03 24 23 Vol. 44 No. 30

FAITH IN A SILENT WORLD Deaf retreat a reminder that struggles can produce blessings

By Moira Cullings moira.cullings@theleaven.org

TOPEKA — “Deafness is a hidden thing,” said Minette Sternke.

“You might see someone’s cochlear implant or hearing aid,” she said, “but we don’t have walkers, wheelchairs or anything like that to identify us as ‘deaf.’

“If we are not seen, then we cannot be recognized, and it can be difficult to be integrated into the workings and life of the parish or diocese.”

To combat the challenges deaf individuals face within the church, Sternke led a daylong deaf retreat on March 11 at Most Pure Heart of Mary Church in Topeka.

The theme of the retreat was: “God’s Beloved,” based on Father Henri Nouwen’s book “Life of the Beloved.”

“The main thing I was trying to get across [was]: You are unique, special and made by God for a purpose to be a blessing upon the world,” said Sternke.

“There will be challenges,” she continued, “but if we embrace them, we can then use our experiences to give back to the world.”

Sternke grew up Catholic in a small town near Hannibal, Missouri. She was hard of hearing until she lost her hearing completely at age 14.

She currently works as vice president of the National Catholic Office for the Deaf (NCOD) and is the only consecrated virgin in the country who is deaf.

“I always feel at home in any Catholic church,” said Sternke, “but that is not often true [for others] in the deaf community.

“My desire is to help the deaf feel more at home in the Catholic Church so they can experience the God that

made them, sanctified them and loves them more fully.”

Sternke conveyed that message during the retreat through her talk and various activities.

Attendees also had the opportunity to go to confession and participate in a deaf Mass celebrated by Father Scott Wallisch, chaplain to the deaf.

According to Katie Locus, consultant for archdiocesan deaf ministry, the

archdiocese hosts a retreat for the deaf community twice a year at Most Pure Heart of Mary and St. Paul Church in Olathe.

Most deaf community members in the archdiocese live in either Olathe or Topeka, she said, with the rest scattered in other towns, making those two locations easily accessible for most.

Aaron and Jeannine Adkins were eager to attend the most recent retreat.

Parishioners at Most Pure Heart of Mary for more than 27 years, the couple has 10 children, eight here on earth, and all are hearing.

Jeannine has been attending deaf retreats since she was 15 years old, and Aaron since he was 21.

“Retreats are a time for us to recharge physically and mentally,” said Jeannine.

>> See “DEAF” on page 5

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER

Minette Sternke, vice president of the National Catholic Office for the Deaf, signs the opening prayer at the deaf retreat. Sternke gave a talk at the retreat.

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER

Katie Locus, consultant for archdiocesan deaf ministry, tries to get the attention of those gathered to kick off the March 11 event at Most Pure Heart of Mary Church in Topeka.

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER

Matt Gwynn makes a comment based on one of the questions speaker Minette Sternke asked the group. Gwynn is joined at the table by — from left — Katie Locus, Pat Richey and his wife Tammy Gwynn.

Through confession, we lay aside the false gods of our lives

From Feb. 8 through Feb. 24 at Asbury University located in the small town of Wilmore, Kentucky, tens of thousands participated in a spontaneous revival.

It began with a few students who, remaining after a chapel service, continued to pray and praise the Lord throughout the night. By the time of its conclusion on Feb. 24, more than 50,000 people had descended upon this small Christian college to participate in what has been dubbed the Asbury Revival, with tens of thousands more participating via social media.

The Asbury Revival touched particularly Generation Z (16-25 years old). A seminary professor, Tim Beougher, summarized the impact of the Asbury Revival on its young participants: “God marked this outpouring with: 1) a tangible sense of peace for a generation with unprecedented anxiety; 2) a restorative sense of belonging for a generation amidst an epidemic of loneliness; 3) an authentic hope for a generation marked with depression; 4) a leadership emphasizing protective humility in relationship with power for a generation deeply hurt by the abuse of religious power; and 5) a focus on participatory adoration (worship) for an age of digital distraction.”

Many other groups across the country responded by providing opportunities for prayer and adoration.

On his weekly radio show, Cardinal Timothy Dolan interviewed one of New York’s young priests, who, inspired by what was happening in Asbury, organized in his parish

LIFE WILL BE VICTORIOUS

Catholic tradition, we are blessed to have the Benedictine revival that began in the sixth century and continues to this day.

throughout Lent continuous eucharistic adoration.

I was encouraged to learn of this eruption of the Holy Spirit touching the hearts of so many young people in our country. I do not believe it is a coincidence that this spontaneous revival occurred in the midst of a three-year pastoral initiative by the Catholic Church in the United States to foster eucharistic revival.

What our secular society has been offering our young people for a pathway to happiness has been a disaster. It is also not a coincidence that as the younger generation has become less religious with an increasing number identifying as agnostics or atheists, they have experienced epidemics of anxiety, loneliness and depression.

The secular formula — offering continuous opportunities for banal entertainment and experiences of pleasure while eliminating the protection of moral boundaries — has not resulted in joy and inner peace. As the late Pope Benedict XVI observed, our secular world is good at providing many opportunities for pleasure but is incapable of fostering abiding joy.

We should not be surprised at the harm we inflict on our young people, when we encourage them that it is healthy and normal to define themselves in a way contrary to their biological sex or even conceive themselves to be an animal, an entirely different species. Certainly, we must have compassion for those who may suffer from such psychological confusion, but we do them a tremendous disservice when we pretend dangerous delusions are healthy or even heroic. This is a cultural insanity that, whether intentional or not, results in grave harm to vulnerable youth.

We have been created to be in communion with God. The longings of the human heart cannot be satisfied without experiencing his merciful, consoling and healing love. We also need healthy familial relationships and virtuous friendships. No amount of mind-numbing pseudo-entertainment can substitute for communion with God and healthy families and friendships.

This past Sunday marked the 10th anniversary of the installation of Abbot James Albers as the abbot for St. Benedict’s Abbey in Atchison. The Asbury Revival spanned a couple of weeks, when many young people — as well as some of their elders — were touched by God’s grace. In our

What a blessing for our archdiocese to have St. Benedict’s Abbey where Our Lord Jesus is worshiped and adored each day. The monks of St. Benedict strive to follow an ancient rule of life that seeks to glorify God through a balanced life of prayer and work.

Of course, monastic communities are not perfect societies because, like the church in general, they are composed of members who are recovering sinners. Yet, we have centuries of evidence of how Benedictine monastic communities have not only enriched the church but the larger society.

Not just Benedictines, but men and women religious in general are a great blessing to the church. Recently, a new religious community of Sisters arrived in the archdiocese — the Servants of the Pierced Hearts of Jesus and Mary. Two of the Sisters will be serving St. Michael the Archangel Parish and School. A third Sister has joined the team in our archdiocesan marriage and family life office. If you meet any of these Sisters, you will be captivated by their joy.

Our archdiocese has been blessed throughout its 170-year history with amazing religious Sisters, Brothers and priests. Religious life well-lived elevates the life of the entire church. Religious Sisters, Brothers and priests remind all of us by the witness of their lives to place God first in our hearts and, secondly, to praise Our Lord in the way he most desires by striving to

ARCHBISHOP NAUMANN’S CALENDAR

March 24

School of Faith retreat Mass — Savior Pastoral Center, Kansas City, Kansas

March 25

Rural Catholic Youth Conference opening Mass — Prairie Star Ranch, Williamsburg

Symposium on transforming culture — Benedictine College, Atchison

March 26

Blessing of expectant parents — Church of the Nativity, Leawood

March 27

Confirmation — Christ the King, Topeka

March 29

Visit Kenrick-Glennon Seminary, St. Louis

Kenrick Formation committee

Kenrick board meeting

March 30

Confirmation — Most Pure Heart of Mary, Topeka

April 1

Mass with deacon candidates, aspirants and their wives — Savior Pastoral Center

Abbot’s Table — Overland Park Convention Center

be vessels of his love to others.

Every sin replicates the original sin of the parents of the human race. The original sin in the Garden of Eden was a rebellion against God, an effort to push God out of our lives and to make ourselves our own gods. Sin was disastrous for Adam and Eve, and it is disastrous for their descendants today.

During these final days of Lent, I encourage you to experience your own personal revival by taking advantage of the sacrament of reconciliation. Through that sacrament we lay aside the idols — the false gods — of our lives and restore Jesus to be the Lord of our hearts.

I pray that the Holy Spirit will anoint the efforts of the church

in the United States to foster eucharistic revival. We also need to pray for a religious revival in our nation. A democratic society can only endure if it has a majority of virtuous citizens. Communion with God — friendship with Jesus — is the antidote to the pandemics of loneliness, anxiety and depression that grip our affluent culture.

Let us also give thanks for the consecrated religious men and women in our Catholic Church who provide us with fleshand-blood examples of the tried-and-true path to happiness and holiness.

Come Holy Spirit, come and renew the hearts of your people with the fire of your love!

ARCHBISHOP JOSEPH F. NAUMANN

By Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

WILLIAMSBURG — Camp

Kateri Tekakwitha at Prairie Star Ranch here has become legendary as a place of extraordinary experiences and friendships since its gates swung open for the first time 26 years ago.

It’s a place where people want to go . . . again and again.

Sophia Aguayo, a member of Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish in Shawnee, ought to know. She attended camp from the fifth grade in 2014 until she graduated from high school in 2022.

“I liked the fun outdoor activities a lot,” she said. “I liked how it was a space for young people to express their faith, which you don’t often find exclusively for young people.

“I liked the opportunities to make new friends each year, because each year you’re placed in a different cabin with different people. You make good relationships and bonds with other people in your cabin and during activities. I felt after going for so many years . . . I had a lot of camp friends I’d see every year.”

But it didn’t stop after high school graduation. Last year, she returned as a camp counselor, and this year, she’s going to do it again.

It’s not too late to be a camp counselor

This is not unusual, said Deacon Dana Nearmyer, who is co-director of the camp with his wife Deborah.

“Many of our staff members and counselors are former campers,” said Deacon Nearmyer. “They want to provide youths the same experiences they had to help them know Jesus as they pass through their middle

Applications and camp information

• To apply for a staff or counselor position, go to: archkck. org/camp/general-information/ campstaff/

• For camp information, to register for camp and to check costs and availability, go to: arch kck.org/camp/Tekakwitha/

want to serve the young church,” said Deacon Nearmyer. “We have positions like kitchen director, rope course crew, lifeguards and counselors who lead groups, and outdoor facilitators who run activities such as the archery range. We provide the training.”

school and high school years.”

It’s not too late to get in that application to become a camp counselor or staff member (sometimes also called a “sherpa”), and applicants don’t have to be former campers. Most counselors and staff members are young adults who’ve graduated from high school and are often college students on summer break.

Their skills, experiences and faith are very much appreciated.

“We love faithful Catholics who

The depth of community among the counselors and staff members is extraordinary, he said. They end up becoming lifelong friends. And the faith building is invaluable.

“The best way to learn the faith and experience it is to share it,” said Deacon Nearmyer. “Being a camp counselor gives you the opportunity to be embedded with the kids for a whole session.

“You really learn your faith and strengthen it as you share it with young people. So many times a person

Nurse takes vows as novice at Mount St. Scholastica

By Dean Backes Special to The Leaven

ATCHISON — With a small group of family and friends looking on, postulant Dorothy Herring took one more leap of faith Feb. 11 and received the nod of approval to join the novitiate with the Benedictine Sisters at Mount St. Scholastica here.

Following a short ceremony at vespers, about 80 Benedictine Sisters gave an enthusiastic thumbs-up to their former registered nurse now becoming a novice.

