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THELEAVEN.ORG | VOL. 41, NO. 28 | FEBRUARY 28, 2020

CURÉ BUILDS FOR NEW GENERATION

LEAVEN PHOTO BY DOUG HESSE

Students and parishioners of Curé of Ars in Leawood brave the cold for the groundbreaking of a new activities center for the parish. Standing with Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann and Father Rick Storey, pastor of Curé, are kindergartners Sloane Phalen (pink coat) and Jack Cindrich (yellow coat) and seventh-grader Ian Orrick (black coat).

Changing demographics necessitates expansion at Curé

By Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

L

EAWOOD — Maybe they all should have worn shades at the blessing and groundbreaking on Feb. 14 for a new Parish Activities Center at Cure of Ars Parish here.

After all, the future’s so bright.

The future of the parish and the school is bright, indeed, because of demographic changes, said pastor Father Rick Storey.

“This area is booming. . . . The demographics show lots of families will be moving into this area in the next 20 years.”

Apartment complexes are being built on the former Meadowbrook Golf Course, and a lot of old babyboomer-era ranch houses are being torn down and replaced with two-story homes for young families.

A generational shift is occurring.

“The parish is turning over,” said Father Storey. “What was once an older parish is changing. We have a lot of baptisms, and children. Our school is vibrant and the public schools all around us are full.

“There are definitely a lot of new parishioners. We are ready to build for the future — and what a great future we have.”

The day was bright, too, and cold.

In fact, the single-digit temperatures led parish and school officials to move the first part of the ceremony into the church, mostly for the benefit of the hundreds of schoolchildren who attended.

The project consists of new construction and renovation of portions of the existing school.

The goal is to complete all work by August, just before the beginning of school. The architect is Gould Evans Architects of Kansas City, >> See “MEETING” on page 7

LEAVEN PHOTO BY DOUG HESSE

Ceremonial shovels await the participants of Curé of Ars’ groundbreaking ceremony on Feb. 14. Cold weather pushed much of the ceremony indoors.

FEBRUARY 28, 2020 | THELEAVEN.ORG

ARCHBISHOP

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Character, faith defined Kansas native’s leadership of Knights

ansas lost one of its human wonders, a state treasure, with the death on Feb. 16 of Virgil Dechant, the past Supreme Knight of the Knights of Columbus. Virgil served as the 12th Supreme Knight and he served longer than any of his predecessors.

In reflecting on Virgil’s life, it seems clear that there were four overriding principles that guided him: faith, family, fraternity and service.

Faith was the bedrock of his life. It was the foundation of everything that he did. Virgil’s faith was an uncomplicated faith, but this in no way implies that it lacked depth.

Growing up in rural Kansas in a family of great faith, Virgil was immersed in a community of faith. When you live close to nature, it is difficult not to believe in a creator.

When you are surrounded by the beauty of the created world and encounter daily the complexity of nature’s intricate design, it is hard not to believe in a divine designer.

Personally, I think that it takes much more faith to be an atheist than a Christian. To believe that the cosmos, the universe, the world, and the amazing capacities we possess as human beings all happened just by chance, against all odds — this takes incredible faith.

Virgil’s faith was, however, not just in a creator God, but in a God who revealed himself in the second person of the Trinity, Jesus Christ.

Virgil grew up in a deeply Catholic family and community that helped him discover from a young age this God who pursues us by sending his son Jesus into the world to liberate us from our selfimposed slavery to sin, who desires friendship with us, communion with us. He believed in a God of revelation who immersed himself in our humanity so that we could share in his divine life.

If you drive through rural Kansas, you see the physical symbols of this priority of faith in hearts of so many of our forebears in the incredible

LIFE WILL BE VICTORIOUS ARCHBISHOP JOSEPH F. NAUMANN beauty of churches that are the center and most prominent buildings in town.

Virgil learned as a young boy to love Our Lord present in the Eucharist. He received from his parents a great and beautiful devotion to Mary, with the family rosary being a central part of their family life.

Virgil and his wife Ann gave a great witness of devoted married love for 68 years. Both he and Ann had rich experiences of Catholic family life from their parents.

It was only natural that Virgil placed the highest importance on his vocation as husband and father. He understood that this was the place where he was first and foremost called to live his faith.

One of his contributions to the Knights of which Virgil was proudest was making the Knights into a much more marriage-andfamily-friendly fraternity.

It was inconceivable to Virgil that the wives of the Knights would not be included in their meetings. He understood that a key part of the mission of the Knights was to help its mostly married members become better husbands and fathers who cherished, honored and respected their wives as at least their equals.

Virgil understood that the first fraternity is the family!

It is no mere coincidence that what motivated Virgil, as a young man, to become more involved with the Knights was what on the surface appeared to be a tragedy. It

was a car accident at age 18 in which he sustained some significant injuries and endured a long period of recuperation that actually motivated him to become more involved in the Knights of Columbus.

The faithfulness of his brother Knights visiting him nightly at St. Anthony’s Hospital in Hays made a lasting impression on Virgil.

It became clear to him of the importance of a fraternal organization that helped to develop these deep bonds of friendship.

He experienced firsthand the value of virtuous friendships that enrich every moment of life, but especially at times of adversity and difficulty.

Virgil understood that being a disciple of Jesus meant being part of a community of disciples, where faith and virtue are nurtured and shared.

Of course, he had a deep personal friendship with Our Lord developed through a life of prayer, receiving the Eucharist and Marian devotions that allowed Our Blessed Mother to draw him closer to her son.

Virgil knew that Jesus did not entrust the Gospel to an individual, but to a community of disciples. For the faith to be experienced, it had to be shared and sharpened in a fraternity and community of disciples.

Virgil saw through the fallacy of so many in our time that one can be spiritual without being religious. As Christians, we believe that God can only be properly understood as a community of persons, the Trinity.

To follow this triune God then, our faith has to be nurtured and shared in fraternity, friendship and fellowship.

ARCHBISHOP NAUMANN Feb. 29 Men Under Construction Mass — Church of the Ascension, Overland Park Benedictine Scholarship Ball and Mass — Overland Park Convention Center

CNS PHOTO/KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS

Virgil C. Dechant, the longest-serving Supreme Knight of the Knights of Columbus, holding the office from 1977 to 2000, died in his sleep at age 89 Feb. 16 in Leawood.

Virgil grasped how, united in the service, the Knights could do so much for church, country and the world. Virgil realized the strength in numbers. He saw the power of a united fraternity in caring for the unborn, the disabled, the widow, the orphan and the poor.

Each time I have gone to the Knights national convention, I come away inspired and proud to be Catholic. Supreme Knight Carl Anderson’s report recounts the amazing service — both in dollars and hours donated — that the Knights do annually, not just in our country, but throughout the world.

The Knights’ support for the protection of human life, for Catholic education, for vocations to the priesthood and religious life, for those with disabilities, for those whose religious freedom is threatened and for the poor is astounding!

In my conversations with Virgil over the years, I was always impressed by his wisdom, his energy, his passion, but most of all by his gratitude and his sense of divine providence guiding his life. In many ways, Virgil epitomized the strengths that are characteristic of Kansas, especially rural Kansas.

He was smart, practical, with superb organizational skills and an

incredible work ethic. He was a visionary, but not one with his head in the clouds, but his feet firmly planted on planet Earth.

He was an entrepreneur who did not waste time complaining about problems, but was always focused on finding and implementing solutions. He was not intimidated by huge challenges, but energized by them.

Virgil lived an amazing life. He had popes, prelates, saints and presidents for friends.

He had every knighthood the church could bestow. However, titles were not important to him. His desire was to complete the work Our Lord had entrusted to him on earth as a man of faith, family and fraternity, who served the Lord tirelessly by mobilizing his brother Knights to care for the vulnerable, the poor and those on the peripheries.

If you are not a Knight of Columbus, I encourage you to join this amazing fraternity of Catholic men and their families.

If you are already a Knight, I encourage you to honor Supreme Knight Virgil Dechant by becoming even more involved with your council.

If the church did not have the Knights of Columbus, we would have to invent them!

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March 1 Rite of Election — Christ the King, Topeka Rite of Election — Cathedral of St. Peter, Kansas City, Kansas March 2 Chancery staff “Called and Gifted” workshop Confirmation — Church of the Nativity, Leawood March 3 Deacon candidate pre-ordination interviews Ethics Council meeting March 4 Bishop Ward High School adoration Confirmation — St. Benedict, Atchison March 5 Religious Alliance Against Pornography conference call Rite of Election — Prince of Peace, Olathe March 6 Catholic Foundation of Northeast Kansas high school art exhibit — Savior Pastoral Center March 7 Deacon candidate pre-ordination interviews Mass with deacon cohorts March 9-11 U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops meetings — Washington, D.C.

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FEBRUARY 28, 2020 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

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THE GIFT THAT KEEPS ON GIVING

LEAVEN PHOTO BY MOIRA CULLINGS

Grace Brandl, a senior at Bishop Miege High School in Roeland Park, is a beneficiary of the Bridge to the Future scholarship program. The program was started in 2008, and Father Ron Livojevich sponsored the first student recipient.

Bridge to the Future keeps Miege affordable for all

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By Moira Cullings moira.cullings@theleaven.org

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OELAND PARK — Grace Brandl can’t say enough about her high school education.

“The friendships and memories, the knowledge I’ve learned here and the faith that I’ve built — it’s all been incredible,” she said. “It’s really a blessing.”

But the Bishop Miege High School senior might not be where she is now without the Bridge to the Future scholarship program, which started with humble beginnings.

In 2008, Father Ron Livojevich, now retired, gave a financial gift to a St. Joseph School, Shawnee, eighth-grader so she could attend Miege.

Just over 10 years later, Bridge to the Future now sustains more than 30% of the school’s student population.

“I always felt that the greatest gift you can give a kid is a chance to educate himself,” said Father Livojevich, who is also a big supporter of Bishop Ward High School in Kansas City, Kansas.

“You can never take that away from him,” he said. “I feel good that I could give a kid a gift that will never wear out, never tarnish [and] never go away.”

“I ALWAYS FELT THAT THE GREATEST GIFT YOU CAN GIVE A KID IS A CHANCE TO EDUCATE HIMSELF. YOU CAN NEVER TAKE THAT AWAY.” Miege has made great strides in opening its doors to students from all financial backgrounds. But John Waldeck, chairman of the Bishop Miege Foundation, said more work must be done.

“The Bishop Miege Foundation is committed to finishing the Bridge to the Future campaign so Miege can provide vital financial assistance for families in need that value Catholic education,” he said.

The foundation, which assists the school with fundraising efforts, wants the program’s endowment to grow to a level of sustainability that will help hundreds of families annually for years to come, said Dr. Joe Passantino, the foundation’s president.

President Most Rev. Joseph F. Naumann

Publication No. (ISSN0194-9799)

“Because this program supports families who otherwise could not afford full tuition, reaching that goal would have a huge impact on securing a stable enrollment for the long-term, even as tuition costs continue to rise,” he said.

And this work couldn’t be more pertinent in today’s society, according to Miege president Randy Salisbury.

“Our teens today are perpetually bombarded with negative messages and influences that fly in the face of the teachings of the church,” he said.

