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03 08 19 Vol. 40 No. 29

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THELEAVEN.ORG | VOL. 40, NO. 29 | MARCH 8, 2019

SEEKING SAFETY AT SACRED HEART Nursing home residents seek refuge at Tonganoxie parish

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER

Legend Healthcare workers bring in a wheelchair and medical supplies to Sacred Heart Parish, Tonganoxie, after the health care facility was forced to evacuate because of carbon monoxide. By Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

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ONGANOXIE — The carbon monoxide levels had risen to unsafe levels inside the Legend Healthcare facility here early on March 4. The gas meant that residents could not stay inside — and subzero temperatures meant they could not stay outside. Director of nursing Lisa Drake knew there was only one thing they could do: evacuate to another place. “When I first started thinking about calling the churches,” she said, “I thought, ‘This is a no-brainer. I know who we’re calling.’” At 4:45 a.m., she called Father Mark Goldasich, pastor of Sacred Heart Parish and son of Angeline Goldasich, one of the Legend’s residents. “He answered right away,” said Drake. She told him the situation. Could the nursing home patients be evacuated to Sacred Heart Parish? “He said, ‘Absolutely. I’ll be glad to help. I’ll meet you up there. I’ll be on my way right now,’” she said.

Before long, the 68 residents, plus the staff, began to arrive by school buses and vehicles from other nursing homes, and ambulances from various agencies in the surrounding area. The Tonganoxie Fire Department, the Police Department, as well as fire departments from surrounding jurisdictions, also aided in the evacuation. It seemed almost providential that the Legend evacuees found refuge in the Sacred Heart of Jesus. And right on schedule, Father Goldasich — also editor of The Leaven — celebrated 7:30 a.m. Mass. And he had a chance to say hi to his mother, who is due to celebrate her 101st birthday next month. Alarms first sounded at about 11:45 p.m. on March 3, said Vince McGowen, the Chicago-based vice president of operations for Aperion, the post-acute care provider that owns and operates the facility. Carbon monoxide had been detected in one part of the building. They vented some hallways and turned off the gas to a newly installed water heater. By 2:30 a.m., the levels were dropping. But then, they began to rise again. >> See “SACRED HEART” on page 7

WINNING COMBO

Aquinas assistant basketball coach helps establish winning tradition. Page 3

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER

Sacred Heart Church in Tonganoxie opened its doors at 4:45 the morning of May 5 to give shelter to residents of Legend Healthcare after the nursing home was evacuated for carbon monoxide. Donna Prentiss, left, checks on her mom, Millie Wilson, at Sacred Heart.

HOLY RELIC

The heart of St. John Vianney is coming to the archdiocese March 17-18. Page 5

HUNGER COALITION

Benedictine College’s Hunger Coalition helps feed Atchison’s hungry. Pages 8-9


MARCH 8, 2019 | THELEAVEN.ORG

ARCHBISHOP

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Lenten acts of penance help free us to encounter God

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couple weeks ago, while visiting one of our parishes, a person remarked: “I need Lent to begin now!” Why is Lent so late this year? The beginning of Lent is determined by the date of Easter. At the Council of Nicaea in the year 325, it was determined to celebrate Easter on the Sunday after the first full moon after the spring equinox. In addition to the minimal penitential practices that the church requires for all her members (abstaining from meat on Ash Wednesday and all the Fridays of Lent and fasting — only one full but simple meal with two other modest meals and no eating between meals — on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday), it is good to have a personal plan for Lent. I recommend that your personal Lenten plan include four elements: 1) additional penitential practices; 2) an additional prayer commitment; 3) additional acts of love or service; and 4) reception of the sacrament of penance. Sometimes, we might have a tendency to downplay the penitential aspect of Lent. I have heard people declare that they are not going to give up anything for Lent, but just focus on the positive — additional acts of charity and service. I can understand the sentiment, but I personally find the penitential part of the season liberating. Acts of penance help to free us from those things that we have allowed to assume lord-

LIFE WILL BE VICTORIOUS ARCHBISHOP JOSEPH F. NAUMANN ship of our hearts. As we begin Lent, it is good to ask the question: What are the idols in my life? Your initial reaction may well be: “I do not have idols in my life! That was a problem in Old Testament times, but not today.” It is true that most of us do not have little images of false gods that we worship. However, a broader understanding of idol

Baptisms for children of larger families To show his personal support for those couples open to raising larger families, Archbishop Naumann has offered to celebrate the baptism of the third or greater child of any family interested. Please contact your parish office for more information. Additional information is also available from the archdiocesan office for liturgy and sacramental life at (913) 647-0330 or by email at: liturgy@ archkck.org.

is anything that I value more than my relationship with God. It could be food, drink, forms of entertainment, experiences of pleasure, friendships, etc. None of these things are necessarily bad in themselves, but if we seek refuge and comfort in them, instead of prayer and our friendship with Jesus, then they have greater dominion over our hearts than Our Lord. What are the things that I choose to do instead of giving more time to spiritual reading and prayer? Fasting can be the spiritual tool that empowers us to renounce these false gods and gain freedom from the stranglehold they have on our hearts. Fasting can also be a powerful form of intercessory prayer for our own spiritual welfare and for the intentions of others. Lent is also a time to ramp up our prayer life. Many individuals during Lent attempt to participate, if not daily, at least more frequently in Mass. If you do not already spend an hour in eucharistic adoration, Lent is a wonderful time to begin to build such a habit. Or if you already pray regularly in the presence of the eucharistic Lord, Lent is a perfect time to increase

time in adoration. Another excellent Lenten practice is to pray over and meditate upon the daily Mass readings, even if you are not actually able to attend Mass every day. For some, Lent may be a time to incorporate the daily praying of the rosary or some other Marian devotion in your prayer routine. Lent is also a great time to begin or increase spiritual reading — prayerfully reading one of the Gospels or Epistles, or one of the spiritual classics of our Catholic tradition, or to delve into some excellent contemporary Catholic spiritual writers. The School of Love (www. schooloflovekc.com) is offering free a special daily online meditation for couples and families. Complementing our penitential practices and increasing the time and quality of our prayer should naturally lead us to desire to serve others more and better. First, reflect upon your familial relationships, those with whom you share a special bond. Are there relationships in your life that you are neglecting? Do you need to be more present to your spouse, to spend time with one or more of your children, an aged parent, friend, neighbor etc.? After considering how Our Lord may be calling you to be more attentive to those who have a special claim on your heart, then expand the horizons of your reflection, pondering how Our Lord might be calling you to help others in the larger community. Lent is a great time to revisit the corporal and spiritual works of mercy and ask Our Lord

Archbishop Naumann

relic of St. John Vianney Mass — Church of the Nativity, Leawood

March 9 Pastoral visit — Christ the King, Kansas City, Kansas March 10 Rite of Election — Christ the King, Topeka Rite of Election — Holy Angels, Basehor March 11-13 U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops meetings — Washington, D.C. March 14 Religious Alliance Against Pornography conference call Rite of Election — Prince of Peace, Olathe March 15 Conception board meeting March 16 Conception board meeting

March 17 The visitation of the

to make clear to you how he desires you to live these in the unique circumstances of your life. Finally, Lent is a special time to take advantage of the sacrament of reconciliation. Our priests will make themselves available as confessors again on the Wednesday evenings of Lent. Many of our parishes will have penance services with confessors from other parishes available. In the sacrament of penance, we experience the mercy

“Shepherd’s Voice” recording Confirmation — Queen of the Holy Rosary, Wea March 19 Priests Personnel meeting Administrative Team meeting Confirmation for parishes of Resurrection School and their religious education classes — Cathedral

Catholic Education Foundation board meeting

of God revealed in Jesus applied to the personal circumstances of our lives. It is impossible to receive this sacrament with sincerity and not experience a tremendous peace. The sacrament of reconciliation also helps us become more merciful and more loving toward others. Develop your personal plan for Lent. Work it diligently the next six weeks. If you do, I can guarantee you will enjoy an incredible Easter!

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March 18 The visitation of the relic of St. John Vianney Mass — St. James Academy, Lenexa

March 20 Presbyteral Council meeting

Pastoral visit to Corpus Christi, Lawrence

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

The visitation of the relic of St. John Vianney Mass — Curé of Ars Church, Leawood

Jim Larkin

Sam Garcia


MARCH 8, 2019 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

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A WINNING COMBINATION Assistant coach brings humor, hard work to his 20+ years with the Aquinas girls basketball family By Susan Fotovich McCabe

PHOTO BY LORI WOOD HABIGER

St. Thomas Aquinas High School assistant girls basketball coach Bob Harbour gives freshman Evie Collier some pointers during practice. Harbour has been an assistant coach at the Overland Park school under Rick Hetzel for more than 20 years. Aquinas has won seven state championships during that time, including the last three in a row.

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VERLAND PARK — The game never gets old for Bob H a r b o u r, St. Thomas Aquinas’ assistant girls varsity bas-

ketball coach here. As the season comes to a close, Harbour, 67, will have logged 22 years on the court and as a mentor to scores of the school’s female athletes. The Lake Quivira resident and member of St. Joseph Parish in Shawnee isn’t a teacher at Aquinas. In fact, he’s a businessman. Harbour is the longtime owner of Harbour Construction, an asphalt pavement company in Kansas City, Kansas. Yet, he has garnered the respect of staff and students alike. “Bob is great with the kids,” said girls basketball head coach Rick Hetzel. “He is very respected by all our players and he works so well with them on our individual fundamentals and our team. “Coach Harbour brings so many positives to our team. First of all, he is not a ‘yes’ man. I’m able to bounce ideas off him. He gives me his opinions and I value his thoughts immensely.” The two men met in 1997 when their paths crossed on the court. Harbour was coaching CYO basketball at St. Joseph School in Shawnee. Hetzel was the high school’s junior varsity coach and asked Harbour if he would be interested in the assistant coaching position. Harbour’s son Casey had just

PHOTO BY LORI WOOD HABIGER

From left, Mara Loughman, Evie Collier, Ava Budetti, Molly Hartnett and Charlotte O’Keefe (partially shown) watch a drill with assistant coach Bob Harbour. graduated from Aquinas; it seemed the perfect time to make the transition. And he’s never looked back. “I can’t wait to get started in November each year. It’s time-consuming, but I’m not afraid of hard work,” Harbour said. “It has been such a good experience for me and we’ve been successful.” Harbour credits his success to not having a daughter of his own and to a dream he once had to be a coach. He played basketball for Turner High School in Kansas City, Kansas, and earned a degree from Pittsburg State University. “I have always wanted to be a coach,”

President Most Rev. Joseph F. Naumann

Publication No. (ISSN0194-9799)

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

Harbour said. “I hadn’t envisioned being a girls coach. But when Rick got the head coaching job and asked me to be his assistant, it was a dream come true. “I didn’t know how long I’d enjoy it. But once I got into it, everything changed.” Aquinas alum Lindsay Martin, Olathe, recalls the role Harbour played in her life. “He is such a stand-up guy and coach!” said Martin, a 2006 Aquinas graduate. “Coach Harbour was one of the best coaches I have ever had while playing basketball. “He not only cared about each of us

Managing Editor Anita McSorley anita.mcsorley@theleaven.org

Senior Reporter Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

Reporter Olivia Martin olivia.martin@theleaven.org

Production Manager Todd Habiger todd.habiger@theleaven.org

Advertising Coordinator Beth Blankenship beth.blankenship@theleaven.org

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

like we were his own daughters, but he had an innate way of integrating his humor and wit into his coaching. He is, in fact, to this day still making sure we all are doing the best we can do. “It is pretty amazing to have a coach that cares about his players in all aspects of their lives.” It’s a memory shared by Overland Park resident and 2004 Aquinas graduate Carolyn McCullough Spexarth. “Coach Harbour is a wonderful encourager,” Spexarth said. “I recall Coach spending extra time before and after practice to help players fine-tune their shot and increase confidence in their abilities. He makes each player feel valued as an important contributor to the team’s success. “Now, as a sports parent myself, I have an even greater appreciation for coaches like Coach Harbour, who have a genuine desire and steadfast commitment to helping young athletes succeed.” According to Hetzel, when Sister Kathleen Condry, OSU, offered him the head coaching position 21 years ago, the girls overwhelmingly agreed Harbour would be an outstanding assistant coach. “How right they were!” Hetzel said. That may be because the assistant coach gets to be “the good cop,” Harbour joked. Fortunately, he says, he and Hetzel share a mutual respect for each other’s talent, experience and opinions. Harbour credits Catholic schooling for the team’s success as well. >> See “CANNOT” on page 15

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.