“She is very pleasant. Outgoing,” said the novice’s formation director Sister Patricia Seipel. “She is very service-oriented in that she is used to offering service to others, and she does that readily.”

Having earned her nursing degree from Johnson County Community College and Benedictine College in 2014, Herring began her work caring for elderly Sisters at the Benedictine Sisters’ licensed nursing home.

She soon began visiting with the Sisters about their experiences and what religious life had been like for them. Then, in the fall of 2019, she realized her own calling was to join religious life.

After meeting with vocational director Sister Marcia Ziska, OSB, for some time, Herring resigned from her nursing position and became the eighth woman from Immaculate Conception Parish in Valley Falls to enter religious life on Jan. 22, 2022.

“The first few years in community is a time to get to know more about us,” said Sister Patricia. “To learn about the history of our community, the Rule of St. Benedict and just to get to know us, to get to know our community.”

A fourth-generation religious, the new novice followed her mother’s cousin Father Albert Pecinovsky, her great-aunt Sister Mary de Lourdes Heinen, her great-great-uncle Father Lambert Heinen and his siblings Sister Mary Lambertine Heinen and Sister Mary Augustus Heinen into religious life.

“When I was in high school, Aunt Mary (Sister Mary de Lourdes Heinen) always told me that I should become a nun. That I could do everything that I wanted to,” the novice recalled. “I just didn’t feel called.

“It was actually at a funeral for one of the Sisters that I felt God was calling me to religious life. It was a call that I could not avoid. It was just so strong.”

Prior to the pandemic, Herring had taken her nursing skills on mission trips

to Colombia and Mexico. Because of her background, Sister Patricia and prioress Sister Esther Fangman thought it’d be a great experience for her to volunteer at the border for a week-and-a-half before entering her novitiate years.

“I think it was an opportunity to grow in serving others and just reaching out with compassion,” Sister Patricia said of sending Herring on another mission trip.

Herring traveled with Sister Siena Fisk of St. Scholastica Monastery in Fort Smith, Arkansas, to Eagle Pass, Texas. There, the two met up with Sister Ursula Herrera, a member of the Benedictine Sisters in Boerne, Texas, who runs Caridad de Corazon, a mission house that processes migrants who have just been released from detention from the Customs Border Patrol.

“Many of the immigrants come to the border wearing flip flops with thick socks and T-shirts,” said Herring. “Really not anything that would prepare them for moving onto wherever they may go. So, we took down some shoes and socks and clothes to be handed out.”

Catholic HEART Workcamp looking for projects, work

KANSAS CITY, Kan. — A group of teenagers from the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas will set aside a few days of their summer to lend a hand to those in need.

From July 10-13, the teens will participate in Catholic HEART Workcamp, a program founded in 1993 with one camp in Orlando, Florida, that now hosts more than 50 locations around the world.

“Its purpose is to share the love of Christ and serve the community by assisting those in need,” said Sandra Fleissner, who serves as a camp manager.

Fleissner connects with social agencies to provide work sites for the teens,

sites for July session

including food pantries, homeless shelters and individual residences.

The work the group provides, said Fleissner, depends on the experience of the camp’s chaperones.

“A team is at least one adult with five to six youth,” she said. “We have built houses, built wheelchair ramps, cleaned out houses and cleaned up yards.”

Those in Kansas City, Kansas, interested in receiving services from Catholic HEART Workcamp this July can send an email to: chwc.kc@gmail.com or call (402) 306-9043 to get on the list. Include your name, phone number and a brief description of your needs. You will receive a call back within a day or two.

The two also visited an orphanage for children and adults with special needs who had been abandoned by their parents and stopped in as well at a couple of homes that housed family members with special needs and the loved ones that cared for them.

One of the sick family members had been attacked by a machete and was in a coma, while the other was paralyzed from the chest down and was bed bound. The two took them food and offered them spiritual support and took the orphans out to eat.

“That was just a joy to see,” said Herring, of getting the orphans out of the house. “Just interacting with them and seeing the joy that they had for being able to be away from home. It’s something that they usually get to do once or twice a year.”

The most disheartening part of her trip to the border, she said, was going to San Antonio to observe an immigration hearing of a woman that worked at the shelter.

As it turned out, she continued, the hearing was two days prior. The judge

closed the case and had orders for the woman’s removal. The volunteer was illiterate, and the paperwork was in English, not in Spanish.

Although the new novice is encouraged by the hope some individuals have knowing there are people still trying to help immigrants who are trying to come into the country, she said going to the border opened her eyes.

“Living in Kansas, I feel like we’re removed, so a lot of what we’re told is sensationalized. And then there is the rhetoric of the politicians,” she said. “There is a lack of knowledge of what goes on at the border and really what the people are fleeing from.

“They are coming from countries in which there is political violence, unrest, gang violence. And the people that are entering legally are just trying to make a better life for themselves.

“Even the people that are entering illegally aren’t the animals some people want us to believe. They’re just trying to better their family’s lives.”

COURTESY PHOTO

Sister Patricia Seipel, OSB, formation director of the Benedictine Sisters of Mount St. Scholastica in Atchison, presents Dorothy Herring with the Rule of St. Benedict during her reception as a novice with the Benedictine Sisters on Feb. 11, as Prioress Sister Esther Fangman, center, looks on.

Catholic HEART Workcamp is looking for homeowners, agencies, etc., who would like to request help from the organization during its July 10-13 camp here in Kansas City, Kansas.

Deaf need help finding ways to participate, contribute

“Retreats give us the opportunity to be able to witness and hear what’s going on in our hearts,” said Aaron.

The couple explained how important retreats in American Sign Language (ASL) are for those who are deaf.

“ASL is a visual language based on a naturally evolved system of signs, movements of the body and facial expressions,” said Jeannine. “Many churches are still learning to understand deaf people and their culture.”

The couple believes more deaf leadership is needed within the church.

“Hearing people have access to so many resources to help their spiritual growth,” said Jeannine, “where deaf people do not have the same.

“Many deaf people prefer to worship in ASL. Hearing people can be catalysts and supporters in making this happen, as we need both deaf and hearing people working together to reach deaf people.”

One aspect of Sternke’s presentation, in particular, served as a poignant reminder for attendees that their struggles can produce blessings.

Sternke played a video about “kintsugi,” the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with gold.

“It just struck me that God uses our own brokenness in a similar way that the Japanese would use the broken pieces of pottery,” said Locus.

“There have been so many instances of saints that would say that if we really knew the positive impact our difficulties would have on our journey

to heaven, we would all be scrambling to enter more difficulties.

“That concept of ‘kintsugi’ brought that home to me.”

It’s a concept with which many in the deaf community can relate.

“The deaf community is often marginalized and unintentionally

ignored,” said Locus. “So they don’t often know very much about what we believe or why we believe it — or even whether they can actually participate in church.”

It’s critical, she said, that the deaf have opportunities to learn more about the faith and how they can contribute

to the church.

“Otherwise, they will just fade out of the faith and out of our church,” said Locus. “Because who else will invite them to learn about the faith and to be involved?

“Who else will notice them?”

Campers’ parents are some of Tekakwitha’s biggest fans

>> Continued from page

can be left sitting on the sidelines, but here you get off the bench and into the game.” (See sidebar for application.)

There’s still room for more campers

Just as there are still opportunities to become a camp counselor or staff member, there are still open slots for campers during sessions in June and July for youths entering fifth and sixth grades, junior high and high school this fall.

So far, only Camp Kateri Session 3, July 10-12, for boys entering fifth and sixth grades this fall is full. There is still room in others. Scholarships are available. (See sidebar for camp session costs and availability.)

Deacon Nearmyer expects 1,500 campers this year, maybe more. They will participate in activities including high ropes, the challenge course, a climbing tower, horseback riding, mountain boarding, mountain biking, swimming, water slides and archery.

A new thing this year is more kayaks.

“We have about 14 two-person kayaks,” said Deacon Nearmyer. “We can accommodate 28 people at a time [on these].”

The campers have 90 minutes of outdoor activity followed by 90 minutes of interactive spiritual activity. There are also Bible studies, access to the sacraments by visiting priests, and the chapel.

“The Saint Kateri Tekakwitha Chapel on-site is a very sacred place to thousands of staff and campers,” said Deacon

Nearmyer. “When they talk about it, they describe it as a place where they encounter the Lord in the deepest ways, their best prayer experiences ever.”

The biggest fans: parents

Some of the biggest camp fans are parents who send their children there.

“Camp, and places like it, reinforce what their parents teach them at home.

It isn’t new information, but when a cool college student who loves the Lord says the same things Mom and Dad say, the faith takes on a higher priority,” said Deacon Nearmyer.

Joshua Zacharias, a member of St.

YOU REALLY LEARN YOUR FAITH AND STRENGTHEN IT AS YOU SHARE IT WITH YOUNG PEOPLE. SO MANY TIMES A PERSON CAN BE LEFT SITTING ON THE SIDELINES, BUT HERE YOU GET OFF THE BENCH AND INTO THE GAME.

DEACON DANA NEARMYER CAMP TEKAKWITHA CO-DIRECTOR

Michael the Archangel in Leawood, appreciates this aspect of camp.

“All four of our daughters have gone to Camp Tekakwitha for multiple years,” he said. “It’s been an important part of our family’s summer activities for our kids. It’s super-important for [our children] to be in that environment, with other kids interested in their faith.”

Zacharias and his wife have noticed that, after attending camp, their daughters are more intentional at Mass. They pay attention to the readings and listen to the homily. They talk about the homily in the car going home and have good attitudes about volunteering and giving back. Learning about the saints at camp has paid off when the girls wrote papers at school.

Sending your kids to Camp Kateri Tekakwitha is no guarantee he or she will become a strongly committed lifelong Catholic — but it can help.

“Several national research projects say that kids are making the decision by age 13 or 14 years old of whether or not they want to remain Catholic for the rest of their lives,” said Deacon Nearmyer. “They can certainly change their minds and there certainly are reversions, but we believe the church needs to provide first-generation encounters with God for kids at their earliest age and continuing through their pre-adolescence and adolescence.

“We feel that, for kids and their families, that this is a place to really build up your faith — not just for the summer, but for a lifelong commitment to be committed to Jesus and his church.”

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER

A camper scales the climbing tower at Camp Tekakwitha. The archdiocese expects 1,500 campers this year.

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER

From left, Ann Powell and Crystal Cornely converse before the daylong deaf retreat in Topeka. The theme of the retreat was: “God’s Beloved,” based on Father Henri Nouwen’s book “Life of the Beloved.”

Every caregiver needs a companion for the often rocky road

Lately, I’ve noted a trend on social media among my peers of a certain age. Amid the cute grandbaby pictures at Christmas, there were pleas for intercessory prayer for their aging parents.

Going home for the holidays can be a real wake-up call as we realize that — seemingly overnight — our strong, independent parents need our help.

This topic hits home for me. After years of caregiving during their protracted illnesses, I’ve recently bid farewell to both of my parents. Unexpected waves of grief and moments of regret hit me like a gut punch when I least expect them. In a very real sense, caregiving for my parents was my life’s greatest privilege, but it came with a price and trials that very nearly did me in spiritually, emotionally and physically.

I’m part of the new generation of seniors who — while only just adjusting to our own aging — are being asked to care for our parents while often serving as caretakers for our grandchildren as well. Their parents, our children, often need two incomes just to make ends meet, so some of us are now packing school lunches for our grandchildren while arranging medical appointments for our parents.

In some ways, we are not unique, but

Mom didn’t jump on Instagram to vent about the challenges of taking in her elderly mother while still actively parenting my youngest sibling.

