreciated by the retreatants.

In a highly personal and powerful way, each of the men experienced firsthand just how real and beautiful the Bride of Christ can be.

Likewise, Serrans got to meet some of the many faces that comprise the fruit of their life’s work and mission, some of whom may one day find themselves called to return the favor, in laying down their lives to serve this beautiful Bride as a Catholic priest!

For more information about becoming a Serran, contact the vocation office at (913) 647-0303.

Local doctor testifies in support of ‘Value Them Both’ amendment

M

r. Chairman and Members of the Commit-

tee: My name is Dr. Catherine Powers, and I am testifying in support of the “Value Them Both” amendment.”

I have been a physician for the past 36 years, specializing in anesthesiology for 28 years, and hospice and palliative medicine for the past eight years.

The majority of my time as an anesthesiologist was at Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri and Kansas. In the field of hospice and palliative medicine, I was medical director of the Carousel Team at Kansas City Hospice and Palliative Care, which takes care of perinatal and pediatric palliative patients and their families.

Currently, I am a

GUEST COMMENTARY DR. CATHERINE POWERS hospice medical director at Catholic Community Hospice in the Kansas City Metro area.

I agreed to testify for this very important amendment due to the inconsistencies and duplicity of medical and legal double standards during my entire career.

The rules of informed consent for minors were always very stringent at Children’s Mercy Hospital, requiring a parent or guardian to sign for procedures and surgeries, unless the adolescent was declared an “emancipated minor,” which is defined as a young parent of a child, or married under 18 years of age.

This practice assures legal consent from adults who are responsible for the holistic welfare of their child’s life, including physical as well as psychological risks of various procedures.

The implication of the Kansas Supreme Court decision to allow young female adolescents to consent to a procedure such as an abortion, without parental or guardian’s consent, is not standard of care in any other area of health care.

The future consequences to the young mother, who may not have parental support or knowledge, are potentially devastating to a young woman’s physical, emotional and psychological health.

As far as my medical career in pediatric anesthesiology, I have been expected to resuscitate premature babies at

birth, as well as during procedures and surgeries.

Again, it baffles me about the duplicity of medical liability, when I have been expected to maintain and resuscitate life in any premature babies at Children’s Mercy Hospital (usually less than 22 weeks gestation may be viable) . . . . And yet the abortion industry is allowed to kill babies without any comparable liability. Currently, there are maternal-fetal surgeries being performed at Children’s Mercy Hospital for congenital abnormalities.

Not only is the mother anesthetized for this intrauterine operation, but the fetus is given pain medication to relieve the hypersensitive pain response that would be detrimental to the baby’s welfare.

Research has shown that babies less than 18 weeks gestation have

developed pain pathways. This especially concerns me when I hear about dismemberment procedures during abortion. These babies feel pain and are silently crying out as they die.

During my medical career, both in obstetrical anesthesia as well as perinatal palliative care, I have experienced many women with untimely pregnancies, unexpected congenital malformations, as well as genetic syndromes that would cause their babies to not survive the entire pregnancy or live for only a few hours or weeks after birth.

Several of the babies with life-limiting or terminal diagnoses were born to brave and loving mothers, who were able to bond with their babies for a short but significant time, for long-lasting memories of their relationship as mother and baby.

Editor’s note: The following is testimony given by Dr. Catherine Powers on Jan. 21 at the Kansas House Federal and State Affairs Committee hearing on the “Value Them Both” amendment.

Many of the healthy babies carried to term by brave and loving mothers have been offered up for adoption, a beautiful alternative and a true self-sacrifice, in order to give their baby potentially a better life with parents who want to raise a child in their home.

I thank you for allowing me to testify in support of the VTB (Value Them Both) amendment, for the protection of both women and babies, and ask you all to pass this amendment out of your committees favorably. I am open for questions if there are any.

“We constantly hear how grateful children are that their parents had things taken care of.

Have you done this for your children?”

SALES Advertising Account Manager Sell ad space for Church bulletins.

Salary, expenses, commission PLUS benefits.

Reply: Recruiting@jspaluch.com www.jspaluch.com

FUNERAL HOME • CREMATORY • MEMORIAL CHAPELS 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

FEBRUARY 7, 2020 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

16

Making good on a bargain with the Lord

By Laurence Rossi Special to The Leaven

N

ORTONVILLE — Laverne Weishaar leads a full, robust life.

She spends as much time as she can with her children and grandchildren.

In the spring and summer, she dedicates most of her days to tending her expansive garden, made up of wildflowers and a diverse range of produce. She can feed herself almost entirely on what she grows.

