02 09 24 Vol. 45 No. 25

THELEAVEN.ORG | VOL. 45, NO. 25 | FEBRUARY 9, 2024

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER

Barb Chamberlain, a parishioner of Most Pure Heart of Mary in Topeka, plays a slideshow of photos featuring Ukrainian refugees she and other Top City Promise volunteers have helped while Mariia Potapenko, left, and Tetiana Balashova look on. Balashova, Potapenko and their families fled the war in Ukraine and have since found refuge in Kansas’ capital city, where they’ve received assistance settling in and starting a new life thanks to Top City Promise.

TOPEKA WELCOMES T UKRAINIAN REFUGEES

By Moira Cullings moira.cullings@theleaven.org OPEKA — Suddenly, life as they knew it was over for a single mom and her 6-year-old son.

“One day, there were bombings going on around [them],” said Barb Chamberlain. “She left her apartment, and she had to take her little boy and crawl over dead bodies.

“There are so many heartbreaking stories like this.

“It just rips your heart out.”

After escaping the war in Ukraine, the mom, her child and their dogs arrived shaken up in Topeka.

“I remember going to her apartment that first night and she just cried,” said Chamberlain. “She said, ‘I’m so scared.’”

Chamberlain was there to offer comfort and support.

For nearly two years, the parishioner of Most Pure Heart of Mary in Topeka has helped Ukrainian refugees find a home in Kansas’ capital city.

“It makes we want to cry,” said Chamberlain, “because I feel blessed. God has blessed me by bringing all of these amazing families and amazing volunteers [into my life].”

‘God-driven’ When Ukrainian refugees arrive in Topeka, a greeting committee welcomes them into a fully furnished apartment of their own.

A pot of homemade borscht, a traditional Ukrainian meal, sits on the kitchen table ready to be enjoyed. >> See “THIS” on page 4

LENTEN REGULATIONS All Catholics 14 years of age and older are obliged to abstain from meat on Ash Wednesday, Feb. 14, and all the Fridays of Lent. Catholics 18 to 59 years of age are obliged to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday — a fast consisting of one normal meal and two lesser meals, with no eating in between. It is also recommended that Catholics find opportunities throughout the Lenten season to complement their fasts with prayer, reception of the sacraments of reconciliation and the Eucharist, and positive works of charity.

2 LOCAL NEWS

T

FEBRUARY 9, 2024 | THELEAVEN.ORG

Married or not, we all have a stake in marriage

his Sunday is World Marriage Day. It is a day upon which we pray for all married couples that the Lord will bless them as they live their vocation that summons them to follow Jesus on the path of heroic, faithful and unconditional love.

I recently returned from the Good News Cruise, where more than 400 married couples from across the country spent a week focused upon renewing their marriages and deepening their love for each other in the Lord. It was inspiring to witness these couples’ zeal in seeking to fulfill their vocation of making God’s love revealed in Jesus real for one another.

Among the married couples, there was a couple from Wichita, who were married for only four months.

They chose the Good News Cruise for their honeymoon. This summer, our archdiocesan World Youth Day pilgrimage included a recently married couple, who chose to spend part of their honeymoon living the simple life of World Youth Day pilgrims.

These recently married couples gave me hope for the future of marriage and family life in Kansas, our nation and our culture.

Our secular, cultural understanding of marriage is that it is a contract between a man and a woman to love each other. Our secular, cultural expectation of love is for the other person to make

LIFE WILL BE VICTORIOUS

ARCHBISHOP JOSEPH F. NAUMANN me happy, to make me feel good. Once the other person no longer pleases me, makes me feel good, then I am free to end the marriage, to end the contract. Thus, we see the high prevalence of divorce in our country.

Christian marriage, as St. Paul described in his Letter to the Ephesians (5: 21-33), is a call to become an icon for our Lord’s love for his spouse, the church. St. Paul began the passage by challenging the Ephesians: “Be subordinate to one another out of reverence for Christ.” The next verse, however, raises the eyebrows of many in our culture because Paul wrote: “Wives should be subordinate to their husbands as to the Lord.” Many people fail to read on where St. Paul wrote: “Husbands love your wives, even as Christ loved the church and handed himself over for her.”

How did Jesus love the church? He died for her. He gave his life on Calvary for her.

Jesus calls husbands and wives to have a mutual subordination to each other. Christian

marriage is a covenant, not a contract. A covenant, unlike a contract, is not about a mutual agreement of terms where if one party does not fulfill the terms, the contract is null and void.

A covenant is a union of persons in the Lord. It is an unbreakable bond, where each spouse is seeking the good of the other before their own wants. The covenant of marriage is not about the other person pleasing me, but my promise before God to seek their good above my own desires!

To cite a nonbiblical source, in the movie “My Big Fat Greek Wedding,” the mother counsels her soon-tobe married daughter that the husband is the head of the family.

However, she qualifies this by advising her daughter that the wife is the neck, and she turns the head in whatever direction she desires.

In Christian marriage, there is a mutual seeking of one another’s good, not the domination of one person by the other. Husbands and wives are called to complement each other, not dominate the other. Husbands and wives are called to help

each other know their true dignity as beloved sons and daughters of God. Several years ago, I accompanied our seminarians on a pilgrimage to Mexico City. Of course, we spent a good deal of our time at the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe. However, we also partnered with a Catholic organization called Hope of the Poor, which took us to the garbage dumps on the outskirts of Mexico City. People actually live on these trash dumps and eke out a living by recycling other people’s trash.

Many of our group, including myself, were not fluent in Spanish.

Craig Johring, the founder and leader of Hope of the Poor, counseled us as we approached the dump area that it did not matter, whether we spoke Spanish or not. Craig challenged us that as we encountered those who were considered the outcasts of Mexico City, to reflect to them through our eyes their great dignity as beloved sons and daughters of God. We should gaze upon them with the reverence and respect that is due to one for whom Jesus gave his life on Calvary.

In a true sense, this is what married couples are called to do for each other. Marriage requires an intimacy where couples know each other completely.

They know each other’s virtues and vices, their strengths and weaknesses. With this profound insight into each other, married couples are called to affirm for one another through their gaze, the other’s great dignity in God’s eyes.

It is in this covenant of love between a husband and wife that new life can be welcomed into the world and receive the greatest gift — a father who loves their mother and a mother who loves their father and who together love the child who is the fruit of their love.

Sadly, we live in a secular culture that has a contractual understanding of marriage, resulting in a high level of divorce. We live in a culture that considers marriage irrelevant, resulting in the prevalence of

ARCHBISHOP NAUMANN’S CALENDAR Feb. 9 Bless new Stations of the Cross — St. Patrick Church, Kansas City, Kansas Feb. 10 White Mass — Cathedral of St. Peter, Kansas City, Kansas Mass and cathedral gala — cathedral Feb. 11 World Marriage Day Feb. 12 “Shepherd’s Voice” recording — chancery Pastoral Council meeting — chancery Feb. 13 Priests Personnel board meeting — chancery Administrative Team meeting — chancery Kansas City Pregnancy Clinic Mardi Gras banquet — St. Patrick Church, Kansas City, Kansas Feb. 14 All school Mass — St. James Academy, Lenexa Ash Wednesday Mass — St. Lawrence Catholic Campus Center, Lawrence Feb. 15 Communio update with Tory Baucum Bishop’s Advisory Group — Eucharistic Revival Feb. 17 Men Under Construction Mass — Church of the Ascension, Overland Park Feb. 18 Rite of Election — Christ the King, Topeka Rite of Election — Sacred Heart, Shawnee

cohabitation. We live in a society where a very high percentage of children grow up in a home without one of their biological parents present.

I grew up in a single-parent family.

I have the highest esteem for single parents who heroically do their best to love and provide for their children. However, this is not how God designed us. The social science data supports that the optimal environment for children is to be raised in a home where their mother and father love each other and, together, love the children that are the fruit of their love.

Whether we are married or not, we all have a stake in marriage. Marriage is important for society, for our nation, for our communities and for the church. We need to pray for married couples that they know the importance of their vocation — not just for themselves and their children, but also for

society and the church.

I encourage couples to consider taking next year’s Good News Cruise. There were couples of all ages, but particularly a large number of couples who have already raised their children.

Many of them commented how they wished their married children, who are in the process of raising their families, could make the next Good News Cruise. Some were committed to making it financially possible for their children as well as offering to babysit their grandchildren.

Of course, you do not have to take the Good News Cruise to get support for your marriage. Our archdiocesan marriage and family life office offers many opportunities for marriage enrichment throughout the year. Invest in your marriages for your own sakes, for the good of your children and for the church.

LOCAL NEWS 3

FEBRUARY 9, 2024 | THELEAVEN.ORG

RAISING THE ROOF AT MIEGE Catechist encourages teens to celebrate each other

By Jill Ragar Esfeld jill.esfeld@theleaven.org

R

OELAND PARK — “ValLimar Jansen is in the house, and we’re excited!” shouted Bishop Miege senior Justice Betts as he welcomed students here to an assembly wrapping up Catholic Schools Week and kicking off Black History Month.

Students from the gym floor to the top of the bleachers went wild cheering and clapping.

It was clear they knew what was about to happen.

“ValLimar Jansen came to Miege last year,” said principal Maureen Engen.

“I’ve never witnessed an entire student body and faculty as inspired and united on a prayerful, deep level as after she performed.

“Hundreds of students asked me to have her back this year. Thanks be to God, she agreed to return!”

As Jansen took the stage she shouted, “It’s good to be back with you! How many of you are ready to have a good time?”

The response made it obvious Bishop Miege was eager to embrace whatever message Jansen came to deliver.

“Before she even spoke a word or sang a song,” said Engen, “everyone was on their feet ready to fully engage.”

Jansen’s message is all joy, love and acceptance wrapped in Christian faith.

As an internationally renowned catechetical speaker, musician and storyteller, to say she conveys that message with enthusiasm is an understatement.

Jansen invited all those present to stand up and move.

“We are going to sing together and move together,” she said. “Look at somebody and say, ‘Move with me today!’

“Look at somebody else and say, ‘Sing with me today!’”

The gymnasium was filled with exuberance as Jansen, accompanied by her husband Frank Jansen on the keyboard, wove music and movement through her faith-based messages.

“Every single day,” she told students, “we live our lives taking little steps toward sainthood — little steps learning to conform to the image and likeness of Jesus.”

Expressing the importance of relying on God during difficult times, Jansen invited students to join her in singing the spiritual “Wade in the Water.”

To emphasize the presence of God in every human being, Jansen had students reverently bend at the waist, saying, “I am about service.”

Instructing them to stand up straight again, Jansen told students: “We recognize that every human being has the light of God in them.

“They’re created in the image of God — every human being. Amen?”

“Amen!” the students shouted.

Praising the sanctity of silence, Jansen encouraged students to spend the upcoming Lenten season finding

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JILL RAGAR ESFELD

Internationally renowned catechetical speaker, musician and storyteller ValLimar Jansen performed at Bishop Miege High School in Roeland Park on Feb. 2, wrapping up Catholic Schools Week and kicking off Black History Month. moments to have sacred silence with God. They then sang together “Sacred Silence.”

As part of this interactive performance, Jansen recited and acted out the poem “The Creation” by James Weldon Johnson.

She finished the performance singing “How Great Thou Art” as students joined in.

To usher in Black History Month Jansen told students to acknowledge the difficult path to equality and the contribution of Americans of African decent.

But more important, she told students to celebrate the people right around them.

“Talk to somebody that doesn’t look like you,” she said. “Talk to someone from a different culture.

“Get to know each other. Don’t stay in your own group.”

Students then joined her in singing “Lean on Me.” (See: facebook.com/ BishopMiegeHighSchool.) In closing, Jansen reminisced about her visit to Bishop Miege last year and a picture she has of students blessing her.

“I have been looking at that image over and over again this last year,” she said. “Seeing your hands raised blessing me, praying over me.

“And it has many times sustained me.”

In response, students once again extended their hands over the singer and her husband, asking the Holy Spirit to give them strength, courage, joy, peace and love.

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JILL RAGAR ESFELD

Bishop Miege seniors Ruben Hernandez (left) and Javier Rubio (right) take part in the interactive assembly featuring ValLimar Jansen.

President Most Rev. Joseph F. Naumann

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4 LOCAL NEWS

FEBRUARY 9, 2024 | THELEAVEN.ORG

‘This was a God-driven moment for all of us’ >> Continued from page 1

“No other place in the United States does what our group does,” said Chamberlain.

Top City Promise, created by Yana Ross in May 2022 and established as a nonprofit in March 2023, is made up of around 60 regular volunteers.

The group helps families and individuals obtain sponsorship so they can enter the United States.

From there, it provides them with an apartment and covers the cost of the first three months of rent and utilities.

