04 03 20 Vol. 41 No. 33

THELEAVEN.ORG | VOL. 41, NO. 33 | APRIL 3, 2020

PHOTO COURTESY OF FATHER NATHAN HAVERLAND

Father Nathan Haverland, pastor of St. Gregory the Great Parish, Marysville, and St. Malachy Parish in Beattie, celebrates Mass with photos of his parishioners in the pews — an idea he got from a story about a priest in Italy that he saw on social media. Father Haverland is pictured here in St. Gregory Church.

TOGETHER BUT APART

Rural pastor celebrates Mass ‘with his parishioners’

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By Marc and Julie Anderson mjanderson@theleaven.org

M

ARYSVILLE — Mass cancellations.

Suspensions of public gatherings.

“Stay at home” orders. How does a Catholic priest make himself available to his congregation? And how can he unite the parish family despite social distancing guidelines?

While many parish priests are turning to streaming Masses on a daily or weekly basis, Father Nathan Haverland, pastor of St. Gregory the Great Parish in Marysville and St. Malachy in

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

“IT IS SUCH A BEAUTIFUL TESTAMENT TO ALL OF HUMANITY COMING TOGETHER IN THIS MOMENT WHERE WE ALL WANT TO BE TOGETHER AND HAVE SOME HOPE.” nearby Beattie, took it one step further.

He discovered a way to celebrate Mass and still “see his parishioners” in the pews.

The answer?

He asked parishioners to send him a digital photo of their families. He then printed the pictures, one per piece of paper. Then, he taped them to the pews

SEEKING SANCTUARY Archdiocesan seminarians find a way to continue their studies in the face of coronavirus. Page 3

A NURSE’S LIFE

Catholic nurses discuss how their lives have changed in the face of a pandemic. Page 4

in St. Gregory Church.

That way, he could still see the pews “full of people,” united in prayer. Mass is then aired on television and streamed on the parish’s Facebook page.

About 500 photos of various families from St. Gregory and St. Malachy, wider community members and more poured in through social media, leading

ABBOT KOEHLER

Abbot Ralph Koehler, OSB, died March 21. He’s remembered for being able to get things done. Pages 5

the priest to admit he used a lot of ink and paper.

And he regrets not a bit of it.

“It is such a beautiful testament to all of humanity coming together in this moment where we all want to be together and have some hope,” he said.

Father Haverland is quick to admit, however, that he cannot claim credit for the idea.

“I got this idea from a post I saw on social media about a priest in the hard-hit area of Italy who asked his parishioners to send in pictures for him to print and put in the pews,” he said. “When I saw that post, I knew that was what I needed to do!” >> See “NOTHING” on page 16

‘NEVER STOPPED’

Catholic Charities keeps its efforts going, despite dwindling volunteers and contributions. Pages 8-9

REVEALED

Catholic seamstresses leapt into action when they learned of the shortage of masks. Page 16

APRIL 3, 2020 | THELEAVEN.ORG

ARCHBISHOP

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No matter how fierce the storm, He’s always in the boat with us

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ne week ago, March 27, Pope Francis led the world in a eucharistic Holy Hour and gave his “urbi et orbi” (“For the city (Rome) and the world”) blessing.

The Holy Father gave an insightful and powerful meditation on the account in the Fourth Chapter of the Gospel of Mark ( Verses 35-41), when the disciples are caught in a terrifying storm while Jesus is asleep in the boat.

Pope Francis used the moment to give a poignant description of what the entire world is experiencing as a result of the coronavirus: “For weeks now, it has been evening. Thick darkness has gathered over our squares, our streets and our cities; it has taken over our lives, filling everything with a deafening silence and a distressing void. . . .

We find ourselves afraid and lost. Like the disciples in the Gospel, we were caught off-guard by an unexpected, turbulent storm.

“The storm exposes our vulnerability and uncovers those false and superfluous certainties around which we have constructed our daily schedule, our projects, our habits and priorities. It shows us how we have allowed to become dull and feeble the very things that nourish, sustain and strengthen our lives and our communities.

The tempest lays bare all our prepackaged ideas and forgetfulness of what nourishes our people’s souls; all those attempts that anesthetize us with ways of thinking and acting that supposedly save

LIFE WILL BE VICTORIOUS ARCHBISHOP JOSEPH F. NAUMANN us, but instead prove incapable of putting us in touch with our roots and keeping alive the memory of those who have gone before us.

We deprive ourselves of the antibodies we need to confront adversity.”

Mark contrasts the terror of the disciples, many of whom were experienced fishermen that were used to the squalls of the sea, to the absolute calm of Jesus who is asleep in the stern of the boat.

During this violent and terrifying storm, Jesus is completely at peace, sleeping serenely while his disciples are in a panic. The Holy Father points out that this is the only time in all four Gospels that Jesus is depicted sleeping.

The disciples wake Jesus and accuse him of not caring that they are about to perish. Many of us can identify with the disciples. With the coronavirus in just a few months spreading rapidly and lethally throughout the world, Christians everywhere have petitioned Our Lord to put a miraculous end to this pandemic.

No doubt some of us wonder if Our Lord is

asleep — if he does not care that so many are perishing.

After calming the wind and the sea, Jesus asks the disciples: “Why are you terrified? Do you not yet have faith?”

With our fear of the ability of the coronavirus to spread a rapid pathway of suffering and death, Jesus might pose the same questions to us: Why are we so terrified? Do we not yet have faith?

In this past Sunday’s Gospel in which Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, Our Lord is accused by some of not caring enough to prevent the death of his friend Lazarus. When Jesus first learned of Lazarus’ serious sickness, he tells his disciples: “This illness is not to end in death, but is for the glory of God.” In the Gospel for the previous week, describing Our Lord’s healing of the man who was blind from birth, the disciples asked Jesus if the man was blind because of his own sin or the sin of his parents. Jesus replied: “Neither he nor his parents sinned; it is so the works of God might be made visible through him.”