In those years, I unthinkingly added to her load by having her watch my thentoddler so I could enjoy a “Mom’s Night Out.” Looking back, I realize now that she never refused, even though her stress was undoubtedly getting the better of her.

Without words, she modeled for me the caregiver’s journey.

I won’t pretend to have any wisdom about how one should answer an unexpected (but vocational) call to caregiving, but now — as I walk alongside my husband as he takes on the care of his parents — I realize one great lesson I learned with Mom and Daddy that is helping me to be a

better partner to him in this process: the importance of a trusted companion. It is a gift just to have an assurance that someone can be trusted to walk this path, full of so many unknowns.

While rereading my journals from those long days of caretaking, I came across an apt quote I’d transcribed from Rosalynn Carter: “There are only four kinds of people in the world. Those who have been caregivers. Those who are currently caregivers. Those who will be caregivers, and those who will need a caregiver.” Every family will have

to address distinctly challenging logistics for themselves. But if we have a loved one in need of care, we are caregivers.

My instinct is to be unwilling to be a bother to others, and I too often try to cope with stressful circumstances on my own.

But when taking care of my parents, I worked overtime to communicate with my siblings and my husband. It made a difference to know that I was not alone in the process. Still, early in my caregiving journey, I recognized the very real impact my new role was having

on our marriage.

Now, accompanying my husband as he enters a more intense phase of parental care, I am there for him, because I see how much his support meant to me.

Along with his companionship, I relied upon the compassion of friends and learned hard lessons about patience and trusting God’s perfect will.

I often prayed over the passage of John’s Gospel where Jesus entrusted John with the caregiving of his own mother (Jn 19:26-27), because the caregiver’s path is one best walked in the

company of others. Our Lord must have known that, when he gave his mother into the care of his beloved disciple, and him into hers.

My darkest days came when I allowed myself to succumb to the isolation that can so easily imprison caregivers.

Light and hope finally returned when I learned to graciously ask for and accept help. It is the great takeaway lesson of caregiving: Never be afraid to ask for help from heaven or to lean into the support of your companions on earth.

LISA M. HENDEY

Lisa M. Hendey is the founder of CatholicMom.com, a bestselling author and an international speaker. Visit her online at: www.LisaHendey.com or on social media @lisahendey.

WHAT’S SEMINARY LIFE REALLY LIKE?

STORY BY JACK FIGGE / PHOTOS BY JERRY NAUNHEIM

Two archdiocesan seminarians take us inside Kenrick-Glennon

ST. LOUIS — The bell chimes, kneelers clank against the pew, cassocks swoosh and 30 seminarians begin a simple hymn. These sounds greet the ears of each seminarian at Kenrick-Glennon Seminary as they begin their day with Mass.

When a young man enters the seminary, he begins an intense seven to nine years of intellectual, pastoral, human and spiritual formation. For seminarians of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, many of those years are spent at either St. John Vianney Seminary in Denver or Kenrick-Glennon Seminary in St. Louis, where they receive formation in preparation for ordination.

In a recent address to seminary formators and seminarians from Saint Mary Seminary in Cleveland, Pope Francis challenged them to focus on three principles: listening to God, giving witness and walking with one another in their daily life at the seminary.

Listening to God

At 5:40 a.m., College I student Jimmy Mendoza, a parishioner of Holy Spirit in Overland Park, awakens to his blaring alarm clock. Rolling out of bed, he throws on clothes, buttons up his cassock and rushes down the staircase, entering the St. Charles Borromeo Chapel at precisely 6 a.m., still yawning . . . just in time for the college seminary Holy Hour.

Down the hallway, Theology II student Will Sutherland, a parishioner of Most Pure Heart of Mary in Topeka, enters the St. Joseph Chapel. Arriving wide awake, as he chooses to wake up at 5 a.m., he joins the pre-theologians and his fellow theology students for a silent Holy Hour, morning prayer and Mass. So begins another day for these two seminarians.

“I love the opportunity to get to start every day with two hours of prayer, with the Holy Hour and then Mass,” said Mendoza. “That’s just such a great

>> Continued on the next page

College student Jimmy Mendoza (left) and Theology II student Will Sutherland are seminarians for the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas studying at Kenrick-Glennon Seminary in St. Louis.

Leaven freelance reporter Jack Figge and photographer Jerry Naunheim followed the two around for a day to discover what seminary life is like for them.

Seminarian Will Sutherland, a Theology II student at Kenrick-Glennon Seminary in St. Louis, pulls on his surplice before morning prayer.

>> Continued from previous page

way to start my day and order it around prayer. The structured prayer time is something that I really missed when I went off to college for a year, and I’m glad to have that now.”

A seminarian’s day not only starts with prayer — it revolves around it. From praying at the beginning of class, pausing at noon for the Angelus, to ending the day with communal night prayer, prayer suffuses his schedule.

In fact, from the moment a student first enters the seminary, formators and spiritual directors challenge and assist them to develop a deep and rich prayer life — key to listening to God and building a relationship with him.

“When a seminarian develops a relationship with God through a deep prayer life, what that man comes to know is that he’s loved by God,” said Father Jason Schumer, vice rector for Cardinal Glennon College. “Upon receiving that love, then he’s able to share that love. That sharing of love is witnessing the Gospel.”

Slowly drifting out of the chapels, the seminarians head to breakfast. There, they each eagerly greet James, the custodian, enjoying his jokes and casual commentary as they wait in the breakfast line. Once seated, conversation flows, with the seminarians constructing an elaborate comparison between the seminary and a high school football program to the young College I students listening to the stories of Father Donald Anstoetter, who joined them for breakfast.

“The structure of [a] seminary opens up the potential for a lot of depth in relationships with God and with our brothers here,” said Sutherland. “There’s just a lot of intentional time that we spend with God in prayer and then with our brothers at mealtimes.”

While the seminarians would love to stay and chat all day, the time comes for Mendoza and Sutherland to head to their first period class. Sutherland embarks on the short walk to Room 105 for class. Mendoza, however, joins other college students for the trek down to St. Louis University, where College I and II students take many of their classes.

While the drive takes a mere 15 minutes, the seminarians embrace every second of it, choosing to use the time to foster deeper friendships with the other men.

Mendoza climbs into a gold Ford van with four other seminarians. Immediately, the driver leads the group in praying a blessing of travelers.

Once they say Amen, though, the driver turns on a designated playlist de-

pending on the day of the week — Tuesday means the seminarians jam out to Taylor Swift and, of course, Friday means that Rebecca Black’s “Friday” is the only song they listen to.

Giving witness

Walking into the classroom at St. Louis University’s Catholic Studies Center, Mendoza provides a joyful witness to the SLU college students that are in his Catholic Intellectual Heritage class. The teacher Father Matthew Baugh tells everyone to settle down, and Mendoza takes his seat, a fellow seminarian on his left and a SLU student on his right.

“While at SLU, I love the opportunity to get to engage with students my age in great conversations and let them know that someone truly does care for them,” said Mendoza. “Even if we don’t end up talking about Jesus, I love just letting them know that they are seen, known and loved.”

Back at the seminary, Sutherland sits in the front-right corner of Dr. Lawrence Feingold’s Creation and Eschatology class. Even though future priests fill the

Seminarian Jimmy Mendoza (center) joins other seminarians for morning prayer. Will Sutherland (center) joins Xavier Schmidt, a Theology I student from the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph, for breakfast.

Morning prayer starts the day off for seminarians at Kenrick-Glennon Seminary in St. Louis. A seminarian’s day not only starts with prayer — it revolves around it.

room, classroom shenanigans persist, with seminarians passing notes, cracking side jokes and a few even struggling to stay awake.

Unfazed by the antics, Feingold continues his discussion on heaven, hell and purgatory, even incorporating a pastoral challenge for his students — to motivate future parishioners with a positive portrayal of ideas — into his lesson.

“The beauty of teaching at a seminary is that the things that are in the syllabus

are things that are in the Catechism [of the Catholic Church]. And then, I have to help mold the lives of the future faithful — presuming that these guys get ordained — so that they may be able to present the faith to their future congregation in a way that will be attractive to [them],” said Feingold. “If I present class without that perspective, then I am not doing my job as a seminary formator.”

After class, Sutherland joins many of his brother seminarians for a special

Path to priesthood

If a young man decides to enter the seminary right out of high school, he begins a nine-year program. For the first four years of formation, seminarians at this stage are considered college seminarians. During this time, in addition to formation, they will earn a bachelor’s degree in philosophy. Freshman and sophomore students at Kenrick-Glennon Seminary in St. Louis, the location of the accompanying article, take some of their classes at St. Louis University.

After completing college seminary, the men advance to the theology program. During the five years of theology, seminarians receive a master’s degree in theology and extensive formation for the priesthood. Between Theology II and Theology III, seminarians undertake a pastoral year, during which they live and serve at a parish for the entire year, but do not take any classes.

After the pastoral year, they complete Theology III, after which the seminarians are ordained to the transitional diaconate and ordained to the priesthood at the conclusion of Theology IV.

For post-college men who enter the seminary, they typically undertake a seven-year program, where they study philosophy for two years as pre-theologians, and then finish with the standard five-year program.

lunch in the Father Kapaun Student Center. Indulging in a catered Chinese meal, the seminarians gather to listen to Father Shane Deman, vice rector for formation, who leads the seminarians in a reflection about their participation at the recent SEEK conference. Many seminarians shared that while the speakers were insightful, the most powerful moments of the week came through the interactions they had with other conference attendees.

Apostolic works, such as encountering retreat attendees, serve as a critical component to a seminarian’s formation. Different stages of formation task seminarians to do various apostolic works.

As a College I student, for example, Mendoza visits with two residents at a nursing home once a week. Sutherland, as a Theology II student, received a parish assignment at the beginning of the year.

There, he serves in a variety of capacities every Sunday, from serving at Mass to bringing Communion to the homebound.

“To offer a ministry of presence on these Communion calls where I’m just able to kind of pay attention to them and have nice conversations has been pretty neat,” said Sutherland. “It’s almost been like I am a taxi driver for God.”

Jimmy Mendoza attends a class on Catholic Intellectual Heritage taught by Father Matthew Baugh, SJ, at St. Louis University with other SLU students.

Jimmy Mendoza returns to the seminary after his classes at St. Louis University, where College I and II students take many of their classes.

Seminarian Will Sutherland discusses his calling to the priesthood with reporter Jack Figge.

Discernment from the inside

Jack Figge Special to The Leaven

Once a young man seriously begins discerning whether to enter the seminary, a woman almost always enters the picture. At least that’s what Father Brett Brannen warns young men in his discernment book “To Save a Thousand Souls.”

And I can testify to that phenomenon from personal experience.

Like every person’s discernment story, it is, and continues to be, a lot more complex than a girl entering my life. (To all the curious moms out there, yes, we did end up dating, and yes, we did break up.) But in a way, the discernment process proves to be quite simple — simple in that it revolves around one word: yes.

When we say “no,” we close a door, we stop a moving car on its path. But when we say “yes,” we open the door to new opportunities; we give God the “yes” to use our life in new ways to advance his kingdom.

When I made the decision to not enter the seminary, I thought that I gave God a “no” because I was the only one of my close friends not to enter the seminary. But I said “yes” to attend a college where God could fulfill his plan for me.

Walking with one another

Once classes and apostolic works conclude for the day, Mendoza’s and Sutherland’s schedules become more relaxed. Other than weekly all-college formation meetings, individual meetings, dinner, night prayer and any other irregular mandatory meetings, the rest of the day is theirs.

After classes, many seminarians head to the library to work on homework. Like the typical college student, many seminarians dread those hours.