Families are given enough groceries for a week, a bicycle for each member who wants one, and resources to access clothing, doctors, dentists, food, jobs, schools and transportation.

The Ukrainians learn about American culture and traditions through special events, and volunteers offer companionship along the way.

“We want to give people a chance [to succeed],” explained Chamberlain.

“We also want to make them part of our community and [for them] to enjoy life here,” she added.

Top City Promise was the brainchild of Ross, its founder and president.

A native of Ukraine living in the United States for several years, she was desperate to ease her loved ones’ plight when Russia invaded Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022.

Chamberlain, a retiree who taught high school English for 39 years, heard about her efforts through a Facebook post.

Since then, the nonprofit has been ingrained in her daily life.

“All of the volunteers will say this,” said Chamberlain. “Regardless of what church we go to or what our faith is, this was a God-driven moment for all of us.”

‘They welcomed us’ Top City Promise’s work wouldn’t be possible without community support.

Most Pure Heart is just one of the local churches involved. The parish’s former rectory, once fairly empty, is now a hub for donations.

Its rooms are bursting with bedding, décor, mattresses and furniture items.

Its kitchen cabinets and drawers are stocked with dishes, glassware, pots, pans and silverware.

Chamberlain, who heads the nonprofit’s welcoming committee, and other volunteers use the donations to furnish and decorate each apartment before families arrive.

Families can also visit the rectory if they want to pick out different items.

For refugees like Mariia Potapenko, her husband and their two children, the amount of help has been profound.

After fleeing to France and eventually California, Potapenko was desperate for a more sustainable life for her family.

She turned to Google, where she read about Ross’ Topeka project.

Attend Top City Promise’s gala Top City Promise is hosting an inaugural gala on Feb. 24 at 7 p.m. at The Foundry Event Center in Topeka.

The evening will include a silent auction that includes Ukrainianmade items. Ukrainian women will make appetizers and desserts. A professional singer who is a refugee from Ukraine will perform.

Individual tickets and table sponsorships are available.

To purchase tickets or make a donation, go online to: topcitypromise. org/annual-gala.

But refugees like Balashova and Potapenko haven’t given up hope.

The friends chat fondly about opening a café together one day.

“I think it’s important when you dream,” said Potapenko. “If you stop dreaming, you stop living.”

‘Little miracles’

COURTESY PHOTO

Nataliia Mostova and her children Mariia and Bohdan, refugees from Ukraine, try out the new bicycles they received from Top City Promise. The nonprofit provides everything a family would need to start a new life in Topeka.

“When I spoke to Yana,” said Potapenko, “she said, ‘You can come. You will have support here. You will have an apartment.’

“I didn’t even imagine when [we’d] come, it will be fully furnished — even toothbrush and toothpaste, even clothes for my children and me, even bedding.

“And now I know who took care of this. Now I know that it was Barb.”

Potapenko is still astonished by the support her family has received.

“It was like a miracle,” she said. “I didn’t believe that strangers — they didn’t know us — and they opened their hearts. And they welcomed us.”

It brings her to tears.

“Some [people] can give you some money and forget about you,” said Potapenko. “And here, people care about you all the time.

“They call you. They send you message: ‘How are you? What do you need?’”

The experience has led her to a confident conclusion.

“God exists here,” she said. “He exists, because you can’t explain this.”

‘When you dream’ Despite the warm welcome Ukrainians are receiving in Topeka, many are rattled by loss.

“You leave oftentimes your family,

your friends, your pets,” said Chamberlain. “We have kids who still cry every day because they miss their dogs or their cats.”

Tetiana Balashova, her husband and their three children had to leave their dog behind.

“The dog is part of the family,” said Balashova, who has tried unsuccessfully to transfer their companion to the United States.

They also left behind their 60-acre farm.

Making friends through Top City Promise has eased the suffering.

“Tetiana goes to church every Sunday with me now,” said Chamberlain. “We sit next to each other at Mass.”

Two of her children attend Most Pure Heart of Mary School thanks to scholarships provided by the Catholic Education Foundation (CEF).

“My kids love it,” said Balashova.

“The classes are small,” said Chamberlain. “It’s very personal. Eric White (the school’s principal) is amazing.”

Like most of the refugees, Balashova was eager to earn a living when she arrived in Topeka. She was a baker in Ukraine but now works as a teacher’s aide for special-needs students at a local school.

“We have a truck driver who was a lawyer in Ukraine,” said Chamberlain.

“We have a woman who was a doctor and now she cleans houses.”

Top City Promise has a waiting list of Ukrainians hoping to receive assistance.

“One of them is a mom,” said Chamberlain. “Her husband’s at war. They don’t know whether he’s dead or alive.

He’s missing in action.

“She has a child who has Down syndrome. And they’re living in a building where the bombing is going around all the time.

“They have to run down and hide in the basement.”

Chamberlain hopes to help more families find safety and a brighter future in Topeka.

Although it’s a big task, she said, somehow it always comes together.

“There have been a lot of miracles,” said Chamberlain.

And those who have received help so far couldn’t be more thankful.

“Everything you do for them, they are so overwhelmingly grateful,” said Chamberlain. “I cannot tell you how many amazing meals I’ve been offered.”

Chamberlain, who Potapenko has dubbed “my American mom,” looks forward to continuing her retirement years as a Top City Promise volunteer.

“When you have a passion for something, it keeps you younger,” she said.

“It keeps you motivated.”

But the benefits of this project go far beyond that.

“It has changed my life in so many ways,” said Chamberlain. “I’m the one who says, ‘Thank you,’ because I have received so much, and I feel so thankful that God has led me to this.

“I thank God every day we have so many of these little miracles.”

To learn more about Top City Promise or to donate, visit the website at: topcitypromise.org.

LOCAL NEWS 5

FEBRUARY 9, 2024 | THELEAVEN.ORG

CEF thanks supporters and announces Gaudeamus honoree

By Amy Brost Special to The Leaven

K

ANSAS CITY, Kan. — “On this feast of St. Paul, this amazing evangelist, I’m reminded that the most important thing we can give our young people is a relationship with Jesus Christ,” said Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann to the supporters attending the Catholic Education Foundation’s (CEF) special Mass of thanksgiving.

“Like the encounter Paul had on the road to Damascus,” he continued, “our Catholic schools create an environment where students don’t just learn about Jesus as a historical figure, but actually come to know the real person, and can experience his love and his desire for friendship in communion with them.

“It’s your sacrifice and your generosity that makes this possible.”

Held at the Church of the Nativity in Leawood on Jan. 25, this inaugural event was an opportunity for the Catholic Education Foundation to share its appreciation with donors whose contributions have helped ensure students of all backgrounds have the opportunity to receive a Catholic education.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to express our thanks to you and give you a little glimpse of the difference your gifts are making. Because of you and the support you’ve given us over our 25-year history, we’ve provided 26,000 scholarships, a total of over $33 million,” said Vince Anch, CEF executive director. “And we’re just scratching the surface.”

Anch noted that one of the biggest challenges that CEF faces is awareness.

Many families, especially those who have immigrated from countries in Central America, think that Catholic school is only for the wealthy. Assuming that they can’t afford to send their children to a Catholic school, many families don’t even apply, unaware that tuition assistance is available from CEF. “As a bishop, one of the things that I struggle with is making sure that our schools don’t become elite institutions that are only for the wealthy,” explained Archbishop Naumann. “They are that in some parts of the world. The Catholic Education Foundation helps me uphold my responsibilities by helping our Catholic schools be accessible to all.”

Last October, CEF’s signature fundraising event, Gaudeamus, raised more

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann chats following the Catholic Education Foundation Mass on Jan. 25 at Church of the Nativity in Leawood. It was announced at that event that Archbishop Naumann would be honored at the 2024 Gaudeamus gala on Oct. 12. than $2.4 million toward tuition assistance scholarships for at-risk students at Catholic schools throughout northeast Kansas.

In his homily, the archbishop celebrated the success of Gaudeamus and shared the impact he has seen firsthand, including stories from his annual dinner with parents of students receiving CEF scholarships.

“You’re helping our Catholic parents fulfill their mission of passing the faith on to a new generation,” he said, “but our schools also benefit non-Catholics, especially because of CEF scholarships, who entrust their children to our Catholic schools.

“Parents know that Catholic schools are the best hope they can give their children for the future.”

He then blessed those present for helping make Catholic schools accessible to more families.

Now in its 26th year, the Catholic Education Foundation partners with Catholic schools throughout the archdiocese, particularly those located in under-resourced communities with a high percentage of students living at or

Catholic App Series

Y Divine Office

ou can have the Liturgy of the Hours or Divine Office at your fingertips with this easy-to-navigate app.

Users can read about the day’s saints. It also offers the invitatory, office of readings and prayers throughout the day — all of which include audio options.

Leon Suprenant, co-director of the archdiocesan office of the permanent diaconate, prefers using a breviary when he prays but said that’s often not practical, especially for evening prayer.

He appreciates how accessible the Liturgy of the Hours is on the app.

“It immensely helps me to remain faithful to my commitment to pray the Liturgy of the Hours every morning and evening,” said Suprenant.

“Many will appreciate having the app do the work,” he added, “rather than deal with all the pages, sections and ribbons of the breviary.”

And there’s an added bonus for those considering downloading the app.

“While I usually just read the prayer from the app,” said Suprenant, “there is also the option of listening to the audio, which may be preferred in some settings, and more parts of the prayer are beautifully chanted on Sundays and solemnities.”

— By Moira Cullings

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER

With support from donors, like founders Tom Zarda (in black) and Rich Henry (to Zarda’s left), the Catholic Education Foundation has provided more than $33 million in scholarships over its history. below the poverty level. For the 202324 school year, CEF scholarships are helping nearly 1,800 students receive a Catholic education.

WHILE I USUALLY JUST READ THE PRAYER FROM THE APP, THERE IS ALSO THE OPTION OF LISTENING TO THE AUDIO, WHICH MAY BE PREFERRED IN SOME SETTINGS. Leon Suprenant co-director of the office of the permanent diaconate

In closing, Anch shared his appreciation for those who have supported CEF throughout its history.

“We want our supporters to know how much we appreciate them,” said Anch. “We thought that having a Mass dedicated to our supporters, even those who couldn’t attend, would be a very special way to express our gratitude.”

Anch also announced that Archbishop Naumann will be honored at the 2024 Gaudeamus gala on Oct. 12.

“Every year, we honor someone who has been a dedicated supporter of Catholic education,” he said. “I’ve been trying to honor the archbishop for three years and he finally said yes — not because he wants the spotlight, but because he knows how much it will help us reach new people and raise funds to help more kids attend our Catholic schools.

“No one is a bigger champion for Catholic education than Archbishop Naumann.”

6 FAMILY LIFE

FEBRUARY 9, 2024 | THELEAVEN.ORG

To love and to cherish: Bringing mercy into marriage

By Bill Dodds OSV News

O

n their wedding day, a bride and groom may have stars in their eyes, but they have rocks in their heads if they think their partner isn’t going to: Drive them nuts.

Sometimes.

Take them for granted. On occasion.

Do something that truly hurts them. Once in a while.

Husband does it to wife. Wife does it to husband.

There are moments — there can be periods — when those wedding-day stars are replaced with longtime-married sparks of anger. Even in a happy marriage. Even in a marriage filled with joy and grace because: A marriage is made up of two imperfect people. (Yes, yes, your betrothed was perfect!

But how he or she has changed! Or more correctly, how your perception has improved.)

That’s why each person, at times, needs to seek forgiveness. Why each, at times, needs to offer it.

Enter mercy. Wedding homilists and marriage vows speak of love, honor and cherish, but mercy pops up again and again as the marriage progresses.

And with mercy, that relationship does make progress. It broadens, deepens, intensifies.

If love is the engine that drives a marriage, mercy is the oil that

OSV NEWS PHOTO/JIM YOUNG, REUTERS

A couple is pictured in a file photo walking along Gillson Beach holding hands as the sun sets in Wilmette, Illinois. While no marriage — or spouse — is perfect, you can transform your union by striving to be kind, compassionate, patient and lenient. keeps its many parts running smoothly.

What’s in this amazing fluid that goes such a long way on cutting down friction? The glossary of the Catechism of the Catholic Church puts it this way: Mercy is “the loving kindness, compassion or forbearance shown to one who offends (e.g., the mercy of God to us sinners).”

No couple gets very far down the road of life together without one person offending the other. And the other person offending the one. Those unpleasant mileposts can demand loving kindness, compassion and forbearance (that is, patience and leniency).

Wonderful in theory. Pretty darned tough sometimes in the real world. And marriage is no honeymoon. It’s as real as real can get.

With all that in mind, here are a few

points to consider: To grow in love is to grow in mercy. God, all merciful, is love (1 Jn 4:8) and — thanks be to God — a husband and wife were created in his image. But that growth in love and mercy isn’t like some beautiful piece of furniture delivered to your front door and placed in your home.