In the Gospels, especially John, Our Lord speaks frequently of his hour. What is this “hour” of Jesus? The

hour of Jesus comes on Good Friday, when he demonstrates his absolute fidelity to the will of his Father by submitting himself even to death, death on a cross.

Jesus reverses the disobedience of our first parents with his great act of surrender to the will of his Father on Calvary. The manifestation of God’s glory will be completed on Easter with Our Lord vanquishing both sin and death with his resurrection.

Jesus does not promise to protect us from all illness, adversity and death. After all, Lazarus had to die twice. However, Our Lord does make available the antibodies that can preserve us from fear.

What are these antibodies? First, Jesus revealed God’s unique and personal love for each of us. We are never alone. Jesus is always in the boat with his disciples, no matter how fierce the storms surrounding us.

Secondly, through the waters of baptism, we have been given the assurance of eternal life. We have been given a share in Our Lord’s risen life. We have a destiny to live with Our Lord and the saints forever! If we have faith in Jesus and his Gospel, then fear has no power over us.

At the same time, Christian charity also requires that we exercise prudence. We need to observe Governor Kelly’s executive order.

We have an obligation in charity to do those prudent steps (remaining at home except for essential tasks, social distancing, washing our hands, not gathering in large groups, etc.) that not only protect us but

also protect others by preventing the continued spread of this vicious virus.

I am grateful that Governor Kelly’s executive order acknowledged the constitutional right to perform or attend religious or faith-based services or activities.

Some of the orders issued by counties and local municipalities had prohibited religious activities, in some cases even specifying the prohibition of funerals and marriages.

These were clearly unconstitutional. Government cannot permit liquor stores, pet stores and dry cleaners to continue to operate and not allow religious activities.

At the same time, for the good of the public health of our communities, our churches are rightly obligated to observe the same limitations — e.g., the number of people who can assemble or the social distancing that is required of other organizations and enterprises.

During a recent Zoom virtual meeting, I bemoaned that some local governments considered religious activities as nonessential while permitting liquor stores to continue to operate.

One of the other participants suggested that if I was working from home while attempting to supervise the education of four gradeschool-age children, I might be more sympathetic to the necessity of a glass of wine in the evening!

Finally, you are all invited to join me virtually for Palm Sunday Mass and the Triduum liturgies. I hope we will be able to livestream them from the Cathedral of St. Peter.

ARCHBISHOP NAUMANN April 5 Live-streamed Palm Sunday Mass April 9 Live-streamed Holy Thursday Mass April 10 Live-streamed Good Friday service April 11 Live-stream Holy Saturday Easter Vigil Mass April 12 Live-streamed Easter Sunday Mass Editor’s note: At press time, the Mass times had not been set. Go online to: www.archkck. org for updates on Mass times.

Though Holy Week this year promises to be quite unusual, I am confident that Our Lord will make it a grace-filled time for all of us.

I pray you experience a blessed Holy Week.

May these days increase our longing to receive Our Lord in the Eucharist and to be reunited in our churches with our parish families.

Together, we will make it through this current adversity. We have the antibodies against panic, fear and discouragement!

Be not afraid!

APRIL 3, 2020 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

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BATTEN DOWN THE HATCHES

PHOTO BY DEACON ANTHONY MERSMANN

Archdiocesan seminarians from Kenrick-Glennon in St. Louis sought refuge at Savior Pastoral Center in Kansas City, Kansas, following the closing of the seminary amid the coronavirus outbreak.

Father Dan Morris, director of vocations for the archdiocese, joined the seminarians as they settled in at Savior. While quarantined, the men can attend Mass together and continue their education remotely. Joining together for evening prayer on March 25 are, clockwise from left: Father Edward Ahn, AVI, Luke Doyle, Alex Rickert, Dan Mauro, Father Dan Morris, George Rhodes, Will Sutherland and Will Carey.

Seminarians walk the halls of Savior of the World once more

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By Marc and Julie Anderson mjanderson@theleaven.org

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ANSAS CITY, Kan. — When the year began, Deacons Travis Mecum and Anthony Mersmann were looking forward to their final year of theology, and then their ordinations to the priesthood in May. But, as luck and coronavirus will have it, one of them will be finishing his formation in completely different circumstances.

And the other? He’ll be completing his seminary life in a former high school seminary now known as Savior Pastoral Center.

Yes, Savior of the World — built in 1965 and operated for two decades as a high school seminary by the archdiocese — has come full circle.

“WE’RE TRYING TO CREATE AS BEST A SEMINARY ATMOSPHERE AS POSSIBLE SO THAT THEY CAN CONTINUE THEIR FORMATION.” It has now welcomed back not only Deacon Mersmann, but a number of other seminarians as well.

Currently, the archdiocese has 23 seminarians at various stages of formation — some involved in pastoral care within parishes, while others are at seminaries throughout the country.

Given the ever-changing situation created by the COVID-19 pandemic, the seminarians have found themselves

President Most Rev. Joseph F. Naumann

Publication No. (ISSN0194-9799)

seeking shelter in rectories, their parents’ homes or within the seminaries themselves.

For Father Dan Morris, the vocations director — and Father Scott Wallisch and Msgr. Michael Mullen, co-directors of seminarians — the situation has resulted in a flood of phone calls, text messages and emails, as they try to advise the seminarians, who — like the faithful — are trying to plan.

It doesn’t help that it seems a different response is required for every seminary.

For example, as of March 20, the six seminarians studying at St. John Vianney Seminary in Denver had no plans to return to the archdiocese, at least not yet.