“Catholic high schools provide the culture, climate and setting to help guide our students on their faith journey through those challenging and formational years,” he added.

Although the cost of a Catholic education can seem daunting, Miege wants local families to know of its financial assistance through Bridge to the Future.

“Our hope is that all parents will pursue these scholarship opportunities before foregoing a Miege education,” said Passantino.

Their children could have opportunities like Brandl, who throughout her time at Miege has taken advantage of mission trips, retreats and friendships rooted in faith.

Brandl couldn’t be more grateful for

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

Production Manager Todd Habiger todd.habiger@theleaven.org

Advertising Coordinator Beth Blankenship beth.blankenship@theleaven.org

Managing Editor Anita McSorley anita.mcsorley@theleaven.org

Senior Reporter Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

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

FOR MORE INFORMATION on Bridge to the Future, visit the website at: www.bishopmiege.com.

Under the “Development” tab, click “Bridge to the Future.”

TO APPLY for a Bridge to the Future scholarship, visit the website at: www.bishopmiege.com. Under the “Admissions” tab, click “Financial Aid,” then “The Bridge to the Future Scholarship.”

donors who make these experiences possible.

“It’s easy for people to spend their money on themselves and their families and what affects them,” she said. “So, I’m sure it’s a big sacrifice.

“It’s heartwarming.”

For Karen and Richard, Brandl’s parents, being able to send all four of their children to Miege was a gift.

“Passing on the faith to our children is important to us,” said Karen. “It starts at home, but it’s also nice to know you can be supported by who you surround your children with.

“I consider all those that donate to the Bridge to the Future to be angels here on earth,” she added.

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

FEBRUARY 28, 2020 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

Missionaries of mercy deepen ministry

By Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

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ANSAS CITY, Kan. — For three days in January, the epicenter of mercy in North America was in Lexington,

Kentucky.

And Father Joseph Arsenault, SSA, was there.

Father Joseph, judicial vicar of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, was one of about 40 missionaries of mercy who attended a national gathering Jan. 21-23, which was hosted by the Diocese of Lexington. They spent their time in prayer, discussion, the Mass and presentations that included Scripture reflections.

The priests at the gathering were among the 800 priests who traveled to Rome to be commissioned as missionaries of mercy by Pope Francis on Feb. 9, 2016, for the Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy.

“Since our appointment, [Pope Francis has] gathered us in Rome every two years for meetings to encourage us in our ministry, as well to give us insight and ways of looking at and developing the ministry,” said Father Joseph.

“But, also, at the last gathering in Rome,” he continued, “he encouraged us to gather nationally to support one another and to learn from one another, so we may be deepened in our ministry and supportive of one another in carrying out this ministry that he has entrusted to us.

“That bore fruit in this gathering in January.”

The priests at the gathering were sent words of encouragement from Pope Francis through Bishop Franz-Peter Tebartz-van Elst, a delegate to the Pontifical Council for Promoting the New Evangelization and a member of the International Council for Catechesis.

Ten presentations were given during the three-day gathering, with the first by Bishop Tebartz-van Elst. His topic was: “Missionaries of Mercy in the Promotion of the New Evangelization through the Ministry of Reconciliation.”

Father Joseph also gave a presentation, entitled “Ministering to the Wounded Healer,” which addressed how to be a missionary of mercy for brother priests.

Bishop Gerald Lee Vincke from the Diocese of Salina gave a reflection on the parable of the prodigal son in the Gospel of Luke. He couldn’t be present personally, so he offered it on video.

One priest presenter ministers on a college campus and has created a “confession on a golf cart” ministry.

He drives around on campus, and when someone wants to go to confession, they will flag him down and hop aboard, and the priest hears the person’s confession.

“There was a presentation on ‘Mercy and ICE raids,’” said Father Joseph. (ICE is an acronym for the federal law enforcement agency U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.)

“It dealt with being a minister of mercy in an area where there are a lot of immigration issues,” said Father Joseph.

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Celebrate the Sisters, Servants by sharing your story

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LEAVEN PHOTO BY JOE BOLLIG

Father Joseph Arsenault, SSA, displays the document he received on Feb. 9, 2016, commissioning him as a missionary of mercy by Pope Francis during the Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy.

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“INITIALLY [MINISTERS OF MERCY] WERE GIVEN FACULTIES FOR THE YEAR OF MERCY, SO WE ALL EXPECTED IT WOULD END AT THE CONCLUSION OF THE YEAR OF MERCY. BUT THE HOLY FATHER EXTENDED THE FACULTIES FOR THOSE OF US WHO WISHED TO CONTINUE IN THAT CAPACITY.” A high number of the presenter’s parishioners are in immigration detention.

Despite their outsized mandate from Pope Francis, the number of missionaries of mercy at the Kentucky gathering was small, and the worldwide numbers have gotten smaller.

“Initially, [missionaries of mercy] were given faculties for the Year of Mercy, so we all expected it would end at the conclusion of the Year of Mercy,” said Father Joseph. “But the

Holy Father extended the faculties for those of us who wished to continue in that capacity. There were approximately 800 missionaries of mercy for the Year of Mercy. When we renewed our mandate, we were down to about 600.”

The missionaries of mercy are commissioned to do two things.

First, they preach and teach about God’s mercy, especially through the sacrament of reconciliation. Second, they are given special faculties to pardon sins reserved to the Holy See. “Being a missionary of mercy is not solely tied into the special faculties given,” he said. “[For example], ministering to those having immigration issues and being detained — I do not need faculties to do that.

That is an act of mercy. The corporal and spiritual works of mercy are very much a part of who we are as well, and encouraging others in those works of the church.

“Our whole lives and being are to put forward the message that God’s mercy is endless, as Pope Francis continually reminds us. God never tires of forgiving us.

“And that’s one of [Pope Francis’] key messages during his pontificate,” concluded Father Joseph. “He wants us to be that voice on the ground — [saying] that it’s very important to reach out to bring that mercy to all who need it.”

LATHE — Villa St. Francis here is gearing up for the 75th anniversary Faith in Bloom benefit dinner and auction on April 29, and they’re asking for the community’s help in celebrating the guests of honor.

“This year, Archbishop Naumann will be presenting the Sanctity of Life Award to the Servants of Mary, Ministers to the Sick, in honor of their dedication to promoting the dignity of life through their end-of-life ministry,” said Kate McEnerney, director of Integrated Marketing and Content Development at Villa St. Francis. Each year, the Villa St. Francis team produces a video honoring the award recipient. The video is shared at the Faith in Bloom fundraiser and online following the event.

“The video lets us weave together the stories of so many people throughout our archdiocese and beyond who have been impacted by these ministries, and allows that whole community to be a part of the celebration,” said McEnerney. “It’s been a really moving project to be a part of over the years.”

The Villa St. Francis team is currently developing this year’s video honoring the Servants of Mary, Ministers to the Sick (also known as the Sisters, Servants of Mary), and is looking for members of the community who would like to be involved.

“We’ve heard so many stories from people we know about the Sisters, and we wanted to offer the opportunity to help us celebrate their work to the whole community,” said McEnerney.

“If you or someone you love has been served by their ministry and would be interested in sharing your story, we would love to include it.”

To get involved or to share your story, send an email to Kate McEnerney at: kmcenerney@villasf.org by March 6. To check out videos honoring past recipients or to learn more about this year’s Faith in Bloom dinner, visit the website at: FaithInBloomDinner.com.

Edna and James Geels, members of Mater Dei Parish, To p e k a , will celebrate their 70th wedding anniversary on March 7 at Sacred Heart Church, Topeka, with a Mass, followed by a renewal of vows and a reception and dinner for family and friends. The couple was married on March 6, 1950.

They have three children, six grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

ANNIVERSARY submissions submissions ANNIVERSARY POLICY: The Leaven prints 50, 60, 65 and 70th anniversary notices. They are for parishioners in the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas WHERE TO SUBMIT: Send notices to: The Leaven, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109, attn: anniversaries; or email: todd. habiger@theleaven.org.

FEBRUARY 28, 2020 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

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Annual priests basketball game makes major change

By Moira Cullings moira.cullings@theleaven.org

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ANSAS CITY, Kan. — The annual Runnin’ Revs basketball games sponsored by the Serra Club give young men the opportunity to compete against priests and seminarians in a sport they love.

The events seek to promote vocations and bridge the gap between priests and laypeople.

But over the years, it seemed like something was missing.

Father Joel Haug, AVI, approached vocation director Father Dan Morris with a new idea — to have priests and seminarians play on the same team as the eighth-grade through high-school boys.

The idea came from Father Joel’s own experience growing up playing sports.

“Even if it is a friendly, light-hearted event, the players you grow closer to through the experience are primarily your teammates, not the opponents you are trying to outscore,” he said.

Father Morris, who had worried there could be an “us vs. them” mentality, thought the suggestion was a great idea that would cultivate “working together rather than competing against.”

This year, the new format is being implemented, along with a name change from Runnin’ Revs to Runnin’ with the Revs.

The event will now rotate between the archdiocesan high schools, and local boys high school basketball coaches will help coach the teams.

Father Morris hopes these changes will continue to show the boys who participate that “God calls all kinds of guys to the priesthood.”

“Many of these [priests] have the same passion and talents and gifts that these young men may have,” he said.

Father Joel emphasized the importance of young people seeing priests in this light.

“People expect priests and religious

LEAVEN FILE PHOTO

Father Scott Wallisch, pastor of St. Joseph Parish in Shawnee, brings the ball up the court. This year, the format of the annual priests basketball game has changed, and now participating eighth-grade and high-school hoopsters will all play alongside — as opposed to against — the priests. to be spiritual and do ‘religious things,’” he said.

“I believe we as religious can actually do more to evangelize at times by doing normal things,” he continued.

“And the laity can do much to evangelize by doing spiritual things in the context of their daily living,” he added.

In order to get these messages across effectively, Father Morris said the boys who participate in Runnin’ with the Revs are chosen for a reason.

“We want men or boys selected who can play the game of basketball,” he said.

“But we also want them to select people who are already showing some sort of

leadership skills and faith component.”

To cultivate those qualities, Runnin’ with the Revs includes a pregame pep talk that incorporates information about vocations into the mix.

The boys who play will also receive a jersey with patches that symbolize being a captain — both for the team and for Christ.

“Hopefully, they wear that and take that back into their school with a sense of responsibility to live that out and to be a leader always in all areas of their life,” said Father Morris.

“To play in the Runnin’ with the Revs game is an honor,” he added. “And it’s an

honor for more than just the reason of you’re a good basketball player at this age.

“People see something in you that God has given you as a gift. How are you going to use that gift to lead others to him?”

The first Runnin’ with the Revs game this season will take place March 9 at St. James Academy in Lenexa. The second game will take place April 27 at Hayden High School in Topeka. Both events are at 7 p.m.

Go online to: www.kckvocations.com for more information.

Annual Catholic Women’s Conference bonds and inspires

By Susan Fotovich McCabe Special to The Leaven

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VERLAND PARK — Ask a woman and she’ll tell you that when women put their heads together, good things happen. This year marks the sixth consecutive year of one of those bright ideas — the Catholic Women’s Conference.