No, no, no. When it comes to virtues, God can be more like . . . IKEA. Here’s a box crammed with parts, here are the instructions. Now, put it together! (Yes, his helpline is always open.)

How do you do that?

The good news: He gives each of you a lot of opportunities to get better at loving and being merciful. The bad news: He gives each of you a lot of opportunities to get better at loving and being merciful.

Practice won’t make you perfect, but it will

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

make you much, much better.

Mercy talks, and mercy listens. It’s no secret that one of the cornerstones of a happy and healthy marriage is communication. But not all talking is created equal.

Sometimes it’s so easy. (“That coat looks good on you.”) Other times, not so much. Other times, it’s saying things that are hard to say or hearing things that are hard to hear. (“Over the last couple of months, your drinking has . . .”)

It’s a wonderful, heady feeling to realize that someone who knows you better than anyone else on earth still loves you. Who, despite his or her awareness of your many faults and shortcomings, still truly loves you.

But that also means your spouse is the one who can tell you when you’ve started to go off

ACROSS 1 French & German river 5 Capital of Western Samoa 9 Speck of wood, etc. (KJV) 13 Weed in a wheat field 14 Smack 15 Eating house 16 Opera solo 17 Pork entrees 18 Atlantic, for example 19 First 4 books of NT 21 OT book of history 23 Vane direction 24 Surface to air missile 25 Reverberations 29 Spr. month 30 Baby’s “ball” 32 Boxer Muhammad 33 Interest 36 Biblical weeds 37 Add up 38 Horse hair 39 Square 40 Antic 41 Lingerie 42 Diced 43 Out of bed 44 Hearing organ 45 Spoken 46 Tribe of Israel

47 49 50 53 55 57 60 62 63 64 65 66 67 68

course. Started to slip here or there. Started to become less like the person God created you to be.

Not that you or your loved one will ever reach that goal in this lifetime, but moving forward in that direction matters. To you.

To him or her. To your marriage.

There’s a big — and important — difference between being merciful and being a doormat. A misguided sense of mercy can lead to a host of problems in a marriage. Mercy doesn’t overlook, ignore or simply dismiss an action or pattern that needs to be addressed.

At times, it can rightfully and wisely call for professional help. A case of the sniffles? Maybe a nice bowl of chicken soup.

A ruptured appendix?

Much more sophisticated and professional care. A series of spats or a developing pattern of underappreciating each other? Perhaps a date night or setting up those evenings on a regular schedule. A larger and more complex problem— infidelity, addiction or abuse?

Assistance from those educated and trained to help couples and individuals.

Mercy is always a choice — an action based on free will.

Just as God will never force someone to be merciful, neither can one spouse force the other to act that way.

Yes, over time, being merciful can seem like

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DOWN 1 Where actors work 2 Brother of Moses 3 Get up 4 Glean 5 Cut stone 6 fluid substance 7 A name of God 8 Church part 9 Minor OT prophet 10 Single 11 Thirst quencher 12 White-tailed sea eagle 15 A Christian woman from Joppa 20 Catch sight of (KJV)

an automatic response, but that’s only because — as the years have passed — a person learns to offer mercy with grace and speed. It may appear effortless, but each time, whether for a small misdeed or large offense, mercy demands an action. Or, rather, four actions.

Being merciful is making the decision to be kind, compassionate, patient and lenient.

In “Misericordiae Vultus,” Pope Francis’ message announcing the Jubilee of Mercy, the Holy Father wrote: “As we can see in sacred Scripture, mercy is a key word that indicates God’s action toward us. He does not limit himself merely to affirming his love, but makes it visible and tangible.

“Love, after all, can never be just an abstraction. By its very nature, it indicates something concrete: intentions, attitudes and behaviors that are shown in daily living.

The mercy of God is his loving concern for each one of us. He feels responsible; that is, he desires our well-being and he wants to see us happy, full of joy and peaceful. This is the path which the merciful love of Christians must also travel. As the Father loves, so do his children. Just as he is merciful, so we are called to be merciful to each other.”

So you are called to be merciful to that wonderful, amazing, loving — and imperfect — person you married.

22 Three-masted Mediterranean boat 26 Fertile desert area 27 Evade 28 Peter’s other name 29 Exist 30 Tower of __ 31 Waterless 33 Deep brown 34 Wife of Abraham 35 Single 36 Band instrument 39 Swear 40 Loud noises 42 Compel 43 Inclined plane 46 Fabric 48 What Israelites ate in desert 49 Chopper 50 Dwarf 51 Agricultural student 52 Tops 54 __ and Eve 56 Object of false worship 57 Rival 58 Revolutions per minute 59 Point 61 Time period Solution on page 13

LOCAL NEWS 7

FEBRUARY 9, 2024 | THELEAVEN.ORG

Indy congress to equip folks to evangelize their parish, beyond

By Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

Gear up for the Year of Mission

K

ANSAS CITY, Kan — This coming July more than 80,000 Catholics from across the United States will be in Illinois for a oncein-a-lifetime event — and you can be part of it.

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann and about 200 archdiocesan Catholics will be among the thousands who will gather July 17-21 at the Lucas Oil Dome in Indianapolis for the 10th National Eucharistic Congress.

The event’s purpose is “about encounter and mission,” according to Deacon Dana Nearmyer, archdiocesan director of evangelization.

It’s about Catholics going boldly on mission to invite the world to a life-changing relationship by being “healed, formed, converted and unified” through a renewed encounter with the Eucharist,” he said, and then being sent on mission for the Year of Mission, June 2024-June 2025.

“Archbishop Naumann would like to see representatives from each of our parishes go to Indianapolis for this week of equipping,” said Deacon Nearmyer. “The top teachers and preachers in the country — men, women, lay, clergy, consecrated — will all be there.”

The archbishop hopes those archdiocesan Catholics who accompany him will bring back more than great memories. “[The archbishop] hopes that they’ll bring back that energy and learning into their parish and be able to use that time of equipping as a springboard for them to host learning events [and other things] that are transformative,” said Deacon Nearmyer.

There will be plenty to do and see every day at the congress. Those who attend will choose impact sessions with speakers for the morning and breakout sessions in the afternoon. Each evening will have revival sessions. There will be daily opportunities for Mass, eucharistic adoration and the sacrament of reconciliation.

The exposition hall will feature displays of all sorts of apostolates, ministries,

By Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

religious orders, publishers and other vendors. And there will be opportunities to see a bit of the town.

Evangelization is a big part of this.

“We’re evangelizing ourselves and all of our loved ones,” said Deacon Nearmyer. “We’re trying to draw near to the Lord. We don’t see it as this binary switch for most people. It tends to be a slide switch where we gradually get closer and closer to Jesus throughout our lives.

“We don’t think it’s just us bringing this God who is foreign to people into

their lives. They were created by Jesus, so this spark of divinity is in everyone.

But we want to help people draw it out and recognize the miracles that surround them.”

The congress has allotted 200 tickets to the archdiocese and so far, 110 have been bought. To help local Catholics attend the event, the archdiocese is working with a Catholic-owned travel agency to offer a bundle that includes congress event passes and downtown accommodations. (See sidebar below.)

Join the Eucharistic Congress Sign up to join the archdiocesan group at the Eucharistic Congress and take advantage of a customized package.

The bundle includes a round-trip motorcoach option from Savior Pastoral Center in Kansas City, Kansas, to the event. The motorcoach details may be found in the registration process.

For event registration (for the first 200 to register), adult pricing is $879 for a triple/ quad persons; $1,079 for a double; and $1,579 for a single. Family pricing is $100 off the adult prices for children ages 3 to 18, and free for “lap children” up to 2 years old when rooming with two paying adults in double occupancy.

To register for the archdiocesan package: Go online to: archkck.org. Scroll down the homepage and click on the picture of the monstrance with the words “Eucharistic Revival — 2024 Eucharistic Congress.”

Then, click on the “Link to Register” button which will take you to the Corporate Travel page. Enter the required information.

Next, return to the “2024 Eucharistic Congress” page, scroll down to “3 steps for You” and hit the “Link to Secure Hotel.” Enter the required information.

Return to the “2024 Eucharistic Congress” page again and follow the instructions under “3 Steps for You” beginning with STEP ONE. More information is available in the four-page flyer “Pilgrimage to the National Eucharistic Congress” at the bottom of the page.

To access the 10th National Eucharistic Congress official website, go online to: www. eucharisticcongress.org.

K

ANSAS CITY, Kan. — Not everyone can go to the 10th National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis, so a great way to prepare for the Year of Mission June 2024-June 2025 is to “get equipped” closer to home.

The archdiocesan office of evangelization will conduct an ArchKCK Day of Equipping — one for Spanish-speaking persons, and a second for English speakers. The material presented for the sessions will mirror each other.

The Spanish-speaking session will be held from 5 to 9 p.m. on March 7 at St. Pius X Parish, 5500 Woodson Rd., Mission.

The English-speaking session will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on March 19 at the Father Quigley Center, Holy Trinity Parish, 9201 Summit St., Lenexa.

“For many years, Archbishop Naumann has placed a high emphasis on evangelization because it is the church’s primary mission to spread the good news of Jesus Christ to the world,” said Deacon Dana Nearmyer, archdiocesan director of evangelization.

“The Great Commission and the Great Commandment tell us to root ourselves in faith and then share this abundant life with everyone,” he continued. “Especially in this modern world, it’s daunting to have serious conversations with people when so much of our conversations are surface and we’re texting each other. They’re more sound bites than they are deep, probing conversations.”

The Year of Mission, which Catholics are being equipped for, is about sharing the good news of Jesus and his intimacy and presence with us.

“The archbishop has asked the office of evangelization to equip parishes to teach their members, their disciples, how to pass on the faith in beautiful, organic ways that aren’t intimidating,” said Deacon Nearmyer.

At the Day of Equipping, attendees will learn of practical resources for sharing the Gospel, celebrate the work that has been done, plan for the year ahead, learn to give their testimony of faith and receive tips on how to live their witness.

The cost to attend is $20, which covers materials and a boxed Chick-fil-A lunch.

To register online, go online to: www.archkck.org/revival.

For the Spanish session, clink the second, or blue, link that says, “ArchKCK Dia de Equipamiento – Marzo 07, 2024” and you will be taken to the event registration page to enter the required information.

For the English session, hit the button that reads “ArchKCK Day of Equipping – March 19, 2024” and you’ll be taken to the event registration page to enter the required information.

Angelina Thomas, a prekindergarten teacher for Holy Name of Jesus School in Kansas City, Kansas, gathers her kids around for reading time.

READING THE ROOM Reading is vital to early development, say teachers and librarians

By Catherine Halbmaier Special to The Leaven

K

ANSAS CITY, Kan. — Almost from birth, a child’s mind is teeming with imagination and curiosity.

According to teachers and librarians of archdiocesan schools, reading is vital to fostering those attributes.

The development of vocabulary, comprehension and problem-solving skills

gained through reading in early childhood is also an essential foundation to the learning that will follow.

And according to those same archdiocesan educators, an emphasis on reading is more important than ever in today’s technology-heavy society.

Bringing stories to life Liz Gonzales, a kindergarten teacher of 11 years at Resurrection School

in Kansas City, Kansas, has witnessed firsthand the importance of developing strong reading habits, that often start with reading aloud to them.

“For a lot of my students, it’s getting to hear that vocabulary, hearing words that they might not have heard before,” said Gonzales, that leads to reading progress.

Gonzales emphasizes putting sounds together to help her students recognize words. She has special tips for bilingual families and believes reading to a child in any language can be beneficial.

“I always encourage the families, just because I read to them in English doesn’t mean you have to,” said Gonzales.

“Read to them a story in whatever language you speak,” she continued, “because whatever language you read to them is building their vocabulary.”

Despite her passion for the job, teaching was not always in the plan for Gonzales.

“I didn’t originally intend to be a teacher,” she said. “I was going to be a vet. But in college, I took an education class and ended up falling in love with it. I knew it was where I was supposed to be.”

Now, Gonzales enjoys helping her students bring stories to life in the classroom.

“They hear a lot of stories throughout the day,” she said. “We use Vooks, a storybook online program that brings the story to life, so they get to see these characters and words that I’m seeing are a story.”

IT’S HELPFUL TO HAVE A BREAK FROM A LIGHTED SCREEN. I HOPE WE DON’T EVER COMPLETELY GET AWAY FROM LIBRARIES FOR KIDS TO SEARCH OUT BOOKS AND HOLD THEM AND TAKE THEM HOME. DEBBIE OTTING LIBRARIAN, ST. MATTHEW SCHOOL IN TOPEKA

‘Books take us places’ While technology helps educators like Gonzales teach reading in the classroom, some worry that it takes away interest in reading.