“They live in smaller communities.

Some of them live on campus. Some of them live in parish houses,” said Father Wallisch. “They are already broken into smaller groups, so they can isolate themselves pretty well.”

In terms of their academic workload,

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

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Advertising Coordinator Beth Blankenship beth.blankenship@theleaven.org

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

at the time of this interview, the men were still going to classes, knowing the time might come when the rectors will instruct them virtually.

“I talked to them the other day and, as is to be expected, it’s a hard thing to swallow, but I think everyone is growing in their understanding of the necessity of making decisions like that in the midst of the situation. So, they’re trying to make the best of it,” said Father Wallisch.

Staying put Deacon Mecum, meanwhile, is sheltering in place at Pope St. John XXIII Seminary in Weston, Massachusetts, just outside Boston.

The international seminary houses about 60 men and voted unanimously to shutter its doors to the public and >> See “I THINK” on page 12

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APRIL 3, 2020 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

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Catholic nurses: ‘This is what we’re called to do’

By Moira Cullings moira.cullings@theleaven.org

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ANSAS CITY, Mo. — When Molly Huber and Kit Johnson graduated from the nursing program at Atchison’s Benedictine College in 2015, a priest blessed their hands and feet.

“He told us we are the hands and feet of Christ,” said Huber, a registered nurse at Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri, and parishioner at Curé of Ars in Leawood.

So, when Johnson, a registered nurse at St. Luke’s Hospital of Kansas City, found out the floor she works on is now reserved for patients who test positive for coronavirus, she turned to her nursing roots.

“Benedictine’s nursing program is unique in the sense that they always reminded us to care for the holistic person,” she said, “their spiritual health, mental health and physical health.

“And to be Christ’s hands and feet.”

Although the St. Agnes, Roeland Park, parishioner was initially anxious about being on the coronavirus floor, she knows this is where she’s meant to be.

“Our manager reminded our team that this is why we became nurses,” said Johnson. “We became nurses to help people, and this is what we’re doing.

“This is what we’re called to do.”

‘I’m going to war with a good attitude’ The coronavirus pandemic has caused drastic changes for many people’s home and work lives. But perhaps the most affected are health care workers who put their own health on the line to help others.

For Margaret Blevins, working as a registered nurse at Stormont-Vail Hospital in Topeka for the past 35 years has been a vocation.

“I couldn’t imagine doing anything else,” she said.

A parishioner at St. Francis Xavier in Mayetta, Blevins attended the “Enflame Our Hearts: Be Disciples, Make Disciples” convocation last October and has turned to her fellow delegates for support during the coronavirus pandemic.

“Two of the people from Enflame sent me a picture of a nurse with Jesus there [next to her],” said Blevins.

“I envision Jesus standing by that nurse a lot,” she added.

Even before the coronavirus outbreak, Blevins, who works the night shift with critically ill coronary patients, has seen her work as an opportunity to evangelize, offering to pray for her patients while they are in surgery.

Now during the coronavirus pandemic,

Molly Huber, left, and Kit Johnson graduated from Benedictine College’s nursing program in 2015. Both turn to faith, family and friends for support in facing the challenges that come with working during the pandemic.

Blevins has prayed even more and has made additional sacrifices to distance herself from her loved ones and community.

She hasn’t been able to visit her parents, who are in their 80s, her grandchildren, and her children, two of whom also work in health care, and two of whom are married to someone who works in health care.

“I’ve kept my distance a lot,” she said.

“I haven’t gone anywhere but work. I’m staying in a bedroom downstairs.”

When she gets home from work, Blevins enters her home through the basement walkout, leaving her shoes outside, washing her clothes and showering immediately.

She tries to have courage, turning to a verse from the Book of Deuteronomy for comfort and peace.

It reads: “Be strong and courageous.

Do not be afraid or terrified . . . for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you” (31:6).

“I still feel like I’m going to war,” said Blevins, “but I’m going to war with a good attitude.”

‘This is why I’m a nurse’ At Children’s Mercy’s Adele Hall Campus where Huber works, nurses park off-site and walk to the hospital. It was on that walkway that Huber, who works on the cardiac floor, recently received a boost of encouragement.

“Someone, it looked like little kids, had made these signs,” she said. “And they lined them up all the way [into the entrance], thanking the nurses.

“When I see that walking into work, it reminds me that this is why I’m a nurse,” added Huber. “This is why I’m still

Margaret Blevins, a registered nurse at Stormont-Vail Hospital in Topeka, said that because of coronavirus, she’s had to practice social distancing with her own family for their protection.

coming to work every day for these kiddos.”

The nursing center at Benedictine is named after Mother Teresa, and the program emphasized the importance of her example, said Huber.

“Benedictine was so good about making sure you know you’re treating a person before you’re treating a sick person or a COVID patient,” she said.

“They’re a person first, and that’s who you’re treating.”

Mother Teresa’s lifestyle inspires Huber to find the positives of her work, even during this chaotic time.

“I think a huge sense of fulfillment comes with knowing that we’re still able to go out and do what we feel we’ve been called to do,” she said, “and use the gifts that God’s given us [despite the circumstances].

“We can still go out and help people, not even just physically with their health, but also emotionally, and to help bring that peace to them during a difficult time.”

Huber has received hope from her faith life and watching livestream Masses.

“It’s not just people in the medical field that are going out of their way to help people,” she said. “The priests and whoever’s taking the time to set up the virtual Masses are helping just as much in other ways, for our spiritual health.”

Huber tries not to get caught up in negative news surrounding the pandemic.

“We have to trust in our medical system and trust in God that he’ll help us through this,” said Huber.