The April 4 event will be held at Church of the Ascension in Overland Park from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Conference co-organizers Linda Spencer and Kathy Jennison said the conference, “Living in Truth,” calls women to live their lives in the same likeness as Christ and the church.

The impetus for the first conference in 2015 was to create an “equal opportunity” alternative (and more) to the archdiocesan men’s annual conference, Spencer said.

“One day, a group of us women got together and asked, ‘Why can’t we do that?’” said Jennison. “The result was an archdiocesan conference open to women of any faith. And it has been a great idea!”

Each year, the conference features a dynamic speaker and this year is no different. Back by popular demand is syndicated Catholic talk show host, author

LEAVEN FILE PHOTO

Syndicated Catholic talk show host, author and journalist Teresa Tomeo will return to the Catholic Women’s Conference being held on April 4 at Church of the Ascension in Overland Park. Tomeo was the keynote speaker at the 2015 conference. and journalist Teresa Tomeo. Tomeo’s conference theme, “Me, Myself and I: Finding Real Happiness in a SelfieAbsorbed World,” is designed to help women find happiness in a world of noise and conflict.

Some of that conflict may be on a global stage, while others may experi-

ence it within their own families and personal lives, Tomeo said.

“We are on a mission to warn people, especially women, of becoming ‘absorbed, bleached and digested’ into the culture,” she said.

Each year, the conference speaks to women who are interested in bonding

with like-minded women in the church, interested in growing stronger in their faith and authentically living their lives as wives, moms, sisters, daughters, grandmothers and professionals.

It differs from secular women’s conferences, said Spencer, in that it offers the Catholic perspective and fosters a commitment to “be a disciple of Christ.”

“This is an opportunity to celebrate our ‘feminine genius’ as Pope St. John Paul II encouraged us to do, and it’s just great fun!” Spencer said.

The Catholic Women’s Conference is $25 for advance registration and $30 at the door. Doors open at 7:30 a.m.

The conference will begin with an 8 a.m. Mass celebrated by Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann. There will also be time reserved for a Q&A session with Tomeo. To register, visit the website at: LivingInTruthKC.org.

“We want every woman to know that they are not alone. Christ is with her, the church is with her. We care about her everyday needs,” said Spencer.

“Every woman who leaves the conference should feel inspired to know she is a daughter of the King.

“Sometimes, women tell us this was just what they needed. We pray that the person who needs to hear this comes to the conference.”

FEBRUARY 28, 2020 | THELEAVEN.ORG

FAMILY LIFE

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Tim Tebow, Lamar Hunt Jr., team up for gospel of life

By Marc and Julie Anderson mjanderson@theleaven.org

Former Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow was the keynote speaker at the Kansans for Life’s annual Valentine’s Day banquet, held at the Overland Park Convention Center on Feb. 11.

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VERLAND PARK — LIVing in victory.

That was the Super Bowl-related theme of Kansans for Life’s annual Valentine’s Day banquet, held at the Overland Park Convention Center on Feb. 11. A sold-out crowd of nearly 1,200 attended the event.

Just off that massive Super Bowl win was master of ceremonies Lamar Hunt Jr. — one of the co-owners of the Kansas City Chiefs.

But he wasn’t there to talk about the Super Bowl.

“I do not think it is a cliché,” he said, “to say we are in a life and death battle for the truth and authentic dignity of the human person. We need your full attention. You need to drop what you’re doing and join us.”

Likewise, Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann, in his brief remarks, focused on the progress yet to be made on pro-life issues, both locally and nationally.

“I think we’re here tonight to kind of encourage each other, to support each other, to win this victory for the unborn,” he said, “and it’s this victory for the soul of our state and nation.”

As part of the evening, Mary Kay Culp, executive director of Kansans for Life and member of Holy Trinity Parish in Lenexa, was honored by a brief video highlighting her involvement with the pro-life movement for more than 40 years.

The organization also honored former Kansas Sen. Mary Pilcher-Cook, a member of St. Joseph Parish in Shawnee, for her efforts to found the Kansas Midwest Stem Cell Therapy Center.

“I am so humbled by this award, so ap-

LEAVEN PHOTO BY MARC ANDERSON

preciative,” she said, fighting back tears.

“Kansans for Life has been in the fight and has helped me all along the way. Dr. [David] Prentice, he’s the one that deserves all the accolades. My family, my children, my husband — thank you to each and every one of you who has supported me by your encouraging words along the way. I couldn’t have done it without you.”

Tim Tebow, the 2007 Heisman Trophy winner and former Denver Broncos quarterback, gave the keynote.

“It is such an honor to be here,” Tebow

said, thanking the archbishop, the politicians and Culp for their work. Tebow also thanked Hunt for his courage in promoting the gospel of life.

“It really does mean a lot more than winning the Super Bowl,” he said. “One day, when you look back and people are talking about you, what are you going to be known for? Are you going to say Super Bowl, or we saved a lot of babies?”

“I thought it was everything,” Tebow said of the role sports played in his life until his first mission trip at age 15. On that trip, he met a boy named Sherwin

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The encounter made him realize that, although he had a passion for sports, they really weren’t that important. That day, Tebow said he knew it was his “dream and calling to fight for people that can’t fight for themselves.”

Today, in addition to playing minor league baseball for the New York Mets, Tebow is a college football analyst for ESPN, a bestselling author, motivational speaker and philanthropist.

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FEBRUARY 28, 2020 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

7

HIGH SCHOOL CHAPLAIN TURNS 9

Father Mark Ostrowski celebrates with two other leaplings at St. James

By Jill Ragar Esfeld jill.esfeld@theleaven.org

L

ENEXA — They’re most commonly called leaplings, and they are an extreme minority. That’s why St. James Academy chaplain Father Mark Ostrowski here has never personally met someone who shares his birthday.

Until now.

The odds of being born on Feb. 29 are 1 in 1,461, or .068%.

You have a better chance of catching a foul ball or being born with extra toes.

There are only about five million Leaplings worldwide, but surprisingly, St. James Academy lays claim to three of them — Father Ostrowski, instructor Anna Thiele and student Tristan Torres.

They are 9-, 7 and 4-years-old respectively this year.

And they’re in good company, Superman is also a leapling.

In case you didn’t know, while our calendar year is 365 days, the solar year is 365.24219 days. Leap day realigns the calendar with the Earth’s position in the solar system.

Father Ostrowski became aware of the process, called intercalation, at a very early age.

“Most people don’t know about leap day when they’re little” he said. “But I became aware of it when I was 5; when I realized there were different dates when I would celebrate my birthday.”

Leaplings have the privilege of keeping two sets of ages, annual and quadrennial. So even though Father Ostrowski is 36, he can say he’s only 9.

Fortunately, the legal system recognizes the annual age — so Father Ostrowski doesn’t have to wait until he’s 64 to get his driver’s license.

He got it when he turned 16, and on his real birthday since it was a leap year.

“I did,” he said. “It was fun because (a leapling’s) driver’s license has different days, like ‘not 21 until this day.’

“So, I have different dates on my driver’s license.”

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JILL RAGAR ESFELD

Tristan Torres, a St. James Academy, Lenexa, sophomore, helps chaplain Father Mark Ostrowski celebrate his ninth birthday. Both are leaplings, born on Leap Day Feb. 29. Tristan is turning 4. The odds of being born on Feb. 29 are 1 in 1,461, or .068%.

“

“EVEN AT AGE 36 NOW, IT FEELS DIFFERENT, MORE EXCITING THAN JUST A REGULAR YEAR. I DON’T HAVE TO THINK — THE 28TH OR THE 1ST — WHICH ONE DO I WANT TO TAKE? THE 29TH FEELS GOOD.” When it’s not a leap year, a leapling’s birthday varies from country to country — and even from state to state.

“In Kansas,” said Father Ostrowski, “legally I turn on the first of March.

But in some places, legally it is the 28th of February.

“So, you could have your birthday twice.”

When the real leap year birthday rolls around, leaplings tend to celebrate fourfold.

“It’s really exciting,” said Father Ostrowski. “In college, it was a lot of fun because people really went out of their way to get me gifts that were particular to my age.

“Even at age 36 now, it feels different, more exciting than just a regular year,” he said. “I don’t have to think — the 28th or the 1st — which one do I want to take?

“The 29th feels good.”

But he’s leaving the planning for his big celebrations up to friends.

“I’ll be doing whatever they arrange for the night,” he said. “But it will be great.”

And if you think you might have a leapling baby in your future, Father Ostrowski recommends considering it a blessing.

“People who have their birthday on leap day actually love it,” he said.

“People remember it, it’s special and it’s a good thing.”

Meeting and classroom space foremost among parish’s needs >> Continued from page 1 Missouri. The general contractor is JE Dunn Construction of Kansas City, Missouri.

New construction will be the 12,700-square-foot Parish Activities Center, to be located on the southeast corner of the property. The stand-alone multipurpose building will have a gymnasium with bleacher seating, performance stage, catering (warming) kitchen, concession area, storage, restrooms and lockers.

Additionally, there will be improvements to greenspace and drainage with the new PAC. This will consist of landscaping along the east wall of the property, relocating the playground to the immediate west of the PAC and improvements to the current field area.

Two areas of the existing school will be renovated.

First, the existing gym will be transformed into a middle school, for seventh and eighth grades. It will have five

new classrooms and a science lab, new restrooms, new lockers and a collaborative workspace for students.

The former classrooms in the cafeteria will be used as meeting space for the parish and school. The school’s electrical, plumbing and security infrastructure will be improved.

Second, improvements to the main entrance will include a secure entryway brought up to current standards, modifications and improvements to the office, and new conference space for meetings.

The total cost of the project will be between $10 and $12 million, said Bob Kolich, parish manager. Funding will come from the parish “Faith, Hope and Charity Campaign,” which has so far generated $8.3 million in pledges.

“We’re not looking to increase enrollment,” said Kolich. “We’re getting needed additional space. We need meeting space for the parish and additional classroom space for the school.”

Current enrollment, pre-K to eighth

grade, is approximately 750.

“Curé of Ars School was built in phases,” said John Schwaller, chairman of the parish building committee. He and his wife Jennifer have three children in the school.

“The first buildings were built in the 1960-61 time frame. . . . The current school administration area is where the Sisters lived, and the architectural plans identify the ‘cells’ where they slept.

There were later school additions in 1968 and 1998.”

Diversification of the school’s curriculum has generated the need for more classrooms, he said. Some non-homeroom classes have been meeting in hallways for the past several years — a difficult instructional environment for students and teachers alike.

With the addition of six new classrooms in the middle school, six classrooms will open up for the lower grades.

All parishioners will benefit from the project, according to Schwaller.

Specifically, the PAC will enable the parish to host larger events like wedding receptions and funeral dinners.

The stage — a new amenity for Curé — will be a venue for the fall musical and other arts programs. The multipurpose room will serve as the school’s gymnasium and be used daily for physical education and on weekends for Catholic Youth Organization events.

There is strong support for the project.

“These new and updated spaces are certainly needed,” said Schwaller. “We started this process with a parishwide facilities survey published in the bulletin and online through our website and social media.