Debbie Otting, librarian of 20 years at St. Matthew School in Topeka, has seen the effect of technology on young readers over time.

“When I started 20 years ago, kids were just more up to loving a novel,” said Otting. “In the last eight or 10 years, there has been a shift, particularly in the middle school kids.”

Otting has noticed a decrease in enthusiasm from students, and also a change

PHOTO BY KELLI WOLKEN

Mariah Dalsing, a kindergarten teacher at St. Rose Philippine Duchesne School in Garnett, says reading aloud to kids helps them with problemsolving and improves their comprehension skills.

Imagination Library now includes Kansas

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER

in the school systems.

“Some schools are shifting from books on shelves to e-books,” said Otting.

“Books take us places when we have to stay where we are, but now cellphones take us places, too.”

But Otting doesn’t think the change is good.

“I don’t think there is any replacement for having a book in your hand,” she said.

To keep reading a part of children’s lives, Otting recommends having a daily time to unplug.

“It’s helpful to have a break from a lighted screen,” Otting said. “I hope we don’t ever completely get away from libraries for kids to search out books and hold them and take them home.

“It’s something you will do throughout your entire life. You won’t do algebra your entire life, but you will read.”

Unlimited benefits Reading is an important skill that can set children up for success in countless other ways.

“A huge part of reading aloud is what it does cognitively to kids,” said Mariah Dalsing, a kindergarten teacher at St. Rose School in Garnett. “It helps with learning how to solve problems, and [it increases] their comprehension skills.

“If you have a child who, in a year’s time, is hardly read to, they will be exposed to 1,000 words a year. Other

I

t’s been Taylor Swift making all the headlines here of late.

But it might be another music icon — Dolly Parton — who will have the greatest impact in the long run on the future of Kansas.

Last August, the legendary singer/songwriter came to the state to announce the expansion of her Imagination Library to the children of Kansas.

Parton, who was inspired by her own father’s inability to read, has long been an advocate of early reading programs — and she’s put her money and her fame where her heart is.

Starting out with 1,700 books in 1995 as a program for children in her own county in Tennessee, Parton’s Imagination Library now delivers over 2 million free books monthly to children in five countries.

To enroll any Kansas child from birth to his/her 5th birthday to receive free, ageappropriate books mailed directly to their home every month, fill out an easy form online at: https://kschildrenscabinet.org/imagination library/ Grandparents, aunts, uncles, caregivers, etc., can even register the child and have the books sent to their address rather than the child’s. To view in advance the list of books your child will be sent, go online to: https://imaginationlibrary.com/usa/book-list.

The next step is even easier. Watch with your child for his or her free books to start arriving, and when they do, read, read, read!

children can be exposed to 77,000 new words in a year if their parents read to them every day.”

Dalsing heavily encourages parents’ involvement in their children’s early reading, whether it be reading to them, or listening to their children read to them.

“I have watched two kids come into my classroom — one above average in reading and one below average,” Dalsing said.

“The above-average kid would never read to their parents, but the below-average child read every night.

“This [second] kid skyrocketed because

of the skills that they were using every day — and it’s 10 minutes.”

Along with reading together at home, Dalsing recommends that parents take their children to their local public library. This free resource allows kids to explore a wide variety of literature and explore their unique interests.

Not only does reading with parents develop a child’s skills, but it can be a meaningful bonding time for families.

“Kids know when their parents take the time out that is meaningful to spend time with them,” said Dalsing. “You have the opportunity to make connections

with your kid, you get to learn about their personality and what they like.”

Skills for life Reading together can be an excellent way for parents to bond with their children and encourage good learning habits.

Angelina Thomas, a veteran prekindergarten teacher for Holy Name of Jesus School in Kansas City, Kansas, encourages parents to read with their kids.

“I have always been a firm believer that you can start reading to a baby in the arms,” said Thomas.

In her classroom, Thomas reads up to three books to her students throughout the day. According to her, reading and being read to help the students develop creativity, memory and can even help them cope with difficult emotions.

“I have a book that I read one year because a little boy’s grandpa died,” said Thomas. “It’s about coping with death for little children, and at the end, this little boy decided to put his grandpa’s picture on his nightstand to help remember him.

“Last year, I had a little boy whose dad died, and I read him that book. This year, his mom came and hugged me; she said it had really helped him to cope with the loss.”

Reading and being read to develop many vital skills in children. With vocabulary, memory, creativity and even emotional difficulties, kids have a lot to gain from early exposure to the written word.

It is no wonder that teachers highly encourage parents to read with their children.

So, as Thomas said, “Start reading to your child as early as possible — as soon as you bring them home.

“They’ll hear your voice, bond and someday develop a love of reading.”

10 LOCAL NEWS

FEBRUARY 9, 2024 | THELEAVEN.ORG

Nativity to host Ignatian retreat Feb. 20-22

By Meghan Ascher Special to The Leaven

L

EAWOOD — The Ignatian Spirituality Center of Kansas City (ISC) will join hands with Church of the Nativity’s Christian Formation Office here to host a three-day guided Lenten retreat: “Their Eyes Were Opened: Encountering Christ in Daily Life.”

“The inspiration for this offering was twofold,” said Michael Sanem, minister of evangelization at Nativity and one of three presenters for the retreat. “One, the Eucharistic Revival and the desire to create a sacred space for people to encounter Christ in prayer. The second is to use Ignatian contemplation to connect the Christ we encounter in the Eucharist with the Christ we encounter in the Scriptures, and ultimately, the Christ we encounter in our daily lives,” In addition to Sanem, Lori Stevens and Mona Snider will each present and guide one day of the retreat.

Each has considerable training and experience in spiritual accompaniment, having both received their certification in spiritual direction from Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska. Stevens serves as a teacher and board member at ISC. Snider, who has been accompanying people since 2007, is an instructor for prayer guides at ISC. The Ignatian Spirituality Center of KC has over 40 trained Ignatian prayer guides to help accompany and assist those in the Kansas City Metropolitan area who wish to explore and deepen their relationship with God in Jesus Christ basing their ministry on St. Ignatius of Loyola’s Spiritual Exercises.

The retreat is free and open to anyone who would like to participate, not just Nativity parishioners.

“We’ll have a reflective retreat talk, time for personal prayer and time for spiritual conversation,” said

USM, WWI Museum and Memorial to co-host annual Lincoln event on Feb. 20

L

One aspect of Church of the Nativity’s three-day guided Lenten retreat “Their Eyes Were Opened: Encountering Christ in Daily Life” will focus on connecting with Christ through the Eucharist.

Sanem. “We hope it will be a nice rest stop for three Tuesday evenings, an opportunity to slow down and go a bit deeper in our prayer life for Lent.”

“I think this offering will give people a concrete way to encounter Christ in their daily life,” he continued. “I hope that, like the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius, people will be invited into a more committed and intimate relationship with Christ — one that they can turn to each and every day, no matter what they are going through.

“For me, Ignatian spirituality was the catalyst for lifelong discipleship, which is really a lifelong relationship with Christ encountered in prayer and in daily life.”

The dates for the retreat are Feb. 20, Feb. 27, and March 5 from 6-7:30 p.m. The event will be held at Church of the Nativity, located at 3800 W. 119th.

More information and registration can be found on ISC’s website at: ignatiancenterkc.org/events/eyesopen.

EAVENWORTH — The University of Saint Mary here and the National World War I Museum and Memorial are proud to present the 25th annual Lincoln Event “Freedom Denied: The Unfinished Business of Democracy.”

The program is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Feb. 20 at the museum’s auditorium, located at 2 Memorial Dr., Kansas City, Missouri. The event is free with registration and will also be livestreamed through the museum’s YouTube account. RSVP online at: https://the worldwar.org/events/freedom-deniedunfinished-business-democracy.

Dr. Don Doyle and Dr. Thomas Knock, with moderator Dr. Marie Grace Brown, will lead a conversation on the international implications of democracy’s unfinished business.

Abraham Lincoln and Woodrow Wilson are two presidents who led the United States in fighting for a united democracy in wars of unexpected magnitude and duration: a civil war with global impact, followed by a world war with national impact. Despite their shared goal, Lincoln’s and Wilson’s visions for democracy were vastly different, particularly through the lens of race.

Amid colonization and segregation, freedom and self-determination remained unfulfilled promises, making peace — thought to have been successfully brokered — fragile and unstable at home and abroad.

The public is also invited to a reception sponsored by Country Club Bank prior to the Lincoln Event at 6 p.m. on Feb. 20 at the National World War I Museum and Memorial.

Thomas J. and Sharon A. (Charlton) Soetaert, members of Sacred H e a r t of Jesus Parish, E m p o ria, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on Feb. 9. The couple was married on Feb. 9, 1974, at St. Joseph Church, Shawnee, by Father Ambrose Keating, OSB, uncle of the bride. The couple will celebrate with a family dinner at Easter. Their children are: Daniel Soetaert, Peter Soetaert and JanMichelle Soetaert Trelc. They also have eight grandchildren.

Monica and Marcus Ramirez, members of Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, To p ek a , celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with their children and grandchildren in November. The couple was married on Nov. 24, 1973, at Our Lady of Guadalupe. Their children are: Marcus, Andrea, Trisha and Danielle. They also have 16 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

LOCAL NEWS 11

FEBRUARY 9, 2024 | THELEAVEN.ORG

Sister Mary Laura Huddleston, SCL, dies

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OSV NEWS PHOTO/KATIE PETERSON, TENNESSEE REGISTER

At Immaculate Conception Church in Clarksville, Tennessee, Victoria Sanchez looks over an exhibition created and designed by Blessed Carlo Acutis that explains every eucharistic miracle documented around the world. The 156-poster display is being offered on loan by the Catholic Radio Network at no charge to parishes and Catholic organizations.

Catholic Radio Network is offering ‘Eucharistic Miracles’ exhibit KANSAS CITY, Kan. — The Catholic Radio Network is offering the exhibit “Eucharistic Miracles of the World” to parishes and Catholic organizations for display at no charge.

The 157-panel display, designed

by Blessed Carlo Acutis, has been endorsed by the Dicastery of the Doctrine of the Faith and is offered by the network to promote eucharistic

Educator, Sister Jane Jackson, SCL, dies

L

EAVENWORTH— Sister Jane Jackson, 80, a Sister of Charity of Leavenworth for 63 years, died here on Jan. 23.

She entered religious life on Aug. 30, 1960, and took the name Sister Rose Virginia when she received her habit.

She later returned to her baptismal name.

Born in Kansas City, Missouri, Sister Jane was the second of the three children of William Roger and Mary Virginia Jackson. Her parents fostered a family spirit that was faith-filled, people-oriented and fun-loving — traits that characterized Sister Jane throughout her life.

Throughout her ministry, Sister Jane primarily taught and administered in

elementary schools in Colorado, Illinois, Kansas, Montana and Oklahoma.

She held bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education from Saint Mary College (now University of Saint Mary), Leavenworth, and Dayton University, respectively.

Sister Jane applied her many talents to other roles over the years. For three years, she was the Sisters’ motherhouse coordinator; a founding faculty member of Cristo Rey High School in Kansas City, Missouri; a teacher’s aide in the Foster Grandparent program at Resurrection School in Kansas City, Kansas; and a volunteer at Providence Medical Center in Kansas City, Kansas, and at Leavenworth Interfaith Community of Hope.

Sister Joan Offenburger, OSB, dies on Jan. 26

A

TCHISON — Sister Joan Offenburger, 94, a Benedictine Sister of Mount St. Scholastica here, died Jan. 26 at the monas-

tery.

Born Oct. 30, 1929, she was the oldest of two daughters of Charles and Clare Offenburger of Brooklyn, New York.

After graduating from Benedictine Academy in Elizabeth, New Jersey, she came to Atchison to attend Mount St. Scholastica College and then entered the monastery.

With a degree in history and later a master’s degree in library science from The Catholic University of America,

she taught at Lillis High School, Kansas City, Missouri; Sts. Peter and Paul High School, Seneca; St. Mary High School, Portsmouth, Iowa; Donnelly College, Kansas City, Kansas; and Mount St. Scholastica College (now Benedictine College), Atchison.

Sister Joan also served as librarian at De La Salle Education Center in Kansas City, Missouri, and at Benedictine College, and was assistant director of the Mount Community Center in Atchison for a number of years. She was also active in committees and service at the monastery.

adoration and evangelization.

For more information, contact the network at 1 (877) 630-1090 or go online to: catholicradionetwork. com/miracles.

EAVENWORTH — Sister Mary Laura Huddleston, 93, a Sister of Charity of Leavenworth for 76 years, died here on Jan. 28. She entered religious life on Aug. 14, 1947.

Born in Billings, Montana, Sister Mary Laura was the elder of the two daughters of Albert E. “Bert” and Margaret Huddleston.