“This is why we did become nurses — to help people,” she continued. “You don’t get to pick and choose when is the best time to do that.”

‘Things changed overnight’ News about the coronavirus pandemic has changed rapidly in the past several weeks, and the situation in hospitals continues to develop.

“A few weeks ago, I thought this might’ve been blown out of proportion,” said Johnson, who works in St. Luke’s Mid America Heart Institute in Kansas City, Missouri. “Then things changed overnight, and I could not believe it.

“I feel like I didn’t have time to process it all.

“Now things change by the hour.

We’re constantly getting updates.”

St. Luke’s has had multiple patients test positive for coronavirus, and the situation continues to develop as the weeks go on.

“We will at some point go into crisis mode,” said Johnson. “Soon, all of our patients will be positive for the coronavirus, so [administration] is basically preparing us for the worst.”

Johnson is working on “decompressing at home and not thinking about it when I come home,” she said. “I’m trying not to get so caught up in all of the anxiety and fear.”

In these disheartening times, Johnson still remains grateful for her work.

“We’re so fortunate that we’re not going to lose our jobs during this time,” she said. “There’s so many people that are going to suffer financially.”

And when she gets overwhelmed, Johnson is able to find comfort in the overarching message she took away from her time at Benedictine.

“You just have to remember that you’re taking care of Christ,” she said.

Catholic Cemeteries shares guidelines for arrangements during COVID-19

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ANSAS CITY, Kan. — As it strives to meet continuing needs of families, Catholic Cemeteries of Northeast Kansas has introduced a new mobile tool that enables remote presentations for pre-planning and adopted guidelines for at-need burial arrangements during the COVID-19 emergency.

The new mobile service allows Catholic Cemeteries family service advisers to connect with individuals or couples via cellphone, computer or tablet. The family service adviser provides a link

that enables screen-sharing to review burial options and plans. The remote mobile presentation allows for visual and vocal exchange.

During the COVID-19 emergency, Catholic Cemeteries is not maintaining regular office hours at any of its locations. In the event of the loss of a loved one or if death is imminent, families are requested to call to arrange an appointment with a family service adviser. The adviser will meet with up to two asymptomatic family representatives to assist with burial arrangements.

In compliance with guidelines provided by the bishops of Kansas, effective March 17, attendance at all funerals in Catholic Cemeteries of Northeast Kansas must be limited to immediate family members who are asymptomatic. For actual services and burials: • Number of attendees at each committal service to 10.

• It is requesting that social distancing (six feet) be observed.

• Catholic Cemeteries field staff will not be available to assist as pallbearers.

• All committal services will be performed outside.

CATHOLIC CEMETERIES PHONE NUMBERS: • Kansas City area: (913) 371-4040 • Topeka area: (785) 272-0820 • Lansing/Leavenworth area: (913) 727-1698

• Pre- or post-gatherings at the burial site are discouraged.

• The field staff will not be available to lower caskets into the vaults in the ground while the family is present.

APRIL 3, 2020 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

HOLY WEEK Options for Holy Week plentiful as pandemic shuts down regular Masses

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ANSAS CITY, Kan. — If you’re wondering what you and your family are going to do about Holy Week and Easter, wonder no longer. Here are a few online resources to use for your domestic church.

Monks to the rescue!

Our very own monks from St. Benedict’s Abbey in Atchison have taken the traditional retreat they usually offer to Benedictine College students and adapted it for individuals and families to access online.

The abbey’s online retreat — “All My Desires Are Known to You” — will be offered from Wednesday night of Holy Week on April 8 through Easter Sunday on April 12.

Retreat master Father Jay Kythe, OSB, and Brother Angelus Atkinson, OSB, assistant retreat master, will lead participants through an itinerary that includes: the Liturgy of the Hours, live daily conferences on a variety of topics, table readings for mealtimes, Good Friday Way of the Cross material, suggested silent prayer times, livestreamed Mass and a live panel discussion with a Q&A period. There will be information suitable for children, too.

Materials, including a detailed itinerary, will be emailed to those who sign up. To do so, go to the monk’s website at: kansasmonks. org. Click on the “Holy Week Retreat” graphic. This will take you to the sign-up page.

Scroll down and enter your information.

There’s no charge, but a freewill offering is certainly welcome.

Holy Week@Home Experience The Pastoral Center, a ministry based in Alameda, California, is offering free resources that can be used by families, parishes and dioceses. It’s the “Holy Week at Home Experience.” This website offers oodles of links to numerous resources for every day of Holy Week. To participate, go online to: holyweek.pastoral.center. Immediately under the “Holy Week@Home Experience” graphic, explore the resources

available each day.

for

Holy Week with the help of Liturgical Press The Liturgical Press at Collegeville, Minnesota, offers three online resources for use at home.

• Holy Week at Home: While not replacing the liturgies we normally celebrate in our churches, this resource offers brief family rituals for every day between Palm Sunday and Easter. Find it online at: www.litpress.org. Right below the “Live Chat” option, click on “Free pastoral resources for praying together even when we are apart.”

• There you will also find a link to “Celebrating the Eucharist Missalette for Holy Week.” This missalette, like you’d find in church, will help you follow along if you will be watching the Holy Week and Easter liturgies via television or livestream.

• An English/Spanish version of the same is available by clicking the link called “Misal del Pueblo English/Spanish Bilingual Missalette for Holy Week.”

The ‘Arch’ experience Finally, our own Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann has been livestreaming his daily Mass at 8:30 a.m. and his Sunday Mass at 10 a.m. through Facebook Live. You can access these liturgies — both live and recorded — on his Facebook page at: www.facebook. com/archbishopnaumann.

Watch both his Facebook page and the homepage of the archdiocesan website — www.archkck.org — in the coming days for where to find the archbishop’s Holy Week and Easter service livestreams.