“There were hundreds of responses, and the top two needs identified were additional classrooms and meeting spaces. This provided the grassroots feedback for the building committee to understand priorities and create a project.”

Cheyenne

Aaliyah

Savannah

Kharisma

Sabrina

IT’S ALL RELATIVE

Fostering leads to ‘forever’ family for a McLouth couple

BY SUSAN FOTOVICH MCCABE | PHOTOS BY JAY SOLDNER

M

CLOUTH — care are in transition,” Jill said.

When you “There are not a lot of good stomeet the Dluries in that situation or they wouldn’t gopolski sisbe there,” she added. “We met some ters, you can’t people to learn more about it, and this help but be is when we knew it was meant to be.” charmed.

Even if all five girls have a great deal to say to you — all at once!

Discussing everything from the clothes they share (and don’t!) to Biological sisters Cheyenne, 14, the sports they participate in and the Savannah, 12, and Kharisma, 10, were household chores they split, it’s hard the first to join Jill and Jason as todto believe that their lives once hinged dlers. on a different outcome.

As is usually the case, the three The Dlugopolski family is among arrived quickly and without much countless Kansas families touched by notice. After experiencing neglect in foster care. their early years, Jill and Jason the girls missed were already parout on countless ents to Jason’s son social lessons Jesse. Like most most young chil“WE HAD TO DO A LOT OF couples, Jill and dren develop Jason Dlugopofrom growing up THINKING AND PRAYING lski of McLouth in a stable home hoped pregnancy environment.

TO MAKE SURE THAT WE would add to their They missed WERE UP FOR THE family. a lot of typical But when that experiences, too, CHALLENGE. WE WERE didn’t happen, ranging from they turned their Christmas gifts to LED TO KEEP GOING AND attention to foster hamburgers. care. Jill grew up “When they GLAD WE TRUSTED IN near a family who arrived, everyGOD TO GET HERE.” provided foster thing was a first,” care. But she Jill said. “Having knew she should a hamburger was not pin her hopes a first. It was on having a family through foster around Christmas, and when it came care. After all, she said, the goal of time to open gifts, one of the girls was foster care is to return children to surprised she was allowed to keep their biological parents. the gift she had just opened.

So Jill and Jason’s interest shifted “Then, she wouldn’t put it down from building a family to helping anwhen she opened another because other family in need. she thought it would be taken away.

“If you go the fostering route to They had to learn to sleep. They build a family, there could be a lot of screamed themselves to sleep. They disappointment. Children in foster were inconsolable.”

A season of firsts

A lot happens at the kitchen table for the Dlugopolski family. What started out as foster care ended u

“

Sabrina and her mother Jill share a tender moment amid the chaos. Jill and her husband Jason opened up their home to foster kids hoping to help families in need. They ended up adopting five children.

The first six months were tough, Jill said, and she and Jason questioned whether they had made the right decision as they listened to the girls cry each night.

But soon after they reached the sixmonth mark, things gradually began to improve. Jill and Jason knew then that they wanted the girls forever.

It would not be an easy process.

In fact, it would take more than two years to adopt the three. In the

meantime, they accepted additional foster children, eventually fostering and adopting daughters Sabrina, 10, and Aaliyah, 10. The two were a natural fit for the growing family.

“Being sisters is good. Everyone has different abilities. Some are sports, others like playing instead of cleaning. We’re all generous, nice and like to help others,” Kharisma said of her big family.

to do a lot of thinking and praying to make sure that we were up for the challenge. We were led to keep going and glad we trusted in God to get here.”

The two leaned heavily on God and their parish, Sacred Heart in Tonganoxie, as they faced waves of ups and downs.

“We didn’t know how hard it is, but also how rewarding it is,” Jill said. “You have to trust that what’s happening with these kids is right — taking them away from their biological parents — even though it doesn’t feel right.

“I often question how I would feel if I was being judged on the worst mistake I had ever made for the rest of my life. But we have to trust the courts and caseworkers and say a lot of prayers. That kind of trust is hard.”

Lessons learned With a full house, Jill and Jason no longer serve as foster parents. However, they have good advice for others considering it. First, maintain a sense of humor. It’s difficult to do when hearing the stories of children before entering foster care.

Next, know your strengths and weaknesses.

“Looking back, the [fostering] class actually sets you up for success by getting to know your strengths and weaknesses — what you can and can’t deal with, situation-wise,” Jason said.

“We hated discussing that week after week,” he continued, “but figured out there was a method to what they were trying to get you to think about.”

And don’t be afraid to speak up when a situation is over your head, Jason added.

“You are not the only one in the world out there who can help these kids (although it does feel like it when you get a call). There are people who are really good at handling kids with certain issues or concerns, where you may have strengths in other issues and concerns,” he said.

Other helpful tips? Expect the unexpected. There is no such thing as normal, Jason said. Be open to stepping outside your comfort zone.

Sometimes, you don’t know what you can handle if you don’t try to handle it.

Remember, you are never alone.

Caseworkers, other foster families, courts, judges and lawyers are there to help, he noted.

up being the forging of a family unit.

The power of prayer

The Dlugopolskis are: (front row, from left) Sabrina, 10; Aaliyah, 10; Kharisma, 10; (back row, from left) Savannah, 12; Cheyenne, 14; and their mother, Jill. Behind them all is their father, Jason.

God’s guidance And as the family continued to expand, they felt God’s presence by

their side, Jason said.

“When you are in the foster care class,” he said, “they tell you about certain situations or scenarios that

have happened [or might happen], so you kind of get an idea of some of the issues you could face.

“Some were concerning. We had

Perhaps the most important tip, Jill said, is pray.

“Pray a lot. That should be the first thing you do,” Jill said. “We prayed together and even more than we did before. God will lead you the right way. I know he did for us.”

One thing is certain. Families come in all shapes and sizes. The Dlugopolskis are now a family. And in the tradition of Joseph, Mary and Jesus, they have become their own holy family.

“God gave these gifts to us,” Jason said. “He gave us the responsibility of raising them in his likeness.

“We know that we are not perfect, but we trust that God has put us on this journey for a reason.

“These kids make us a whole family and we do our best to live up to what we have been called to do.”

FEBRUARY 28, 2020 | THELEAVEN.ORG

NATION

10

Cheers greet Philadelphia’s new shepherd at installation

By Matthew Gambino Catholic News Service

P

HILADELPHIA (CNS) — Archbishop Nelson J. Perez placed a mark of familiarity on the formality of rites in the Mass that installed him as the new archbishop of Philadelphia Feb. 18 in the Cathedral Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul, Philadelphia.

Ascending to the basilica’s cathedra, the Greek word for the chair of authority as bishop of a diocese, Archbishop Perez, 58, became the youngest Catholic archbishop in the United States and the nation’s third archbishop of Hispanic heritage. His parents emigrated from Cuba.

A full-throated roar rising from the overflowing congregation in the basilica and its adjoining chapel of more than 2,000 people plus countless more viewing on television and the internet confirmed not a mere welcome for an archbishop, but a welcome home for a native son.

Archbishop Perez was ordained a priest for the Philadelphia Archdiocese in the same cathedral in 1989.

In a break with protocol in which the celebrant waits at the rear of a procession into church, prior to the Mass, Archbishop Perez stood by the door into the cathedral greeting each of the hundreds of archdiocesan and religious priests with warm handshakes, hugs and smiles. He was among his own, and it was not the first such expression of the day.

“Once a Philadelphia priest, always a Philadelphia priest,” he said during his

CNS PHOTO/SARAH WEBB, CATHOLICPHILLY.COM

Philadelphia Archbishop Nelson J. Perez waves at the end of his installation Mass at the Cathedral Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul in Philadelphia Feb. 18. Archbishop Perez, who previously headed the Cleveland Diocese, succeeds Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, who turned 75 last September, the age at which canon law requires bishops to send their resignation to the pope. homily, a 26-minute address delivered not from the elevated marble pulpit but from the first step of the sanctuary.

As to his plan for a pastoral vision as he begins to shepherd the Philadelphia

Archdiocese, “I have no plan,” he said. “I want to visit, listen and learn. I do embrace the vision of Pope Francis in ‘The Joy of the Gospel.’”

The pope’s 2013 apostolic exhortation

Irish recording artist headlines Lenten program

C

ANTON, Ohio (CNS) — Great Catholic Music, a free Catholic music platform with over 16,000 downloads, is partnering with Irish Catholic recording artist Dana this Lent to bring listeners the hourlong program “The Stations of the Cross,” airing every Friday of the penitential season.

The program will air at 6 a.m., 3 p.m. and 9 p.m. (Eastern time). The program will consist of spoken reflection and prayer accompanied by music sung by Dana. Listeners can catch the program at GreatCatholicMusic.com, on Alexa devices or on the outlet’s free mobile app for Android and Apple devices.

“This recording of the Stations of the Cross will help you meditate deeply on Jesus’ passion, death and resurrection. The use of the harp, beautiful prayerful vocals, and added effects provide the contemplative background music,” Dana said in a statement.

She made this album with her

CNS PHOTO/LIVING BREAD RADIO

This is the album cover of “The Stations of the Cross,” airing every Friday during Lent. Great Catholic Music, a free Catholic music platform, will partner with Irish Catholic recording artist Dana to bring listeners the program. brother-in-law, the late Father Kevin Scallon, to allow Catholics “a chance to walk with Christ.”

“We could not think of a better program to help our listeners prepare for Easter than Dana’s ‘The Stations of

the Cross,’ said Chris Cugini, spokesperson for Great Catholic Music.

“The stations are one of the most sacred prayers for Catholics to reflect upon during the Lenten season.”

The national sponsor for this program is CatholicBook.net, an online Catholic retailer that is celebrating 30 years of business. The album can be purchased through its online store.

As listeners tune in during this program, they will be praying the stations with thousands of others from around the world, according to a Great Catholic Music news release announcing the Lenten program with Dana.

“Offering the consistent programming for all listeners is important for Great Catholic Music as its goal is to unite all people in Christ through the melodies for the soul,” the release said. “In Stations, Father Kevin Scallon’s soothing voice and Dana’s haunting sung prayers give a clear mental picture of each station. Each time you hear it, you will walk alongside Jesus on his final journey to Calvary.”

called for “a renewed personal encounter with Jesus Christ” and, as Archbishop Perez echoed, for a “church which goes forth as a community of missionary disciples.”

Bishops call parental consent measure ‘common-sense legislation’

T

ALLAHASSEE, Fla. (CNS) — Florida’s Catholic bishops Feb. 20 said a bill passed by the Legislature requiring girls under 18 to get a parent’s consent before having an abortion is “common-sense legislation” and they look forward to Gov. Ron DeSantis signing it into law.

“Parental consent is required prior to a minor’s medical treatment in most every instance, this includes simple medical interventions such as taking an aspirin or getting one’s ears pierced,” said a statement from the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops, the public policy arm of the state’s bishops.

Ingrid Delgado, associate director for social concerns/respect life at Florida’s Catholic conference, said in a statement: “Standards that relate to children’s health care should apply especially in the context of abortion, which critically affects the lives of two children.”