Sister Mary Laura contracted polio at the age of 3 and spent many summers at St. Vincent Hospital in Billings. She attended first and second grades from the hospital school. She credited being cared for by the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth during those years as the seed for her vocation.

Sister Mary Laura started her ministry as a teacher. She taught in schools in Kansas, Missouri and Montana. She later worked in hospital records and pastoral ministry. She also served for many years as the chaplain to the American Royal in Kansas City, Missouri.

She held a bachelor’s degree in medical record science from Saint Mary College, Leavenworth. She also attended Seattle University, Butte School of Mines and Carroll College in Helena, Montana.

From 2003 until 2017, she served the Hispanic population in Kansas City, Kansas. She retired to the motherhouse in 2017.

12 CLASSIFIEDS EMPLOYMENT Director, stewardship and development - The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas is seeking to hire a director of stewardship and development. This position would be responsible for a comprehensive stewardship and fund development program for the archdiocese and its agencies by ensuring that proper planning, communications and fundraising activities are implemented. Go online to: archkck.org, scroll down to the bottom of the page, go to “People,” click on “Employment Opportunities” then scroll down to “Current Job Openings” and click on “Openings in our Archdiocese” and scroll down to “Director of Stewardship and Development” and scroll down to “Apply.”

Chief financial officer – Catholic Care Campus Inc. dba Santa Marta is seeking a CFO. The CFO is responsible for the overall financial operations of Santa Marta in conjunction with the CEO and finance committee. Responsibilities for this position include, but are not limited, to: budget preparations; forecasting; audit functions; monitor financial performance; directs the preparation of all financial statements; and prepares financial analysis package to the finance committee and board of directors. Oversees relationship with bankers, calculates bond covenants and provides reporting to bond trustees. Ensures that effective internal controls are in place and ensures compliance with GAAP and applicable federal, state and local regulatory laws and rules for financial and tax reporting. Qualifications include 10 years of health care leadership experience, strategic planning and budgeting. Experience in RFPs and contract negotiations. Investment and bond experience. Efficient and effective organizational skills. Excellent oral and written communication skills, interpersonal professional relationships, both internally and externally.

Overall soundness of decisions, effective delegation and maintenance of confidentiality for all sensitive information. CPA or MBA preferred. Interested applicants may apply at Santa Marta Retirement Jobs in Overland Park, KS | Indeed.com.

Executive director of communal life - The Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth (SCLs) are currently seeking an executive director of communal life. The executive director of communal life, in collaboration with the SCL leadership team and the executive directors of mission and resources, will support the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth community as it focuses on sustaining its mission and charism into the future. The communal life office will create inclusive and holistic systems and structures that support and facilitate ongoing formation; individual member well-being; the well-being of the community; and the engagement of Sisters in the mission.

The ideal candidate will possess a bachelor’s degree or higher in social work, spirituality, theology or related field. To view the full job announcement, please visit our website at: www.scls.org. If you possess the desired qualifications and would like to work for a truly wonderful and outstanding religious community, please email a cover letter with salary requirements and your resume to: recruiting@scls.org.

Gift planning consultant - The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas is seeking to hire a gift planning consultant. This position will build and maintain relationships with pastors, individual donors and professional advisers. Go online to: archkck.org, scroll down to the bottom under “More News,” go to “People,” then click on “Employment Opportunities” and scroll down to “Current job openings” and click on “Openings in Our Archdiocese” and then “Gift planning consultant.”

Workforce specialist - Are you seeking an opportunity to advance your career while assisting others to advance theirs? Want to surround yourself with others with a high level of conviction and passion for serving others? Then consider your next career move with our great team as a workforce training and development specialist. For more information and to apply, go online to: catholiccharitiesks.org/careers, click on “View all opportunities,” then scroll down and click on “Workforce Specialist.”

Now hiring - Looking for part-time horse groom/ care on small family farm. Located in Paola, 20 miles south of Overland Park. Responsibilities include but not limited to cleaning, grooming, exercise for horse; barn maintenance; moving hay; cleaning barn, water troughs; mowing paddocks, etc. It is hot and dirty work in the summer, cold and dirty in the winter.

Prior equine experience preferred but not required.

Willingness to work hard, honesty, punctuality and reliability are requirements. Must be able to lift hay bales, bags of grain, water buckets, etc. No smoking, tobacco, electronic tobacco, drugs or alcohol allowed on premises; no exceptions. We do background checks and you must have your own transportation to and from work.

Victim care advocate - The office of protection and care is seeking to hire one full-time victim care advocate who would be responsible for providing support and resources to victims and their families.

Please visit “Employment Opportunities” on the archdiocesan website for more information or to apply.

Go online to “Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas” and scroll down to “Employment Opportunities,” then click on “Victim Care Advocate.”

FEBRUARY 9, 2024 | THELEAVEN.ORG Full-time maintenance/custodian - St. Joseph Parish in Shawnee is looking for full-time maintenance/ custodial staff. Qualified applicants will primarily work in a school and early education environment.

Applicants must have similar work history, references and dependable transportation. Must be Virtustrained or attend Virtus training and participate in a background check. Interested applicants should email resumes to: mthomas@stjoeshawnee.org or call (913) 631-0004.

Client care providers - Wyandotte and Olathe Pregnancy Clinics need compassionate and reliable client care providers. Qualified medical staff also needed for ultrasounds and other medical patient needs.

Both volunteers and paid positions are available.

Please call Leah 913-207-0186.

Teacher - St. Joseph Early Education Center in Shawnee is seeking a full-time teacher. Interested individuals should email cover letter and resume to Kristan Mora at: KMora@stjoeshawnee.org. For more information, call (913) 631-0004.

Director of finance - The Diocese of Wichita is seeking an exceptional individual to serve as director of finance. The director of finance is accountable for the overall financial management of the Diocese of Wichita and the stewardship of fiscal resources in support of the mission and vision of the diocese. The finance director advises the bishop in the administration and stewardship of the temporal goods of the diocese, developing and implementing policies and procedures in accord with canon law and civil law.

Responsibilities include providing financial expertise and advice to the bishop, articulating the overall financial condition of the diocese at any point in time, and working closely with pastors, diocesan leadership, diocesan finance council, diocesan investment committee, clergy and other diocesan leaders on a broad range of financial and administrative matters.

Qualifications for this opening include the following: must be a practicing Catholic in good standing and a steward in one’s parish with a commitment to the mission and teachings of the Catholic Church; must have the ability and willingness to promote and exemplify the curia core values of unity in mission, discipleship centered stewardship and apostolic courage; bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting or business administration. MBA and/or CPA preferred; minimum of 10 - 15 years of finance and accounting experience with at least five years of senior level management. Experience in a not-for-profit environment helpful. Experience in budgeting, auditing and oversight of investments required. Prefer experience in risk management, insurance and contract review.

Forward thinker with the ability to conserve resources while recognizing strategic opportunities to utilize existing and new resources; outstanding leadership skills with the competence to manage staff; proven to be a team-oriented, proactive and collaborative business partner with strong business judgment and high level of integrity. Interested applicants may submit resumes, references and salary requirements to: hallacyt@CatholicDioceseOfWichita.org. Application deadline is noon, Feb. 29.

Youth minister - Prince of Peace Parish in Olathe is seeking an exceptional and experienced leader who desires to witness, serve and form teens and their families. They will work with a volunteer core team to envision, plan and execute a youth ministry program in accord with the archdiocesan guidelines for youth formation and in collaboration with the pastor’s mission and vision. The youth minister is responsible for the implementation of weekly youth programs for both junior and senior high. Seeking a Catholic experienced in youth ministry who will encourage and train adult core and youth team leaders. The position has the possibility to be full time with benefits. For more information, go to: www.popolathe.org/jobs. To apply, send a resume and cover letter to April Bailey, director of faith formation, at: abailey@popolathe.org.

Director of development and stewardship - The director of development and stewardship of St. John the Evangelist in Lawrence works closely with the pastor and school principal to ensure the long-term stability of the parish — which includes the church and school — by building relationships with a variety of stakeholders, including parishioners, parents alumni, volunteers and community members. The director of development and stewardship will implement and oversee all development and stewardship activities necessary to grow and expand the base of financial support for the parish from a broad range of sources. To apply, send cover letter and resume to Father John Cousins at: frjohn@sjevangelist.com; or mail to Father John Cousins, 1229 Vermont St., Lawrence, KS 66044. To view the complete job description, visit our website at: sjevangelist.com/jobs.

Make a meaningful impact today - Join L’Arche Heartland as a direct support professional in our residential homes. Contribute to the empowerment and enrichment of adults with developmental disabilities as they engage in meaningful lifestyles. We have immediate full-time positions available. We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes 100% coverage for medical, dental and vision expenses.

Conveniently situated in downtown Overland Park.

Training provided. Apply now by visiting our website at: www.larcheks.org/join-our-team or by emailing: james@larcheks.org.

Skilled maintenance worker - St. Pius X Parish, Mission, a skilled maintenance worker to perform general upkeep and repairs; applying basic fixes to equipment and building systems and ensuring facilities are tidy and functional. Will include some spot cleaning of church, parish and rectory. We are looking for candidates with experience and solid technical knowledge; who are reliable with a keen eye for detail; a self-starter with motivation to work independently or with others to provide thorough and efficient work.

Work hours can be flexible. Full-time or part-time.

Interested applicants may email resumes and work history to: galba@spxmission.org.

Caregivers needed - Daughter & Company is looking for compassionate caregivers to provide assistance to seniors in their home, assisted living or in a skilled nursing facility. We provide sitter services, light housekeeping and light meal preparation, organizational assistance, care management and occasional transportation for our clients. We need caregivers with reliable transportation and a cellphone for communication. We typically employ on a part-time basis, but will strive to match up hours desired. Contact Gary or Laurie at (913) 341-2500 if you want to become part of an excellent caregiving team.

Faculty and adjunct faculty job openings - Donnelly College, Kansas City, Kansas, is a Catholic college offering higher education for those who may not otherwise be served. Faculty job openings - no current openings. Adjunct faculty job openings - no current job openings. Find job descriptions and details at: www.donnelly.edu/careers.

Now hiring - drivers and aides - Assisted Transportation is hiring safe drivers and aides to transport students in Johnson and Wyandotte Counties, in company vans. Drivers earn $14 - $16 per hour. Part-time and full-time schedules available. CDL not required.

Retirees are encouraged to apply. Make a difference in your community by helping those in need! Call (913) 262-5190 or visit www.assistedtransportation. com for more information. EEO. Early childhood educators - With multiple locations in Johnson County, Special Beginnings Early Learning Center provides high quality child-care in a safe, loving Christian environment. Our classrooms are full and we are looking to add to our amazing team. We are looking for both full-time and part-time teachers for all ages of children. If you have an excellent work ethic, a heart for children and a willingness to learn more about early childhood education, we would love to meet you. For more information or to apply, call Anne at (913) 894-0131, ext. 102.

Scientific equipment technician - Would you like to make a difference in a small growing company?

Seeking individuals looking for flexible part-time work maintaining and repairing small equipment for our family company which has been in the local area for over 40 years. Service is completed at customer’s locations locally and within a four-state area. Dependable transportation is a must. Positive attitude, dependability, time management and self-motivation skills, as well as being quality- and customer-oriented are required. Mostly on-the-job training. Electrical knowledge a plus. Please send resume to: Yourcareer101@gmail.com.

Staff job openings - Donnelly College in Kansas City, Kansas, has the following staff job openings available: academic advisor, director of development, annual fund coordinator and admissions counselor.

Find job descriptions and details at: www.donnelly. edu/careers.

SERVICES 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.

Tutor - Piano, guitar, voice, and music theory lessons available. Instructor has 18 years experience. For more info. Please call/text Kathleen: 913-206-2151 or email: Klmamuric@yahoo.com.

Double A’s lawn service Lawn mowing, mulching, gutters, leaf removal, brush removal and hedge trimming Free estimates, insured and insured.

Alex Spoerre (913) 488-5195.

Garage door repair expert New Garage Doors Garage Floor Coatings A Total Door Inc., Since ’83. Leaven discount joe@atotaldoor.com; (913) 236-6440 Custom countertops - Laminates installed within 5 days. Cambria, granite and solid surface. Competitive prices, dependable work. Call the Top Shop, Inc., at (913) 962-5058. Members of St. Joseph, Shawnee.

WELLERBEEF.COM - Let us be your local farm source for beef for your dinner table. Local, Catholic, family farm. Humanely raised. No antibiotics/hormones. Grass fed and traditional. Starter pack to a whole cow. Free delivery in Kansas City area. We pay the butcher’s processing fees.

MIKE HAMMER MOVING - A full-service mover. Local and long-distance moving. Packing, pianos, rental truck load/unload, storage container load/unload.

In-home moving and office moves. No job too small.