Yes, we will have Holy Week, but . . .

By Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

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ANSAS CITY, Kan. — Will Catholics be able to participate in Holy Week and Easter despite the coronavirus pandemic?

Yes, but with adaptations — and in their homes.

On March 19 and 25, Cardinal Robert Sarah, prefect of the Vatican’s Congregation for Divine Worship, issued decrees for how the church should celebrate Holy Week and Easter during these difficult times.

Those who can are encouraged to view the liturgies live on television or livestreamed over the internet. And if these means are unavailable, Catholics are to prayerfully unite themselves in their homes while the liturgies are happening.

“The Holy See this past week issued guidelines on how to adapt the rites of the Mass and liturgies of Holy Week for livestream transmission, and those were put together and sent out to pastors [as archdiocesan norms on March 25], celebrating Holy Week without a congregation,” said Michael Podrebarac, archdiocesan consultant for liturgy and sacramental life.

These, in a nutshell, are the norms: • The liturgies of Holy Week will be private, celebrated in the cathedral and parish churches, at the proper liturgical times and may not be prerecorded. The faithful may view them at a later time, however.

• No more than 10 asymptomatic individuals may be present at the liturgies, including all clerics and the person responsible for livestreaming.

• The liturgies at parishes will be simplified, such as using the alternative forms in the Roman Missal on Palm Sunday. Certain elements in some liturgies will be eliminated, such as: the blessing and distribution of palms, the rite of the washing of feet, procession of the Blessed Sacrament to the altar of repose, kissing or touching the cross by anyone other than the celebrant during the Adoration of the Holy Cross, the lighting of fire at the beginning of the Easter Vigil, the blessing of water and rite of sprinkling, and the renewal of baptismal promises on Easter.

There will also, obviously, be changes for those preparing to enter the church at the Easter Vigil.

The rites of initiation and reception will not take place, but pastors can receive catechumens in danger of death. For those who would have entered the church at the Easter Vigil, pastors may celebrate these rites once government restrictions have been lifted and Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann directs the resumption of public liturgies.

The Chrism Mass will be held at a later date to be determined, said Podrebarac. Also, the office for liturgy and sacramental life will prepare resources people can use for the days of Holy Week. These will be like the “Our Sunday Supplication” found in this Leaven. They will also be found in the “Prayer Resources” section of the archdiocesan website (archkck.org).

“Anyone wishing to receive the resource ‘Our Sunday Supplication’ or the Holy Week version ‘Our Triduum Supplication’ can email me directly at: liturgy@archkck.org,” said Podrebarac.

HOLY WEEK

WITH THE ARCHBISHOP Livestreams of Holy Week services celebrated by Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann will be available at: archkck.org at the following times:

Palm Sunday 10 a.m.

Holy Thursday 7:30 p.m.

Good Friday 3 p.m.

Easter Vigil 7:30 p.m.

Easter Sunday 10 a.m.

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APRIL 3, 2020 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

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The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas

OUR SUNDAY SUPPLICATION

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Sunday, April 5, 2020 | Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion

oly Mass is at the very core of our worship as a Catholic community. Nothing can ever be substituted for the celebration of the Eucharist. But in this exceptional time of difficulty for our communities, our nation and even the whole world, precautions have been made to limit the exponential growth of COVID-19, including the suspension of public Masses in the archdiocese.

So, if we cannot attend Mass on Sundays, how then are we, as a church, to pray? This resource, Our Sunday Supplication, is a recommended prayer of the archdiocese. Unlike Mass, this order of prayer can be offered by individuals and families without the presence of a priest, and engages us in our Sunday celebration of the word of God. We can pray this prayer in our homes — the “domestic churches” which help build up the body of Christ on earth — and thus be connected to the entire church at prayer.

During this time of prayer, we include the opportunity to make a Spiritual Communion, since we are presently unable to receive holy Communion. Making a Spiritual Communion is a worthy practice, recommended by innumerable saints throughout the ages, which unites our whole selves to God and his church. For, despite not being able to celebrate Mass together, this is certainly not a time to abandon the praise and supplication of almighty God, for he never abandons us! Now is the time to love and serve the Lord as best we can in our limited capacities.

ORDER OF PRAYER

Taken from the Mass and the Liturgy of the Hours

INTRODUCTION Leader: O God, come to my assistance.

Response: O Lord, make haste to help me.

Leader: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: Response: as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

JESUS ENTERS JERUSALEM IN TRIUMPH A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew (Mt 21:1-11)

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hen Jesus and the disciples drew near Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, “Go into the village opposite you, and immediately you will find an ass tethered, and a colt with her. Untie them and bring them here to me. And if anyone should say anything to you, reply, ‘The master has need of them.’ Then he will send them at once.” This happened so that what had been spoken through the prophet might be fulfilled: Say to daughter Zion, “Behold, your king comes to you, meek and riding on an ass, and on a colt, the foal of a beast of burden.” The disciples went and did as Jesus had ordered them. They brought the ass and the colt and laid their cloaks over them, and he sat upon them. The very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and strewed them on the road. The crowds preceding him and those following

“Christ Wearing the Crown of Thorns, Supported by Angels” was painted by Italian artist Annibale Carracci. kept crying out and saying: “Hosanna to the Son of David; blessed is the he who comes in the name of the Lord; hosanna in the highest.” And when he entered Jerusalem the whole city was shaken and asked, “Who is this?” And the crowds replied, “This is Jesus the prophet, from Nazareth in Galilee.”

The Gospel of the Lord.

Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

HYMN All glory, laud, and honor to you, Redeemer King! To whom the lips of children made sweet hosannas ring. You are the King of Israel, and David’s royal Son, Now in the Lord’s Name coming, our King and Blessed One. All glory, laud, and honor to you, Redeemer King! To whom the lips of children made sweet hosannas ring. The company of angels are praising you on high; And mortals, joined with all things created, make reply. All glory, laud, and honor to you, Redeemer King! To whom the lips of children made sweet hosannas ring. The people of the Hebrews with palms before you went: Our praise and prayers and anthems before you we present.

THE SUNDAY READINGS A reading from the Book of the prophet Isaiah (Is 50:4-7)

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he Lord GOD has given me a well-trained tongue, that I might know how to speak to the weary a word that will rouse them. Morning after morning he opens my ear that I may hear; and I have not rebelled, have not turned back. I gave my back to those who beat me, my cheeks to those who plucked my beard; my face I did not shield from buffets and spitting. The Lord GOD is my help, therefore I am not disgraced; I have set my face like flint, knowing that I shall not be put to shame.

The Word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

Responsorial Psalm (Ps 22:8-9, 17-18, 19-20, 23-24)

Reader: My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?

Together: My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?

Reader: All who see me scoff at me; they mock me with parted lips, they wag their heads: “He relied on the LORD; let him deliver him, let him rescue him, if he loves him.”

Together: My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?

Reader: Indeed, many dogs surround me, a pack of evildoers closes in upon me; They have pierced my hands and my feet; I can count all my bones.

Together: My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?

Reader: They divide my garments among them, and for my vesture they cast lots.

But you, O LORD, be not far from me; O my help, hasten to aid me.

Together: My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?

Reader: I will proclaim your name to my brethren; in the midst of the assembly I will praise you: “You who fear the LORD, praise him; all you descendants of Jacob, give glory to him; revere him, all you descendants of Israel!”

Together: My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?

A reading from the Letter of St. Paul to the Philippians (Philippians 2:6-11)

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hrist Jesus, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God something to be grasped. Rather, he emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, coming in human likeness; and found human in appearance, he humbled himself, becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Because of this, God greatly exalted him and bestowed on him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, of those in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the

APRIL 3, 2020 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

Response: Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.

glory of God the Father.

The word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

Leader: Hosanna to you, Son of David, king of the ages; hosanna to you, victor over death and the powers of darkness.

Response: Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.

Gospel Verse (Phil 2:8-9) Reader: Christ became obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.

Together: Because of this, God greatly exalted him and bestowed on him the name which is above every name.

Leader: You went up to Jerusalem to suffer and so enter into your glory; bring your church to the paschal feast of heaven.

Response: Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.

The Passion of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew

Leader: You made the cross the tree of life; give its fruit to those reborn in baptism.

Response: Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.

(Mt 27:11-54)

Here we have included the shortened option for today’s Passion reading. The full Passion reading, which some may wish to consider reading, may be found at Mt 26:14 – 27:66.

Leader: Savior of mankind, you came to save sinners; bring into your kingdom all who have faith, hope and love.

Response: Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.

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esus stood before the governor, Pontius Pilate, who questioned him, “Are you the king of the Jews?” Jesus said, “You say so.” And when he was accused by the chief priests and elders, he made no answer. Then Pilate said to him, “Do you not hear how many things they are testifying against you?” But he did not answer him one word, so that the governor was greatly amazed.

Now on the occasion of the feast the governor was accustomed to release to the crowd one prisoner whom they wished. And at that time they had a notorious prisoner called Barabbas. So when they had assembled, Pilate said to them, “Which one do you want me to release to you, Barabbas, or Jesus called Christ?” For he knew that it was out of envy that they had handed him over. While he was still seated on the bench, his wife sent him a message, “Have nothing to do with that righteous man. I suffered much in a dream today because of him.” The chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowds to ask for Barabbas but to destroy Jesus. The governor said to them in reply, “Which of the two do you want me to release to you?”

They answered, “Barabbas!” Pilate said to them, “Then what shall I do with Jesus called Christ?” They all said, “Let him be crucified!” But he said, “Why? What evil has he done?” They only shouted the louder, “Let him be crucified!” When Pilate saw that he was not succeeding at all, but that a riot was breaking out instead, he took water and washed his hands in the sight of the crowd, saying, “I am innocent of this man’s blood. Look to it yourselves.”

And the whole people said in reply, “His blood be upon us and upon our children.” Then he released Barabbas to them, but after he had Jesus scourged, he handed him over to be crucified.

Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus inside the praetorium and gathered the whole cohort around him.

They stripped off his clothes and threw a scarlet military cloak about him. Weaving a crown out of thorns, they placed it on his head, and a reed in his right hand.

And kneeling before him, they mocked him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” They spat upon him and took the reed and kept striking him on the head. And when they had mocked him, they stripped him of the cloak, dressed him in his own clothes, and led him off to crucify him.

As they were going out, they met a Cyrenian named Simon; this man they pressed into service to carry his cross.

And when they came to a place called Golgotha — which means Place of the Skull —they gave Jesus wine to drink mixed with gall. But when he had tasted it, he refused to drink. After they had crucified him, they divided his garments by casting lots; then they sat down and kept watch over him there. And they placed over his head the written charge against him: This is Jesus, the King of the Jews.

Two revolutionaries were crucified with him, one on his right and the other on his left. Those passing by reviled him, shaking their heads and saying, “You who would destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save yourself, if you are the Son of God, and come down from the cross!” Likewise the chief priests with the scribes and elders mocked him and said, “He saved others; he cannot save himself. So he is the king of Israel! Let him come down from the cross now, and we will believe in him. He trusted in God; let him deliver him now if he wants him.

For he said, ‘I am the Son of God.’” The revolutionaries who were crucified with him also kept abusing him in the same way.