MARCH 8, 2019 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

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Author debunks the notion that holiness is only for saints Katie Peterson Special to the Leaven

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ONGANOXIE — Lent has officially begun, and many Catholics are already doing without whatever they “gave up” for the penitential season that helps prepare us for the resurrection of Christ. Instead of giving up something like chocolate or soda, though, this Lent, Deacon Ron Zishka of Sacred Heart Church in Tonganoxie suggests adding something — Holy Moments. “Instead of giving something up for Lent, you say, ‘Hey, today, I’ll do one Holy Moment,’” said Deacon Zishka. “‘The first week I’ll do one Holy Moment. The second week I’ll do two Holy Moments,’” he continued, “and then you kind of build it up [throughout Lent].” Deacon Zishka’s suggestion was inspired by Matthew Kelly’s book, “The Biggest Lie in the History of Christianity: How Modern Culture is Robbing Billions of People of Happiness,” which was handed out at several area churches during Christmas Masses. In the book, Kelly talks about how taking the time to consciously perform “Holy Moments” each day, and teaching others to do the same, is the first step to leading a holy life and making a positive difference in the world. Deacon Zishka led a discussion of the book Feb. 26 at the church. “That should give us a lot of hope,” Sacred Heart parishioner Mark Richards said of the number of copies that were handed out throughout the archdiocese. “If the people got the message in here that they should’ve gotten from it throughout the rest of the diocese, that’s a hopeful sign.” “The simplicity of the message was what really kept me going on the reading,” he added. “Holy Moments. That’s such a simple thing to do and such an easy thing to do.” The group discussion led to several examples of Holy Moments, including smiling at a stranger, using the name of the server in the restaurant or saying a simple “please” and “thank you.” Sacred Heart parishioner Wilma Plake said she thought of her daughter and grandson when she read the book. “My daughter and her son, she has always told him things every time he leaves her,” Plake said. “I would hear her saying, ‘Bye, son, have a good day. Remember to open the door for someone. Remember to smile today. Remember to thank your teacher.’ It was just something every day she tells him.” “She’s done that since he was tiny and he’s a senior [in high school] now and she still does it, and he’ll say, ‘I will, Mom,’” she continued. “And, you know — he’s going to do it. Those are Holy Moments.” To keep the momentum going, Deacon Zishka will include a list of Holy Moments in the weekly parish bulletin throughout Lent. “Take a look and maybe it’ll jar your memory to do those Holy Moments during Lent,” he said. “Our calling in our heart from God is to come to know him and he’s going to make us happy. That is where that happiness really comes from: serving him and serving other people.”

LEAVEN PHOTO BY KATIE PETERSON

Mark Richards, upper right, a parishioner of Sacred Heart Church in Tonganoxie, shares his thoughts on one of the points raised by Matthew Kelly in his book “The Biggest Lie in the History of Christianity: How Modern Culture is Robbing Billions of People of Happiness.” Clockwise from Richards, are fellow parishioners Marcy Sedwick, Wilma Plake, Nancy Barnett and Paula Zishka who attended a discussion of the book led by Deacon Ron Zishka on Feb. 26 at Sacred Heart. The book was a gift from the parish to parishioners at Christmas, and Deacon Zishka offered the discussion as part of preparations for Lent.

Millennial invites others on Holy Moment journey By Katie Peterson Special to The Leaven

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hen I attended Christmas Eve Mass at St. Francis de Sales Parish in Lansing with my parents and older brother this past year, I was taken aback when Father Bill McEvoy mentioned the free book available in the back of the church titled, “The Biggest Lie in the History of Christianity: How Modern Culture is Robbing Billions of People of Happiness,” by Matthew Kelly. It was a classic case of judging a book by its cover. Why was this book being offered in the Catholic Church? I assumed it was going to be something that contradicted the core beliefs of our faith, like Jesus rising from the dead or the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. But, since the book was free and I am a huge bookworm, I grabbed a copy. But at that busy time of year, the book went straight to my bookshelf and I forgot all about it. I was intrigued, though, several weeks later when my mom told me how wonderful she thought the book was. So, settling into the recliner at my parents’ house, I turned to the first page and began to read.

I quickly realized my initial thoughts were wrong. Kelly didn’t talk about things that discredited anything I had learned over the last 24 years of life; he helped me see what I have known and how I have lived my Christian faith in a whole new way. Since birth, I have attended Mass every Sunday; I attended Catholic school from pre-kindergarten through college; and I always made a point to keep my faith strong in any way that I could. But never once did I think about the biggest lie Kelly posed: “Holiness is not possible.” I never necessarily thought it was impossible to live a holy life because of the examples we have from

Mary and the saints. But I never really thought about it from that perspective in my own life. I try my hardest to tend to my relationship with God on a daily basis, whether it is talking to him in prayer, reading chapters from the Bible or taking 15 minutes for my morning devotions. I learned from Kelly that these are the Holy Moments in my life. “A Holy Moment is a moment when you yourself open yourself to God. You make yourself available to him,” Kelly said. “You set aside what you feel like doing in that moment, and you set aside self-interest, and for one moment you simply do what you prayerfully be-

lieve God is calling you to do in that moment.” I read the book cover to cover that night and found myself tearing up on multiple occasions. I knew I already had a start on creating Holy Moments in my life, but I wanted to take it a step further. The very next day, I was picking up dinner at Wendy’s for myself and my brother. At the cash register there was jar for spare change that was to be donated to help foster children, and I immediately started to think. Last May, my brother and I moved out of our parents’ house for the first time, and we quickly learned how to scrimp and save our pennies. One way was by collecting our change, and since we were now using the apartment laundromat, quarters had become even more essential. But that night, as soon as I saw the donation jar, I remembered Kelly’s words, and, without hesitation, I opened up my wallet and emptied my change into the jar. I can’t tell you how that simple act made me feel. And I couldn’t help but smile as I took my order from the fast-food worker and walked out the door. The journey to more Holy Moments in my life had begun.


MARCH 8, 2019 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

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Heart of St. John Vianney to tour the archdiocese By Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

Relic pilgrimage schedule

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ANSAS CITY, Kan. — According to the original schedule, the incorrupt heart of St. John Vianney — also known as the Curé of Ars — would not visit Kansas during its “Heart of a Priest” relic pilgrimage, sponsored by the Knights of Columbus. That changed when Dr. Paul Camarata, a member of the Church of the Nativity in Leawood, got involved. He contacted Peter Sonski, one of the relic’s three tour custodians, at the Knights headquarters in New Haven, Connecticut, to ask if it would be possible to add the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas to the tour. A lot of people were asking, but not all requests could be accommodated. “I got an email from Mr. Sonski saying the relic would come to the Church of Nativity, but only if Archbishop Joseph Naumann approved,” said Camarata. “I just happened to be with the archbishop at the March for Life in Washington, D.C., when I looked at [Sonski’s] email on my phone. I read it to the archbishop and asked, ‘Can we?’ Of course, he said, ‘Yes.’” The relic will visit the archdiocese March 17 and 18, and be at five locations. See the sidebar for more information. The heart of St. John Vianney was entrusted to the Knights of Columbus for a pilgrimage throughout the United States from November 2018 to May 2019. “Saint John Vianney is the patron of priests,” said Sonski, director of education and outreach at the Knights of Columbus Museum in New Haven. “The church in the United States is wounded now, and we are praying for our priests, and looking to a saint who was a model of virtue and dedication to his ministry to help us through this period of injury and to renewal.”

CNS PHOTO/BOB ROLLER

The incorrupt heart of St. John Vianney is coming to five locations in the archdiocese: Church of the Nativity, Leawood; Curé of Ars, Leawood; St. Michael the Archangel, Leawood; St. James Academy, Lenexa; and St. Benedict’s Abbey, Atchison. It’s worth noting that the saint is the secondary patron of the archdiocese, and that the archdiocese has a parish and school named in his honor. Although he’s a relatively “new” saint, John Vianney is one of those whose popularity and devotion keeps growing. John Vianney was born in Dardilly, France, on May 8, 1786, the son of poor but devout peasants. He grew up in the turmoil and aftermath of the French Revolution, which produced a fierce persecution of the Catholic faith. Eventually, the turmoil died down and he discerned a vocation to the priesthood. He had many difficulties in the seminary and was on the verge of being expelled, but the vicar general intervened because of the young man’s piety. Father John Vianney was ordained on Aug. 13, 1815, and assigned to a hamlet named Ars where the faith had all but died out. He spent long hours in prayer before the tabernacle and lived

a rigorous life of prayer, fasting and penance. He spent hours in the confessional and is reputed to have been able to read souls. Gradually, he transformed Ars and soon people from all over France and Europe sought him out. He died on August 4, 1859. Pope Pius XI declared him a saint on May 31, 1925, and on April 23, 1928, he was declared patron of the world’s parish priests. His feast day is Aug. 4. Today, St. John Vianney’s incorrupt body is in a glass reliquary of the Basilica of Ars. His heart, removed after his death, is enshrined in the nearby Shrine of the Curé’s Heart. The heart receives special veneration because in Scripture it is considered to be a person’s hidden center of emotional, intellectual and moral activity. Saint John Vianney is said to have lived his life according to the heart of Christ and united his heart to Christ’s.

A relic is an object associated with a saint that may be venerated, but not worshiped. It is meant to draw a person closer to God as he or she asks for the saint’s intercession. These are the places the incorrupt heart of St. John Vianney will visit during the relic’s pilgrimage in northeast Kansas. March 17 • Church of the Nativity, 3800 W. 119th, Leawood. It will be enshrined for the 7:30 a.m. and 9 a.m. Masses, the latter celebrated by Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann. There will be no public veneration. • Curé of Ars Parish, 9401 Mission Rd., Leawood. It will be enshrined for the noon Mass celebrated by Archbishop Naumann. There will be no public veneration. • St. Michael the Archangel Parish, 14241 Nall Ave., Leawood. It will be enshrined for public veneration from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. It will remain enshrined during 5 p.m. Mass. At 7 p.m., there will be a period of veneration by the priests, deacons and seminarians of the archdiocese. At 8 p.m. it will be transferred to St. James Academy. March 18 • St. James Academy, 24505 Prairie Star Pkwy., Lenexa. There will be a brief period of public veneration. The relic will be enshrined during an all-school Mass at 8:30 a.m., celebrated by Archbishop Naumann. There will be a brief period of public veneration after the Mass until the relic is transferred to Atchison. • Finally, the relic will be enshrined in the church at St. Benedict’s Abbey. 1020 N. 2nd St., Atchison, for a period of public veneration from 1 to 10 p.m. The sacrament of reconciliation will be offered during the entire time.