Serving the KC metro since 1987. St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee, parishioner. Call the office at (913) 9274347 or email: mike@mikehammermoving.com.

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

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

Free estimates - We are offering free estimates to all those thinking about painting this year. At Stone Painting, we put the customer first. We provide interior, exterior house painting along with deck staining, fence painting, etc. Stone Painting ensures a professional, clean and fair-priced job. Call today for your free estimate. (913) 963-6465.

Local Handyman - Painting int. and ext., wood rot, mason repair), gutter cleaning (gutter covers), dryer vent cleaning, sump pump (replace, add new), windows, doors (interior and exterior) honey-do list, window cleaning and more! Member of Holy Angels Parish, Basehor. Call Billy at (913) 927-4118.

EL SOL Y LA TIERRA *COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL *LAWN RENOVATION *MOWING *CLEANUP AND HAULING *DIRT GRADING/INSTALLATION *LANDSCAPE DESIGN* FREE ESTIMATES HABLAMOS Y ESCRIBIMOS INGLES!!

CALL LUPE AT (816) 252-1391 Tradesman - I do bathrooms, kitchens, basements, tile and all kinds of flooring, as well as painting, staining, sheetrock, knockdown ceilings, decks and fences.

My family and I always appreciate the support. Please call Joshua at (913) 709-7230. Check out my Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/FSHomeExteriorsand Remodeling. Call or email Joshua to set up a free estimate at (913) 709-7230 or at: josh.fser@gmail.com.

Haus to home remodeling - Let’s give that room a nice face-lift! Specializing in affordable room remodeling. From small projects to bathrooms and basements. We have lots of other services, too: tile, paint, carpentry, wood rot, decks, drywall, etc. Free estimates. For photos of our projects and to find out more about our company, visit us at: Haustohomekc. com or call Cole at (913) 544-7352.

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% www.windowservicesoverlandpark.com drcconswindows@gmail.com (913) 461-4052

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

For sale - Buy two burial plots and get one free! Located in Johnson County Memorial Gardens, Peace Garden, lot 56, section D, spaces 1, 2 and 3. Valued at $15,000, asking $10,000 for all 3. Call Heather for details at (816) 508-7548.

For sale - New Golden Electric Wheelchair for sale.

Call Helen at (785) 448-8745.

REAL ESTATE We are local people who can buy your house - Big companies from all over the nation come here buying houses, but that’s not us. We are parishioners of Holy Trinity Parish and we enjoy giving you personalized service. We can offer you a fair price and are flexible to your needs. If I can help, call me, Mark Edmondson, at (913) 980-4905.

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 has never felt so good. Jon & Stacy Bichelmeyer (913) 599-5000. >> Classifieds continue on page 13

CALENDAR 13

FEBRUARY 9, 2024 | THELEAVEN.ORG

FEBRUARY ROSARY RALLY St. Joseph Parish 11311 Johnson Dr., Shawnee Feb. 11 from 3 - 4:15 p.m.

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

by Benediction and the opportunity for attendees to enroll in the brown scapular. For driving instructions or future dates for the for the Kansas City monthly holy rosary rallies, go online to: www.rosaryrallieskc.org.

BREAKFAST WITH THE KNIGHTS Divine Mercy Parish 555 W. Main St., Gardner Feb. 11 from 8:30 - 10 a.m.

The breakfast will include eggs, sausage and gravy, pancakes and drinks. Join us for great fellowship. The cost is $6 for those over the age of 11; $3 for kids ages 3 - 11. Kids under the age of 3 eat for free. Proceeds are used for charitable works, such as scholarships and other giving through the year.

BLOOD DRIVE Savior Pastoral Center (gym) 12601 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, Kansas Feb. 13 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

To participate in the blood drive, call 1 (800) RED-CROSS (1 (800) 733-2767) or visit the website at: RedCrossBlood.org and enter: Savior Pastoral to schedule an appointment.

COFFEE AND SILENCE (ON-SITE) Sophia Spirituality Center 751 S. 8th St., Atchison Feb. 14 from 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Take time to renew and refresh your mind and spirit by spending time in whatever way suits you: in silent prayer and reflection, reading, contemplative walking or rest. We will have a hot cup of coffee or tea ready for you. Bring your lunch and enjoy a prayerful day away. Cost is a freewill offering but advance registration is required.

Go online to: sophiaspiritualitycenter.org, scroll down and click on “Scheduled Retreat Offerings,” scroll down to “February Offerings,” then down to “February Coffee and Silence (on-site),” then click on “Read more” to register.

UNDERSTANDING MEDICARE Keeler Women’s Center 759 Vermont Ave., Suite 100-B, Kansas City, Kansas Feb. 14 from 10 - 11:30 a.m.

Set up an appointment to get the most out of your Medicare benefits. Receive unbiased information and assistance from a licensed professional. Come and get all

>> Continued from page 12

PILGRIMAGE Pilgrimage - Join us for a pilgrimage to Medjugorje March 12 - 20, 2024; May 14 - 22, 2024; and June 16 - 28, 2024 (Poland and Medjugorje).

Are you being called to go? Hosted by visionary Mirjana Soldo. Call Grace Legaspi for details at (913) 449-1806.

WANTED TO BUY Cash paid - for old tools, old jewelry, old furniture, military items, fishing lures, hunting items, old crocks, arrowheads and old signs. I buy all kinds of older things — house or barn contents, an estate or just one item. Call Patricia any time at (913) 515-2950. Parishioner at Holy Trinity Parish in Lenexa.

Wanted to buy - Do you have a car or truck that you need to get rid of? If you do, CALL ME! I’m a cash buyer. We’re Holy Trinity parishioners.

My name is Mark. (913) 980-4905.

Wanted to buy - Antique/vintage jewelry, paintings, pottery, sterling, etc. Single pieces or estate.

Renee, (913) 475-7393. St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee.

your questions answered about Medicare and get help signing up for services or adjusting your current plan. Also available via Zoom.

eat breakfast of pancakes, sausage patty, scrambled eggs, biscuits and gravy along with juice and coffee. The cost is a freewill offering.

EUCHARISTIC MARIAN CONFERENCE St. Mary Parish 600 N. Liberty St., Independence, Missouri Feb. 16-18

ANNUAL PANCAKE BREAKFAST St. Bede Parish 7344 Drought St., Kelly Feb. 18 from 7:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

WORLDWIDE MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER Feb. 16 - 18

‘ST. PAUL AND JESUS: A SCRIPTURE RETREAT’ Precious Blood Renewal Center 2120 St. Gaspar Way, Liberty Feb. 20, 27, March 5 and 12 from 6:30 - 8 p.m.

The conference will begin Feb. 16 evening with registration and a meal from 4:45 - 5:45 p.m. There will be several talks given during the conference, rosary, Mass, Angelus and a panel discussion. Speakers are: Father Anthony Viviano, Michael McGlinn, Father Sean McCaffery, Tom Blumhorst and others.

Give something more than flowers and chocolates this year! This Valentine’s Day give your spouse the greatest gift of all — your time and attention. A Worldwide Marriage Encounter experience will allow you to reconnect and reaffirm your love for each other. It is a gift that will last all the days of your lives. For more information or to apply, go online to: www.wwme. org or: wwme4youandme.org.

BEREAVEMENT MEETING Curé of Ars Parish (Father Burak Room) 9405 Mission Rd., Leawood Feb. 17 at 8:30 a.m.

The bereavement ministry will have a grief support meeting following Mass. For more information, call (913) 649-2026.

ST. FRANCIS DE SALES ASSOCIATION Church of the Nativity 3800 W. 119th St., Leawood Feb. 17 from 9 - 11 (Mass at 8:15 a.m.)

The Daughters of St. Francis de Sales invite women to deepen virtues and practice holiness in everyday life. Come reflect with us as we share meditations on the Acts of the Apostles in the tradition of Salesian spirituality after Mass. All materials are provided, and coffee and light refreshments will be served. To attend, contact Ruth Owens by email at: rowens4853@ gmail.com; or Barbara McClung at (816) 535-4531 or by email at: willabird1960@ gmail.com. For more information, visit the website at: www.sfdsassociation.org.

PANCAKE BREAKFAST St. Patrick Parish (center) 1066 N. 94th St., Kansas City, Kansas Feb. 18 from 8 - 11 a.m.

The Knights of Columbus are sponsoring the breakfast. This is an all-you-can-

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 - I buy coin collections, military items, pocket watches, jewelry, class rings, old toys, holiday items and more. Cash in hand. Call Kirk at (913) 2139843.

CAREGIVING Retired nurse - Wants to care for you in your home. Lifetime of experience; professional, reliable and honest. Referrals available. Prefers southern Johnson County. Call (913) 645-3779.

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.

CNA - Can provide home care for those needing assistance. Available Monday - Friday, days or nights. Serving Shawnee, Lenexa and Overland Park. 20 years’ experience. Call Serina at (913) 526-0797.

There will be pancakes, sausage and eggs. The cost is a freewill donation. Takeout meals will be available.

We will study the writings of St. Paul to learn how he cultivated his personal encounter with Jesus and how we can do the same. We will follow a retreat format: reading, reflecting, praying and journaling. For more information and to register, send an email to: programs@pbrenewalcenter.org or visit the website at: pbrenewalcenter.org.

WIDOWED WOMEN OF FAITH Perkins Restaurant (back room) 1720 SW Wanamaker Rd., Topeka Feb. 20 from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Join other widowed women of faith for lunch and companionship. No RSVP is needed; just come. We need each other to help ease the pain and get through this time in our lives. Please invite other widowed women of faith. We meet every month on the third Tuesday. Questions?

Call (913) 558-0191 or send an email to: WidowedWomenofFaith@gmail.com.

CITY ON A HILL: GUATEMALA MISSION TRIP AND PILGRIMAGE INFORMATION SESSION Our Lady of Good Counsel (Faustina Building) 500 W. 40th St., Kansas City, Missouri Feb. 21 at 6 p.m.

City on a Hill is returning to Guatemala for its annual trip this summer. Young adults (in their 20s and 30s) will journey to San Andres Itzapa to build tiny homes, visit the homebound and more. The trip also includes spiritual formation, visiting the site of Blessed (Father) Stanley Rother’s martyrdom and opportunities for socialization and recreation. Priority will be given to young adults living in the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph and the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas. For more information, join us on Feb. 21 at the

Caring companion - As a certified nursing assistant, I have over 10 years of experience in providing quality care to seniors. I am particularly passionate about working with this population and have extensive experience in caring for patients with dementia and Alzheimer’s. Additionally, I am well-versed in medical transportation and other healthcare-related tasks. Call (913) 558-9061.

information session or visit us online at: www.kansascityonahill.org/guatemala.

‘LISTEN FOR THE VOICE IN THE QUIET’ Precious Blood Renewal Center 2120 St. Gaspar Way Liberty, Missouri Feb. 22-25

God created each of us for a purpose.

But because so many things battle for our attention, many of us have trouble hearing the voice of God revealing the next step in living that purpose. Step aside for some quiet time in silence with God under the guidance of a spiritual director during a directed retreat.

Contact the Renewal Center by email at: info@pbrenewalcenter.org or by calling (816) 415-3745 and one of our directors will reach out to you with more information.

BEEF AND NOODLE DINNER St. Mary Parish, Hartford 240 N. Commercial St. (Neosho Rapids Elementary School cafeteria) Feb. 25 from 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

There will be homemade beef and noodles, mashed potatoes, vegetable, salad, dessert and drink. The cost is $10 for adults and $5 for kids under the age of 10. Takeout meals will be available. There will also be a drawing for great prizes.

Tickets for the meal and drawing will be available at the door.

CALLED TO LOVE AGAIN SUPPORT MINISTRY Church of the Ascension Parish 9510 W. 127th St., Overland Park March 2 at 6 p.m.

Do you feel as if you will never heal?

Wondering if you’re ready for a relationship? Join us once a month for fellowship and formation. For more information, send an email to: Katie@thecall2love.com.

CITY ON A HILL: UNDIVIDED RETREAT Prairie Star Ranch 1124 California Rd., Williamsburg March 8 - 10

This weekend retreat is focused on a more integrated life in Christ. Whether you are looking for first steps or to go deeper, God wants to speak to you through this weekend out of the city, in the quiet. There will be speakers, small group discussions and time for prayer, confession and eucharistic adoration. This event is for young adults in their 20s and 30s.

For more information, visit the website at: www.kansascityonahill.org/undivided-retreat and scroll down to register.

SOLUTION

Saint Rita Home Care - Compassionate care in the comfort of home. We serve people in Johnson, Douglas, Miami, Franklin and Leavenworth counties. Kansas state licensed, nonmedical home care agency. Contact us today for supportive care at: www.saintritahc. com; rmargush@saintritahc.com; or (913) 229-4267.