“When I’m just bogged down with homework, that can kind of be a non-favorite part of the day,” said Mendoza. “It draws me away from the community when I am trying to focus on my own personal homework. And that’s something that I want to be able to work on — being able to know when’s a

good time to study and when’s a good time to be with others. Because they’re both important.”

Beyond homework, a seminarian dedicates the rest of his day to building relationships with his brother seminarians. Constructing fraternal community and relationships are central pillars to seminary formation.

“The most important thing about formation is just accompanying the guys and being with them throughout the day,” said Father Schumer. “And there’s a lot of different encounters we have with the guys through individual formation, meetings, formation conferences — those are kind of pivotal moments. And so, just the more that I get to know the guys and they get to know me, and they learn to trust and open their mouth, that’s kind of how the formation happens.”

After he finishes his homework, Mendoza heads to the private quarters, finding a group playing cards in the lounge. Immediately, they invite Mendoza to join in 10-point pitch, a favorite card game in

the seminary.

Sutherland swaps his clerics (black pants, black shirt and clerical collar, which the seminarians wear in class) for athletic clothes, then heads outside, where he finds a group of seminarians playing pickleball. He jumps into the rotation, striking up a conversation with the other players.

“I always love either getting outside for a walk, going to the gym and lifting, or playing sports outside,” said Sutherland. “There are a lot of athletic guys in the seminary, and I am not necessarily athletic by nature. But I enjoy being able to feed off of their energy and taking part in the games.”

As the day draws to a close, the seminarians all head to a family-style dinner, enjoying conversation with the other seminarians from the archdiocese. Then, all the seminarians file into the chapel one more time for night prayer.

Heading upstairs to his room, Mendoza strikes up one last conversation with a fellow seminarian. While it begins with a

Of course, I spent and continue to spend plenty of time praying about where I should go, and prayer is essential to discernment. We must silence ourselves to listen for God’s voice.

But when we receive a prompting, an opportunity, we must act. God cannot move a parked car. And action requires one word to set forth: yes.

simple ‘How was your day?’ the conversation quickly turns deep as the young men share about the ways the Lord has been moving within their heart.

“Just that raw vulnerability that we have is incredible — that we can so easily jump into a deep conversation even at night when you’re tired,” said Mendoza.

“The fact that right after prayer you can then engage in community and that’s how you get to end every day?” he continued, “I consider that a big gift that we get to start and end every day with the Lord and with community.”

Jack Figge, freelance reporter for The Leaven, interviews seminarian Will Sutherland at Kenrick-Glennon Seminary in St. Louis.

>> Continued from previous page

From left, seminarians Marshall Wiater, Jimmy Mendoza and Dillon Kay play cards after finishing their homework after a long day of classes. A favorite card game in the seminary is 10-point pitch.

At the end of the day, Will Sutherland studies in the quiet solitude of the Kenrick-Glennon library.

Church of Ireland hopes to boost vocations with new program

By Sarah Mac Donald OSV News

DUBLIN (OSV News) — The church in Ireland is launching a Year for Vocations as it grapples with a steep decline in seminary numbers and with aging priests.

Focused on diocesan priesthood, the Year for Vocations opens April 30, on the 60th anniversary of St. Paul VI’s launching of the World Day of Prayer for Vocations in 1963. It will last until April 2024.

“Take the Risk for Christ” is the theme of the initiative, which was unveiled at the national seminary in St. Patrick’s College, Maynooth, March 7 by the Irish Bishops’ Council for Vocations.

It takes place as the Irish church’s 26 dioceses implement radical structural changes, including parish partnerships and enhanced roles for the laity, to offset the lack of priests.

“I suggest you look at your priest. He may be the last in a long line of resident pastors and may not be replaced,” Archbishop Francis Duffy told the congregation in St. Mary’s Church, Westport, in the Archdiocese of Tuam last July.

His stark warning was borne out by a survey published by the Association of Catholic Priests (ACP) last November that showed that a quarter of all priests currently serving in the Irish church are set to retire over the next 15 years.

The survey revealed that 547 of the 2,100 priests working in the Irish Church are aged between the ages of 61 and 75 and nearly 300 or 15% of working priests are 75 years old or older. The survey also showed that just 52

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priests — or less than 2.5% of working priests — are younger than 40, and there are just 47 seminarians in St. Patrick’s College. In 1984, there were 171 ordinations in Ireland.

One of the factors that has contributed to the decline in vocations is the clerical sexual abuse scandals. It was publicly underscored recently when a rising political star of the Fianna Fáil party announced he was resigning his council seat to train as a priest. Thirtyyear-old Councillor Mark Nestor said he first thought about priesthood in his late teens but was “put off by the various scandals involving the church in Ireland.”

“There are vocations in Ireland. God is constantly calling; it’s just that in the midst of the loudness of the alternative voices, God is being drowned out a bit at present,” Bishop Lawrence Duffy

of the Irish bishops’ Council for Vocations, told OSV News.

Ordained in 1976, Bishop Duffy trained for priesthood at St. Patrick’s College Carlow, one of a string of seminaries across Ireland that no longer offers formation. “The decline has been gradual, from an exceptionally high level of priests historically to a level today that calls for urgent change,” he said.

He believes the church of the future “will be less clerical and less dependent on a priest” as the Irish church moves toward “greater lay leadership.” But he underlined, “To say that there are ‘no Irish priests’ is clearly not true.”

A case in point is the Redemptoris Mater Seminary in Dundalk, in the Archdiocese of Armagh, seat of the Primate of All Ireland and the place where St. Patrick is reputed to have built his

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first church. Last year the seminary, which was established in 2012 to form priests for the Neocatechumenal Way, announced it was building an extension to cater to a sustained growth in vocations.

So far four priests have been ordained from the seminary, and they are now serving in the parishes of the Archdiocese of Armagh and in the Diocese of Dromore. Martin Long, a spokesman for Armagh, told OSV News that another 16 men from six countries (Croatia, Italy, Malta, Poland, Spain and the U.S.) are currently studying for priesthood there.

A number of Irish dioceses have recruited priests from Africa and Asia to serve in their parishes in a bid to counter the collapse in priest numbers. In the Dioceses of Clogher, where Bishop Duffy serves, two priests from Nigeria are currently in parish ministry, out of a total of 48 priests serving in the diocese, several of whom are in their late 80s.

Polish priests are also playing a significant role in most dioceses. Father Stanislaw Hajkowski of the Society of Christ is coordinator of the Polish Chaplains in Ireland and rector of St. Audoen’s Church in the Archdiocese of Dublin.

He told OSV News that “at present eight priests are serving Polish communities in Dublin and are involved to a various degree in serving local Irish communities.” The total number of Polish priests serving in Ireland is 25.

“People really do value their local priest,” Bishop Alphonsus Cullinan, chair of the Council for Vocations highlighted in Maynooth March 7. The new vocations drive aims to tap into that goodwill.

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OSV NEWS PHOTO/SEÁN MOLLOY, COURTESY IRISH CATHOLIC

Father Gerard Quirke raises the chalice at Mass Rock overlooking Keem Bay on Ireland’s Achill Island April 4, 2021. The church in Ireland is launching a Year for Vocations as it grapples with a steep decline in seminary numbers and with aging priests.

EMPLOYMENT

Head boys basketball coach - Bishop Miege High School is seeking a head boys basketball coach for the 2023-24 school year. Contact Joe Schramp, athletic director, at: jschramp@bishopmiege.com or call (913) 222-5802.

Director for early childhood education - St. Therese Parish in North Kansas City, Missouri, is seeking a director to manage its early childhood center’s day-to-day operation and provide supervision, encouragement and guidance for staff. The director will ensure that all guidelines and criteria of Missouri child care licensing and NAEYC accreditation are followed. This position is full time, benefit-eligible based on 30 hours per week. To see full job description and apply, go to: www.kcsjcatholic.org, scroll down to the bottom and go to “Quick links” and click on “Employment opportunities.”

Catholic elementary school principal - Christ the King School in Kansas City, Kansas, is seeking an individual with demonstrated skill in spiritual, academic and advancement leadership, and experience in the classical liberal arts for the 2023-24 school year. Familiarity with Spanish is a plus. Christ the King School has approximately 216 students in K - 8th grades and 20 preschoolers taught by 19 teachers. Applicants for principal must be practicing Catholics, understand the mission of Catholic schools, and have or be eligible for Kansas licensure in education leadership. Please apply at: www.archkck. org. Call (913) 336-1550 with questions.

Music and liturgy coordinator - Saint Pius X Parish is seeking a music liturgy coordinator responsible for coordinating the schedules of cantors, choirs and accompanists. The coordinator needs a good knowledge and understanding of Catholic liturgy and traditions, helping build and form the liturgical music culture of the parish. The position includes planning and developing the full liturgical cycle, including Sunday and Holy Day liturgies and other major parish celebrations. The coordinator is expected to assist liturgical teams and committees. Responsibilities include: maintain the parish liturgical music collection; order music as needed; manage the parish copyright and licensing programs; serve as a resource to clergy, religious education/formation staff and catechists in selecting music and planning liturgies and prayer services. Contact search committee c/o: lwagner@spxmission.org to submit your resume.

Coordinator of youth ministry and confirmationCorpus Christi Parish in Lawrence is seeking a dynamic and enthusiastic individual to fulfill the full-time role of coordinator of youth ministry and confirmation. This person will be responsible for creating and implementing, administering and evaluating a high school and middle school ministry including sacramental preparation for confirmation. This role will collaborate with the pastor, parish and school staff and parents, as well as the archdiocesan youth ministry office. This ministry will require work during evenings and on weekends. The candidate must be an active Roman Catholic with a deep faith in Christ, rooted in the work of God and the Catholic tradition, and a model of a moral life for our youth. Salary based on experience. For a full job description, visit: cccparish.org and click on “Our Parish,” then scroll down to and click on “Employment Opportunities.” Interested applicants should send a cover letter and resume to Father Jerry Volz at: frjerry@cccparish.org.

Catholic elementary school secretary - St. Ann School in Prairie Village is seeking a full-time front office secretary for the 2023-24 school year. This position provides daily support to families, faculty and students performing various tasks. Applicant must possess strong written and verbal communication skills, be detail-oriented, have the ability to manage multiple projects and should have experience using Microsoft programs. Benefits included. Send references, resume and cover letter to Susie Lutz at: susielutz@stannpv.org.

Occupational therapist - Nativity Parish School in Leawood is seeking an occupational therapist for the 2023-24 school year. Applicants should apply online through the archdiocesan website at: archkckcs.org and scroll down to “Job Openings” and email principal Luke Jennison at: luke.jennison@kcnativity.org.

Administrative assistant - The office of the tribunal is seeking a qualified candidate to fill a full-time administrative assistant position. This position would be responsible for handling all day-to-day office duties. Prior experience working in a professional office environment with a minimum of three years of experience is preferred. To learn more about this opportunity or to apply, visit the website at: archkck.org/jobs.

Building attendant - The Savior Pastoral Center is currently looking for a building attendant. This position is an on-site, live-in staff member who provides hospitality, security, maintenance and custodial services at Savior Pastoral Center. This position will work in the evening and on weekends. To learn more about this position or to apply, visit: archkck.org/jobs.

Teacher openings - Bishop Miege High School has the following teacher openings for the 2023-24 school year: AP chemistry, English and math. Send letter of interest and resume to Maureen Engen at: mengen@ bishopmiege.com.

Fifth grade teacher - Nativity Parish School in Leawood is seeking a fifth grade teacher for the 2023-24 school year. Applicants should apply online through the archdiocesan website at: archkckcs.org and scroll down to “Job Openings” and email principal Luke Jennison at: luke.jennison@kcnativity.org.