Order of Malta brings healing to area through annual healing Mass By Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

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ANSAS CITY, Kan. — Two years ago, Bob Fitzgerald saw something that seemed out of place at the annual joint diocesan healing Mass: an apparently healthy young couple sitting in the back. “Thanks for coming,” he said, after sitting down with them after the Mass. They had tears in their eyes. “We’ve been trying to get pregnant,” they said. “We thought an anointing Mass would be a great place to ask the Lord to help us.” Wow, thought Fitzgerald. He hadn’t thought the healing Mass was for that, but it made sense. The annual healing Mass is for those with heart conditions, cancer, the frail, the elderly — any sort of illness. The anointing and prayers are for not only physical and mental healing, but for the soul as well. “It’s open to anyone who wants to come,” said Fitzgerald, a member of the Order of Malta who helped organize the liturgy. “People from both dioceses come.” For the past 22 years, the Order of Malta has helped organize the healing

LEAVEN PHOTO BY DOUG HESSE

The annual joint diocesan healing Mass and sacrament of anointing of the sick will take place at 10 a.m. on March 23 at Curé of Ars Parish, 94th and Mission Rd., Leawood. Mass and sacrament of anointing of the sick. And they’re doing it again at 10 a.m. on March 23 at Curé of Ars Parish, 94th and Mission Rd., Leawood. The Mass is jointly sponsored by the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas and the Diocese of Kansas

City-St. Joseph. The site of the Mass alternates each year between the dioceses, and the ordinaries of the dioceses take turns serving as main celebrant and homilist. For this 23rd year, Bishop James Vann Johnston will be the main celebrant, and Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann will be the homilist. Both bishops will administer the sacrament of the anointing of the sick, assisted by a number of priests from both dioceses. There will be opportunities for the sacrament of reconciliation before the Mass. Helping the poor and sick and defending the Catholic faith is the mission of the Order of Malta. Actually, it is called the Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of Saint John of Jerusalem, of Rhodes and of Malta, said Tom Weiford, a member of Curé of Ars. The lay religious order is about 900 years old. Weiford is also Regional Hospitaller (leader) for an area encompassing the archdiocese and the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph. The order in this region has 39 Knights and Dames, and a larger number of Friends of the Order. The order is also known for organizing pilgrimages for sick people

to the Marian apparition site in Lourdes, France, and taking care of them there. Not everyone can go to Lourdes, so the annual event here in the metro area is a way to bring the spirit of Lourdes to Catholics locally. As has been the annual tradition at the event, the Lourdes pilgrimage format will be followed. According to the format, this anointing is specifically intended for those undergoing surgery whenever a serious illness is the reason; elderly persons who have become noticeably weakened, even if not seriously ill; and sick children if they have sufficient use of reason to be strengthened by the sacrament. The sacrament of reconciliation will be available from 8:45-9:45 a.m. There will be a light reception following the Mass, and Lourdes water will be distributed. The order is asking those who wish to receive the sacrament of the anointing of the sick at Mass to register by email to: maltakansascity@gmail.com, or by calling (816) 622-2323. Name cards will be made for those receiving the sacrament.


MARCH 8, 2019 | THELEAVEN.ORG

FAMILY LIFE

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Don’t let ‘think global’ discourage you from ‘acting local’

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ast year, I relocated to Boston after spending 10 years in Washington, D.C. The move has forced me to make countless adjustments, chief among them the ordinance in my town that prohibits overnight street parking. Due to the restriction, I now park my car 10 minutes from my apartment. To make matters even more inconvenient, the car sits at the top of a road aptly named Summit Avenue. If I want to use my car, I have to climb one-and-a-half miles up a steep incline. Needless to say, I’ve become a pedestrian. To my surprise, commuting on foot has had an unanticipated consequence — it’s changing the way I think about the world and my place in it, particularly about what it means to be a neighbor. I came of age when the slogan “Think global, act local” was gaining traction. My peers and I were formed to think about how our personal decisions and actions had far-reaching effects beyond what we could see. As we got older, the cultural philosophy morphed into something more like “Think global, act global.” Colleges and universities began educating us to be global citizens, encouraging us to study abroad and pursue careers that could alleviate any number of injustices that members

ELISE ITALIANO URENECK Elise Italiano Ureneck is the associate director of the Center for the Church in the 21st Century at Boston College.

of the human family faced around the world. The advent of Facebook, YouTube and other social media platforms brought us into virtual contact with people from other countries and hemispheres. The 24/7 news cycle squeezed out local news to deliver national and international issues to us. Global citizens need global information, data and analysis. Boy, did we get it. This framework of mass-interconnectedness has had its upsides. It has brought some of the best minds from around the world together to solve complex ecological, sociological and political problems. In some cases, it has helped us to extend greater empathy and solidarity to others, to acknowledge shared values and

common bonds. But such philosophy risks placing upon us an impossible burden, both in scale and proximity. How can you be sure that you’ve ever fulfilled the command to “love thy neighbor” if the answer to the question, “Who is my neighbor?” is “everyone”? There is no shortage of weighty issues that need to be tackled — human trafficking, drug addiction, sexual abuse and corruption for starters. I often find myself feeling paralyzed by the depth and breadth of the burdens that people bear, of which I am made aware every time I reach for my phone.

My new reality — traveling on foot — has made me consider the merits of scaling back the scope of my responsibility, perceived or expected as it may be. Excluding my newsfeeds, my world has gotten a lot smaller in radius. It extends only as far as I can walk in a day or as far as the subway can take me. And that reality has created opportunities for encounters with people in the flesh, whose burdens I can alleviate and whose joys I can share. My regular route to the grocery store now puts me in touch with elderly pedestrians, many of

whom need a hand carrying items or help crossing the street. I can’t fix the loneliness epidemic of an entire aging population, but I can walk with someone for half a mile to his bus stop. And while I cannot rectify a complex and comprehensive epidemic of homelessness, my husband and I can stop every week after Mass and give a cup of coffee to Pat, a homeless man who hangs out at our T stop and likes to take jabs at my sports allegiances. Getting to know my neighbors — and by that I mean those who share with me space and place — has prompted me

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to stay better informed about them. For every article I read about a national issue, I make it a point to read an article about my neighborhood. Before I peruse a story about the global church, I make sure I’ve also read my parish bulletin. The limitation imposed on overnight parking — a local decision — has provided me with opportunities to do concrete, tangible acts of kindness for those within a few-mile radius of my doorstep and a chance to know them personally. It has been an instructive inconvenience to say the least.

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MARCH 8, 2019 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

Doctor proposes using science to break cycle of sin

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Sacred Heart offers safe space for seniors

By Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

>> Continued from page 1

ANSAS CITY, Kan. — There you are in line at the confessional, waiting your turn to confess your sins — some of them for the umpteenth time. It can be a cause of frustration and discouragement, but you’re not alone. St. Paul felt that way, too: “For I do not do the good I want, but I do the evil that I do not want” (Rom 7:19). It could be that you’re caught in a “temptation habit loop,” according to David G. Smithson, M.D., a member of Queen of the Holy Rosary Parish in Wea. Smithson has married the wisdom of the Scriptures and modern science to explain why the cycle of repeated bad habits, or sin, is so strong. More helpfully, he then proposes a way for people to break that cycle — or use it to build virtue. Smithson is the medical director of the in-patient medical rehabilitation ward at St. Joseph Medical Center in Kansas City, Missouri. The inspiration to develop his idea of the temptation habit loop came out of his interest in two books. The first is “Self-Knowledge and Self-Discipline: How to Know and Govern Yourself,” by Father B.W. Maturin. The second is “The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business,” by Charles Duhigg. What is the temptation habit loop, and how does it work? “What it is, is a scientifically based diagram which helps explain what happens with temptation to do bad or invitation to do good,” said Smithson. The diagram begins with two contending forces outside the loop: the conscience (for virtue) and the lower self (for sin). Both lead into the loop at the point named “temptation.” Depending on which of the two outside contending forces is acted upon at the “temptation” point, either “virtue” or “sin” results. From there, either choice can lead to the point named “reward.” “Reward” leads back to “tempta-

“Generally, what we like to do is to shelter in place if we can and see if we can remedy the problem without having to transport [frail seniors],” said McGowen. The Tonganoxie Fire Department, which had been there earlier, returned and determined the carbon monoxide levels too high for that option. Soon after 4 a.m., the decision was made to evacuate. Firefighters, police, ambulance crews, nursing home staff and a few parish volunteers quickly rearranged furniture and other items to make room for the Legend residents in Sacred Heart’s classrooms and parish center. “[They] had coffee and juice for us,” said Drake. “They gave us [the worship space] and a few other smaller rooms to do small group activities. They had some church volunteers that grabbed their bingo equipment and we had a huge group of residents playing bingo. “They also had this fabulous inflatable TV projector screen so the residents could eat lunch and watch a movie. Our cook . . . brought the lunch from our facility, but [the parish] allowed us to use their kitchen to make everything fresh and hot.” Father Goldasich was impressed by the work of the Legend staff, the Tonganoxie Fire Department, police and other area agencies with the ease and professionalism with which they moved all the people and equipment. “I was very impressed with all they had to move from the nursing center: carts with the meds, patients with oxygen, medical charts, and the kitchen people who brought breakfast and lunch,” said Father Goldasich. “It was just a huge undertaking.” They truly had a sense of “calm purpose” and they knew what they had to do, he said. Back at the nursing home, Patrick Meyer of Pride Mechanical found the source of the carbon monoxide was a venting problem with the furnace, which was fixed. By around 1 p.m., the nursing center staff and emergency personnel were able to start moving Legend residents back to the facility; by 2:30 p.m., they were all back in their own rooms, safe and warm. McGowen thanked the many people and entities who assisted with the evacuation and return of the residents. He thanked the Tonganoxie parish “from the bottom of his heart” for use of their space and all their assistance. “All in all,” he concluded, “it was a pretty good day for a bad day.”

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Announcement Father William Bruning announced at Masses at Queen of the Holy Rosary Church, Overland Park, the weekend of March 2-3 that a woman in her early 30s has made an allegation that he abused her when she was a minor attending Most Pure Heart of Mary School, Topeka. Father Bruning emphatically denies the allegation and intends to fully defend his reputation against what he insists is a false allegation. In June 2015, the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas first learned of the allegation, which was based on recovered memories, and notified law enforcement. A thorough investigation by archdiocesan report investigator Jan Saylor was completed, including but not limited to extensive interviews of Father Bruning, the person making the allegation and other individuals having knowledge of Most Pure Heart of Mary School and Parish at the time the incident was alleged to have occurred. Father Bruning,

Dr. David G. Smithson, a member of Queen of the Holy Rosary Parish in Wea, has used the wisdom of the Scriptures and modern science to explain why the cycle of repeated bad habits, or sin, is so strong in a video available through the archdiocese’s Digital Media Center. tion,” and the loop goes around and around — a self-perpetuating loop, or habit. “It objectively and diagrammatically looks at what actually happens in our daily spiritual life,” he said. “It helps explain what happens when we are tempted to sin or invited to do something virtuous.” The mistake many people make is that they try to “stop” bad habits of sin. But just “stopping” doesn’t work — because of the loop. “In order to progress, you don’t stop doing bad. You start doing good, and concentrate on virtue,” said Smithson. “We are made for action, and nature abhors inaction. The key is to fill your life with virtue to the point that there isn’t room for sin.” Although the temptation habit loop was invented by Smithson, the Catholic Church has used the principle of using the power of habit to build virtue and break sinful habit patterns for centuries. “Even the fact that God has given us the commandment to honor the Sabbath, to go to Mass every Sunday, keeps us in contact with him,” said Smithson. “That isn’t for his benefit. It’s for our benefit — that is, forming good habits to keep us in contact with him.” The devotional practices of the church also utilize the power of habit to grow virtue in Christians. Smithson began presenting the

temptation habit loop in a series of talks to various groups about two years ago and, with the help of Father Anthony Williams, has made a video that explains his idea. Father Williams, a priest of the archdiocese, is also the director of mission integration at St. Mary’s Medical Center in Blue Springs, Missouri, and St. Joseph Medical Center. He is also chaplain manager. He sees pastoral applications and daily practices for Catholics in utilizing the loop — especially now that Lent has begun. “I highly recommend this video, certainly during the Lenten period,” said Father Williams. “Looking at how we can sometimes get stuck as a result of habit and temptation, knowing the movement in the loop, what can we change to avoid the temptation to sin [can help us] move to the habit of virtue.” The video can be viewed at the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas website at: archkck.org. Scroll down the home page and click on “Digital Media Center.” On the DMC, select “Search Videos” and type: “The HABIT Loop by Dr. David Smithson.” Smithson will soon launch a website that looks at addiction from a Christian perspective at: studiesinfaith.org. For more information, contact Smithson by calling (816) 943-4554, or send an email to: dsmithson@studiesinfaith.org.