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

Classified Advertising

NEED HELP HEALING FROM A PAST ABORTION?

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

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

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

14 COLUMNISTS

FEBRUARY 9, 2024 | THELEAVEN.ORG

Celebrate Lent by the book

DAILY READINGS SIXTH WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME Feb. 11 SIXTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME Lv 13: 1-2, 44-46 Ps 32: 1-2, 5, 11 1 Cor 10:31 – 11:1 Mk 1: 40-45 Feb. 12 Monday Jas 1: 1-11 Ps 119: 67-68, 71-72, 75-76 Mk 8: 11-13 Feb. 13 Jas 1: 12-18 Ps 94: 12-15, 18-19 Mk 8: 14-21 Feb. 14 ASH WEDNESDAY Jl 2: 12-18 Ps 51: 3-61, 12-14, 17 2 Cor 5:20 – 6:2 Mt 6: 1-6, 16-18 Feb. 15 Thursday Dt 30: 15-20 Ps 1: 1-4, 6 Lk 9: 22-25 Feb. 16 Friday Is 58: 1-9a Ps 51: 3-6a, 18-19 Mt 9: 14-15 Feb. 17 The Seven Holy Founders of the Servite Order Is 58: 9b-14 Ps 86: 1-6 Lk 5: 27-32

MARCELLINA c. 330-400

St. Marcellina was the older sister of two sainted brothers, Ambrose and Satyrus. She cared for them as youths and planted in them the desire to become holy.

In 353, she consecrated herself to the Lord’s service at St. Peter’s in the presence of Pope Liberius. Marcellina did not join a religious community, but lived in Rome with a companion. When Ambrose became the archbishop of Milan, she would visit him to give him her sisterly spiritual advice. And he dedicated his treatise on the excellence of virginity to her. He once described Marcellina as “a holy sister, worshipful for her holiness, equally for her uprightness.”

L

et’s start with a riddle from Isaac Asimov, the prolific science fiction writer and professor of biochemistry at Boston College: If you could build a small package, something small enough to carry in your coat pocket, a machine which would instantly start and stop, in which you could instantly reverse yourself or go forward, which would require no batteries or other energy sources, and which would provide you with full information on an entire civilization, what would you have?

The answer, of course, is: a book!

It’s safe to say I have an addiction to books.

If you visited my home, you’d be hard pressed to find a room without a “stack” of them. Perhaps because I was an only child, books were a ready and constant companion for me growing up.

While other kids were playing baseball or going swimming in the summertime, I was

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.

content to sit on the front porch immersed in a good book.

An ideal day for me was getting lost in the stacks of the public library or shopping at Waldenbooks at the mall. Being surrounded by so much knowledge was intoxicating.

Just for fun, I wanted to find out some recent statistics about reading. The results, according to the website Golden Steps ABA, were sobering:

• The average reading level of American adults is eighth grade.

• 21% of Americans read below a fifthgrade level.

• 44% of American adults do not read at or above a basic level.

• 28% of Americans have not read a book in the past year.

• The United States ranks 17th in the world in reading proficiency.

• Sadly, 61% of low-income families have no books at all in their homes.

If you doubt the validity of the above numbers, spend time reading comments on Facebook.

It’s enough to make you cry. In addition to terrible spelling and grammar, many posts

lack verifiable facts and common decency.

I was thrilled to read our center spread in this week’s Leaven, on pages 8 and 9. The educators interviewed there are seeking to reverse the trend of functional illiteracy.

It’s comforting to know that children are being read to and encouraged to read aloud both in class and at home.

These children are gaining an appreciation for books — not only as a source of knowledge but as a fun activity.

And God bless Dolly Parton’s program for making books available, especially for those who could otherwise not afford them.

Although I use a Kindle and listen to audiobooks while driving, I can’t deny there’s nothing as satisfying as a good, old-fashioned physical book. One of the teachers interviewed was spot-on in saying that it’s healthy for kids to step away from time spent on screens.

The same can be said

for adults. How about making a Lenten resolution this year to “fast” from screen time every day and “feast” on reading? A great place to start is with The Leaven, especially during this Catholic Press Month.

And it’s portable!

Or pick up a spiritual book to read during Lent. Many parishes have libraries, so make a point to check out what — free — books they have to offer. Ask your pastor, ministry director or librarian for suggestions. Or stroll through a Catholic bookstore and be amazed at the variety of topics available.

If you think reading a whole book is overwhelming, divide the total number of pages in the book by the 40 days of Lent and you’ll find it’s not taxing at all. It helps “waiting time” to pass quickly.

And you’ll celebrate Easter with an expanded and renewed faith.

I’d love to write more. But the 19 books currently in my “toread” stack are clamoring for attention!

Lepers illustrate how we all stand in need of Jesus’ healing love

M

ost of us struggle to keep up with new year resolutions if we make them. I’ve fallen behind on my spiritual resolutions already!

Thanks be to God that the Lenten season approaches. For in the coming weeks, the church invites us to return to the Lord with our whole heart, mind and soul. We are given yet another chance to encounter God’s mercy and to renew our resolve to become disciples of Jesus.

In the Gospel, Jesus heals a leper who approaches him with a confident request. In Jesus’ day, lepers were sharply ostracized

JEM SULLIVAN Sullivan is a professor at The Catholic University of America.

from the community.

They were forced to live outside cities and towns and were generally excluded from normal activities of life. Sunday’s first

reading from Leviticus describes how lepers were declared unclean by the priest, were required to dress in a way that clearly identified them as outcasts and were commanded to stay outside the camp.

Within that social context, a leper was truly helpless. Their helplessness came not only from the fact that there were no cures or medicines for their condition. Lepers were helpless because society had no place for them, saw them as having no worth and treated them with little value or dignity as a person.

Saint Mark tells us that Jesus was moved with pity at the leper’s

condition. As we ponder God’s word we contemplate what it meant for Jesus to be moved with pity for the sick. And we reflect on how we, too, stand in need of Jesus’ healing love today.

Jesus knew well that the leper’s physical disease had resulted in a much deeper sickness ­— the wound of rejection, loneliness and despair. The mission and purpose of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection are to free humanity from this deepest of wounds — our separation from God. Jesus was sent by his heavenly Father to reconcile humanity to friendship with God so we would not suffer helplessness, alienation and despair

wrought by sin.

In the face of sickness, disappointment and rejection — and even our own weaknesses and failures — we face the same vulnerability of the leper in the Gospel. So, as we return to the Lord this Lenten season with renewed faith and trust in God’s healing mercy, we make the words of the psalmist our own as he prays, “I turn to you, Lord, in time of trouble, and you fill me with the joy of salvation.”

May this Lent be a graced time to grow in trust that, like the leper who encountered Jesus, we, too, will encounter the fullness of God’s mercy and healing love.

Wrath destroys relationships, pins blame on others, pope says VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Wrath is a “dark vice” that destroys relationships, focuses all blame on others and only worsens over time, Pope Francis said.

“It is capable of depriving us of sleep, of barring the way to reason and thought” because wrath completely clouds thinking clearly and builds up incessantly without mercy, the pope said Jan.

31 at his weekly general audience in the Paul VI Audience Hall.

Continuing a series of audience talks about vices and virtues, the pope reflected on the vice of wrath.

Wrath “destroys human relationships. It expresses the incapacity to accept the diversity of others, especially when their life choices diverge from our own,” he said.

St. Paul recommends Christians face up to the problem right away and attempt reconciliation before the

end of the day, the pope said, quoting the apostle’s Letter to the Ephesians: “Do not let the sun set on your anger” (4:26).

“We are all sinners, all of us,” with outstanding debts or “trespasses” committed and experienced throughout life, he said. “Therefore, we all need to learn how to forgive” as far as humanly possible, he said.

“Wrath is countered by benevolence, openness of heart, meekness and patience,” he added.

COLUMNISTS 15

FEBRUARY 9, 2024 | THELEAVEN.ORG

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s Lent approaches, many may ponder what to “give up.” At Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas, we challenge you to “take action” making the season most meaningful for yourself and others.

Our annual “40 Ways, 40 Days” Lenten social media campaign begins on Ash Wednesday.* This year, we take you on a journey through different Catholic social teachings, offering weekly resources, prayers and spiritual reflections.

It’s an opportunity to learn about our programs and engage with our mission.

We begin by focusing on the life and

M

atrimony is a vocation, which means that for married people, it is our path to holiness.

Jesus is present to us in the person of our spouse, so whatever we do (or fail to do) for our husband or wife, we do in a special way for Jesus. Our sacrament is supposed to be a sign to the rest of the church of how much Jesus loves us all. (No pressure, right?)

How I treat my spouse is central to my growing in holiness, but it’s often the last thing I think of when preparing for the sacrament of reconciliation.

Join us for a Lent of learning and prayer INSIDE CATHOLIC CHARITIES

LAUREN SOLIDUM Lauren Solidum is the executive director of Catholic Charities.

dignity of the human person. Every individual is created in God’s image and therefore is invaluable and worthy of respect. The measure of every institution is whether it threatens or enhances

the life and dignity of the human person.

Each of us has a call to love our own family and to support laws, policies and agencies that benefit it. Strong, healthy families form strong, healthy societies. We are also called to spread Christ’s message AND alleviate suffering for others.

When we share our Christian values, we

are giving witness to the Gospel and can therefore transform society for the greater good.

Next, the focus shifts to prioritizing the well-being of those less fortunate so that they can become more active participants in society. The deprivation and powerlessness of the poor wounds communities, as everyone has the right to possess a sufficient amount of good for themselves and their family.

One way to possess good is through work.

The Catholic Church believes that work is more than a way to make a living. The ability to work and earn a fair, livable wage honors the dignity of

the human person.

The economy exists to serve people — not the other way around. It’s important to defend the rights of workers so that they have safe working conditions, can adequately take care of their families and contribute to society.

We are reminded that we must be in solidarity in recognizing others as our brothers and sisters in Christ and actively working for their good, understanding what life is like for them: the poorest, most vulnerable and overlooked, wherever they are in the world.

As a human family, we must work together for the well-being of all to ensure everyone has

Take your marriage to confession this Lent FAMILY MATTERS

LIBBY DUPONT Libby DuPont is a consultant for the archdiocesan office of marriage and family life.

This week, as we celebrate both Ash Wednesday and Valentine’s Day, I invite you to join me in an examination of conscience

for married couples.

While this is in no way exhaustive, may it help us to grow in love for Jesus, in and through our marriages.

• Do I give my spouse the benefit of the doubt, or am I always keeping score?

• Do I speak words of love and encouragement

to my spouse? How much criticism does he/she hear from my lips?

• Do I speak positively about my spouse to others, or do I “vent” to friends about his/ her faults? Are we a united front with the kids?

• Do I listen to my spouse with an open mind and heart, or am I dismissive of his/her thoughts and feelings, assuming I already know what he/she will tell me? Do I trust my spouse enough to share with him/her what is happening in my mind and heart?

• Am I quick to admit when I’m wrong, seeking to reconcile

quickly, or do I let things fester? Do I always wait for my spouse to apologize first?

• In what ways do I take my spouse for granted? What things does he/she do (such as earning money, caring for kids, taking care of the home or yard, scheduling activities, paying bills, etc.) that I fail to help with or even show gratitude for?

• Am I controlling about how certain things are done in the home (how a certain chore must be done, what we eat, what the kids wear, etc.)? Does this communicate to

what they need to live with dignity. Solidarity also includes the call to welcome the stranger among us — including immigrants seeking work, a safe home, education for their children and a dignified life for their families.

Our campaign concludes with a reminder that we must not only be concerned for one another, but also for the earth. We can all be more mindful of sustainable practices that allow us to provide greater care for all creation. * Find Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas at: @ccnek on Faceboook, and @ catholiccharitiesks on Instagram.

my spouse that he/she is not good enough?

• Do I pray for and with my spouse?

• Do I freely offer physical affection to my spouse as an outward sign of my love?

• Am I generous in spending time with my spouse, or do my hobbies and projects come first?

• Do I invest time and effort into learning how to better love my spouse, or do I settle for just getting along?

Find a marriage enrichment near you this Lent. Go online to: Marriage Enrichment — Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas (archkck.org).

Vatican II reminded the laity of their own baptismal mission

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welcome focus of Vatican II (1962-65) was its emphasis on the lay apostolate, especially the laity’s participation in the mission of Christ, who is priest, prophet, and king (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 897).

So all the baptized are in some sense “priests.” Our first pope affirmed that the church is a veritable kingdom of priests (cf.

1 Pt 2:9). Yet over time, the church understandably came to identify the priesthood exclusively with ministerial or “ordained” priests, which could have the tendency to minimize the “priestly” role of

ORDAINED TO SERVE

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

the rest of us.