Administrative assistant - Curé of Ars is a thriving, vibrant parish, looking to add a detail-oriented staff member to support and enhance the children’s school of religion program and sacramental preparation. The ideal candidate will be proficient at using Google Suite and/ or Microsoft Office products to organize and format data from various systems. Additionally, this team member will work closely with the school of religion coordinator to conduct occasional weeknight and weekend events. This position requires a minimum of 30 hours per week and includes benefits while offering some schedule flexibility. Must have good communication skills and be a practicing Catholic. If interested, mail Bernadette with a cover letter and resume to: bernadettemyers@ cureofars.com.

Non-medical caregivers - Saint Rita Home Care is hiring non-medical caregivers for seniors. Seeking compassionate individuals to fill all shifts. Call or text Renee Margush at (913) 229-4267, or rmargush@saintritahc. com. Member of Prince of Peace Parish, Olathe.

Field service technician - Are you a self-motivated individual looking for something new and different? We are a locally owned business currently seeking candidates for a position to service and repair small scientific equipment. This position requires travel within a 4-state area to colleges, hospitals, laboratories and other institutions. The successful candidate will have an aptitude for fine mechanics, the ability to analyze, evaluate and assess complex components and small parts. They will also need good communication, time management and customer service skills. Reliable transportation is a must and travel expenses are paid by the company. Hours are flexible depending on customer needs. Please send resume to: techneeded23@gmail.com.

Administrative specialist - Sacred Heart Parish in Shawnee is looking for an administrative specialist. This full-time position (30 - 35 hours per week) will be responsible for a variety of administrative functions such as data management, bookkeeping, miscellaneous duties and archdiocesan reporting. This position provides direct support to the pastor, finance and facilities. For a full job description and to apply, go online to: www.shoj. org/employment-opportunities.

Director of early education center – St. Joseph Parish in Shawnee is seeking a full-time director for the early education center. Qualified candidate should have a strong Catholic faith and love for children. Requirements for this position include a bachelor’s degree in academic studies or in child development/early childhood education, with one year as a program director in a licensed facility. This position is responsible for the operations of the center and ensuring regulatory and legal compliance with applicable federal, state and local regulations. This position supervises all associates working at the assigned center to ensure implementation of age appropriate curriculum; ongoing monitoring of children’s development; recruitment and enrollment; family development plans; and family participation and satisfaction. Interested individuals should email resume and cover letter to Melissa Thomas at: mthomas@stjoeshawnee. org. For more information, call (913) 631-0800.

Food program manager - The position will entail preparing menus and meals for the St. Joseph Early Education Center, ordering necessities and record- keeping for filling out forms to be submitted for our lunch program (CACFP). State guidelines and regulations are to be followed. Please call (913) 248-4585 if you are interested in the position.

Music director - Divine Mercy Parish in Gardner is seeking a music director. The position is part time (up to 20 hours per week). Piano and organ experience are preferred. Will be responsible for managing all aspects of the pastor’s direction. For more information or to send your resume, please contact Maria Lopeman at (913) 856-7781 or email: parish@divinemercyks.org.

Full-time educators - Are you a caring, compassionate educator looking to make a lasting, positive impact on the lives of young students? Have you been searching for a place where family and community take center stage? We’re looking for full-time teachers to join our team of long-serving, dedicated professionals who spend their days sparking learning and creating joy. Christ the King Early Education Center is looking for a fun, energetic individual to care for and teach our early learners the word of God and to prepare them for preschool. Must have formal child care experience. Must be a team player. If you’re ready to move into a career that makes a difference, and you consider yourself a natural, empathetic leader, have work experience and/or educational background in ECE (CDA or higher preferred), are a strong verbal and written communicator, can physically complete the tasks necessary to care for small children, and agree with and can deliver on our mission to provide exceptional care and learning with compassion and heart, then you’re the type of person we are looking for. At Christ the King Early Education Center, our mission is to invoke a passion for lifelong learning and light a fire toward a loving God while building a strong relationship with friends, families and the community we live in. Core values: compassion, tools for success in life, knowledge, ethics, environment and a child’s belief in a loving God. Perks and benefits: health plan, prescription plan, dental plan, eye plan, health savings or FSA, dependent care FSA, life insurance, 401(k) matched up to 4% annually, Tria Health coverage, paid sick and vacation and paid holidays, birthday and work anniversary gifts; fun, entertaining environment; supportive and helpful parents of our clients. Job types: full time. Salary from $14 - $16 per hour. Schedule: four 10-hour days, Monday-Friday Education: High school or equivalent (required); Experience: teaching: one year (required). Work location: 5973 S.W. 25th St., Topeka, KS 66614. Contact information: Ctkeec@gmail.com, or (785) 272-2999.

Middle school ELA teacher - Nativity Parish School in Leawood is seeking a middle school ELA teacher for the 2023-24 school year. Applicants should apply online through the archdiocesan website at: archkckcs.org and scroll down to “Job Openings” and email principal Luke Jennison at: luke.jennison@kcnativity.org.

Part-time receptionist - The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas is seeking a part-time receptionist for the chancery office. This position is responsible for operating the main switchboard, receiving all calls and visitors to the chancery, sorting mail and other clerical duties as assigned. To apply for this position, visit the website at: archkck.org/jobs.

Kindergarten teacher - Nativity Parish School in Leawood is seeking a kindergarten teacher for the 2023-24 school year. Applicants should apply online through the archdiocesan website at: archkckcs.org and scroll down to “Job Openings” and email principal Luke Jennison at: luke.jennison@kcnativity.org.

Administrative specialist - Sacred Heart Parish in Shawnee is seeking to fill a full-time position (30 - 35 hours per week) for an administrative specialist that will serve missionary discipleship efforts and the parish front office. This position will handle a wide range of office administration tasks. If you have a heart for living mission, an eye for detail, excellent written and verbal communication skills, and Microsoft Office Suite knowledge, we encourage you to apply at our website at: shoj.org/ employment-opportunities.

Catholic financial planners – The Knights of Columbus Mahon Agency has openings in NE Kansas and western Missouri, covering areas in and around Kansas City, Kansas; Kansas City, Missouri; northern Missouri; Topeka; and Atchison. We have much to offer determined, disciplined and high-expectation professionals who would like to share needed life insurance, disability income, long-term care and annuity products with other Catholic individuals and families. This is a full-time position with excellent, multi-tiered training and benefits, allowing the successful field agent to earn a professional level income. This is an exciting career opportunity that may be the right fit at the right time for you or someone you know. For further information, contact John A. Mahon at (785) 408-8800, or at: john.mahon@kofc.org.

Victim care advocate - The victim care advocate works in collaboration with the archdiocesan report investigator and the office for protection and care to accompany victims/survivors. The incumbent is responsible for providing support to and identifying resources for victims and their families, including managing treatment services and other care and resources for immediate and long-term needs. This is a safety-sensitive position, exercising a high degree of discretion, trust and confidence. To learn more about this position or to apply, please visit: https://archkck.org/jobs.

Elementary assistant - Our Lady’s Montessori School is seeking an enthusiastic and dedicated Catholic to serve as an assistant in an elementary classroom. We are looking for someone who has a deep love for God and a deep love for children. Experience with Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is preferable but not required. All employees are expected to fully support the teachings of the Catholic Church. In order to request an application, please submit a cover letter and a resume to: jwallace@olmskc.org.

Extended day care position - Holy Spirit Catholic School in Overland Park is seeking an enthusiastic person to be the group leader in our after-school care program. This well-established program runs from 3 - 5:45 p.m. each school day. We are looking for a faith-filled, responsible, organized and creative person. Applicants should have knowledge of child development and be able to implement age-appropriate activities. The ability to communicate clearly with children, colleagues and parents is most important in order to foster positive relationships. Applicants must attend Virtus training, ongoing childcare training and be at least 18 years old. Contact Tessa Piscitello at (913) 492-2582 or email: tpiscitello@hscatholic.org for more information.

Part-time educators - Are you a caring, compassionate educator looking to make a lasting, positive impact on the lives of young students? Have you been searching for a place where family and community take center stage? We’re looking for part-time teachers to join our team of long-serving, dedicated professionals who spend their days sparking learning and creating joy. Christ the King Early Education Center is looking for a fun, energetic individual to care for and teach our early learners the word of God and to prepare them for preschool. Must have formal child care experience. Must be a team player. If you’re ready to move into a career that makes a difference, and you consider yourself a natural, empathetic leader, have work experience and/or educational background in ECE (CDA or higher preferred), are a strong verbal and written communicator, can physically complete the tasks necessary to care for small children, and agree with and can deliver on our mission to provide exceptional care and learning with compassion and heart, then you’re the type of person we are looking for. At Christ the King Early Education Center, our mission is to invoke a passion for lifelong learning and light a fire toward a loving God while building a strong relationship with friends, families, and the community we live in. Core values: compassion, tools for success in life, knowledge, ethics, environment, and a child’s belief in a loving God. Salary: from $12 per hour up to $15. Schedule: after school and/or 12-week summer camp; Monday to Friday. Experience: one year of child care (required); license/certification in first aid (preferred); and CPR certification (preferred). Work location: 5973 S.W. 25th St., Topeka, KS 66614. Contact information: Ctkeec@gmail. com or (785) 272-2999.

First grade teacher - Nativity Parish School in Leawood is seeking a first grade teacher for the 2023-24 school year. Applicants should apply online through the archdiocesan website at: archkckcs.org and scroll down to “Job Openings” and email principal Luke Jennison at: luke.jennison@kcnativity.org.

Three- to six-year-olds guide - As Our Lady’s Montessori School continues to grow, we are seeking an enthusiastic and dedicated Catholic to serve as a primary lead guide, trained in the 3- to 6-year-olds Montessori Method. We are looking for someone who has a deep love for God and a deep love for children. Experience with Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is preferable but not required. All employees are expected to fully support the teachings of the Catholic Church. Montessori training opportunities may be available. Please complete an application found at: olmskc.org/job-opportunities and submit a cover letter and a resume to: jwallace@olmskc. org.

Catholic elementary school principal – Holy Family School in Topeka is seeking an individual with demonstrated skill in spiritual, academic and advancement, particularly in the area of enrollment management leadership for the 2023-24 school year. Ability to understand and speak Spanish is a plus. Holy Family has approximately 150 students in K - 8th grades and 14 preschoolers taught by 13 teachers. Applicants for principal must be practicing Catholics, understand the mission of Catholic schools and have or be eligible for Kansas licensure in educational leadership. Please apply online at: www. archkckcs.org and send resume and credentials to: Superintendent Dr. Vince Cascone, Catholic schools office, via email to: vcascone@archkckcs.org.

Elementary lead - Our Lady’s Montessori School is seeking an enthusiastic and dedicated Catholic, AMI trained 6 - 12, to lead our upper elementary classroom ages 9 - 12. We are looking for someone who has a deep love for God and a deep love for learning. Experience with Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is preferable but not required. All employees are expected to fully support the teachings of the Catholic Church. In order to request an application, please submit a cover letter and a resume to: jwallace@olmskc.org.

Early childhood educators – With multiple locations in Johnson County, Special Beginnings Early Learning Center provides high quality child care in a safe, loving Christian environment. Our classrooms are full, and we are looking to add to our amazing team. We are looking for both full-time and part-time teachers for all ages of children. If you have an excellent work ethic, a heart for children and a willingness to learn more about early childhood education, we would love to meet you. For more information or to apply, call Carolyn Andruss at (913) 894-0131, ext. 102.