who at the time the allegation was received was residing at Blessed Sacrament Parish in Kansas City, Kansas, was asked by Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann to refrain from public ministry pending the outcome of the investigation and review by the Independent Review Board of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas. After the review of the Independent Review Board — which consists of an attorney with a long career of representing and advocating for victims of abuse, retired law enforcement professionals, mental health professionals, a victim of clergy sexual abuse and one priest — the board concluded it could not substantiate a claim against Father Bruning and recommended that he be restored to active ministry. Archbishop Naumann accepted the recommendation of the board and Father Bruning resumed public ministry. The alleged victim was informed of the IRB finding and Archbishop Naumann’s concurrence with the finding. In October 2018, the same woman notified the archdiocese that she had recovered

additional memories about the same incident reported in 2015. Law enforcement was again notified. Report investigator Saylor reopened the investigation and re-interviewed Father Bruning, the person bringing the allegation and other knowledgeable parties. The Independent Review Board re-examined the case and found the allegation was not credible, but Father Bruning’s denial of the allegation was credible. The board again concluded that it could not substantiate a claim against Father Bruning and recommended that Father Bruning is suitable for public ministry. Archbishop Naumann concurred with the board’s finding and the alleged victim was informed. In mid-February 2019, the woman communicated to the archdiocese that she was not satisfied with the outcome of the archdiocesan investigation and findings. After sharing this communication with Father Bruning, Archbishop Naumann and Father Bruning mutually agreed to communicate directly to the faithful: the information regarding both the allegation and Father Bruning’s

denial; the reports by the archdiocese to law enforcement; the internal investigations conducted by the archdiocese; the Independent Review Board recommendations; and Archbishop Naumann’s findings in support of Father Bruning’s suitability for ministry. Father Bruning continues as pastor of Queen of the Holy Rosary Parish, a position he has held since July 2016; he is a priest in good standing of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas. The Archdiocese takes very seriously any allegation brought forward, no matter how long ago the incident occurred, and is fully committed to investigating allegations to the best of its ability. It asks anyone who has knowledge of inappropriate conduct by any priest, deacon, employee or volunteer to please contact the confidential report line at (913) 647-3051 to make a report to archdiocesan report investigator Jan Saylor; go to: archkck.org/reportabuse to report online; or call law enforcement directly.


Generations of Benedictine College students change the world through

FORCE of HABIT

By Olivia Martin olivia.martin@theleaven.org

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TCHISON — There’s a lot of space devoted to bad habits during the season of Lent. But imagine forming a habit that has lasted through good times and bad. A habit that’s been practiced for decades, with no cheating or backsliding. This is exactly how Benedictine College’s student-run Hunger Coalition began and how it continues: as a habit. For 35 years straight, the Hunger Coalition has assembled and delivered lunches each weekend — rain or shine, snow or ice — to individuals in the Atchison community who otherwise would have gone hungry. And it does so without spending a dime.

How it started In 1981-82, an economic recession hit the United States. Prior to the 2007-09 recession, it hit people harder than anything since the Great Depression — impacting jobs, stress levels and the family environment. Atchison, an industrial community, was hit particularly hard. Unemployment reached 10.5 percent. “A number of students [at Benedictine College] said, ‘We have to do something,’” said Dr. Richard Coronado, chairman of the economics department at Benedictine. A student at the time suggested adopting a skip-a-meal program at the college as a response. Following the skip-a-meal model, students with a prepaid meal plan would abstain from eating dinner in the dining hall each Wednesday evening. In turn, the dining hall produces less food that day, donating the remainder of what would have been prepared to be used for sack lunches to be distributed to those in need. Aside from the college’s standard $150 yearly club grant, the Hunger Coalition receives no money from the administration. “We don’t really need any money to do what we do,” said

LEAVEN PHOTO BY LAURENCE ROSSI

Coronado. “I think that’s a good way to run this kind of operation.” So in 1984, using the skip-ameal program model, Coronado and students on Benedictine’s World Hunger Committee banded together to form the Hunger Coalition, adopting Mother Teresa as its patroness. “We began with 20 people or so skipping meals,” said Coronado. “But now, we have 365 students skipping meals.” Then, on Fridays, 10-15 students assemble the sack lunches, which consist of sandwiches, chips, cookies, fruit and juice. The next day, a small group of students with cars deliver the lunches across Atchison. Monica McDonough, a senior education major and vice president of the Hunger Coalition, said getting to know the Atchison community by delivering the lunches is one of her favorite parts of being involved with the Hunger Coalition. “Benedictine itself is very blessed,” said McDonough. “We have a lot of resources, our campus is gorgeous and we’re kind of an oasis within Atchison. [But] you don’t see the poverty that really exists here

until you go down the road a few miles.”

Who’s involved Participation in the Hunger Coalition is not limited to students. Faculty and staff step up to help when there is a shortage of delivery drivers and during each period students are absent. Joseph Wurtz, Benedictine College dean of students, has been involved with Hunger Coalition since his college days in the late ’90s. And he keeps coming back for more. “It all started on a normal day walking into the dining hall,” he said. “Some people asked me to join skip-a-meal. Then later, I began driving on the weekends for Hunger Coalition.” Now, he sees the Hunger Coalition as a valuable opportunity for his children. “Hunger Coalition has helped me see dignity in all people,” said Wurtz. “It helps me grow in compassion for their situation. “I — as a father — now translate that message to my own children to help them learn the

importance of compassion and gratitude.” Tona Stone, the student collections specialist for Benedictine’s business office, agreed. “One of the biggest reasons why [I’m involved] is because it directly affects our community,” she said. “I’m not a Catholic,” Stone continued, “but [Hunger Coalition] has strengthened my faith in people. It’s let me see there are a lot of good people still out there.” Wurtz agreed. “As Mother Teresa said when she visited [the college], he who serves the poor, serves God,” he said. “Encountering the poor has you face hardships and realities that make you question a lot of things about your own humanity. “We are an institution of learning, and I think there is no better way than encountering the poor and learning about their life and situation — about justice and mercy.” For Coronado, serving the hungry is indeed the way he is able to help students apply what they learn in his courses. “We all share a vocation to help meet the urgent needs of

the people of the world,” said Coronado. He then quoted Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI on sharing one’s gifts and talents with the poor. “In the economy of charity to which we are all called, in


LEAVEN PHOTO BY LAURENCE ROSSI

LEAVEN PHOTO BY LAURENCE ROSSI

Photos, clockwise from far left: Monica McDonough, vice president of the Hunger Coalition, explains the lunch delivery process to all of the volunteers who had come to help. Despite the snowy conditions and cold temperatures, Michael D’Arcangelis delivers a sack lunch to a home in Atchison. From left, Sammi Noonan, Trace Flax, Danna Knight and Rick Coronado load up a car full of sack lunches as they prepare to deliver them into the Atchison community. Noonan and Knight are FOCUS missionaries at Benedictine, while Flax is a student. Coronado is one of the founders of the Hunger Coalition program and a professor at Benedictine. Benedictine students Anna Huber, foreground, and Susan Roth package sandwiches and chips for delivery the following day. Kaleigh Byrne moves a load of sack lunches into cooler temperatures. The lunches are made and packaged on Fridays and delivered into the community on Saturdays.

which we are called to give not only what we have but who we are,” Pope Benedict said, “we must work hard to develop our talents.” The Hunger Coalition has harnessed the talents of literally generations of Benedictine

College students and teachers in an effort that has led them to rediscover their common humanity. “I’ve certainly been grateful for the opportunity to do this,” said Coronado. “It’s become a part of me.”

LEAVEN PHOTO BY CHRISTA RIEGER

LEAVEN PHOTO BY CHRISTA RIEGER


MARCH 8, 2019 | THELEAVEN.ORG

NATION

Mainers help ease sting of winter heating costs for low-income families By Dennis Sadowski Catholic News Service

CNS PHOTO/COURTESY ST. JOSEPH’S COLLEGE OF MAINE

Volunteers in Standish, Maine, build window inserts Dec. 4, 2018, at Raymond Village Community Church. The program is conducted under AmeriCorps through the Maine Partnership for Environmental Stewardship and includes help from Maine’s only Catholic college, St. Joseph’s College. The program is part of a growing outreach by St. Joseph’s College that goes beyond the campus. The school has been recognized by “The Princeton Review’s Guide to 399 Green Colleges” for its campus-wide sustainability initiatives. When the opportunity arose in 2017 to widen its concern about the environment to the wider community, college officials jumped on the effort, said Kimberly Post, co-director of the college’s Center for Sustainable Communities. Post said volunteers built more than 170 inserts over four days in early December in space provided by the nearby Raymond Village Community Church. The low-income families who re-

ceived the inserts were spread across towns near the Sisters of Mercysponsored college on the shores of picturesque Sebago Lake. The program is conducted under AmeriCorps through the Maine Partnership for Environmental Stewardship. Heather Craig is the coordinator. The program is one of several under the Maine Campus Compact, which brings together universities and college communities for social justice and community engagement work. “It’s worked really well,” Craig said of the two-year-old program in a phone interview from her office at the college. “It’s a really good outreach opportunity because people actually get something out of it.”

Catholic Charities is ready for tornado recovery

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OBILE, Ala. (CNS) — With search and rescue efforts underway for the tornado that whipped through Alabama and other parts of the South March 3, Mobile Archbishop Thomas J. Rodi asked for prayers for “those who lost their lives and their loved ones as well as those who have lost homes and businesses.” “The catastrophic tornadoes which occurred yesterday in the Archdiocese of Mobile have brought loss of life and devastating damage,” said the archbishop in a March 4 statement. He added that as recovery efforts begin, Catholic Social Services of the Archdiocese of Mobile has reached out to the pastors of the affected areas to offer assistance for those in need and Catholic Social Services “stands ready” to be a part of the recovery. The violent storms caused at least 23 deaths and scattered debris across parts of Alabama, Georgia, Florida and parts of South Carolina, knocking out power for more than 10,000 homes. In Lee County, Alabama, where the tornado hit ground in the town of Beauregard, the sheriff’s office told reporters March 4 that 50 people were injured and that the number of missing was in the double digits. Sheriff Jay Jones said he expected the number of fatalities to rise.

‘Protect Life Rule’ praised by archbishop

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ASHINGTON (CNS) — The bitterly cold Maine winter wasn’t quite so brutal this season for Lindsay Jaques and his family. The Jaqueses of Sebago were among 19 families who received energysaving window inserts as part of a project that brought together St. Joseph’s College in Standish, Maine’s only Catholic college, AmeriCorps volunteers and a local church. Jaques told Catholic News Service that he has noticed that the tank of heating oil at his home has lasted longer this winter, helping him, his wife and their 5-year-old daughter better afford a few other necessities and pay off college loans. “We can feel an actual difference in warmth. When we bought our house, we were only able to afford to replace a certain amount of single-pane windows, so we focused on the bigger rooms (living room, kitchen). In our bedroom in the winter you could almost feel a breeze and the floor was always freezing,” Jaques wrote in an email. “With the inserts there is no cold air coming through at all and the floor isn’t as cold,” explained Jaques, who works as a lead infant teacher at a day care center. The insulating inserts are custom-made, sized to the windows of each individual residence. They consist of a pine frame wrapped in two layers of tightly sealed, clear polyolefin film and a compressible foam gasket that allows for each to easily slide into place.