From noon onward, darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon. And about three o’clock Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken

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Leader: Heal those who are sick, and keep safe those who are well.

Response: Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.

Leader: Strengthen those who care for the sick.

Response: Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.

“Christ Crucified,” painted by Diego Velázquez. me?” Some of the bystanders who heard it said, “This one is calling for Elijah.” Immediately one of them ran to get a sponge; he soaked it in wine, and putting it on a reed, gave it to him to drink. But the rest said, “Wait, let us see if Elijah comes to save him.” But Jesus cried out again in a loud voice, and gave up his spirit.

(Pause here for a moment of quiet remembrance.)

And behold, the veil of the sanctuary was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth quaked, rocks were split, tombs were opened, and the bodies of many saints who had fallen asleep were raised. And coming forth from their tombs after his resurrection, they entered the holy city and appeared to many. The centurion and the men with him who were keeping watch over Jesus feared greatly when they saw the earthquake and all that was happening, and they said, “Truly, this was the Son of God!” The Gospel of the Lord.

Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

FOR REFLECTION 1. Judas went to the chief priests and said, “What are you willing to give me if I hand him over to you?” and they paid him thirty pieces of silver. When we sin, we are also betraying Jesus. For a moment, think about the things you have been “paid” for betraying our Lord, and how, like Judas, you weren’t made happy by what you “received.”

2. Simon of Cyrene helped Jesus to carry his cross. Who do you know who needs help bearing their own crosses, and what can you do this week to help them?

3. Within just a few days, the crowds went from praising Jesus to mocking and condemning him. What can we do to avoid turning against Jesus, even when things go bad?

RESPONSE TO THE WORD Leader: By your own blood, Lord, you brought us back to God. Response: By your own blood, Lord, you brought us back to God. Leader: From every tribe, and tongue, and people and nation, Response: you brought us back to God. Leader: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

Response: By your own blood, Lord, you brought us back to God.

PRAYER OF THE FAITHFUL Leader: As Christ entered Jerusalem he was greeted as King and Messiah. Let us adore him and joyfully praise him:

Leader: Give hope to those whose livelihoods have been interrupted by this health emergency.

Response: Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.

Leader: Grant repose to all who have died in your friendship.

Response: Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.

THE LORD’S PRAYER Leader: Remember us, Lord, when you come to your kingdom and teach us how to pray: Together: Our Father, who art in heaven . . .

ACT OF SPIRITUAL COMMUNION Leader: You have given us bread from heaven.

Response: Containing in itself all delight.

Together: My Jesus, I believe that you are present in the most holy Sacrament of the altar.

I love you above all things, and I desire to receive you into my soul.

Since I cannot at this moment receive you sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart.

I embrace you as if you were already there and unite myself wholly to you.

Never permit me to be separated from you, my Lord and my God! Amen.

CANTICLE OF PRAISE

St. Francis of Assisi

Leader: We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you, Response: because by your holy Cross you have redeemed the world!

Leader: We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you, Response: because by your holy Cross you have redeemed the world!

Leader: We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you, Response: because by your holy Cross you have redeemed the world!

CONCLUSION Leader: May the Lord bless us, protect us from all evil, and bring us to everlasting life.

Together: Amen.

Joann Slavery, a volunteer for a Catholic Charities food pantry in Kansas City, Kansas, helps prepare the pantry before clients start to arrive. Volunteers at Catholic Charities have decreased as the coronavirus pandemic has worsened throughout the nation.

Catholic Charities:

‘We have never stopped serving’ Story by Joe Bollig Photos by Lori Wood Habiger

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ANSAS CITY, Kan. — “I’m asked constantly,” said Lauren Solidum, president and CEO of Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas, “what is the Catholic Church doing in response to this other than shutting down Masses?”

Her answer is simple — yet challenging.

“We have never stopped serving,” she said.

“And we are the church,” she continued, “we are the hands and feet [of Christ]. That’s an incredible message for our Catholic community to hear.”

But it is true that the coronavirus pandemic has forced Catholic Charities to take a long, hard look at its operations. And it has had to prioritize the “big three” necessities for those they serve, while shutting down or adapting other services.

At the same time the faith-based agency is facing rising demand, it’s experiencing fewer donations and a dwindling volunteer base.

“Our priorities in this crisis are food, shelter and health care,” said Solidum.

Catholic Charities serves low-income residents in 21 counties in northeast

Despite the coronavirus, the seven Family Support Centers and the Hope Distribution Center in Wyandotte County remain open. A big concern for Catholic Charities is that it will see an increase in the need for food and hygienic products while donations decline.

Kansas. It has 240 employees, assisted by about 1,700 volunteers a month.

Starting March 18, all Catholic Charities locations except the seven Family Support Centers and the Hope Distribution Center in Wyandotte County closed

for 15 days.

The two TurnStyles thrift stores in Overland Park are closed and some administrative personnel have been asked to work from home.

English as a Second Language classes,

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Contact Catholic Charities

“OUR VOLUNTEERS HAVE BEEN CUT BY A THIRD. BETWEEN THE SERVE DAYS AND GROUPS SCHEDULED TO COME TO THE HOPE DISTRIBUTION CENTER TO SORT FOOD, AND THE EVERYDAY PERSON VOLUNTEERING AT TURNSTYLES AND THE ADMINISTRATION OFFICE — WE’VE SEEN THAT NUMBER DWINDLE.”

• To make a financial donation to Catholic Charities, go to the website: catholiccharitiesks.org; scroll down the homepage to the “Donate Now” button and click.

• To volunteer, go online to: catholiccharitiesks.org/volunteer.

Scroll down to the “Volunteer Current Opportunities” button and click.

You can also go online to: catholic charitiesks.org/covid19. The volunteer department can be reached directly by phone at (913) 433-2081.