Her son Bob drives her to Mass frequently. She could drive herself, but grew tired of the hassle of car ownership and sold her vehicle not long after her 99th birthday.

Laverne turned 100 on Feb. 3 and took a moment to talk with The Leaven about her three passions: family, gardening and her Catholic faith.

Born to a Catholic family in Mooney Creek, just south of Atchison, Laverne moved at the age of 8 a mile down the road from her parents’ home and in with her grandmother Mary Meier. There she would assist her grandmother, keep her company and learn everything her grandmother could teach her.

Laverne spent many days with her grandmother in the garden, learning how to prepare the soil, cultivate produce and even shoot the pesky rabbits that would often terrorize their gardens. (Laverne only recently hung up her rifle for good — and only because it became too hard for her to hold it steady.)

She also learned how to sew, a skill she would later use as a young parent to provide clothes for her children.

Perhaps most importantly, however, her grandmother showed what a truly dedicated faith life looked like. Well into her 80s, Grandma Meier walked by herself to Mass at Corpus Christi Church in Mooney Creek.

“She would walk that whole mile with just a stick to go to Mass during the week,” recalled Laverne. “I could never!”

Laverne lived with her grandmother until getting married in 1942, but moved back briefly while her husband Robert was serving in World War II as a medic.

After his return, the couple moved into the same farmhouse outside Nortonville that Laverne still lives in almost 75 years later.

Together, they farmed, gardened and raised six children: Jane, Marlene, Bob, Terry, Dennis and Carol. While they took great joy in raising their family, it did not come without its share of difficulties.

For the first two years on the farm, the Weishaar family lived without electricity.

LEAVEN PHOTO BY LAURENCE ROSSI

Laverne Weishaar, who turned 100 on Feb. 3, sat down with The Leaven to talk about her passions: family, gardening and her Catholic faith. At right, she spends time tending her garden — a passion she inherited from her grandmother.

Years later, the couple’s daughter Carol died tragically young.

But they always had their faith. And that’s where they turned in times of trial.

Not long after the birth of her daughter Jane, Laverne fell ill with a severe case of pneumonia.

Initially given little chance to survive, she was hospitalized for over a month at St. John in Leavenworth. Sickly, bedridden and worried about her family, Laverne turned to God. “I like to say I bargained with the Lord and won,” Laverne said with a twinkle in her eye.

“If you leave me live so I can raise my own kids,” she remembers promising, “I will say a rosary every day of my life. That’s what I told the Lord.”

She recovered shortly thereafter and now, almost 70 years later, Laverne has not missed a single rosary. Some days, she even says two rosaries, and she keeps rosaries all over her house so she can always find one when she needs it.

The practice even became a tradition for the whole family, as she made a habit of saying her daily rosary with her children before bedtime.

Laverne lost her husband Robert in 1983. But his loss did not defeat Laverne; she quick-

PHOTO COURTESY OF LAVERNE WEISHAAR

ly taught herself everything she needed to know about finance and taxes so she could remain entirely self-sufficient.

Through it all, Laverne has always gardened. What was once a Depression-era necessity became a passion that she passed on to her children.

Daughters Jane Dodd, a member of Mother Teresa Parish in Topeka, and Marlene Weishaar of Good Shepherd Parish in Shawnee, became master gardeners in their own right. Some of her grandchildren have even taken to the practice.

Today, in the dead of winter, she passes time playing cards with her family and baking, but is always looking forward to the first signs of spring, when she can begin planting her first seeds in little pots and start growing them in

her oven by the warmth of the pilot light.

“Her garden is her happy place,” said Marlene. “She has aches and pains, but she’ll go out in the garden for a few hours and forget all about them. She gets so absorbed in raising things.”

With all her experience in the garden, Laverne has been able to draw parallels between her garden and her life and faith. With a garden that can often lie at the mercy of the elements, Laverne has learned that “you can only do so much.

God takes care of the rest.”

She plants enough tomatoes, pumpkins, squash, beets, strawberries, sweet potatoes, onions and melons that the fruits of her labor can feed her for the whole year.

In much the same way, she has found that in raising chil-

dren with faith and strong character, they have finished growing and can now take care of her.

“I took care of those kids when they were little, and now they want to take care of me,” she admitted.

And while still fiercely independent, Laverne is beyond grateful to have children who want to care for her.

“What would life be without them? I can’t imagine,” she said.

Nor can she imagine where she would be without her Catholic faith.

If she were to give just one piece of advice to young people, she said, it would be simple.

“Trust in the Lord,” she said. “See that you live the right kind of life that you get to heaven.”