CNS PHOTO/SCOTT FILLMER VIA REUTERS

Debris and a damaged house are seen following a tornado in Beauregard, Alabama, March 3, 2019. At least 23 people were confirmed dead in Lee County, Alabama. “It’s extremely upsetting to me to see these people hurting like this and the families who have lost loved ones,” Jones said in a Weather Channel report. “This is a very tight-knit community. These people are tough. They’re resilient people, and it’s knocked them down. But they’ll be back.” He also described the devastation as shocking, adding: “It looks almost as if someone took a giant knife and just

scraped the ground. There are slabs where homes formerly stood, debris everywhere, trees snapped, whole forested areas where trees are snapped and lying on the ground.” The threat of severe weather continued late into the night March 3 when a tornado watch was in effect for much of eastern Georgia and a large portion of South Carolina.

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ASHINGTON (CNS) — The U.S. bishops’ pro-life committee chairman Feb. 27 praised the Trump administration for finalizing its “Protect Life Rule” to prevent funds appropriated under the Title X Family Planning Program from being used in services that include abortion as a method of family planning or that make abortion referrals. By its action, the administration has reaffirmed that abortion “is not family planning,” said Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann of Kansas City, Kansas. “Abortion ends the lives of families’ most vulnerable members, as well as damaging the spiritual, mental and physical health of mothers.” The archbishop, who chairs the Committee on Pro-Life Activities of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, made the comments in a statement released in Washington. “Although the USCCB continues to have strong objections to government promotion and funding of contraceptives, we have long supported enforcement of the abortion funding restrictions in Title X, and we are pleased to see that the administration has taken seriously its obligation to enforce those restrictions,” he added. The Office of Population Affairs, which is part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and oversees Title X, published the draft final rule the afternoon of Feb. 22. It is slated to go into effect 60 days after it is published in the Federal Register. The “Protect Life Rule” bars Title X grant money from any clinic that performs abortion, which will especially impact Planned Parenthood, the nation’s largest abortion provider. According to the organization’s website, Planned Parenthood affiliates receive roughly $290 million in Title X funds and serve about 41 percent of those who benefit from Title X funding. The new rule requires “clear financial and physical separation between Title X funded projects and programs or facilities where abortion is a method of family planning.” “This separation,” it says, “will ensure adherence to statutory restrictions, and provide needed clarity for the public and for Title X clinics about permissible and impermissible activities for Title X projects.” Another provision that drew praise from Archbishop Naumann is its prohibition on referrals for abortion as a method of family planning. The “Protect Life Rule” does not bar “nondirective counseling on abortion,” but it eliminates a “requirement that Title X providers offer abortion counseling and referral.”


MARCH 8, 2019 | THELEAVEN.ORG

WORLD

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Pope grants access to wartime documents in secret archives By Carol Glatz Catholic News Service

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ATICAN CITY (CNS) — Declaring that the Catholic Church is unafraid of history, Pope Francis announced that documents in the Vatican Secret Archives relating to the wartime pontificate of Pope Pius XII will be open to scholars in 2020. Researchers, particularly those interested in Catholic-Jewish relations, have pressed the Vatican to open the archives and allow a full study of Pope Pius’ actions during the war, including what he did or failed to do for Jews during the Holocaust. “The church is not afraid of history, on the contrary, she loves it and would like to love it more and better, just as she loves God. Therefore, with the same confidence as my predecessors, I open and entrust to researchers” this wealth of documents, Pope Francis said. The pope met March 4 with supervisors, staff members and assistants working at the Vatican Secret Archives during an audience to mark the 80th anniversary of Pope Pius XII’s election March 2, 1939. Staff at the Vatican Secret Archives, which holds the bulk of the documents related to the wartime pope, have been working for the past 13 years to get the material organized, cataloged and accessible to researchers. Bishop Sergio Pagano, prefect of the archives, said the years of work were necessary to pull together and catalog material previously held in a variety of Vatican offices; this includes documents from the Vatican Secretariat of State, the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, records from Vatican nunciatures around the world and thousands of notes regarding Pope

Pius’ charitable activity in Italy and abroad. Pope Pius, who guided the universal church during World War II, already has been a subject of intense study and discussion, “even criticized — one could say with some bias or exaggeration,” Pope Francis said. While a small portion of some material produced during the pontificate of Pope Pius has been made available, all documents in the archives from his election in 1939 to his death in 1958 will be made available to researchers starting March 2, 2020. Pope Francis said he made the decision in consultation with trusted advisers and was confident that “serious and objective historical research will know how to evaluate in the right light, with suitable criticism, moments of praise of that pope and, without doubt, also moments of serious difficulties, tormented decisions, of human and Christian prudence, which to some could look like reticence.” Instead those moments of prudence were attempts — at times tormented attempts — to keep, “during periods of the greatest darkness and cruelty, the small flame lit of humanitarian initiatives, of hidden but active diplomacy, of the hopes of the possible positive opening of hearts,” he said. The pope thanked the staff for their work, their assistance to the world’s researchers and for the future publication of important sources related to the late pope. The normal Vatican practice is to catalog and open all the archival material from an entire pontificate at the same time. In 2006 Pope Benedict XVI authorized the archives to make available to researchers all the documentation from the pre-World War II pontificate of Pope Pius XI up until 1939.

CNS PHOTO/VATICAN MEDIA

Pope Pius XII, who led the Catholic Church from 1939 to 1958, is pictured in this undated photo at the Vatican. Pope Francis announced March 4 that all the documents on Pope Pius in the Vatican Secret Archives will be made available to researchers starting March 2, 2020.

Colombian churches help Venezuelan soldiers who have deserted By Manuel Rueda Catholic News Service

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UCUTA, Colombia (CNS) — Pvt. Andry Rosales hugged a Colombian soldier and broke into tears as he surrendered himself to this country’s military. The 21-year-old Venezuelan soldier had sneaked out of his army base across the border early in the morning and crossed into Colombia by walking on a dirt trail used each day by hundreds of migrants who enter Colombia illegally. He carried only a small backpack and wore civilian clothes, which helped him avoid Venezuelan border guards. “We have a terrible dictatorship there,” Rosales said, wiping tears from his face as he was escorted to a Colombian immigration office. “We were given orders to repress protests and shoot at people, even if they were our relatives.” As political unrest increases in Venezuela, hundreds of soldiers and police officers are deserting and seeking shelter in neighboring Colombia. The Catholic Church and other religious groups in the area are responding to this new chapter of Venezuela’s humanitarian crisis by providing shelter for these deserters and helping them to apply for asylum. “Many of us are living in fear,” said

CNS PHOTO/MANUEL RUEDA

Pvt. Andry Rosales hugs a Colombian soldier after defecting from Venezuela Feb. 27. Rosales snuck out of an army base and crossed into Colombia in civilian clothes. a 23-year-old soldier who defected in late February and is now living in a hotel room paid for by the Diocese of Cucuta. He did not want to have his name published, fearing reprisals against family members still living in Venezuela. “We don’t know how much this help will last, but we are very grateful for everything we have gotten so far.” The defections of Venezuelan soldiers started to increase Feb. 23, when Venezuela’s opposition tried to deliver several trucks of food and medicine into the country across three border

bridges in Cucuta and via a remote road that connects Venezuela with Brazil. The aid was provided mostly by the U.S. government, and it was vehemently rejected by embattled President Nicolas Maduro, who said it was part of a plot to replace him with opposition leaders, who have promised to hold new elections. A constitutional crisis reached a critical point following Maduro’s inauguration Jan. 10. Allegations of rigging by local and international monitors prompted Juan Guaido, who was president of the opposition-led

legislature, to assume the presidency. The defectors are mostly lowranking soldiers who say they are tired of repressing protests within Venezuela and also feel demoralized by salaries of about $20 a month. Many say those salaries have left them hungry and impoverished. The Diocese of Cucuta is currently providing accommodation for 90 deserters and their families in hotel rooms, through a project known as the Multisector Response to the Venezuela Migrant Crisis. The initiative also provides the soldiers with legal advice and support from psychologists, who are helping them to deal with problems like depression and anxiety. Carlos Torrado, project director, said the initiative is new and was initially designed to help vulnerable migrants coming into Colombia with their families. But the project has temporarily shifted its attention toward defecting soldiers. “There were few agencies here who were ready to work with this population and respond to this emergency,” Torrado told Catholic News Service. “These soldiers are also migrants, with lesser, equal or greater needs than other migrants.” Torrado said the project is now working at full capacity; other charitable organizations also have become involved in helping these refugees.


MARCH 8, 2019 | THELEAVEN.ORG

CLASSIFIEDS

EMPLOYMENT Certified medical assistant - A new pediatric dermatology practice at Shawnee Mission Pkwy. and State Line Road is looking for a full-time certified medical assistant. Experience is a plus, but new grads may apply. A cheerful and friendly personality is the most important quality. Must have a love for children. Strong computer skills are a plus. Competitive salary and benefit package commensurate with experience. Direct resumes to Marissa Freise, MHSA, Pediatric Dermatology of Kansas City, at: Freise247@gmail.com. Principal - Visitation Parish in Kansas City, Missouri, seeks a principal committed to Catholic education with strong leadership, communication and motivational skills. For more information and to apply, go online to: careers.hireology.com/ thecatholicdioceseofkansascitystjoseph and scroll down to the tab: “Principal for Visitation Catholic School.” Catholic elementary school vice principal - Holy Trinity School in Lenexa is seeking an individual with demonstrated skill in spiritual and instructional leadership, as well as advancement in Catholic schools for the 2019-20 school year. Applicants for vice principal must be practicing Catholics, understand the mission of Catholic schools and have or be eligible for Kansas licensure in educational leadership. Complete the vice principal application process online at: www.archkckcs.org. Questions should be directed to principal Scott Merfen at: smerfen@htslenexa.org. Personal care assistant - Holy Angels family is in need of a personal care assistant for their 6-year-old, medically fragile daughter. Call Brieanna Shay for more information at (913) 302-8296. Executive director - Wyandotte Pregnancy Clinic is currently seeking a full-time executive director to provide Christ-centered leadership for our clinic that has been open 12-plus years. The director will be under the supervision of the governing board and responsible for the day-to-day operations of the clinic, including: community networking; marketing; employee leadership and fiscal oversight. If you feel called to lead this ministry that is changing lives and saving lives, email your resume to: Dkelsey@wpcnetwork.org. Chiropractic assistant - Busy chiropractic office in N.W. Olathe is in need of a dynamic full-time or part-time assistant. $12 per hour. Job duties include checking in patients; scheduling appointments; answering phones; insurance billing; assisting with patient therapies; and other duties as needed. If you are reliable, professional, friendly, hard-working and would like to help others, our office may be the place for you! Must have great computer skills and be a people person. Will train on patient therapies. Email resume to: drkoshlap@yahoo.com. Director of development - The Catholic Education Foundation (CEF) is seeking a director of development for its major giving program. The director will be responsible for promoting the program in the community, cultivating donors and securing donations from businesses and individuals. CEF provides scholarships to children from low-income families to attend high-quality Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas. Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree and a minimum of three - five successful years in fundraising or corporate sales. The ideal candidate should be able to communicate at the executive level; have polished marketing and presentation skills; and communicate compassionately with a variety of constituencies, including business leaders and families seeking scholarship assistance. The director will supervise an administrative staff position and must be able to speak passionately about the value of Catholic education. Interested individuals should send an email with cover letter and resume to: tcl@archkck.org. Mathematics teacher - Bishop Miege High School has a teacher opening for mathematics for the 2019-20 school year. Send a letter of interest and resume to: mjaksa@ bishopmiege.com. Director of special events - The Catholic Education Foundation (CEF) is seeking a dynamic director of special events. The director will oversee the smooth operation of fundraising events, including the prestigious annual Gaudeamus dinner, which raises over $1 million annually. The director will be responsible for growing the events by securing sponsorships from businesses and individuals; recruiting and managing volunteer committees; and promoting events in the community. Candidates must have a minimum of three years of direct fundraising or sales experience; proven ability to recruit and lead volunteers; be highly organized; and have exceptional communication skills. CEF raises funds to provide scholarships for children in need to attend high-quality Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas. Candidates must be able to speak passionately about the value of Catholic education. Individuals interested in this full-time position should send a cover letter and resume to: CEFAdmin@archkck.org.