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FEBRUARY 28, 2020 | THELEAVEN.ORG

VATICAN

11

Miracle of Italian dioceses take action against coronavirus young tech whiz recognized by pope

By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service

V

ATICAN CITY (CNS) — With the biggest two days of celebration and costume parades left, the famous pre-Lenten “Carnevale” of Venice was canceled as were Ash Wednesday services and even funeral Masses throughout the diocese.

The Archdiocese of Milan also issued a notice Feb. 23 suspending all public celebrations of the Mass until further notice in compliance with Italian Ministry of Health precautions to prevent the further spread of the coronavirus.

Angelo Borrelli, head of Italy’s civil protection service, announced Feb. 24 that the number of confirmed cases of coronavirus in the country had risen to 219, including five people who died. The majority of cases — 167 — were in the northern Italian region of Lombardy, whose capital is Milan. The Veneto region, whose capital is Venice, had 27 confirmed cases, he said.

Schools and museums in the two regions were closed, and school trips were suspended for all students throughout Italy.

Auxiliary Bishop Franco Agnesi, vicar general of the Milan archdiocese, issued further instructions Feb. 24 saying that churches would remain open for private prayer and, although there should be no public celebration of the Mass, “funerals and matrimonies can be celebrated, but with the presence only of close relatives.”

Milan’s famed cathedral announced it would be closed to tourists Feb. 24-25 while awaiting further instructions from the health ministry and the archdiocese. However, it

By Junno Arocho Esteves Catholic News Service

V CNS PHOTO/FLAVIO LO SCALZO, REUTERS

A woman wearing a face mask checks her phone outside the Teatro alla Scala opera house, closed by authorities due to a coronavirus outbreak in Milan Feb. 24. The Archdiocese of Milan issued a notice Feb. 23 suspending all public celebrations of Mass until further notice in compliance with Italian Ministry of Health precautions to prevent the further spread of the coronavirus. said, “the area reserved for prayer” would remain open, although no public Mass would be celebrated.

In a statement Feb. 23, Archbishop Francesco Moraglia of Venice announced that all public Masses and gatherings of the faithful were being suspended at least until midnight March 1. The ban included Ash Wednesday services and funeral Masses, although a priest would still be available to bless the body of the deceased in the presence of the person’s closest family members.

The archdiocesan Lenten priests’ retreat, which was to begin Feb. 27, also was postponed.

At the same time, he said, the archdiocese’s charitable activities would continue. Soup kitchens were to continue distributing free meals, but they would be packaged to go to avoid the risk of large numbers

of people gathering in a dining hall.

Public health officials will assist at dormitories for the homeless to ensure they remain open, he said.

The Basilica of St. Anthony of Padua, also in the Veneto region, announced the suspension of Masses and public prayer services through March 1. The Franciscans who care for the basilica, which includes the tomb of St. Anthony, said they would keep the church open, but they asked pilgrims and tourists not to congregate in large numbers.

The Archdiocese of Turin, in Italy’s Piedmont region, canceled all catechism classes and other public gatherings except for Masses. However, it ordered priests to empty all holy water fonts and distribute Communion only in the hand.

Gospel challenges believers to love without measure

V

ATICAN CITY (CNS) — The only acceptable form of extremism for a Christian is an “extremism of love,” Pope Francis said, concelebrating Mass with bishops from throughout the Mediterranean basin. “‘Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.’ This is the Christian innovation. It is the Christian difference,” the pope said Feb. 23 as he celebrated an outdoor Mass in central Bari, a city on the southern Italian coast.

The Mass, concelebrated by 60 bishops from Europe, the Middle East and North Africa, marked the conclusion of a five-day meeting to address common concerns, including the need for peace, the care of migrants and refugees, the defense of religious freedom and the promotion of interreligious and ecumenical dialogue.

“Pray and love: this is what we must do,” Pope Francis said. “The love of Jesus knows no boundaries or barriers.

The Lord demands of us the courage to have a love that does not count the

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cost, because the measure of Jesus is love without measure.”

Jesus’ commandment of love is not just a suggestion or even a challenge, the pope said. “It is the very heart of the Gospel.”

“Where the command of universal love is concerned, let us not accept excuses or preach prudent caution,” he said. “The Lord was not cautious; he did not yield to compromises. He asks of us the extremism of charity. It is the only legitimate kind of Christian extremism: the extremism of love.”

ATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Francis formally recognized a miracle attributed to the intercession of Carlo Acutis, a 15-year-old Italian teenager who the pope has said is a role model for young men and women today.

In a meeting Feb. 22 with Cardinal Giovanni Angelo Becciu, prefect of the Congregation for Saints’ Causes, the pope advanced the sainthood cause of Acutis.

Antonia Salzano, Acutis’ mother, told Catholic News Service Feb. 24 that the news of the pope’s Carlo Acutis approval made her “really, really happy.”

“Pope Francis has always been close to Carlo; he quoted him in ‘Christus Vivit,’ and this was a great privilege in that he cited him as an example for young people in the whole world,” Salzano said.

In “Christus Vivit” (“Christ Lives”), Pope Francis’ exhortation on young people, he said the teen was a role model for young people today who are often tempted by the traps of “self-absorption, isolation and empty pleasure.”

“Carlo was well-aware that the whole apparatus of communications, advertising and social networking can be used to lull us, to make us addicted to consumerism and buying the latest thing on the market, obsessed with our free time, caught up in negativity,” the pope wrote.

“Yet he knew how to use the new communications technology to transmit the Gospel, to communicate values and beauty,” he said.

Before his death from leukemia in 2006, Acutis was an average teen with an above-average knack for computers. He put that knowledge to use by creating an online database of Eucharistic miracles around the world.

Salzano told CNS that her son’s work, which included a traveling exhibition of eucharistic miracles, has been displayed “on every continent” and was the inspiration behind the documentary, “Segni” (“Signs”) which was produced by the Vatican Dicastery for Communication in October 2018.

FEBRUARY 28, 2020 | THELEAVEN.ORG

CLASSIFIEDS

EMPLOYMENT High school principal - Bishop LeBlond Catholic High School is accepting applications for the position of principal. The principal leads school programs that ensure not only academic excellence, but also the spiritual, moral, physical and emotional development of the school community. Regular duties include: lead and facilitate the church’s teaching mission and provide for religious development of the school community members; identifies, implements and monitors annual goals and strategies to ensure the overall quality of the academic program; and supervise students and faculty, financial processes and maintenance programs. Candidate must have a master’s degree, state certification and previous experience, be a practicing member of the Catholic Church, have a minimum of three years’ teaching experience in a Catholic school, and have state certification/ license in administration. To apply, go to: careers.hire ology.com/the catholicdioceseofkansascitystjoseph and click on “Jobs for the Catholic Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph” then scroll down and click on “Principal - Bishop LeBlond High School.”

Bus drivers - With multiple locations in Johnson County, Special Beginnings Early Learning Center provides high quality early childhood education in a safe, loving, Christian environment. With a balanced curriculum of preacademics and social-emotional development, children grow with us, build confidence, and a strong self-esteem.

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

Principal - Xavier Elementary School in Leavenworth is seeking an innovative school principal to assume responsibility for the spiritual and academic leadership of the school. The successful candidate must be a practicing Catholic and hold a master’s degree in building leadership (or be in the process of obtaining the same), possess or be eligible for PK-12 building leadership licensure and have a minimum of five years’ teaching experience on a professional license: lead ongoing professional development and school improvement; be a team-builder, able to lead an innovative and academically rigorous curriculum assuring success for all students; employ collaborative practices to engage all stakeholders in the mission of the school; have an accessible and approachable leadership style; and have a willingness to relate to all constituencies while being extremely visible and interactive at school and parish events. Apply online at: www.archkckcs.org and send resume and credentials to: Superintendent Dr. Vince Cascone, Catholic Schools Office, Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109, or email to: vcascone@ archkckcs.org. Deadline for applications is March 13.

Marketing and communications manager - The Catholic Education Foundation is seeking a creative, highly organized marketing and communications manager to be responsible for planning and executing integrated marketing and communications efforts for our growing Catholic nonprofit organization. This new position is responsible for planning, executing and optimizing communications in a variety of media and developing marketing materials for special events and other agency campaigns. The ideal candidate should have a minimum of 3 to 5 years of professional experience; a bachelor’s degree in marketing, advertising, communications or journalism, with graphic design experience; be a practicing Catholic; have strong written and verbal skills; and experience in managing content development and publishing in digital and print media. The manager will collaborate with school, parish and key constituencies; develop and publish content; and manage production and performance of web, digital and direct response marketing to benefit fundraising and public relations efforts. This position offers competitive salary and benefits, growth and professional development opportunities, and the benefits of a faith-based working environment. To apply, send a letter of interest and a resume to Vince Anch at: vanch@archkck.org.

Career opportunity – Due to the success and growth of the Knights of Columbus, we are adding a financial representative in the Kansas City, Kansas, and Missouri metro areas, St. Joseph, Mo., and Maryville, Mo. This is ideal for a determined, high energy, high expectation, professional, self-disciplined, independent individual, who desires to serve others yet earn a better than average income. We provide top-rated financial products to our members and their families, and will provide excellent benefits and training. This is a full-time position. For more information or an interview, please contact John A. Mahon, General Agent, 1275 S.W. Topeka Blvd., Topeka, KS 66612; call (855) 356-4849; or email: mahonagencymail2@kofc.org.

Drivers - Assisted Transportation is now hiring caring and reliable drivers to transport K-12 students to and from school and other activities in company minivans. Positions are now available in Olathe, Overland Park and Kansas City, Kansas. Competitive wages and flexible schedules. CDL not required. Retirees encouraged to apply. Call (913) 262-3100 or apply online at: AssistedTransportation.com. EEO. Administrative assistant - Looking for something new?

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

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

We have a recycling program and community activities.

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

??Director of formation in sacred music - Christ the King Church and School in Kansas City, Kansas, invites music educators to apply for the position of director of formation in sacred music. Educators who seek to shape students in both wisdom and virtue, and who share the belief that music and aesthetics play an integral part in the content of a Catholic education, should apply. Salary is commensurate with the qualifications of the applicant.

The director is an integral member of the school faculty with professional knowledge of music in the celebration of the sacred liturgy of the modern Roman rite. This ministry aims to create fluency in the language of beauty for the children of Christ the King School by instructing them in the fundamentals of reading music and singing technique with a goal toward training them for sung prayer. As a secondary role, the director provides formation in the planning, execution and celebration of Sunday and feast day parish liturgies. Contact Father Nick Blaha at: nblaha@archkck.org for application details.

STREAM/project-based learning coach - Nativity Parish School is seeking a STREAM/project-based learning coach for the 2020-21 school year. Interested candidates should have advanced training in the incorporation of project-based learning and experience of successfully implementing PBL in their classrooms. Responsibilities include: collaborating with teachers and students to plan PBL activities; staff training; development of community resources; designing a PBL/STREAM Maker Space; and communication of the program through parent communication and a social media presence.

Interested candidates are invited to submit a letter of interest and resume to principal David Kearney at: david. kearney@kcnativity.org. by March 5.

CDL shuttle drivers and chauffeurs - Part-time and full-time positions available: days, evenings and weekends. Flexible schedules and full-time benefits. Great part-time job for retirees/students. Must be at least 25 years old with a clean driving record. Call Mike Goulding, Kansas City Transportation Group, (816) 512-2504.