Teacher - St. Joseph Early Education Center in Shawnee is seeking a teacher for a full-time three-year-olds room. The salary is competitive. Benefits include medical, dental and vision insurance. If you are interested, call (913) 631-0004 or email: mthomas@stjoeshawnee.org to set up an interview with Melissa Thomas.

Third grade teacher - Nativity Parish School in Leawood is seeking a third grade teacher for the 2023-24 school year. Applicants should apply online through the archdiocesan website at: archkckcs.org and scroll down to “Job Openings” and email principal Luke Jennison at: luke.jennison@kcnativity.org.

Full-time lead teacher - Prince of Peace Early Education Center is seeking a year-round, full-time lead teacher in our preschool (3-year-olds) classroom who has a love for children and a background in early childhood (education and/or experience required). Job duties include: care and supervision of children at all times; face-toface parent communication; closing and cleaning procedures; and creating and implementing lesson plans and activities. This position is available upon completion of orientation and training. We offer competitive wages based on education level and experience. Please email or send resume to: jwessel@popolathe.org.

Administrative assistant – St. Joseph Early Education Center in Shawnee is seeking a full-time administrative assistant. Interested individuals should email cover letter and resume to Melissa Thomas at: mthomas@stjoe shawnee.org. For more information, you can call (913) 631-0800.

Principal - Our Lady’s Montessori School is seeking to hire a principal with a knowledge of Montessori education and Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. Qualities must include a love for the Catholic faith and children, and be willing to collaborate with the SOLT Sisters to help the Catholic identity and the SOLT charism of the school thrive. Qualifications we are looking for: experience in formation of children; management of faculty; organizational and leadership skills; and excellent written and verbal communication skills. To request an application, submit a cover letter and a resume to: jwallace@olmskc.org.

Caregivers - Daughters & Company is looking for several compassionate caregivers to provide assistance to seniors in their home, assisted living or in a skilled nursing facility. We provide light housekeeping/light meal preparation, organizational assistance, care management and occasional transportation services for our clients. We need caregivers with reliable transportation and a cellphone for communication. A CNA background is helpful, though not mandatory. We typically employ on a part-time basis, but will strive to match up hours desired. Contact Gary or Laurie at (913) 341-2500 if you want to become part of an excellent caregiving team.

>> Classifieds continue on page 13

DISCOVERY DAY FOR TEACHERS: LEARN ABOUT TEACHING IN ARCHDIOCESAN CATHOLIC SCHOOLS

Hayden High School

401 S.W. Gage Blvd., Topeka

March 25 from 9 - 11 a.m.

Stop by to learn about benefits, tuition remission, teacher autonomy, faith-based curriculum, faith formation, job openings and more! Registration is not required but is encouraged. Go online to: www.survey monkey.com/r/HKMJTC8.

TRIVIA-BINGO NIGHT

George Meyn Community Center

126th and State Ave., Bonner Springs

March 25 at 6 p.m.

Doors open at 6 p.m. and games begin at 7 p.m. Help support Christ the King Parish and School in Kansas City, Kansas, by attending a fun evening of trivia and bingo! $50 per person; open bar. Learn more and sign up online at: CTKKCKS.org.

PARISH MISSION

Queen of the Holy Rosary - Wea

22779 Metcalf Ave., Bucyrus

March 26 at 3 p.m.

March 27, 28, 29, 30 at 6:30 p.m.

The parish mission will be given by Redemptorist priest Father Steve Rehrauer from Tucson, Arizona. He will lead the program “Rekindle Our Faith.” This is a one-ofa-kind experience to encounter Our Lord Jesus Christ and develop a more personal

>> Continued from page 12

Drivers and aides - Assisted Transportation is now hiring safe drivers and aides to transport students with special needs in Johnson, Wyandotte and Clay County, Missouri, in company vans. Drivers earn $14 - $16 per hour. Aides earn $12 per hour. Part-time and full-time schedules available. CDL not required. Retirees encouraged to apply. Make a difference in your community by helping those in need. Call (913) 521-4955 for more information. EEO.

Staff job openings - Donnelly College in Kansas City, Kansas, has the following staff job openings available: Director of Development and Vice President of business affairs/CFO Chief Financial Officer. Find job descriptions and details at: www.donnelly.edu/careers.

Stylists needed - Are you addicted to the TV show “Say Yes to the Dress”? Are you self-motivated, love fashion and enjoy helping people look their best? If so, we want to talk to you! Sincerely Susan, a unique destination shop boutique is a warehouse environment where clients come in by appointment only. You must have a sense of style and a great personality to be able to interact with our “moms.” Hours are flexible. Must be willing to work a minimum of one evening per week and weekends. Must be able to stand and walk on concrete for long periods of time and reach overhead to pull gowns. Previous retail experience preferred, but not necessary. Hourly rate is based on experience. If interested, call (913) 730-8840.

Faculty and adjunct faculty job openings - Donnelly College, Kansas City, Kansas, is a Catholic college offering higher education for those who may not otherwise be served. Faculty job openings include: nursing school and professor of philosophy. Adjunct faculty job openings: biology, clinical nursing supervisor, information systems coordinator and math (KCKS) and math (Lansing). Find job descriptions and details at: www.donnelly.edu/careers

HOME IMPROVEMENT

Interior painting

Interior painting specialist. 20 years’ experience. Call Jerry at (913) 206-1144. Member St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee.

Handyman - Thanks everyone for a great last year. This year I am targeting kitchen/bathroom and basement remodeling, from start to finish. As well as decks, covered decks, porches, sun rooms and room additions! We also do a ton of tile, ceiling retexturing and flooring. Full exterior painting, staining and wood rot. We are also offering design consultations which are free with signed contract. If you are not sure we do it, just call. From my family to yours thank you for supporting my small business. Call Josh at (913) 709-7230.

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

relationship with him. Come experience faith-filled inspirational talks along with community prayer and music. For more information go online to: https://qhrwea. church/parishmission.

WOMEN’S SUFFRAGE

Keeler Women’s Center

759 Vermont Ave., Kansas City, Kansas

March 28 from 2 - 3:30 p.m.

Come celebrate Women’s History Month through the journey of the women’s suffrage movement. Register by calling or texting (913) 689-9375.

TABLES FOR TWO: AN EVENING OF MARRIAGE ENRICHMENT

Precious Blood Renewal Center

2120 St. Gaspar Way, Liberty, Missouri

April 1 from 6 - 9 p.m.

This is an evening out for married and engaged couples who want to deepen their relationships. We will serve you a five-course meal with wine in a subdued atmosphere and guide you through a oneon-one discussion. Relaxed, romantic and enriching. Seating is limited. To register, go online to: www.pbrenewalcenter.org or call (816) 415-3745.

IGNATIAN WEEKEND: HABITS OF FREEDOM

Ignatian Spirituality Center of Kansas City April 15 from 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Come spend a day to learn ways to

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.

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.

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

PILGRIMAGE

Pilgrimage to Medjugorje - May 10 - 18 2023. The cost is $2500 per person, which includes airfare, bus transportation, accommodations, two meals per day and daily local guides. Hosted by visionary Mirjana Loldo. For details, call Grace Legaspi at (913) 449-1806.

SERVICES

Garage Door Repair New Garage Doors

A Total Door - KC family owned since ‘83. www.ATotalDoor.com or (913) 236-6440

A Total Door (913) 236-6440. (913)205-0926 cell

Dietitian - Improve health, blood pressure, weight and overall better health. Can work with clients by email or in-person appointment. Call (816) 590-5029 or email: ajkeeg@gmail.com.

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

EL SOL Y LA TIERRA

*COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL

*LAWN RENOVATION *MOWING

*CLEANUP AND HAULING

*DIRT GRADING/INSTALLATION

*LANDSCAPE DESIGN* FREE ESTIMATES

HABLAMOS Y ESCRIBIMOS INGLES!!

CALL LUPE AT (816) 252-1391

Quality remodeling - Renovates kitchens and bathrooms; tile work; countertops; drywall; custom cabinetry. Quality work. Call or text (913) 206-4524 or (913) 938-7597; email: robaprince@aol.com; or visit the website at: aprkansascity.com.

Catholic counseling - For individuals, couples, families, adolescents and young adults. Sam Meier, MA, LPC. Call (913) 952-2267 or book an appointment at: StillwatersKC.com, in-person or Telehealth.

choose God throughout your day. Father Chris Collins, SJ, will offer practical tools to help you develop a habit of daily discernment that will lead to inner calm. This day will include time for reflection and faith sharing, in addition to Father Collins’ inspiring talks. For more information, visit the website at: www.ignatiancenterkc.org/events and scroll down to “Ignatian Weekend 2023” or call Stephanie Hudson at (816) 381-9168.

DIVINE MERCY FAMILY DAY

Divine Mercy Parish

555 W. Main St., Gardner

April 16 from 11:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.

There will be food, games, inflatables and other fun. There will be a Holy Hour from 2 - 3 p.m. For more information or to buy tickets, go online to: www.divinemercy ks.org/divine-mercy-sunday-family-day.

SEASONS OF HOPE

Sts. Peter and Paul Parish

411 Pioneer St., Seneca Sundays at 5 pm.

Anyone dealing with the loss of a loved one is welcome to join the Seasons of Hope grief group. For further information, contact Roger Becker at (785) 364-6393.

‘ST. JOHN CLIMACUS: ASCENDING TO MERCY’

Christ’s Peace House of Prayer

22131 Meager Rd., Easton

April 28 - 30

ACT Prep - Founded by a Bishop Miege graduate, Pathway Prep has helped over 250 students during the last four years improve their scores. In-person or virtual sessions available. For more information, visit: pathwayprepkc.com and contact Alex Pint at (913) 9918217 or: alex@pathwayprepkc.com.

Handyman - Home repair; skilled labor; remodeling; handyman work done in a timely manner. References available on request. Call Jeff Mauk at (913) 915-4738.

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.

WELLERBEEF.COM - Local, Catholic, family farm. No antibiotics/hormones. Grass-fed and Traditional. Starter pack to a whole cow. Free delivery in the Kansas City area. We pay the butcher’s processing fees. Currently taking order and making deliveries.

Custom countertops - Laminates installed within 5 days. Cambria, granite and solid surface. Competitive prices, dependable work. Call the Top Shop, Inc., at (913) 962-5058. Members of St. Joseph, Shawnee.

Quality painting - Interior, exterior painting and wood rot repair. Quality workmanship. Insured. Call (913) 2064524; email: robaprince@aol.com; or visit the website at: aprkansascity.com.

FOR SALE

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

For sale - One plot at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Kansas City, Kansas. Located in lot 36, section A, space 4, flat marker only. Price $1700 plus $200 conveyance fee. Call Michele at (913) 269-4813.

For sale - One plot at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Lansing. Located in section 19, row 5, space 57. Current value is $2095, asking $1900 including transfer fee. If interested, call Terry at (913) 488-6856.

For sale - Double, indoor, glass-fronted niche in the main corridor of Holy Trinity Mausoleum of Mount Calvary Cemetery, Topeka. Current value $8,800. Selling for $7000 OBO. Call (316) 304-2839.

For sale - Tandem crypts at Mount Calvary Cemetery in Kansas City, Kansas. Crypt 144A and 144B located in the patio IV, tier G. Retail price is $10,010; selling price is $7500. The conveyance fee will be paid by the seller. Call Angela at (816) 863-2630.

WANTED TO BUY

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

The retreat will begin at 5:30 p.m. on April 28 and end at 4:30 p.m. on April 30.