Accountant - Corpus Christi Parish in Lawrence is seeking an accountant. This full-time position will be responsible for the finances of the parish and school. It includes all receivables/payables; payroll; and financial reporting for the organization. Salary will be commensurate with expertise and experience. For a complete position description and to apply, go online to: cccparish.org/joblisting. Maintenance technician - Prairie Star Ranch is currently seeking a full-time lead maintenance technician position in Williamsburg. If you are interested in working in a dynamic, ministry-focused environment we invite you to join our team. The position involves performing regular preventive maintenance, as well as handling basic repair and responsive maintenance that includes skills involving carpentry, plumbing, electrical, painting, and welding. More information and an application can be found online at: www. archkck.org/jobs. Interested individuals should submit an application to: Prairie Star Ranch, 1124 California Road, Williamsburg, KS 66095, or via email to: psr@archkck.org. Position open until filled. Director of youth and young adult ministry - Corpus Christi Parish in Lawrence is seeking a part-time director of youth and young adult ministry. The youth minister provides vision and coordination for the parish’s efforts in ministry to young people. Salary will be commensurate with expertise and experience. For a complete position description and to apply, go online to: cccparish.org/joblisting. Strategic donor specialist and Community Housing program manager - Catholic Charities of Kansas City-St. Joseph (CCKCSJ) serves those in need by taking direct action to relieve their anxieties and remove their burdens while simultaneously lifting them to the dignity of selfreliance. CCKCSJ is a fun and faith-based environment. Associates of CCKCSJ enjoy a compressed workweek by working Monday-Thursday weekly, with almost every weekend as a three-day weekend. We currently have the following two lead positions open: 1) Strategic donor specialist and 2) Community Housing program manager. For further information and to apply, go to the website at: careers.hireology. com/catholiccharities-kansascityandstjoseph and scroll down to the tab that says “Community housing program manager” or to the tab that says “Strategic donor specialist.”

HOME IMPROVEMENT Sheetrock repaired - We can repair your ceilings and walls and can retexture with popcorn or knockdown ceilings. We can repaint old yellowed ceilings. Interior painting for 25 years with no mess!! Call Jerry at (913) 206-1144. 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. Swalms organizing - downsizing - cleanout service - Reduce clutter – Any space organized. Shelving built on-site. Items hauled for recycling and donations. 20 years exp.; insured. Call Tillar at (913) 375-9115. WWW. SWALMSORGANIZING.COM. Rusty Dandy Painting, Inc. – We have been coloring your world for 40 years. Your home will be treated as if it were our own. Old cabinets will be made to look like new. Dingy walls and ceilings will be made beautiful. Woodwork will glow. Lead-certified and insured. Call (913) 341-9125. 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 STA (Sure Thing Always) Home Repair - Basement finish, bathrooms and kitchens; interior & exterior repairs: painting, roofing, siding, wood replacement and window glazing. Free estimates. Call (913) 579-1835. Email: smokeycabin@hotmail.com. Member of Holy Trinity, Lenexa. 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

Concrete construction - Tear out and replace stamped, 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. NELSON CREATION’S L.L.C. Home makeovers, kitchen, bath. All interior and exterior remodeling and repairs. Family owned, experienced, licensed and insured. Member St. Joseph, Shawnee. Kirk Nelson. (913) 927-5240; nelsport@everestkc.net Interior painting - Renew your ceiling and walls with a fresh coat of paint. Replace drywall or plaster repaired with no mess!! 25 years experience. Call anytime. Jerry (913) 206-1144.

SERVICES Cleaning lady - Reasonable rates; references provided. Call (913) 940-2959. Quilted memories - Your Kansas City Longarm shop Nolting Longarm machines, quilting supplies and machine quilting services. We specialize in memorial quilts - custom designed memory quilts from your T-shirt collections, photos, baby clothes, college memorabilia, neckties, etc. For information or to schedule a free consultation, call (913) 649-2704. Visit the website at: www.quiltedmemoriesllc.com. Tree Trimming Tree Trimming/Landscaping Insured/References Free Estimates/Local Parishioner Tony (913) 620-6063 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. The litter guy - Litter is unsightly and can decrease property value, degrade water quality and impact wildlife and the environment. Let The Litter Guy clean up litter in your community, roadways, commercial and residential areas. For a free quote, call (913) 220-0445 or email: thelitterguy@gmail.com.

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HARCO Exteriors LLC Your Kansas City fencing specialists Family owned and operated (913) 815-4817 www.harcoexteriorsllc.com

CAREGIVING Senior CNA - Has extensive nursing training. Will do private care, Johnson County area. Available Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. Call (913) 701-6381. Fee negotiable. 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.benefitsofhome.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.

FOR SALE Residential lifts - New and recycled. Stair lifts, porch lifts, ceiling lifts and elevators. St. Michael’s parishioners. KC Lift & Elevator at (913) 327-5557. (Formerly Silver Cross - KC) Lenten sale - Religious art, rosaries, books, jewelry and more. March 10 and 17 from noon to 5 p.m. 1545 N. 85th Place, Kansas City, Kansas 66112. For more information, call (913) 299-3808. For sale - Two side-by-side crypts; tier B, 13 and 15, located in the St. Joseph Chapel at Mount Calvary Cemetery, the only two left in the chapel. Call (913) 269-6176 for pricing. For sale - Two internal crypts at Prince of Peace Mausoleum, Nativity Cove, Resurrection Cemetery. For more information, call (913) 631-4348. For sale - Two adjoining plots at Mount Olivet Cemetery in the Crucifixion area, close to the road. Original cost $1825 per lot. Will sell both lots for $2500 or separately for $1250 each. Call Lesley at (913) 908-2162.

REAL ESTATE CASH FOR YOUR HOME (913) 980-4905 Any condition in the metro area Mark Edmondson - local parishioner http://www.buykcproperty.com

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.

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.

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.

Whole Estates Need to sell a home and everything in it? We buy it all at once in as-is condition. Call (816) 444-1950 or send an email to: www.wholeestates.com.

MEDICARE - Just starting the process? Or would you like to review your current coverage? Local, licensed, independent and experienced Medicare adviser. Holy Cross parishioner. Will shop your current rate or answer your Medicare questions. Contact Rhonda at (913) 579-3349. Rodman Lawn Care Lawn mowing, aeration, verticutting, mulching, Hedge trimming, leaf removal, gutter cleaning Fully insured and free estimates John Rodman (913) 548-3002 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 IdealWeight Get Real, Get Healthy, Get Empowered. Release your weight and restore your power in 8 weeks! Certified coach: kathioppold.8toyouridealweight.com. Decked Out in KC - www.WEFIXDECKS.com. We repair, power wash and seal concrete drives, walkways, pool decks and more. Call Brian at (913) 952-5965.

WE SELL HOMES - Looking to sell? This is a seller’s market. Call for a free consultation detailing the steps to selling your home. Ask about our 39-day sales guarantee. Mention this ad for a special offer. Call Jim Blaufuss, Re/Max Realty Suburban, at (913) 226-7442. Jimblaufuss@remax.net

WANTED TO BUY Will buy firearms and related accessories - One or a whole collection. Honest evaluation and top prices paid. Contact Tom at (913) 238-2473. Member of Sacred Heart Parish, Shawnee. Wanted to buy - Antique/vintage jewelry, paintings, pottery, sterling, etc. Single pieces or estate. Renee Maderak, (913) 475-7393. St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee.

BUYING AN AD To purchase a Leaven classified ad, email The Leaven at: beth.blankenship@theleaven.org. Cost is $20 for the first five lines, $1.50 per line thereafter. Ad deadline is 10 days before the desired publication date.


MARCH 8, 2019 | THELEAVEN.ORG

CALENDAR WOMEN’S RETREAT Camp Tekakwitha 1124 California Rd., Williamsburg April 26 - 28

This retreat is offered for women ages 21 and older. There will be group and breakout sessions, speakers, fellowship and celebration of the sacraments. For more information and to register, go online to: camptekakwitha-womensretreat. com. Registration now open.

under). Festivities before, during and after the St. Patrick’s Parade include breakfast, Irish sing-along, a beer garden, whiskey tasting, homemade Irish and American food, an expanded carnival on 8th St., adult games, live Irish music and much more. Admission is free. For more information visit the website at: www.TopekaIrishFest.com.

PANCAKE BREAKFAST Divine Mercy Parish (Christian Formation Center) 555 W. Main St., Gardner March 10 from 8 - 10 a.m.

The cost for a breakfast of pancakes, sausage, eggs and all the fixings is: $6 for adults; $3 for kids 6 - 12; and kids 6 and under eat for free.

ROSARY RALLY IN HONOR OF OUR LADY OF FATIMA St. John the Baptist Parish 708 N. 4th St., Kansas City, Kansas March 10 from 3 - 4:15 p.m.

We will pray the joyful, sorrowful and glorious mysteries of the rosary. Benediction will follow, as well as an opportunity for attendees to enroll in the brown scapular. For more information, visit the website at: www. rosaryrallieskc.org.

BINGO St. Mary-St. Anthony Parish (Bishop Forst Hall) 615 N. 7th St., Kansas City, Kansas March 10 at 2 p.m.

This will be an afternoon of fun, food and bingo. Win salami, apple strudels and poviticas. The cost is $5 for a card, desserts, popcorn and coffee. For more information, call Carol Shomin at (913) 897-4833.

LENTEN SOUP SUPPER Sacred Heart Parish (hall) 106 Exchange St., Emporia March 13 from 6 - 7 p.m.

The Rosary Altar Society is sponsoring this Lenten soup supper. A variety of homemade soups, relishes and desserts will be served. The suggested donation is a freewill offering.

ST. PATRICK’S DAY DANCE Nativity Parish (hall) 3800 W. 119th St., Leawood March 16 from 7 - 11 p.m.

The dance is sponsored by the Singles of Nativity. The cost of admission is $20 per person and includes food and drinks.

MEMORIAL LITURGY Curé of Ars 9405 Mission Rd., Leawood March 16 at 8 a.m.

There will be a memorial liturgy for deceased loved ones followed by a grief support meeting in the Father Burak Room. For more information, call (913) 649-2026.

IRISH FEST AND FUN RUN Hosted by Mater Dei Parish 8th and Jackson in downtown Topeka March 16 at 8 a.m.

Events begin with Mass at 8 a.m. followed immediately by the 5K Fun Run, Walk and Leprechaun Leap (children aged 10 and

This workshop will provide some basic information and answer questions pertaining to Medicare. For more information, call (931) 906-8990 or visit the website at: www.keelerwomenscenter.org.

HEALING MASS Curé of Ars Parish (Father Burak Room) 9401 Mission Rd., Leawood March 21 at 7:30 p.m.

TACO DINNER AND SALAMI BINGO Mejak Hall 513 Ohio, Kansas City, Kansas March 9 at 5:30 p.m.

The Altar Society of Holy Family Parish is hosting an annual taco dinner and salami bingo. A $15 donation includes one bingo card, one taco dinner and all the cold beverages you can drink. There will be three blackout games. For tickets, call Sandy Cannon at (913) 396-1564 or Cathy Schneider at (913) 371-1561. No one under the age of 21 admitted.

MEDICARE Keeler Women’s Center 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kansas March 20 from 10 - 11:30 a.m.