Part-time accountant - The St. Lawrence Catholic Center at KU seeks a part-time accountant. The accountant inspires trust among staff, the board of directors and benefactors by accurately recording and communicating the financial transactions and position of the center. Find a full job description and inquiries online at: kucatholic.org.

Chief operating officer - The St. Lawrence Center at KU seeks a chief operating officer (COO) to align the internal working and external relations of the center to its mission. The COO manages key staff and oversees the fundraising plan and budget. The ideal candidate has experience with fundraising, staff development, human resources and business operations. The COO must be personally inspiring and able to sell the church’s mission to all constituents, especially benefactors. Find a full job description and inquiries online at: kucatholic.org.

Director of music - St Joseph Church in Shawnee is seeking a full-time director of music ministry. St. Joseph is a large suburban parish with a newly renovated church, a new Allen 3-manual organ and a Steinway piano. Responsibilities include: oversight of the musical aspect of all liturgical events at the parish, including five weekend Masses; solemnities and feasts; directing four choirs, two from the keyboard; scheduling all music ministers; and supervising four paid organists and a second choir director. Applicants should have a strong Roman Catholic faith; good knowledge of the liturgy; and a high degree of proficiency playing keyboard, conducting and developing voices. Send resume to: St Joseph Catholic Church, Attn: Vicky Cole, 5901 Flint St, Shawnee, KS 66203 or email to: vcole@stjoeshawnee.org.

Volunteer part-time bookkeeper - L’Arche Heartland of Overland Park is seeking a volunteer part-time bookkeeper. Our nonprofit seeks a candidate to provide eight to 16 hours per week to assist with billing and general bookkeeping duties. This might also be a paid position for the right person. If interested, contact Jamie Henderson, community leader, by email at: jamie@larcheks.org.

Teaching positions - St. John School in Lawrence is seeking teachers in first, second and third grades. Applicants should be innovative teachers that want to help our students grow in their faith, knowledge and service.

We are looking for teachers that have an inclusive mindset and want to challenge all students. If interested, visit the archdiocesan website at: www.archkckcs.org to apply. Once your online application has been submitted, send your resume and cover letter to Chris Reffett at: reffett@saint-johns.net.

Office manager - St. John School is seeking an office manager. Duties include: answering phone calls; relaying messages; and managing the front office. Duties also include the collection of money from fees and invoices, and will require knowledge in basic accounting. The position will also require the management of our online student information database as well as helping with completing several Kansas state reports. Must be familiar with Excel spreadsheet and Work Processor programs. A basic knowledge of first aid will be helpful for taking care of student needs. If interested, send resume and cover letter to Chris Reffett at: reffett@saint-johns.net.

Special education teacher – Holy Spirit School in Overland Park is seeking a special education teacher for the 2020-21 school year. Experience with students with Down syndrome and/or American Sign Language would be a plus. If you are a KS-licensed educator with a love for all God’s children, contact Michele Watson at: mwatson@ hscatholic.org for more information.

Educational technology teacher - Nativity Parish School is seeking an innovative educational technology teacher for the 2020-21 school year. An advanced degree in technology instruction is preferred. Responsibilities include: classroom instruction; collaboration with classroom teachers to support the curriculum; and staff professional development. Applicants should have classroom teaching experience; be knowledgeable of current educational technology trends; and be proficient in coding, webpage design and implementation of a enhanced social media presence for our school. Interested candidates are invited to submit a letter of interest and resume to principal David Kearney at: david.kearney@ kcnativity.org by March 5.

Bookkeeper - Immaculate Conception-St. Joseph Parish in Leavenworth is seeking a bookkeeper. The ideal candidate should have a college degree and/or significant accounting experience. He/she must have a working knowledge of QuickBooks and Microsoft Office applications. He/she must be able to work independently and with other staff and volunteers. The applicant must be a practicing Catholic. Hours negotiable (23-40 hours per week). Benefits depend upon hours. For more information, contact Father David McEvoy, O.Carm., at: icsj@ sbcglobal.net.

Director of administrative services - Good Shepherd Parish in Shawnee has a June 1 full-time opening for the director of administrative services. Qualified applicants will have successful management experience with an emphasis in human resources, financial and facilities management. In addition, a demonstrated commitment to the Catholic faith and mission is essential. This position is responsible for managing the parish front office; managing all human resources responsibilities including the processing of payroll; managing all parish facilities/ grounds needs; coordinating the parish/school finances with the parish accountant; and supervising a staff of three. Strong communications skills are essential, along with a desire to work in a positive faith-oriented environment. Competency with Microsoft Office programs, internet use and email required. This full-time position is eligible for parish and archdiocese benefits. Please submit cover letter and resume to: slemons@gsshawnee. org or to: frkent@gsshawnee.org by March 24.

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) 579-1835. Email: smokeycabin@hot mail.com. Member of Holy Trinity, Lenexa.

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

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

NELSON CREATIONS Affordable home remodeling: Kitchens, baths, basements and room additions.

All interior and exterior work.

Honest, dependable, experienced and family owned.

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

(913) 927-5240 or nelsport@everestkc.net Popcorn texture removed and apply knockdown texture.

Renew your walls with a fresh coat of quality paint!

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

Concrete construction - Tear out and replace amped, stained or colored patios and drives. Retaining walls, footings, poured-in-place safe rooms, excavation and hauling.

Asphalt drives and lots. Fully insured; references. Call Dan at (913) 207-4371 or send an email to: dandeeconst@aol.com.

The Drywall Doctor, Inc. – A unique solution to your drywall problems! We fix all types of ceiling and wall damage — from water stains and stress cracks to texture repairs and skim coating. We provide professional, timely repairs and leave the job site clean! Lead-certified and insured! Serving the metro since 1997. Call (913) 768-6655.

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EL SOL Y LA TIERRA *Commercial & residential * Lawn renovation *Mowing * Clean-up and hauling * Dirt grading/installation * Landscape design * Free estimates Hablamos y escribimos Ingles!! www.elsolylatierra.com Call Lupe at (816) 935-0176 Local handyman - Painting int. and ext., wood rot, power washing, staining, masonry (chimney repair, patio’s) gutter cleaning, water heaters, junk removal, lawn mowing, window cleaning, honey - do list and more!!

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

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

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

Everything is guaranteed 100% (913) 461-4052 www.windowservicesoverlandpark.com drcconswindows@gmail.com

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

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

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

SERVICES Tree trimming/landscaping Free estimates licensed/insured/references (913) 620-6063 Cleaning lady - Reasonable rates; references provided.

Call (913) 940-2959.

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

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

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.

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

Mike Hammer local moving - A full-service mover.

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

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

Release your weight and restore your power in 8 weeks! http://8toyouridealweight.com/coach/kathi/ Custom countertops - Laminates installed within five days. Cambria, granite and solid surface. Competitive prices, dependable work. Call the Top Shop, Inc., at (913) 962-5058. Members of St. Joseph, Shawnee.

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

REAL ESTATE We buy houses and whole estates - We are local and family owned, and will make you a fair cash offer. We buy houses in any condition. No fees or commissions and can close on the date of your choice. Selling your house as is never felt so good. Jon & Stacy Bichelmeyer (913) 599-5000. >> Continued on page 15

FEBRUARY 28, 2020 | THELEAVEN.ORG

CALENDAR ST. JOSEPH TABLE AND PASTA DINNER St. Joseph Parish (McDevitt Hall) 11311 Johnson Dr., Shawnee March 1 from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Father Scott Wallisch will bless the table at 8:30 a.m. and viewing will be until 2 p.m.

A variety of items will be featured for purchase. Dinner will be served from 11 a.m. 3 p.m. For more information, call Christine Marion at (913) 268-6677.

LENTEN PARISH MISSION Holy Family Parish 409 E. 8th St., Eudora March 1, 2 and 3 at 7 p.m.

Everyone is welcome to attend the parish mission given by Dr. Troy Hinkel, vice president and co-founder of the Holy Family School of Faith. The theme is: “The Crisis, The Mission and The Weapon. Come Learn the Virgin Mary’s Plan for You.” The suggested donation is a freewill offering. A reception will follow.

CREATING FINANCIAL SECURITY FOR A LOVED ONE WITH SPECIAL NEEDS St. Joseph Parish (center) 5901 Flint, Shawnee March 3 from 6:45 - 8:15 p.m.

“The Catholic Divorced Survival Guide” is a 12week support series based on the teachings of the Catholic Church. The program offers healing and hope to those who have gone through a divorce. Sessions are led by a licensed professional. There is a $30 fee, which includes a study guide. (Scholarships are available upon request.) Register on the Church of the Ascension homepage at: kcascension.org. For more information, email Patty in the church office at: pbillinger@kcascension.org.

LENTEN DAY OF REFLECTION: SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION Conception Abbey (Guest Center) 37174 State Hwy. VV, Conception, Missouri March 5 at 8:30 a.m.

How can we experience the intimacy, joy and peace of being reconciled with God? The day begins with coffee and breakfast, followed by a reflective talk, private prayer time, Eucharist, lunch, a final reflection and an opportunity to celebrate the sacrament of reconciliation. Register online at: www. conceptionabbey.org; click on “Guests,” then “Upcoming Retreats” or call (660) 944-2809.

TAIZE PRAYER Annunciation Chapel 4200 S. 4th St., Leavenworth March 5 at 7 p.m.

Taize prayer is a meditative, candlelit service that includes chants sung repeatedly, silence, and prayers of praise and intercession. These prayer services emerged from an ecumenical community of monks in Taize, France. For more information, visit the website at: www.marillaccenter.org or call (913) 680-2342. This prayer opportunity will continue on the first Thursday of each month through May.

Come learn about special-needs trusts, guardianship and ABLE accounts, which allow for tax-advantaged savings accounts for individuals with disabilities. RSVP online to Tom Racunas at: tracunas@archkck.org or call (913) 647-3054.

‘LINGER OVER COFFEE’ DURING LENT Marillac Center 4200 S. 4th St., Leavenworth March 3, 10, 24 and 31 from 9:30 - 11 a.m.

During sessions on “Praying All Ways,” presenters will discuss ways to achieve a deeper and more reflective awareness of God’s presence. This can occur through praying with music, images, poetry, nature, the imagination, walking and more. All are welcome for one or more sessions and for Mass in Ross Chapel following the discussion. There is no fee, but a freewill offering can be made. There is no need to preregister. For more information, call (913) 758-6552 or send an email to: retreats@scls.org.

WOMEN’S SELF-DEFENSE Keeler Women’s Center 759 Vermont Ave., Kansas City, Kansas March 4 from 10 - 11 a.m.

Kansas City Shizoku Karate-Do will help you learn ways to defend yourself and others.

Register online at: www.keelerwomens center.org or call (913) 689-9375.

‘CATHOLIC DIVORCE SURVIVAL GUIDE’ Church of the Ascension 9510 W. 127th St., Overland Park March 4 from 7 - 8 p.m.

for two nights’ accommodations, Saturday meals and Sunday breakfast. A $15 deposit is requested by Feb. 28. For an additional fee of $40, retreatants can choose to meet with one of six spiritual directors. To register, call (913) 758-6552; send an email to: retreats@scls. org; or go online to: www.marillaccenter.org.