In St. John Climacus’ “The Ladder of Divine Ascent,” the ascetic life is portrayed as a ladder we must ascend, each step being a virtue to be acquired or a vice to be surrendered. Its 30 steps reflect the hidden life of Christ himself. Let us come ready to climb, ready to surrender ourselves and our all to Jesus’ merciful heart. There are conferences, eucharistic adoration, Mass, confession, and time for private prayer, reflection and walking. Cabins/courtyard rooms: $170 single/$250 couple; or single guest rooms: $100 (meals included). To attend, fill out the Individual retreat form online at: ChristsPeace.com or call (913) 773-8255.

WOMEN’S CONFERENCE ON HEALING AND FORGIVENESS

Holy Trinity Parish

13615 W. 92nd St., Lenexa

May 4 from 5 - 9:30 p.m.

May 5 from 2:30 - 4 p.m. and 6 - 10 p.m. May 6 from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Come join us to experience Christ’s divine mercy and the power of healing and forgiveness in your life. We will have several inspirational speakers, exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, Eucharistic adoration and opportunities for reconciliation. There will also be a wine and cheese social on Friday evening. The early registration cost of $85 ends March 19. The registration fee after that will be $125. For more information, visit the website at: CatholicWomens ConferenceKC.com.

Wanted to buy - Do you have a car or truck that you need to get rid of? If you do, CALL ME!

I’m a cash buyer. We’re Holy Trinity parishioners. My name is Mark. (913) 980-4905.

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.

$$PAYING CASH MONEY$$

For military items, pocket and wristwatches, American coins, old buttons, lanterns, spurs, silver flatware, crocks, pocketknives, oil lamps, lanterns, Southwest items/jewelry. Most old items considered. Call Patricia today at (913) 980-4905.

CAREGIVING

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. Retired nurse - Looking for companion work. Light housekeeping, some cooking and laundry, short-term care and hospice care. Prefers Johnson/Wyandotte County area. Can cover 24/7. Call (913) 602-1289. Homecare - CMA, 15 years’ experience, background check, references from past clients available. Call (913) 999-4340.

Family member with dementia or need help at home?

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

REAL ESTATE

WE WANT TO BUY YOUR HOUSE - There are so many new companies in town advertising to buy houses. But we’re the only ones that have been here and we’re local Holy Trinity parishioners. I will give you a fair price on any conditions you are up against. Call Mark Edmondson. (913) 980-4905.

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

MISCELLANEOUS

St. Patrick Parish Lent dinners - St. Patrick Parish at 1066 N. 94th St., Kansas City, Kansas, on Fridays in Lent from 4:30 - 7 p.m. in the parish center. Cod, catfish and fried shrimp are $14; boiled shrimp is $15. Drive-thru and carryout are available. Call (913) 515-0621 for more information.

DAILY READINGS

FIFTH WEEK OF LENT

March 26

FIFTH SUNDAY OF LENT

Ez 37: 12-14

Ps 130: 1-8

Rom 8: 8-11

Jn 11: 1-45

March 27

Monday

Dn 13: 1-9, 15-17, 19-30, 33-62

Ps 23: 1-6

Jn 8: 1-11

March 28

Tuesday

Nm 21: 4-9

Ps 102: 2-3, 16-21

Jn 8: 21-30

March 29

Wednesday

Dn 3: 14-20, 91-92, 95

(Ps) Dn 3: 52-56

Jn 8: 31-42

March 30

Gn 17: 3-9

Ps 105: 4-9

Jn 8: 51-59

March 31

Jer 20: 10-13

Ps 18: 2-7

Jn 10: 31-42

April 1

Ez 37: 21-28

(Ps) Jer 31: 10-13

Jn 11: 45-56

This simple lesson may bowl you over

Where are the bumpers? I laughed when I heard this question posed by a second grader to his dad this past Saturday. I was at my home parish of St. John the Baptist in Kansas City, Kansas, with some kids from my parish in Tonganoxie and their families. We were at St. John’s Catholic Club for an evening of bowling, fun and fellowship.

St. John’s Club has been part of the parish for over 100 years. Its six-lane bowling alley, where I spent countless hours as a kid, has experienced a renaissance of popularity in recent years. In addition to hosting bowling leagues, the club is rented out to groups on the weekends. This was at least the third time that my parishioners bowled there.

OK, back to that opening question.

“Bumpers” are what many bowling alleys today have available for

FATHER MARK GOLDASICH

youngsters. These bumpers cover the gutters on both sides of the bowling lane, ensuring that the ball will ricochet down the lane and hit the pins. Though it makes bowling more fun for kids, it’s not such a good teacher.

Well, things are pretty much old-school at St. John’s Club. Although the pinsetters are automatic, that’s about it. There are no

MARK MY WORDS

bumpers to be had. Young and inexperienced bowlers today must learn what generations of us endured long ago: Bowling balls are heavy, the distance to the pins is long and your ball will probably end up in those gutters . . . over and over again.

And automatic scorers? Fuhgettaboutit.

Saturday’s bowling reminded me of this story:

Eight-year-old Frank looked forward to a particular Saturday because his dad promised to take him fishing if the weather was nice. Well, wouldn’t you know it, when that Saturday morning

dawned, it was raining heavily and looked like it would continue all day.

Frank wandered about the house and grumbled, “Seems like the Lord would know that it would have been better to have the rain yesterday rather than today!” Hearing Frank’s complaints, his dad tried to explain how badly the rain was needed, how it would make flowers grow and bring much-needed moisture to the farmers’ crops. Frank was having none of it. “It just isn’t right!” he moaned.

About 3 o’clock, though, the rain stopped. The gear was quickly loaded and off they headed to the lake. Whether it was the rain or some other reason, the fish were biting and soon father and son returned with a full string of fine, big fish.

At supper, when some of the fish were ready, Frank’s mom asked him to say grace. He did, and concluded

by saying, “And, Lord, if I sounded grumpy earlier today, it was because I just couldn’t see far enough ahead.”

(The story, “Limited Vision,” was adapted from “Illustrations Unlimited,” edited by James S. Hewett.)

The frustrations of “bumper-less” bowling can, with patience, lead to improved technique, and that repetition will lead to higher scores.

It takes faith, though, because when starting out, we can’t yet “see far enough ahead.”

The same could be said for our Lenten disciplines. If you’re tired of them by now and frustrated because you haven’t seen any noticeable improvement in your spiritual life, hang in there. Keep up the “practice” of prayer, fasting and almsgiving; that repetition and hard work will pay off one day.

For you see, in the spiritual life, like bowling at St. John’s, nothing is automatic.

JOHN THE APOSTLE

First century

John and his brother James, Galilean fishermen called the “sons of thunder,” were chosen to be among the Twelve Apostles. John was with Jesus at the Transfiguration, in the Garden of Gethsemane and on Calvary. It was to this “beloved disciple” that Jesus entrusted his mother’s care. John evangelized in Ephesus (Turkey), was exiled to the island of Patmos and, according to tradition, lived to be 100. John and his community of followers are credited with writing the fourth Gospel, three epistles and the Book of Revelation.

On Ash Wednesday, the prophet Joel invited us to return to the Lord with our whole heart, mind, body and soul: “Even now, says the Lord, return to me with your whole heart”

(Jl 2:12).

Our Lenten observances of prayer, fasting and almsgiving serve to return us, slowly but surely, to the Lord — who we strive to place at the center of life.

The Sunday Gospels of Lent remind us that when we do return to the Lord, we find only a God who is merciful, rich in kindness and forgiving love. Each week, we have walked with Jesus — through his temptation in the desert, his transfiguration as a foretaste of

his resurrected glory, his encounter with the Samaritan woman at the well and his healing of a man blind from birth. These stories prepare us for the renewed outpouring of graces we first received in bap-

tism, confirmation and Eucharist — the very sacraments with which the church welcomes its new members at the Easter Vigil.

In this fifth week of Lent, the Gospel raises the stakes of Jesus’ earthly ministry to a highpoint. Just as at the transfiguration, Jesus goes beyond restoring the dignity of the marginalized and healing physical illness.

Now, he reveals his divine identity and the full extent of his divine power by raising Lazarus, his friend, from the dead. Only God could raise the fallen from the sleep of death. Now, the crowds cannot remain indifferent before this most astonishing of miracles as Jesus cries out in a

loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” The dead man arose and came out and Jesus ordered him to be freed.

Mary, Martha and Lazarus are described as friends of Jesus. John tells us that Jesus was deeply, grievously disturbed when he saw the distress of Mary and Martha at the death of their brother Lazarus. With great simplicity, we are told that Jesus wept.

The ancient promise that God would open graves and raise the dead to life — conveyed by the prophet Ezekiel in Sunday’s first reading — is now fulfilled perfectly in this all-powerful miracle of Christ Jesus. To place our trust in God, who raises the dead to new

life, is the gift of faith extolled by the psalmist who sings, “I trust in the Lord; my soul trusts in his word. More than sentinels wait for the dawn, let Israel wait for the Lord.”

Even as this graced liturgical season draws to a close, it’s not too late to begin our Lenten journey of faith. “Even now,” (and every day) we can return to the Lord with our whole heart, mind, body and soul.

In walking with Jesus, we let the “Spirit of God dwell in us,” as St. Paul urges the Romans.

On our Lenten path, the pattern of Jesus’ dying and rising to new life becomes the pattern of our daily life as we pray, “Speak to me, Lord.”

Liturgical elements must foster prayer, sense of communion, pope says

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The aesthetic and artistic elements surrounding the liturgy must foster prayer and a sense of communion, Pope Francis said.

“The space, light, acoustics, colors, images, symbols [and] liturgical furnishings constitute fundamental elements of that reality, that event, human and divine at the same time,

which is precisely the liturgy,” he said in a written message to members of the pontifical academies.

The message was read March 14 during the academies’ 26th public session, which was organized by the Pontifical Academy of Fine Arts and Letters of the Virtuosi at the Pantheon. The awards this year were dedicated to sacred architecture.

The issue of sacred architecture and spaces “is as significant and

timely as ever, since there is always a lively, and sometimes even heated, debate on proposals for the renewal of sacred architecture, which has the arduous task of creating, especially in new neighborhoods, both on the outskirts of cities and in small towns, adequate spaces in which the Christian community can celebrate the holy liturgy with dignity according to the teachings of the Second Vatican Council,” he wrote.

JEM SULLIVAN

Sullivan is a professor at The Catholic University of America.

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

Even now, it’s not too late to begin your Lenten journey

Will you recognize God’s hand when he reaches out to save you?

Lent, a season of opportunity and invitation, is also a season of challenge.

I have been listening to a Lent podcast, and the other day

Father Mike Schmitz was speaking about expecting the challenge.

Lent and, in fact, the Christian life are not going to be easy. Jesus desires for us to live a life with him that is so much greater than our human comprehension, but he doesn’t promise it will be easy.

He does, however, promise that he will always be there. We first must make the choice

LEARNING TO LOVE LIKE HIM

in the boat by walking on water.

Peter, the first to recognize Jesus, after asking for Jesus to command him to come to him, steps out of the boat. He very quickly, however, is caught off guard by how difficult walking on water is and takes his eyes off Jesus and begins to sink into the water.

to sink.

When we sink, instead of immediately reaching our hand out to Jesus, we try to swim back to our boat. Our boat of what the world tells us will give us comfort and safety.

to follow him, then we must have faith in him.

Not faith just some times, but all the time.

“Faith is the reality of what is hoped for and proof of what is not seen” (Heb 11:1). I’m reminded of Chapter 14 in the Gospel of Matthew when Jesus approaches his disciples

How true this is of our own lives. So often we beg Jesus to enter our lives and help us to become closer to him. Then, just as we begin to follow him, Satan tempts us and we give in — we take our eyes off of Jesus and begin

Things like addictions to drugs, alcohol, pornography, lust, social media, food, money, power. But if we keep trying on our own to get to safety, we will never make it.