A Mass with prayers for healing, sponsored by archdiocesan charismatic prayer groups, will be held. For more information, call (913) 649-2026.

ST. PADDY’S IRISH FEST Corpus Christi Parish 6001 Bob Billings Pkwy., Lawrence March 16 at 5 p.m.

Celebrate Irish tradition after the 4 p.m. Mass. There will be Irish cuisine, music and drink. Tickets are $25 per person. There is a $10 “wisdom discount” for persons 70 and older. Tickets may be purchased online at: cccparish. org/irish. Proceeds support the parish.

ST. PATRICK’S DAY DINNER Divine Mercy Parish (Christian Formation Center) 555 W. Main St., Gardner March 16 from 6 - 8 p.m.

Dinner will be hosted by the 4th-degree Knights of Columbus. The cost for a dinner of corned beef, cabbage, carrots, rolls and dessert is $10 for adults; $5 for kids 10 and under.

BREAKFAST Sacred Heart Parish (hall) 106 Exchange St., Emporia March 17 from 8 - 11 a.m.

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

ST. PATRICK’S DAY DINNER St. Patrick Parish 33721 N.W. Crawford Rd., Williamsburg March 17 from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

The suggested donation for a dinner of corned beef, cabbage, soda bread, homemade bread and more is $10. There will also be raffle prizes and music by Beyond the Heather.

LIFE RUNNERS PRO-LIFE SPEAKER Divine Mercy Parish (Formation Center) 555 W. Main St., Gardner March 20 at 6:30 p.m.

Dr. Pat Castle, LIFE Runners founder, will be speaking about his part in the movie “Unplanned” and other critical pro-life topics. No reservation is needed. All are welcome. To learn more about LIFE Runners, go online to: liferunners.org.

DINING TO DONATE WITH THE SISTERS OF ST. JOSEPH OF CARONDELET Jasper’s Restaurant 1201 W. 103rd, Kansas City, Missouri March 20

Jasper’s Restaurant is donating 20 percent of all lunch and dinner sales to the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet to benefit their good works. Reservations are encouraged. Contact Jaspers at (816) 941-6600 or online at: jasperskc.com.

COMMUNITY INFORMATION NIGHT - EMBRACE St. Agnes School 5130 Mission Rd., Roeland Park March 20 from 6:30 - 8 p.m.

Parents, teachers and caregivers are invited to join Sam Rockwell’s presentation: “Growth Mindset in Catholic Schools.” All are welcome and child care is provided at no charge. Learn more online at: www.embraceks.org.

SHROUD OF TURIN REPLICA Divine Mercy Parish (Formation Center) 333 W. Main St., Gardner March 21 at 7 p.m.

Visit a 15-foot replica of the Shroud of Turin, which is believed to be the burial cloth of Christ.

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39TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE MARTRDOM OF ST. OSCAR ROMERO St. Sabina Parish 700 Trevis, Belton, Missouri March 23 at 6 p.m.

All are welcome to attend the bilingual Mass, followed by a meal and fiesta in the gym. For more information, call Kris Larkey at (816) 331-4713.

LENTEN DAY OF PRAYER Rockhurst University (Massman Hall) 1100 Rockhurst Rd., Kansas City, Missouri March 27 from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

The Ladies of Charity of Metropolitan Kansas City and Rockhurst University are offering this day of prayer with Dr. Michael Scherschlight. There will be a continental breakfast, lunch and Mass. For reservations (by March 20) go online to: www.rockhurst. edu/alumni and scroll down to “Friends of RUL/Ladies of Charity Annual Day of Prayer,” or mail to: Bebe Harrington, 1100 Rockhurst Rd., Kansas City, MO 64110.

LENTEN RETREAT Holy Family Parish 274 Orchard St., Kansas City, Kansas March 22 at 8 a.m.

The day will begin with Mass. The retreat will continue at Holy Family Hall, 513 Ohio Ave., Kansas City, Kansas. There will be a light breakfast. The speaker will be Sister Maureen Hall. The topic is: “Living the Lenten Journey: Tipping the Scales in the Favor of Love.” The suggested donation is a freewill offering.

DREAMS AND INNER HEALING Sophia Spirituality Center 751 S. 8th St., Atchison March 22 from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Dreams are a language of the heart, a way that our deeper self speaks to us. They are a language of symbols and metaphors that help us to understand what lies beneath our fears and inner struggles. This retreat is directed by Sister Maureen Conroy, RSM. The fee of $110 includes lunch. Call (913) 3606173 or visit the website at: www.sophia spiritualitycenter.org.

POLKA DANCE Knights of Columbus Hall 11221 Johnson Dr., Shawnee March 23 at 7:30 p.m.

The cost to attend is $10 per person. The Brian McCarty Band will play polka and timeless dance music. BYOB. Beer and soda will be available for sale. Proceeds will go toward the priest and seminarian fund. Contact Dan Nicks at (913) 406-8717 for a table reservation of six or more.

ST. BENEDICT PARISH 10K TRAIL RUN AND 5K WALK/RUN St. Patrick Parish 19384 234th Rd., Atchison March 23 at 8 a.m.

The 10K run will travel over gravel, dirt and unpaved roads with challenging hills. The entry fee is $30. All participants will receive a pancake breakfast. For more information and to register, go to the website at: www.active.com and type “St. Patrick’s Day 10K” in the search bar. The day will also include breakfast, an open house at the church, a raffle, Texas Hold ’em and Bunko.

WOMEN’S DAY OF REFLECTION Queen of the Holy Rosary - Wea 22779 Metcalf, Bucyrus March 23 at 7:45 a.m.

The day will begin with registration at 7:45 a.m., followed by Mass. The topic is: “The Feminine Genius.” The fee of $10 includes lunch. Send payment to: QHR Altar Society, 22779 Metcalf, Bucyrus, KS 66013. For more information, send an email to: dkerra53@yahoo.com.

WOMEN’S RETREAT Mother Teresa of Calcutta Parish 2014 N.W. 46th St., Topeka March 29 or March 30 from 8:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.

The theme of the retreat is: “Invitation to Joy.” Jesus calls us to a life of joy when we focus on him. For more information and to register, contact Marceta Reilly by email at: marcetar@gmail.com or call (785) 608-8899; or call Marty Backer at (785) 246-1182. The suggested donation is $30.

BREATHE RESPITE CARE PROGRAM Holy Cross School 8101 W. 95th St., Overland Park March 30 from 4 - 8 p.m.

BREATHE respite care provides the gift of time away from caregiving for families who have a loved one with a disability age 5 years or older. If you have any questions regarding the program, contact Tom Racunas at (913) 647-3054 or send an email to: tracunas@ archkck.org. To register a loved one, go to the website at: www.archkck.org/specialneeds and complete the online form.

FAMILY SPECIAL-NEEDS SUMMER CAMP Prairie Star Ranch 1124 California Rd., Williamsburg June 28 - 30

This is a summer camp for families who have a loved one with special needs. For more information, go online to: www.archkck.org/ specialneeds or contact Tom Racunas at: tracunas@archkck.org or call (913) 647-3054.

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

Registration and further information is available online at: www.stasaints.net/summer camps. For more information, call (913) 3192416 or send an email to: btriggs@stasaints. net.

CATHOLIC HEART WORKCAMP Kansas City area July 8 - 11

Do you need your house painted, yard cleaned up or minor home repairs? Contact the Kansas City managers online at: chwc.kc@gmail.com or call (402) 306-9043. Leave a message and someone will return your call.


MARCH 8, 2019 | THELEAVEN.ORG

COMMENTARY FIRST WEEK OF LENT March 10 FIRST SUNDAY OF LENT Dt 26: 4-10 Ps 91: 1-2, 10-15 Rom 10: 8-13 Lk 4: 1-13 March 11 Monday Lv 19: 1-2, 11-18 Ps 19: 8-10, 15 Mt 25: 31-46 March 12 Tuesday Is 55: 10-11 Ps 34: 4-7, 16-19 Mt 6: 7-15 March 13 Wednesday Jon 3: 1-10 Ps 51: 3-4, 12-13, 18-19 Lk 11: 29-32 March 14 Thursday Est C: 12, 14-16, 23-25 Ps 138: 1-3, 7c-8 Mt 7: 7-12 March 15 Friday Ez 18: 21-28 Ps 130: 1-8 Mt 5: 20-26 March 16 Saturday Dt 26: 16-19 Ps 119: 1-2, 4-5, 7-8 Mt 5: 43-48

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When one door closes, another opens

t took a moment to register. I was at the kitchen table, enjoying a cup of coffee and my daily dose of puzzles in the newspaper when my wrist buzzed — actually, it was the Apple Watch on my wrist. At first, I thought it was my wake-up alarm. (My cat, however, makes setting an alarm totally unnecessary.) When I looked down at the watch, however, I saw it was too early for that. It was 4:41 a.m. and a phone call was coming in from the nursing center. My heart raced as I scrambled to pick up my cellphone. My first thought was: Something happened to Mom! When I answered, a calm voice identified herself as Lisa and said there was a “situation” at the nursing facility. There was carbon monoxide in the building and, although all the residents were fine, it was necessary to evacuate them. She asked if Sacred Heart could accommodate them, some 65 or so folks. It wasn’t even a question for me. Heck,

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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 nursing center is where Mom lives, and the parish is just a few blocks down the road and handicap accessible. I told Lisa that as soon as I got out of my pj’s, I’d head over to the parish to open doors, turn on lights and turn up the heat. I felt so sorry for the residents who would have to brave a minus-2-degree morning, even if just for a few minutes. I have to admit that I didn’t really think of how big an operation this was going to be.

When the first residents began to arrive, I was stunned at the number of vehicles in our parking lot. Along the curb, an impressive line of walkers and wheelchairs were lined up. Initially, our guests were taken into classrooms, which were warmer and provided the staff an opportunity to make sure everyone was accounted for and comfortable. Soon, the building filled up with people scurrying everywhere. Lists were checked, the kitchen crew from the facility transitioned into our kitchen, the rolling med carts were unloaded and our guests began their journey from the classrooms into our parish center.

I couldn’t help but think of Pope Francis describing the church as a “field hospital.” Boy, I thought to myself, if that ain’t Sacred Heart today. I felt that the pope would be proud that we’d thrown open our doors to those in need, Catholic or not, to “heal wounds and to warm hearts.” I couldn’t believe the incredible number of firemen, police, medical personnel, nursing center staff and other helpers who had ushered folks into our building. They reminded me of this story about a heavy bronze bell that had sunk to the bottom of a river in China: Various engineers had tried to raise the bell, but were unsuccessful. At last, a clever monk asked for permission to make an attempt, with one condition: If successful, the bell was to be given to his temple. Once approved, the monk had his assistants gather a huge number of bamboo poles. Bamboo is hollow, light and practically unsinkable. The poles were taken down by divers, one by one, and

fastened to the bell. After thousands of poles were fastened, the bell began to move and, when the last one was added, the buoyancy of the accumulated poles was so great that they actually lifted the enormous bell to the surface. (Adapted from “Sower’s Seeds of Encouragement: Fifth Planting,” by Brian Cavanaugh, TOR.) I witnessed many “bamboo poles” last Monday lifting an entire nursing facility and moving it to a safe location, even if just for a few hours. Contrary to the depressing picture of humanity that we often see in the news, these individuals showed the compassionate and generous side of humanity . . . and all that can be accomplished when people work together. It was both humbling and heartwarming. As James Joyce wrote in “Finnegan’s Wake,” “Catholic means, ‘Here comes everybody.’” This past Monday at Sacred Heart, we showed it.