EXPLORING GRACE Ross Chapel (SCL motherhouse) 4200 S. 4th St., Leavenworth March 7 from 10 a.m. - 3:45 p.m.

Sister Diane Steele, SCL, will speak on “Called to Follow Jesus.” During her presentation, she will discuss the concept that only through the grace of God do individuals have the courage to follow Jesus. The fee of $35 includes lunch. The registration deadline is Feb. 28. To register, call (913) 758-6552; send an email to: retreats@scls.org; or go online to: www. marillaccenter.org.

LENTEN RETREAT FOR CATHOLIC WOMEN: ‘TRANSFORMING OUR WORLD’ Sophia Spirituality Center 751 S. 8th St., Atchison March 8 from 9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

The day begins with Mass with the Sisters of Mount St. Scholastica. The retreat time will focus on how we can be instruments of transformation in our hurting world. Lunch is included. The cost is a freewill offering. You may register online at: sophiaspiritualitycenter.org.

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

The Knights of Columbus will be serving breakfast. The suggested donation is a freewill offering.

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ALAN AMES - CATHOLIC EVANGELIST WITH GIFT OF HEALING Guardian Angels Parish 1310 Westport, Kansas City, Missouri March 16 at 6:30 p.m.

St. John LaLande Parish 805 N.W. R.D. Mize Rd., Blue Springs, Missouri March 17 at 7 p.m.

Each evening will begin with Mass followed

by Alan Ames speaking. Then, each person will have the opportunity to receive prayer ministry. Ames has traveled extensively over the last 24 years giving witness to his conversion from a man of sin to one who is very close to God and the Catholic Church.

Testimonies are listed on his website at: www.alanames.org.

ST. JOSEPH TABLE Guardian Angels Parish 1310 Westport Rd., Kansas City, Missouri March 19 from 11:30 a.m. - 7 p.m.

The Guardian Angels congregation invites everyone to view its St. Joseph Table and have a pasta dinner. The cost for the dinner is a freewill offering.

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

This will be a safe, supportive environment to talk about the impact to your lives, to know you are not alone, and to promote healing. To protect the privacy of potential participants, contact Linda Slater-Trimble for information on days, times and location of meetings by email at: lslater-trimble@archkck.org; or by phone at (913) 298-9244. Must be at least 18 years of age to participate.

CATHOLIC PLANNED GIVING Church of the Holy Cross 8311 W. 93rd St., Overland Park March 11 from 9:45 - 10:30 a.m.

DAY OF REFLECTION St. Mary-St. Anthony Parish 615 N. 7th St., Kansas City, Kansas March 6 at 8 a.m.

This Lenten reflection, sponsored by the Strawberry Hill Altar Societies, is open to all men and women. The day will begin with Mass, followed by a continental breakfast.

The session begins at 9 a.m. Reservations are desired, but not required. The suggested donation is a freewill offering. For reservations, call Carol Shomin at (913) 897-4833 or send an email to: cshomin@ everestkc.net.

SILENT DAYS OF PRAYER Marillac Center 4200 S. 4th St., Leavenworth March 6 and 7

Guests are invited to take the opportunity for silent prayer from 6 p.m. on March 6 to 4 p.m. on March 7. They will have the opportunity to read, pray, journal, rest, relax, walk and follow God’s lead through the silence. Donation for this silent time of reflection and prayer is $85 per person for overnight accommodations for one night and Saturday meals, or $150

The archdiocesan office of stewardship and development will present a short seminar on ways to provide and protect your family, what are visible and invisible legacies, and how to share your legacy with your family, There is no need to RSVP. Refreshments will be served. Resources will be supplied.

TACO DINNER AND SALAMI BINGO Mejak Hall 513 Ohio, Kansas City, Kansas March 14 at 5:30 p.m.

The Altar Society of Holy Family Parish will host its annual taco supper and salami bingo. Dinner will be served from 6:15 - 7:15 p.m. A $15 donation includes one bingo card, one taco dinner and all the cold beverages you can drink until the games end. For tickets, call Sandy Cannon at (913) 396-1564 or Cathy Schneider at (913) 371-1561. No one under the age of 21 will be admitted.

FEAST DAY DINNER St. Patrick Parish VFW Hall 324 S. East St., Scranton March 15 from 11 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

The cost for a dinner of ham or turkey and all the trimmings, plus pie and a beverage, is: $10 for adults; $5 for kids ages 5 - 12; and free for kids 5 and under. Raffle items are available. Questions? Call Lori at (785) 640-7262.

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

Come join this group who prays this devotion weekly. Prayer includes the Mother of Perpetual Help novena and Benediction. For more information, call Martin at (913) 213-8810.

SAINT THOMAS AQUINAS GRADE SCHOOL SUMMER CAMPS St. Thomas Aquinas High School 11411 Pflumm Rd., Overland Park June and July

There will be a variety of sports and other activities available for students entering grades K - eighth to explore. Registration and further information is available online at: www.stasaints.net/summercamps. For more information, call (913) 2416 or send an email to: btriggs@stasaints.net.

FEBRUARY 28, 2020 | THELEAVEN.ORG

COMMENTARY FIRST WEEK OF LENT March 1 FIRST SUNDAY OF LENT Gn 2: 7-9; 3: 1-7 Ps 51: 3-6, 12-13, 17 Rom 5: 12-19 Mt 4: 1-11 March 2 Monday Lv 19: 1-2, 11-18 Ps 19: 8-10, 15 Mt 25: 31-46 March 3 Katharine Drexel, virgin Is 55: 10-11 Ps 34: 4-7, 16-19 Mt 6: 7-15 March 4 Casimir Jon 3: 1-10 Ps 51: 3-4, 12-13, 18-19 Lk 11: 29-32 March 5 Thursday Est C: 12, 14-16, 23-25 Ps 138: 1-3, 7c-8 Mt 7: 7-12 March 6 Friday Ez 18: 21-28 Ps 130: 1-8 Mt 5: 20-26 March 7 Perpetua and Felicity, martyrs Dt 26: 16-19 Ps 119: 1-2, 4-5, 7-8 Mt 5: 43-48

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W

hen Lent begins each year, I remember a great cartoon I once saw.

In the first panel, a speaker addresses a crowd saying, “Who wants change?” The second panel shows all the listeners enthusiastically raising their hands.

Panel three has the speaker saying, “OK, who wants to change?”

The last panel shows not one hand raised.

That, sadly, could be my Lenten story. Honestly, I see the need for change in my life. And generally, I start off the season at full steam and filled with commitment.

Then, just a day after an Ash Wednesday filled with good intentions, come a few weeks of scattered Lenten practices, only to find me limping into Holy Week and Easter.

This year, I sat down and sketched out what I wanted my Lent 2020 to look like. In no time at all, I came up with 10 “disciplines.” They are: write two notes of thanks or encouragement to someone each day; do a Holy Hour (on Lenten Mondays when there’s adoration at

“I

Take it nice and slow this Lent 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.

the parish); read one spiritual book a week; clean and gather items to donate for one hour a day; watch only one hour of TV daily; buy nothing new in these weeks (except necessities); open and use new items that are still packaged up; forego salty snacks and the crisp golden beverage that goes with them; fix broken items; and (my Leaven staff will love this) write this column early. Mark My Words is the last thing completed on deadline day.

Realistically, if I set out to do all of those

things above, it will not go well. This little story from Tony Campolo shows why: A man came to a counselor because he was falling out of love with his wife. The counselor told the man to think of all the ways he could make life happier for his wife . . . and then, do them. A few days later, the counselor got this phone call from the husband: “Every day, I leave for work, put in a hard day, come home dirty and sweaty, stumble in the back door, go to the refrigerator, get something to drink and then go into the rec room and watch TV until supper time.

“After talking to you, I decided I would do better than that in the future. So yesterday, before I left work, I

showered and shaved and put on a clean shirt.

On the way home, I stopped at the florist and bought a bouquet of roses. Instead of going in the back door as I usually do, I went to the front and rang the doorbell.

“My wife opened the door, took one look at me, and started to cry.

When I asked her what was wrong, she said, ‘It’s been a horrible day.

First, Billy broke his leg and had to have it put in a cast. I no sooner returned home from the hospital when your mother called and told me that she’s coming to stay for three weeks. I tried to do the wash and the washing machine broke and there’s water all over the basement.

And now, you have to come home drunk!’”

(Found in “Illustrations Unlimited,” edited by James S. Hewett.)

Well, that story is enough to warn me off of doing all 10 of my Lenten disciplines at once. Perhaps that’s why the church wisely gives us these 40 or so days of Lent.

Although we do need to change, that transformation has to come gradually so that it “sticks.” It has to come

14

from the inside out — that is, from the heart.

All too often, even if we’re faithful to our resolutions during Lent, we slide back into our old, bad habits once Easter rolls around.

So, it’s back to the drawing board for me.

Ten resolutions are way too many and, at least for me, unsustainable.

Instead, I’ve asked the Holy Spirit to help me clarify which disciplines are both realistic and will benefit my spiritual growth.

I’m starting small.

Restricting my TV watching frees up time to tackle the note writing and spiritual reading. And one book a week is too ambitious; one every two weeks is manageable. Finding one hour all at once to clean and gather items to donate sounds daunting.

Instead, I’m doing it just 20 minutes at a time — every morning, afternoon and night.

Unfortunately, though good, those other resolutions will have to wait, especially that of finishing this column early.

After all, I want my staff to still recognize me when Easter rolls around!

The Book of Genesis recounts our birth into sin

wouldn’t know him from Adam.”

That is a way of admitting our ignorance of someone’s identity. The person does not stand out from the crowd, but blends into the faceless mass of humanity. But why Adam?

We sometimes give the name “Adam” to the very first human being.

We pair him with Eve, the first woman. Aren’t they the ones who ate the apple?

But we should note that in Sunday’s first reading — Gn 2:7-9; 3:1-7 — the principal character is called “the man.” The Hebrew word “Adam,” which often appeared in earlier translations of this story, literally means “human being.”

IN THE BEGINNING

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

It is a generic term, and was not originally a proper name. We should also note that it does not automatically

POPE FRANCIS

imply maleness. There is another Hebrew word — “ish” — which does mean a male human being.

In a sense, then, this is a story not just about the first two human beings, but about all humanity.

The first two people, Adam and Eve, represent all of us. The temptations that they

Jesus wants his followers to move from a formal observance of God’s commands to an interior acceptance of them and, in that way, to no longer be slaves to sin and selfishness, Pope Francis said.

“He encourages passing from a formal observance of the law to a substantial observance, welcoming the law in one’s heart, which is the center of the intentions, decisions, words and gestures of each one of us. Good actions and evil ones start in the heart,” the pope said Feb. 16 during his midday Angelus address.

The pope’s comments focused on the Sunday Gospel reading from the fifth chapter of St. Matthew in which Jesus tells his followers: “Do not think that I have come to abolish the

face anticipate the temptations that we all struggle with. After all, we also experience the attraction of forbidden fruit. The sin that they commit foreshadows the sins that we fall into.