We must put our faith in Jesus. We must call upon his name. We must keep our eyes above the waves of sin and temptation and keep them fixed on

Jesus. There, we will find Jesus reaching his hand out to us just as he reached his hand out to Peter to save him. And when he reaches his hand out to us, we must recognize it and reach our hand out to him.

Why do I say recognize it? Because Jesus reaching his hand out to save us from our sin can look differently for all of us. It can come through all different forms of the Holy Spirit giving us a nudge. We have to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus through daily prayer so we recognize him at all times.

Help us elevate the beauty of pregnancy, blessing of parenthood

Last fall, I barely managed to plant flower bulbs just before winter hit. I’m so glad I did! Seeing budding trees and daffodil and hyacinth stems sprouting up through the mulch makes me happy.

During this time of repentance and renewal, nature hints of the new life and hope we are soon to experience. In March, we also celebrate important feast days that provide us opportunities to reflect on the beauty and gift of new life.

The solemnity of St. Joseph on March 20 this year reminds us that our Savior came into the world as a vulnerable infant. Joseph

LIFE MATTERS

lovingly accompanied Mary during her pregnancy and protected the precious life she carried. The solemnity of the Annunciation on March 25 celebrates

the visit of the angel Gabriel to Mary and her “yes” to become the mother of Jesus. The anniversary of the papal encyclical, “The Gospel of Life,” is also March 25.

Just like every human family, the Holy Family faced real and significant challenges during pregnancy. Both solemnities call

us to reflect on how we are to protect and welcome new life just as Mary and Joseph did for baby Jesus, despite the hardships.

One of the goals of the Walking With Moms in Need initiative is to elevate the beauty of pregnancy and the blessing of motherhood and fatherhood. Too often, our culture sends messages to young people that children are a burden and that a pregnancy will prevent them from pursuing their dreams and succeeding in life.

While pregnancy does demand selfsacrifice, the miracle of cooperating with God to gift the world with a new life and

eternal soul is amazing! How blessed we are as women to have the opportunity to experience this incredible gift. Pregnancy and parenting certainly aren’t easy, but they are one of the greatest adventures in life that inspire and bring out the best in us.

Unexpectedly, Rihanna’s Super Bowl halftime performance sent a pro-life message. In an industry that is so often anti-life and hyperfocused on image, she performed while pregnant, even showing off her growing belly.

Rihanna unapologetically showed the world she could be at the height of her career on the biggest

stage in the world as a mother and celebrating her pregnancy with baby No. 2.

To commemorate the Annunciation and rejoice in new life, Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann will be blessing all expectant parents and their unborn children during the 11 a.m. Mass on March 26 at the Church of the Nativity in Leawood. All are welcome. Meanwhile, parishes are working to increase prayer, invitation and accompaniment for those expecting a child. Stay tuned for several new programs that help support women in need and build a culture that cherishes life.

Let Christ’s passion draw you closer to him — and your spouse

Praise, temptation to despair, indignant questioning, rejection and, eventually, death: While all of these descriptions certainly apply to Our Lord’s experience during Holy Week, they also apply to the lived experience of every married couple.

St. John Paul II said, “Married couples are a permanent reminder to the church of what happened on the cross.”

This doesn’t mean that marriage itself is supposed to be something terrible to be endured. It means that we are called to pour out the same kind

FAMILY MATTERS

of passionate, selfsacrificing love on our spouses that Jesus, the bridegroom, poured out on his bride, the church.

As Lent comes to a close and we prepare to enter Holy Week, it can be difficult to put ourselves in Jesus’ place. While few of us will ever undergo anything as horrific as Christ’s passion, perhaps we can draw on the experience of our sacrament to draw

us closer to him — and to our spouse.

On Palm Sunday, Jesus was hailed as the Messiah. Although he knew the crowds would later turn on him, he did not reject their praise. Do you have difficulty accepting your spouse’s affirmation? Look to Jesus, who accepted the crowd’s praise because it was true. Your spouse is not perfect, but when they see the good in you, they are seeing you with God’s eyes.

On Holy Thursday, Jesus was tempted to despair. Are you facing a serious financial or health concern? Are your kids or other family members making terrible choices?

Sit with Jesus in the garden and allow the Father to strengthen you in hope.

On Friday morning, Jesus faced Pilate and Herod. Do your extended family or friends misunderstand or even ridicule you for trying to live the vocation of matrimony faithfully?

As you stand with the humiliated Jesus, allow him to strengthen your conviction to live your mission.

From the cross, Jesus gave us a heroic example of merciful love. Do you struggle to forgive your spouse “seventy times seven” times? Are you holding onto resentments from those outside

your marriage? Unite your wounded heart to Jesus’ pierced one and allow him to forgive through you, healing your hurt.

On Good Friday, Jesus gave his life for his bride. A marriage lived well also ends in death. How can you live for your spouse in big and small ways today, so that when that day comes you can face it without regret?

Marriages that authentically mirror Christ’s love do not happen by accident, but by small, intentional daily decisions.

What can you do this Holy Week to draw closer to Jesus through your spouse?

JOSHUA RUOFF

Joshua Ruoff is the lead consultant for the archdiocesan special-needs ministry. He can be reached by email at: jruoff@ archkck.org.

DEBRA NIESEN

Debra Niesen is the archdiocesan consultant for the pro-life office.

LIBBY DUPONT

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

Archbishop visits with theology, philosophy students at BC

Jack

Figge Special to The Leaven

ATCHISON — “These will tell me what direction to go,” said Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann, upon receiving a gift after speaking to senior theology and philosophy majors at Benedictine College here March 15.

The gift? A pair of socks inscribed with the college’s motto: Forward. Always Forward.

For the past 12 years, the college has invited Archbishop Naumann to have dinner and lead a discussion with senior theology and philosophy majors preparing to graduate.

The idea originated after Archbishop Naumann heard Cardinal Christoph Schönborn speak at Benedictine about his experience attending annual fireside chats with his old seminary professor, Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger. After the talk, the archbishop suggested to Benedictine president Stephen Minnis that he host an annual fireside chat with Benedictine students.

“We are just honored that Archbishop Naumann wants to be here and do this fireside chat with our senior theology and philosophy majors,” said Minnis. “It’s great for them and I think it’s great for the archbishop to know that he has people in his archdiocese, like Benedictine, where he can come and be with students of high caliber.”

Every year, the students vote on a topic that they wish to hear the archbishop speak about. This year’s topic concerned the significance of the National Eucharistic Revival. Archbishop Naumann began with an overview of

the three-year plan for the revival and reflected on how one grows in intimacy with the Lord through receiving the Eucharist.

“I am in a class about the Eucharist right now and as Archbishop Naumann discussed the eucharistic revival, it got me really excited to go out into the world, especially since I am a senior theology major,” said Benedictine student Therese Brungardt. “What really struck me was his discussion on being a witness to what it means to be able to receive Christ in the true presence of the Eucharist.”

Archbishop Naumann then noted the rise in public discussion concerning the Eucharist, referencing a recent

America magazine article by Cardinal Robert McElroy of San Diego. In it, the cardinal calls for a radical inclusivity in the sacrament and proposes allowing all baptized people to receive Communion, including divorced and those living in same-sex relationships. The archbishop also mentioned the potential dangers that the upcoming Synod on Synodality and the German Synodal Way pose to the Eucharist, as organizers for both have expressed interest in revisiting the church’s moral teaching as it pertains to worthy reception of the Eucharist.

“I think the very process of the Synod on Synodality has given this issue a new platform and elevated it. The synod has given some people a hope that we will

change our teaching, so we must clarify it now,” said Archbishop Naumann. “If the Eucharist is what we truly believe it to be, then we must try as much as we humanly can to be worthy to receive the Lord.”

Following the archbishop’s prepared remarks, he opened the floor to questions. The Benedictine students asked a wide variety of questions, ranging from the role of Mary in the National Eucharistic Revival to the role they, as laity, have in addressing the tough problems that face the church.

After the event, many students expressed their gratitude for the archbishop’s discussion on the National Eucharistic Revival and how it relates to modern debates in the church. For student Conley O’Connor, a member of the Diocese of San Diego, he was especially grateful for Archbishop Naumann’s explanation and how he, as a member of that diocese, should respond.

“I really appreciated the archbishop’s boldness and steadfastness, he was very respectful but very sure,” said O’Connor. “That was very reassuring to see that he is not trying to start fires but that he is trying to protect the faith.”

To conclude the evening, the archbishop talked with many of the students about their post-college plans and listened to their experiences as college students.

“You see a group of young adults here that are talented and gifted. They love the church and are trying to understand their faith better,” said Archbishop Naumann. “It just gives me a lot of hope for the future of the church to see young people who are serious about their faith and the theology of the church.”

Missionary of Mother Teresa’s order speaks in archdiocese

By Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

KANSAS CITY, Kan. — A special opportunity to reflect on how the spirituality and vision of St. Teresa of Kolkata ties into the three pillars of Lent will be offered by a priest who knew her.

Father Robert Conroy, a Missionary of Charity, will offer a series of reflections and homilies that will tie the three pillars of Lent — prayer, fasting and almsgiving — into how St. Teresa saw Jesus in the faces of the poor, and how we can, too.

The archdiocesan office of evangelization invited Father Robert to the archdiocese. The reflections, in English and Spanish, will last about 90 minutes.

“[St. Teresa] served the poor in the works of mercy that we are called to do as Catholics,” said Karla Melgar, consultant for evangelization.

“Especially during this time of Lent, Catholics are encouraged to reflect on how to tie the pillars of Lent to serving the poor,” she continued. “St. Teresa

Father Robert Conroy’s schedule of reflections

March 25 at Holy Cross Parish in Overland Park

• 4 p.m. Mass

• 5 p.m. Reflection (English)

• 7:30 p.m. Reflection (Spanish)

March 26 at St. Paul Parish in Olathe

• 8 a.m. Mass (English)

• 10 a.m. Mass (English)

• 12:30 p.m. Mass (Spanish)

LEAVEN FILE PHOTO

was very strong on serving the poor. By hearing Father Robert’s experiences with St. Teresa, we can have a better Lent this year.”

Father Robert is vicar general of the Missionaries of Charity Fathers in Tijuana, Mexico. He was born in Minneapolis but raised in Topeka.

While he was studying in Rome as an archdiocesan seminarian, he was inspired to join the Missionaries of

March 27 and March 28 at St. Paul Parish in Olathe

• 6 p.m. Reflection (English)

• 7:30 p.m. Reflection (Spanish)

March 29 at Blessed Sacrament Parish in Kansas City, Kansas

• 7 p.m. Reflection (Spanish)

March 30 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in Topeka

• 5 p.m. Reflection (English)

• 7 p.m. Reflection (Spanish)

March 31 at Sacred Heart Parish in Kansas City, Kansas

• 7 p.m. Reflection (Spanish)

Charity Fathers, the male branch of the order founded by St. Teresa of Kolkata. She was at his ordination on Jan. 28, 1989, in Tijuana. He returned to the archdiocese briefly to

serve at Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in Topeka and Holy Cross Parish in Overland Park from 2009-2011. He then returned to the Missionaries of Charity Fathers in 2011.

Father Robert Conroy, a Missionary of Charity, will offer a series of reflections and homilies at various archdiocesan parishes that will tie the three pillars of Lent with the spirituality and vision of St. Teresa of Kolkata.

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JD BENNING

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann speaks at his annual fireside chat with Benedictine College students on March 15 in Atchison. The archbishop has been delivering the fireside chats for the past 12 years.