Prodigal’s return represents turning back to God

t’s the same old story. Someone leaves home. While away, they endure many hardships. Eventually, they return home, and all is peachy keen. Sunday’s first reading, Dt 26:4-10, refers to a significant example of this pattern. The person offering a sacrifice to God recalls the experience of the Hebrew people that follows that pattern. Joseph and his brothers had left their home in the Promised Land because of famine and traveled to Egypt where there was food: “My father was a wandering Aramean who went down to Egypt with a small household and lived there as an alien.” They settled down there and many generations of their descendants

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.

grew and prospered in Egypt: “There he became a nation great, strong and numerous.” Eventually, a cruel Pharaoh subjected

them to harsh treatment: “The Egyptians maltreated and oppressed us, imposing hard labor upon us.” Under Moses’ leadership, they returned to the Promised Land: “We cried to the Lord, the God of our fathers, and he heard our cry and saw our affliction, our toil, and our oppression. He brought us out of Egypt with his strong hand and outstretched arm.”

This pattern of leaving, enduring hardships while away and then returning home is repeated centuries later for the Israelite people. When the Babylonian Empire conquers the Israelites, they are carried into exile. While in captivity, they endure many hardships. But eventually, under a new administration, they are allowed to return home to rebuild their nation. These examples show this pattern on a nationwide level of leaving home, enduring hardships while away and then returning home. But the New Testament offers an example on an individual level. The prodigal son runs away from home, only to end up with a deadend job as a swineherd, which leaves him destitute. He returns home

to the loving embrace of his compassionate father (Lk 15:11-32). The parable of Jesus allows us to consider the action of leaving home — not as a reasonable economic decision or a bad turn of fate but, rather, as a willful turning away from God. Leaving home is taking a detour on the spiritual journey. Similarly, returning home can then represent turning back to God, being restored to God’s graces. The story of the fall depicts our first parents as being driven out of paradise because of their sin. They are condemned to a life of misery and despair. In that, they stand for all human beings, who have fallen into sin and its sorrow. Like them, we yearn for paradise, our true home.

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The Lenten season is a reminder for Catholics that overindulgence ruptures communion with God, with others and with creation, Pope Francis said. A failure to live as children of God can give way to sin, which “takes the shape of greed and unbridled pursuit of comfort, lack of concern for the good of others and even of oneself,” the pope said in his message for Lent, which began March 6 for Latin-rite Catholics. “Unless we tend constantly toward Easter, toward

the horizon of the Resurrection, the mentality expressed in the slogans ‘I want it all and I want it now!’ and ‘Too much is never enough,’ gains the upper hand,” he said. The pope’s Lenten message, which was released at the Vatican Feb. 26, centered on a verse from St. Paul’s Letter to the Romans in which the apostle proclaims creation’s “eager longing for the revealing of the children of God.” This longing, the pope said, is “a journey from Easter to Easter toward the fulfillment of the salvation” that all Christians have received through Jesus’ death and resurrection. — CNS


MARCH 8, 2019 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS Lenten dinner correction The Sacred Heart Parish, Kansas City, Kansas, fish dinner listed in the March 1 issue of the Leaven was incorrect. The correct listing is below. Sacred Heart Parish, 2646 S. 34th St., Kansas City, Kansas, will host a fish dinner on March 15 from 5 to 7 p.m. Cost is: $10 for adults; $9 for seniors; and $6 for children 12 and under. For more information, send an email to: bob@precisionprintkc.com.

Partnership offers Kansas state employees a USM education LEAVENWORTH — The University of Saint Mary and the state of Kansas have forged a higher-education partnership with the university’s online programs and Overland Park campus. The partnership gives state employees the opportunity to further develop their leadership skills and/or create a new career pathway — tapping into dozens of successful programs. Employees will receive a waived application fee and discounted tuition rate for USM’s online and Overland Park campus graduate programs or undergraduate programs, including (but not limited to): • Master of Business Administration • Bachelor’s of Accounting • Bachelor’s of Applied Psychology •Bachelor’s in Health Information Management For more on USM partnerships, visit the website at: stmary.edu/Partnership.

Christopher West is back on April 4 with ‘Made for More’ event By Olivia Martin olivia.martin@theleaven.org

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ANSAS CITY, Kan. — In a hypersexualized culture, it’s difficult for young people to find their bearings and follow the truth of their worth. That’s why Catholic inspirational speaker and author Christopher West and musician Mike Mangione are teaming up for their “Made for More” event. On April 4, the two will address young people with a message of love and hope at Prince of Peace Church in Olathe. They will address decisive questions about what it means to be human and how to live in a way that fosters authenticity and fulfillment. Sam Meier, director of the archdiocesan My House Initiative, went to a Christopher West event several years ago with his family and attests to the power of the experience. “Personally, I want many friends and parents of my children’s friends to hear this incredible message,” he said. “This event invites people to an inspiring vision of

Join Us for the 23rd Annual Joint Diocesan Healing Mass and Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick. 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 23, 2019 at Curé of Ars Church, 94th and Mission Rd., Leawood, Kansas Celebrant will be Bishop Johnston Homilist will be Archbishop Naumann The anointing of the sick in both dioceses will be administered to Catholics whose health is seriously impaired by illness or old age. All are invited to participate. The ceremony will follow the Lourdes pilgrimage format. Among those who may be anointed, the ritual mentions, in particular: • Those undergoing a surgery whenever serious illness is the reason • Elderly people when they have become noticeably weakened even if no serious illness is present • Sick children if they have sufficient use of reason to be strengthened by the sacrament. We are asking those who wish to receive the sacrament at Mass, to register by email: maltakansascity@gmail.com or 816-622-2323 and leave your name. This service is being held under the auspices of the Order of Malta, whose service to the Church is founded on the caring of the sick and the poor.

Name cards are made for those receiving the sacrament.

The Sacrament of Reconciliation will also be available to participants from 8:45a.m. to 9:45 a.m.

‘Made for More’ April 4, 7 – 9:30 p.m. Prince of Peace Church 16000 W. 143rd St. Olathe Contact Larissa Smith with questions at: lsmith@popolathe. org; (913) 782-8864 To register for “Made for More”: • Visit: www.corproject.com/kc • Scroll to “Click here to purchase” on the home page • Click “Tickets”

something so much better [than our current culture]!” The event is co-hosted by Holy Trinity Parish in Lenexa, Sacred Heart Parish in Shawnee, Church of the Ascension in Overland Park and the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas. The night will consist of inspirational presentations, music, art and moving witnesses, said Meier, and it is open to all. “We’re praying it has an impact on the hearts of many people in our archdiocese,” he said.

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‘Cannot imagine coaching without him’ >> Continued from page 3 “I think we (Catholic schools) can challenge our kids more and, because of that discipline, we expect them to give more,” Harbour said. “Our success has a lot to do with a faith-based education.” Not surprisingly, Harbour enjoys scouting as much as he enjoys coaching. According to Hetzel, Harbour is tireless about scouting and well-known in the school’s league and around the city. “You can always see him in the stands, scouting games. And that is so hard to find in assistants,” Hetzel said. As for the future, both coaches envision more time on the court together. “Bob and I together had a dream to build a competitive program at Saint Thomas Aquinas in girls basketball,” Hetzel said. “We share the same passion and excitement for basketball and our players. “I cannot imagine coaching without him, and the positive impact he and his wife Patty have had on our program has been enormous.” It’s a sentiment Harbour shares. “I enjoy it. And as long as Rick is coaching, I’ll keep doing it,” Harbour said.


MARCH 8, 2019 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

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Former Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Elvis Grbac (11) will speak on faith, family and football as part of the 23rd annual Men Under Construction conference on April 6 at Church of the Ascension in Overland Park.

Former Chiefs QB Elvis Grbac to headline men’s conference By Marc and Julie Anderson mjanderson@theleaven.org

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VERLAND PARK — Chiefs fans, are you ready for some football? OK, so it might not be the high-drama football game the Chiefs played against the New England Patriots for the AFC championship this past January. But the stakes of this event are much higher than a trip to the Super Bowl. That’s because it focuses on living an integrated Catholic life. On April 6, former Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Elvis Grbac will speak on faith, family and football as part of the 23rd annual Men Under Construction conference to be held at the Church of the Ascension in Overland Park. The day will also include eucharistic adoration, confession and Mass. Drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in 1993, Grbac played nine seasons in the National Football League, including four with the Chiefs, starting in 1997. During his career, he earned many achievements, including an AFC West title, a Pro Bowl appearance and the Super Bowl XXIX championship. Currently working toward his master’s degree in theology, Grbac travels the country as a motivational speaker and is also involved in parish leadership, serving on the parish council at Church of the Holy Angels in Chagrin Falls, Ohio. In addition to Grbac, the annual conference will feature Dr. David Anders, a Catholic catechist, writer and speaker,

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“FOR ME TO SEE A THOUSAND-PLUS MEN GATHERED IN PRAYER AND ADORATION AND GROWING, JUST COMING TOGETHER AS MEN IS VERY, VERY REAFFIRMING TO ME.”

as well as the host of “Called to Communion,” a show found on EWTN radio. Anders grew up in the Presbyterian faith, attending a Protestant college and seminary. During the course of his doctoral studies about the Protestant Reformation, Anders became convinced of the truth of the Catholic faith. In 2003, he and his wife Jill and their children converted to Catholicism. Anders will speak about his latest book, “The Catholic Church Saved My Marriage: Discovering Hidden Grace in the Sacrament of Matrimony,” which details his and his wife’s journey from torment and pain to joy as husband and wife. According to numerous online reviews, the book is forthright from the very first line: “The Catholic Church saved my marriage and, quite possibly, my life.” Dan Spencer, a member of the Catholic Men’s Fellowship board and the coordinator of the annual conference,

said the event typically draws 900 to 1,200 men. Typically, conference organizers, Spencer said, try to bring in someone well-known to men. Often, it has been an athlete such as Mike Sweeney, former Kansas City Royals player, or Philip Rivers, quarterback of the Los Angeles Chargers. When Spencer heard that Grbac was pursuing a possible call to the diaconate, he thought the former quarterback might be a good fit. “Faith, family and football is his topic,” Spencer said. “The whole thing was kind of how he lives an integrated Catholic life, which is the theme [this year]. And so, I said, ‘I really want to understand how your faith impacts all of that.’ He was good with it.” After reading the book written by Anders, Spencer thought the writer, too, might be a good speaker. “While he’s brilliant as an apologist and explains about the faith, I thought it would be interesting to hear his personal story this time,” he added. Involved in the conference for at least 15 years, this year marks Spencer’s last year to serve as its coordinator. As someone who has been involved in men’s ministry at both local and national levels, he said it’s been gratifying for him to see so many men grow in their faith. “We have two really distinct groups who show up at these. One is [composed of] guys involved in men’s activities and small faith groups, men who have been going to these things for years. Others have never been to anything. To them, it’s like a welcome to a whole different experience and awareness of Catholic manhood.

“So, it’s kind of a kickoff for what they might consider doing in the future; the others, it’s kind of a renewal day.” Spencer said he thinks the conference serves both groups equally well. By and large though, it’s the large numbers that encourage Spencer and his team. “For me to see a thousand-plus men gathered in prayer and adoration and growing — just coming together as men — is very, very reaffirming to me,” he said. “I’m encouraged. It challenges me,” he continued. “It helps me in my own personal spirituality, and I am a very big believer that if men are going to try and lead their families spiritually, they need to be well-grounded and they need to be challenged.” Spencer also said male leadership is urgently needed in today’s society. “I think the culture will change when families change,” he said, “and I think families will change when the fathers and husbands and grandfathers start taking their role really seriously.” Perhaps, though, Spencer’s greatest wish is for other men who have never been to a retreat to try it. “I just wish men would see that we’re not a special kind of guy. We’re just normal people for whom Christ is the center of our life,” he said. “So, we just want to share some time with them and give them something to think about.” “Plus, it’s a great day,” he enthused. “It’s a fun day. It’s an encouraging day. It’s an uplifting day. It’s a spiritual day, but it’s also a thousand guys hanging out, eating food. So, it’s got everything.”


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