Those sins often represent a team effort, just as the serpent, the man and the woman all collaborate in their disobedience to God. The sin committed by the first human beings is sometimes called “original sin.” It set the stage for the world in which we live.

Every day, we hear news about crimes being committed and wars being waged.

There has never been a moment in human history when we have been free of sin. That is the world into which

we have been born. We have been born with original sin. It was not our choice.

We cannot escape this vicious cycle of sin on our own, but we can choose to turn to God for help. We need God’s grace. We need God’s help to become fulfilled human beings, to become what God created us to be.

The story in Sunday’s first reading pictures the world without sin as a paradise. That tells us that if we were able to rid our world of sin, it would once again become a paradise, heaven on earth.

Isn’t that what we pray for in the Our Father, when we say, “thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven”?

law or the prophets. I have come not to abolish but to fulfill.” While upholding the commandments and laws given to the people by Moses, Jesus wanted to teach people “the proper approach” to the law, which is to recognize it as the instrument God uses to teach his people true freedom and responsibility, the pope said.

“We should not forget this: to live the law as an instrument of liberty that helps me be freer, that helps me not be a slave to passions and sin,” he said.

Pope Francis asked the thousands of pilgrims in St. Peter’s Square to look at the consequences of sin in the world, including the report in mid-February of an 18-month-old Syrian baby girl who died in a displaced persons camp because of the cold.

— CNS

FEBRUARY 28, 2020 | THELEAVEN.ORG

COMMENTARY

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Christian stewards take leap of faith in giving first fruits to God

T

omorrow is Leap Day. Reminds me of our high school’s annual “girls ask the boys” Sadie Hawkins Day dances, a tradition that originated in Ireland when St. Brigid of Kildare persuaded St. Patrick that women could propose to their men every four years on Leap Day. You go, girl!

More leap year trivia: Children born on Feb. 29 are called “leaplings” and are generally given March 1 as their “official” birthday (because it is tough planning grade school birthday parties otherwise).

Imagine the dysfunction among our elected officials trying to decide

SIMPLY STEWARDSHIP

LESLE KNOP Lesle Knop is the executive director of the archdiocesan office of stewardship and development. You can email her at: lknop@archkck.org.

what to do with the extra day that results every four years from the

earth’s annual rotation around the sun.

Politics is the reason August (Augustus) and July (Julius) both have 31 days. It would have caused a furor if one of these months had one day more than the other.

Before the decrees of Caesar, Egyptians

recognized the calendar problem. They split the year into 12 equal portions for a 360-day year and solved the leap year problem by adding five fun festivals at the end of every year. Kind of like making up for snow days.

Our global community, without the internet to indoctrinate the planet, agrees universally on the four-year occurrence known as Leap Day. Another universal, or “catholic,” understanding is that Christ is the center of our lives and that the Eucharist is the source and summit of the Christian life.

We believe that God’s love for us is the connection between the love we experience and the power

we need to live for Christ.

St. John Paul II said that there are two dimensions, horizontal and vertical, to the Christian life. Vertically, sacraments, sacred Scripture and prayer represent the means to grow in our relationship with God. Horizontally, community and personal witness are how we share Christ with those we meet. At the intersection is our love for Christ, the center of our existence.

When we take a “leap of faith,” we trust the outcome of an action. This idiom originated when the philosopher Søren Kierkegaard said that since we cannot observe God with our eyes, we must have faith that he is there.

Throughout the Bible, we see evidence of people who placed their trust in God: Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, Peter and many others. St. Paul in the Second Letter to the Corinthians tells us: “For we live by faith, not by sight” (5:7).

Christian stewards all over the world have been witnesses to this truth — taking a leap, stepping out in faith and trusting God. Many donors this year to the Archbishop’s Call to Share made gifts of their “first fruits,” trusting God that more would follow.

For Christian stewards, perhaps every day should be “Leap Day.”

Candidates, catechumens prepare to take next step into communion

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his Sunday, March 1, and next Thursday, March 5, hundreds of catechumens and candidates for full communion, with their sponsors and families, will participate in the annual Rite of Election and Call to Continuing Conversion.

This liturgical service, part of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA), is the last “big step” before the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday evening.

On Ash Wednesday, they began, with all of us, the observation of Lent, the great 40 days of prayer, fasting and almsgiving.

For us Catholics, it’s a time to renew the faith that many of us have kept for decades.

AS THE CHURCH PRAYS

MICHAEL PODREBARAC Michael Podrebarac is the archdiocesan consultant for the office of liturgy and sacramental life.

For those seeking to become Catholic Christians, it serves as a “final lap” toward professing a faith that

is intended to be kept for decades to come.

Three regional services — one in Topeka, one in Kansas City and one in Olathe — will see the catechumens “elected” to receive the sacraments by Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann and the candidates formally welcomed by the archbishop into the church’s

Lenten observances.

Following introductory rites and a Liturgy of the Word similar to those at Mass, the archbishop will enjoy the “privilege” (his word each year) speaking to both catechumens and candidates in his homily.

He will thank them for answering God’s call to seek a deeper relationship with Jesus. He will thank the faith communities of the candidates for full communion who raised them to believe in Jesus.

He will thank their families, and especially their sponsors, for supporting them in their quest for Jesus.

And he will underscore the beauty of faith and the Christian

life within our Catholic tradition. For some in attendance, it will be the only time they hear a bishop preach.

Then, the archbishop will query the catechumens (and their sponsors) as to their intentions and readiness to enter the penultimate step toward the Easter sacraments.

As a sign of their commitment, each catechumen will come forward and sign his or her name into the Book of the Elect, after which Archbishop Naumann will declare them to be the elect of the Easter sacraments.

The candidates (and their sponsors) will also be asked about their intentions and readiness.

Because they

already belong to the church through baptism, they will be welcomed by the archbishop to receive the sacraments of confirmation and Eucharist at the Easter Vigil, thus completing their communion with the Catholic Church.

This service of inquiry and acclamation, of reflection and affirmation, is steeped in the prayerful support and affection of all gathered to celebrate these beautiful rites.

Let each of us add to our Lenten prayers our own intercessions for those who are making their final preparations for a fuller sharing in the life of Our Lord Jesus Christ.

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FEBRUARY 28, 2020 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

Accidental photographer seeks out the ‘truly fabulous’

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Lori Wood Habiger (left) owns and operates Center Stage Seniors while also doing freelance photography for The Leaven. Some of her favorite photos include the one below where the student is both excited and scared to meet Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann. “[Children] are so unguarded and don’t have that sense that they have to compose themselves. You get so many giggles and facial expressions. Anytime I can catch genuine, overt emotions is my favorite thing,” she said.

By Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

K

ANSAS CITY, Kan. —Today, Lori Habiger is a successful portrait photographer with her own business, but there was a time when she didn’t want anything to do with cameras.

“Honestly, I just fell into my photography career,” she said. “I didn’t seek it out.

It just happened.”

Lori Habiger is married to Todd Habiger, The Leaven’s business and production manager. They live in Shawnee and have two children: Connor, a junior at Mill Valley High School; and Paige, a junior at the University of Kansas in Lawrence, now studying abroad in Serbia.

Habiger, who earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Kansas in 1992, was a reporter for The Leaven from 1992 to 1994.

“I was always good at writing,” said Habiger. “I entered journalism because I liked telling people’s stories. I was young and idealistic, and I liked the idea of that crusading style of journalism — making society better by exposing wrong.

“But my career didn’t go in that direction.”

Reporters who work for small publications are often required to take photographs as well as write.

“It was a terrifying thing,” she said.

“When I started out at The Leaven, that was the film era. Honestly, I avoided photography, because I didn’t know what I was doing — apertures, shutter speeds, ISOs. It was scary.

“I remember things that came back [were often] dark or whatever. It was so exciting when something came back nice.”

Habiger did public relations at a nonprofit from 1994 to 1999, and then worked at The Catholic Key, the newspaper of the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph, from 1999 to 2008. She only occasionally took photos there — just snaps, really.

Nothing “artsy.”

But while working at The Key, her life took a turn.

“When our daughter Paige was a little dancer, age 6, at a dance studio, they needed someone to do recital portraits,” she said. “I was not a photographer. I was scared of cameras — literally scared of cameras. I put it on auto and hoped for the best. But I had a nice camera, as if that’s all that’s needed.”

Habiger took some pictures. And then more. And then a lot more. She also began taking requests for photos of babies and families. Her skills — like the demand for those skills — grew as well.

What began as a hobby had, by 2006, grown to the point where she realized she could make this a business.

She spent her last couple of years at The Key with a foot in both worlds.

Then, in 2008, she began working in photography full time.

“I had small children and I was working two jobs,” said Habiger. “It was tough, but I knew that this photography thing would be the career I wanted to transition to.

“I loved it, way more than any of the jobs I had ever done before. It was so much more like me. And I liked being my own boss.”

Today, she is the owner and sole proprietor of Center Stage Seniors. The majority of her business is portraiture photography for high school seniors, mostly girls. But she also does freelance photography for The Leaven on occasion.

For a few years, she didn’t do photojournalism because her business kept her busy enough. She did, however, miss certain aspects of photojournalism.

“Photojournalism can open doors for you where you get a glimpse of human life in a place you would never otherwise get to see,” said Habiger.

So, she called managing editor Anita McSorley and asked to be put on the rotation of photographers, which the latter was most happy to do.

Habiger’s all-time favorite freelance photo assignment with The Leaven was the special issue of Dec. 14, 2010, “A Day

in the Life of the Archdiocese.” “[It] was one of the neatest experiences I’ve ever been a part of,” she said.

“It wasn’t just me. There were five or six other photographers out there, and I was part of a bigger thing. It was terrible weather. It was a fulfilling thing seeing it all come together.”

When she’s on an assignment for The Leaven, she always knows what she’s looking for.

“It’s always fun to go where there are little kids,” she said. “Every assignment I’m desperately hoping to catch something truly fabulous and full of emotion.

I don’t get that very often, because adults are very good at controlling their emotions at public events.

“But when I get sent out to photograph children, they are so unguarded and don’t have that sense that they have to compose themselves. You get so many giggles and facial expressions. Anytime I can catch genuine, overt emotions is my favorite thing.”

The hardest thing for her to photograph is a Mass. One Mass is often like another, so she constantly scans the congregation to catch an unguarded moment or something that’s visually different.

“As a visual person, I want something new and different,” she said. “I try to challenge myself when I’m at a Mass.

The only thing you can do is try to give people a perspective on the liturgy that they can’t see from the pews.

Advice for budding photographers 1. Use directional light (like from a window) rather than blasting someone straight on with bright light.

2.

Practice making people comfortable.

3. Use the right lens.

4. Learn how to take photos that

flatter people by paying attention to angles (e.g., photograph at eye level or above).

“Like shooting from an angle or from behind something, or a super close-up.

But it’s hard.”

Throughout her career, as a writer and a photographer, one thing has remained constant: storytelling.

“It’s funny,” said Habiger, “I’m still telling stories. It’s just visual stories instead of ones made up of words.

“And sometimes I think you can be more authentic with a photo of someone if you can get them comfortable with you.

“I like that. I like the truth that the camera can show.”