It is true, as Vatican II affirms, that the priesthood of the faithful and the ministerial

priesthood “differ from one another in essence and not only in degree.” The “biggie” is that only ordained priests act in the person of Christ at Mass, bringing us the Eucharist, not to mention the healing graces of the sacraments of reconciliation and anointing of the sick.

In affirming the “priesthood” of the rest of us, Vatican II was by no means denigrating the unique importance of ordained priests.

Rather, the council fathers were reminding the laity of our own baptismal dignity and mission.

An integral part of that is our uniting our own sacrifices with Christ’s sacrifice at the Mass. St. Paul urges us to “offer [our] bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God, [our] spiritual worship” (Rom 12:1).

That explains why, during the preparation of the gifts at the Mass, the priest turns to us and says, “Pray, brothers and sisters, that

my sacrifice and yours may be acceptable to God, the almighty Father.”

Priests are all about offering sacrifice.

When we “offer up” our prayers, works, joys and sufferings in union with Christ, we are performing a priestly service. We can readily see how this opportunity can invest every seemingly insignificant thing we do with tremendous redemptive value.

I am not a firefighter. Yet, if I encounter a fire in my home or neighborhood, I will do my best to put it out on my own if I can, even before the firefighters are summoned or arrive on

the scene. Notice that this does not bestow on me the role or “office” of firefighter. Yet, by being a good member of the community, I am complementing the singularly valuable role of the firefighters, and by no means replacing them.

A similar dynamic is at work with the lay faithful, as we extend the graces received in the sacraments into the nooks and crannies of society — beginning in our homes.

I believe that a similar dynamic is at work with the diaconate. In my next column, I will examine how all the baptized are called to be deacons.

LOCAL NEWS 16

FEBRUARY 9, 2024 | THELEAVEN.ORG

WEEKLY SPECIALS The following will have Lenten dinners on all the Fridays of Lent, except Good Friday: St. Gregory Parish, Marysville, will host fish fries from 5 to 7 p.m. at the church hall, 1310 Carolina St. Carryouts are available. For in-town delivery, call (785) 562-7017. Proceeds go to St. Gregory School.

St. Joseph Parish, Nortonville, will host fish and shrimp dinners from 5 to 7 p.m. Menu includes fried and baked fish, fried shrimp and more. Cost is: $15 for adults; $5 for children ages 4-10; and free for children 3 and under.

Good Shepherd Knights of Columbus, 12800 W. 75th St., Shawnee, will host fish dinners from 5 to 7 p.m. Cost is: $35 for families; $14 for adults; $12 for seniors (65+); $7 for children ages 6-12; and free for children 5 and under.

Carryouts are available. Menu includes baked tilapia, fried catfish, mac ’n’ cheese, cheese pizza and more.

Xavier School, 541 Muncie Rd., Leavenworth, will host fish fries sponsored by Knights of Columbus Council 900, from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Menu includes fried cod, baked tilapia, shrimp and more. Cost is: $13 for adults; $6 for children ages 6-12; and free for ages 5 and under. Carryouts are available.

Holy Spirit Parish, 11300 W. 103rd St., Overland Park, will host seafood dinners from 5 to 7 p.m. in St. Elizabeth’s Hall. Cost is: $20 for shrimp; $15 for fish; $5 for children ages 4 to 10.

Prince of Peace Parish, 16000 W. 143rd St., Olathe, will host Lenten dinners from 5 to 7 p.m. Menu includes boiled shrimp, baked tilapia, fried catfish, fish tacos, cheese pizza and much more. Please fill out and print an order form online at: popolathe.org/lent and bring it with you.

Church of the Ascension, 9510 W. 127th St., Overland Park, will host fish dinners from 5 to 7:30 p.m. in the parish hall. Cost is: $16 for adults; $10 for teenagers (ages 12-17); $5 for children ages 5 to 11; and free for children 4 and under. Carryouts are available.

Church of the Holy Cross, 8311 W. 93rd St., Overland Park, will host Lenten dinners from 5:30 to 8 p.m.

February 16 and 23 features meatless spaghetti; March 1 features fish tacos; and the other Fridays of Lent will feature fish dinners. Carryouts are available.

Holy Trinity Parish, 501 E. Chippewa St., Paola, will have all-youcan-eat fried fish dinners on Feb. 16, March 1 and March 22 from 5 to 7 p.m.

Cost is $12 for adults; $5 for children ages 5-12; and free for children under 5. Carryouts are available. Credit and debit cards are accepted.

St. Philip Neri Parish, 500 Parker Ave., Osawatomie, will host fish and shrimp dinners Feb. 16 and March 1 from 5 to 7 p.m. Cost is: $13 for shrimp; $12 for fish; $15 for fish and shrimp; $6 for a bowl of shrimp; $5 for children ages 6-12; and free for children 5 and under.

Holy Trinity, Lenexa, Knights of Columbus will host an all-you-caneat shrimp dinner on March 22 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the parish center, 13600 W. 92nd St., Lenexa. Carryouts are available. For details, go online to: htknights.org, or call Ed Fogarty at (913) 207-7791, or Calvin Todd at (913) 207-3794.

Our Lady of Guadalupe Nate Morales Knights of Columbus Council will host a fish fry on Feb. 16 and March 15 from 5 to 7 p.m. at 216 N.E. Branner St., Topeka. Cost is $12. Carryouts are available.

Divine Mercy Parish, 555 W. Main St., Gardner, will have Lenten dinners on Feb. 16, 23, March 1 and 22 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. The menu includes baked and fried cod, boiled shrimp and more. Cost is: $12 for adults for fish, $15 for fish and shrimp; children ages 7-12 eat for half price; and children 6 and under are free. Carryouts are available by calling (913) 620-8476.

St. Michael the Archangel, 14251 Nall Ave., Leawood, will host Lenten dinners from 4:45 to 6:45 p.m. in the parish hall. Menu includes smoked salmon, fried tilapia, fried shrimp, cheese pizza, mac ’n’ cheese and more. Carryouts are available.

Queen of the Holy Rosary, 22779 Metcalf, Bucyrus, will host Lenten dinners from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in the school hall. Doors open at 5 p.m. Cost is: $12 for baked or fried fish; $17 for boiled shrimp; and $5 for a children’s meal.

Cash only. Carryouts are available.

Sacred Heart Parish, 1100 West St., Tonganoxie, will host Lenten dinners from 4 to 6:30 p.m. In addition to fish, spiced shrimp will be available on March 1 and 22. Cost is: $10 for adults; $9 for seniors (60+); and $3 for children ages 5-12. Cost for shrimp and fish is: $15 for adults; $14 for seniors; and $7 for children. Carryouts are available.

Curé of Ars Knights of Columbus, 9403 Mission Rd., Leawood, will host fish dinners from 5 to 7 p.m. in the school cafeteria (downstairs behind school). Cost is: $15 for fish; $8 for pizza; free for children 5 and under.

Carryouts are available.

Corpus Christi Parish, 6001 Bob Billings Pkwy., Lawrence, will host Lenten dinners beginning at 6:30 p.m. in Father Jim Hall. Cost is a freewill offering. For more information, call (785) 843-6286 or send an email to: church@cccparish.org.

St. Thomas Aquinas High School, 11411 Pflumm Rd., Overland Park, will host its third annual fish fry on March 1 from 5 to 7 p.m. in the Saints Cafe.

Carryouts are available.

St. Francis Xavier Parish, 301 E. James St., Mayetta, will host Lenten dinners beginning at 5:30 p.m. on Feb. 16, March 1 and March 15.

St. Dominic Parish, 416 Ohio, Holton, will host Lenten dinners beginning at 5:30 p.m. on Feb. 23, March 8 and March 22.

St. Patrick Parish, 94th and State Ave., Kansas City, Kansas, will host Lenten dinners from 4:30 to 7 p.m. Menu includes fried and boiled shrimp, baked cod and fried catfish. Curbside pickup and carryouts are available. For more information, call Fritz Vertz at (913) 515-0621.

Queen of the Holy Rosary, 7035 W. 71st St., Overland Park, will host Lenten dinners from 5 to 7 p.m. Cost is $15 for adults and $8 for children under 12. Menu includes baked cod, shrimp, smoked salmon, cheese pizza (child’s plate) and more. Carryouts are available.

St. Patrick Parish, 309 S. 6th St., Osage City, will host a fish and shrimp dinner on March 1 beginning at 6 p.m. in St. Brigid Hall. Cost is $20 at the door or $18 in advance. For tickets, call (620) 794-8450.

Christ the King Parish, 3024 N. 53rd St., Kansas City, Kansas, will host Lenten dinners on Feb. 23 and March 1 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Choice of fish tacos or cheese quesadilla. Carryouts are available.

Knights of Columbus Council 1392 will host fried catfish a n d shrimp dinners on Feb. 23 and March 15 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Sacred Heart Parish hall, 22298 Newbury Rd., Paxico. Carryouts are available.

Church of the Nativity, 3800 W. 119th St., Leawood, will host Lenten dinners from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Cost is $15 for fish (adult); $7 for children ages 5 to 12; and free for children 4 and under.

Shrimp container is $18 for large and $10 for small. Carryouts and curbside pickup are available. For curbside ordering and more information, go online to: KCFishFry.com.

Most Pure Heart of Mary, 1750 S.W. Stone Ave., Topeka, will host Lenten dinners from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Carryouts are available.

DAILY DEALS The following will have Lenten dinners on only certain Fridays of Lent.

See the notice for specific dates.

Holy Angels Parish, Garnett, will host shrimp and fish dinners on Feb. 16, March 1 and March 15 at the Garnett Knights Hall, 1210 N.E. Golf Course Rd., from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Cost is $13 for adults and $5 for children ages 5-12. Carryouts are available.

St. Ann Parish, 7231 Mission Rd., Prairie Village, will host Lenten dinners from 5 to 7 p.m. on Feb. 23 and March 22 in the school cafeteria. February 23 will feature fried fish while March 22 will feature boiled shrimp.

Cost is $20 for adults and $10 for children. Cheese pizza for kids is $1.

Tickets are available at the church office or from any Knight. Carryouts and drive-thru are available.

Sacred Heart Knights of Columbus Council 11917 will host an all-youcan-eat fish fry on March 1 from 5 to 7 p.m. at 2646 S. 34th St., Kansas City, Kansas. Cost is: $12 for adults; $10 for seniors; and $5 for children under 12.

If you have any questions, call Bob at (913) 850-3348.

Immaculate Conception Parish, 606 S. Elm St., Louisburg, will host Lenten dinners on Feb. 16, Feb. 23, March 1 and March 22 from 5 to 7 p.m.

Menu includes all-you-can-eat fried and baked fish and more. Carryouts are available.

St. Bernard Parish, 17665 Old Post Rd., Wamego, will host Lenten dinners on Feb. 23, March 1, 8, 15 and 23 from 5 to 7 p.m. in the parish hall.

Menu includes fried catfish and cod, mac ’n’ cheese, gluten-free vegetable soup and more.

The Kelly Knights of Columbus will host a fish fry on Feb. 23 from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the St. Bede, Kelly, parish hall. Cost is a freewill donation.

Sacred Heart Parish, 1031 S. 12th St., Sabetha, will host Lenten dinners on Feb. 23 and March 22 from 5 to 7 p.m. Carryouts are available.

St. Agnes Knights of Columbus will host Lenten dinners Feb. 23, March 1, 8 and 22 from 5 to 7 p.m. in the school cafeteria, 5130 Mission Rd., Roeland Park. Carryouts are available. For more information, send an email to: stag.kofc@gmail.com.

St. John Paul II Parish, 18335 W. 168th Terr., Olathe, will host a fish dinner from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. on March 22. The cost is a freewill donation. Menu includes fried and grilled fish, pizza and sides. Carryouts are available.

Immaculate Conception, 208 W. Bertrand Ave., St. Marys, will host fish fries on Feb. 16, March 8 and March 22 from 5 to 7 p.m. Cost is $12 for adults (11 and older) and $6 for children 10 and under. Carryouts and local delivery are available.

St. John the Baptist Catholic Club will host jumbo shrimp dinners on Feb. 23 and March 15 beginning at 5:30 p.m. at the St. John the Baptist Church gym, 414 Barnett, Kansas City, Kansas. Cost is $20. Free food for kids. RSVP by calling Larry Steele at (913) 956-2096 or the club at (913) 371-9690.

The Knights of Columbus will host fish fries Feb. 23, March 8 and March 22 from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at St. John the Baptist hall, Greeley. Cost is: $12 for ages 13 and older; $6 for ages 6 to 12; and free for ages 5 and under. Carryouts are available.

Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, 101 Cottonwood, Emporia, will host a fish fry on March 15 from 4 to 7 p.m. in the parish hall. You may substitute mac ’n’ cheese for fish. Cost is $13 for adults and $5 for ages 10 and under. Tickets are available at the parish office during the week or at the door that day.