• Contact by phone (general switchboard) at (913) 433-2100 • Contact through Facebook at: facebook.com/CCNEK • Contact through Twitter at: twitter.com/CCNEK

Loss of volunteers cooking classes, financial literacy education, tax preparation assistance, workforce development and higher education programs have ceased.

Some services are being provided over the phone.

“We are still doing case management,” said Denise Ogilvie, vice president of community engagement.

“Instead of doing that face-to-face,” she said, “if people need help with utilities or rent assistance or need to be rehoused, they can call the office and we do as much of that work as we can over the phone to comply with government requirements [for social distancing].

“In addition, families that we’ve been working with and have an ongoing relationship — for employment and financial literacy — we’re continuing to work with them and make appointments over the phone.”

The Resource Bus, the Shalom House men’s shelter in Kansas City, Kansas, Catholic Community Hospice and InHome Support for senior citizens (meal preparation, transportation, grocery shopping, light housekeeping and prescription assistance) also continue to function.

“We’re still running our Kids Summer Food Program,” said Solidum. “This would normally take off at the beginning of May. We’re starting it early. This is for kids who are on free or reduced school lunches. And we are continuing our mass food distribution that happens in Olathe and Wyandotte County.”

With the Kids Summer Food Program, volunteers pack sack lunches that families can pick up at the Family Support Centers and take home.

Pantries under pressure One of Solidum’s greatest concerns is that the food pantries at the seven Family Support Centers could face increased demand not only from the regular clients, but also from those who have been newly unemployed or unable to work because of the coronavirus crisis.

“That’s our biggest fear,” said Solidum.

“So far [as of March 19], we have not seen a dramatic increase.

“But that’s on everyone’s hearts and minds right now.

“We want to be prepared for when that comes. The biggest piece of our strategy is partnership with other organizations, because we know we can’t fulfill that need solo.”

Catholic Charities has been working with social service organizations and agencies such as Harvesters and Happy Bottoms, and faith-based communities such as the Church of the Resurrection, Metro Lutheran Ministries, the Salvation Army and Jewish Family Services.

A sign outside of the Catholic Charities food pantry in Kansas City, Kansas, outlines the new rules put in place while the city deals with the coronavirus pandemic.

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“PEOPLE ARE AFRAID OF THE UNKNOWN AND ARE STOCKPILING, WHICH IS A NEGATIVE FROM A DONATION VIEWPOINT. STOCKPILING HURTS US AND THE PEOPLE WE SERVE.”

“The biggest piece of this is trying to understand what we’re doing and what they’re doing,” said Solidum, “and how we unite forces to at least put a dent in the need.

“The second piece for us is that we’ll continue to strategize around what the need is. We anticipate it will be rent, utilities and food. We’re already speaking to individuals who have supported us in the past . . . in creating some disaster basic needs funds available for these particular things.”

Ogilvie said Olathe staff have told her that some smaller food pantries operated by other entities have closed, so clients normally served by those will now come to Catholic Charities.

Panic shopping has also had an effect.

“People are afraid of the unknown and are stockpiling,” said Solidum, “which is a negative from a donation viewpoint.

“Stockpiling hurts us and the people we serve.”

One great concern is that the food

pantries will see an increase in need for food and hygienic products while donations are declining.

On average, there are three parish food drives happening a week, said Ogilvie.

Now, however, all public Masses have been prohibited.

Only Prince of Peace Parish in Olathe had a food drive on the weekend of March 21-22, and St. Michael the Archangel Parish in Leawood held a drive from March 27-30. At both parishes, a truck was in the parking lot for parishioners to drop off donations.

Additionally, school closing has caused the cancellation of “Serve Days.” During Serve Days, students collect food and do other activities to support Catholic Charities.

“We’ve seen a decrease in donations from grocery stores,” said Ogilvie. “Grocery stores donate leftover product or product about to expire — it’s called grocery store rescue. We’re still doing that, but it’s a lower amount than previously.”

Catholic Charities has made appeals to pastors in Johnson and Wyandotte counties for food donations as well.

Unexpected help came from St. Agnes School in Roeland Park. The school had unused food in its cafeteria that was going to go to waste, so they called to donate it. This prompted Catholic Charities to ask other schools for donations of their unused food.

In a Facebook video posted on March 20, Solidum said that the supply of fresh produce was dwindling and many pantry shelves would soon be bare. She appealed for donations of nonperishable and canned foods, and also financial contributions and volunteers.

“We need your help desperately,” she said.

Another challenge facing Catholic Charities now is the loss of volunteers.

“Our volunteers have been cut by a third,” said Solidum. “Between the Serve Days and groups scheduled to come to the Hope Distribution Center to sort food, and the everyday person volunteering at TurnStyles and the administration office — we’ve seen that number dwindle.”

This is due to a high element of fear.

“The average age of our volunteers is probably late 50s to mid-60s,” said Solidum. “When we think about the population that is potentially at higher risk — that’s many of the people who are volunteering with us right now.”

Catholic Charities is making strong appeals for volunteers.

“We’re sending out information in our e-news blasts, we’re posting it on our social media channels, it’s listed on our website, and we’re making calls to people in our own database who have previously volunteered,” said Solidum.

The loss of volunteers has hindered the operations of the Family Support Centers, which is why they are open only three days a week (Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays), and many operations (such as TurnStyles) have been closed. Having fewer volunteers is another reason why Catholic Charities decided to focus on food, shelter and health care.

“We just can’t sustain them [all] without volunteers,” said Solidum.

The spirit of love, not fear Many people do not have the resources to deal with “regular” life, much less a time of pandemic crisis. Catholic Charities is their lifeline.

“God has given us a spirit of love, not fear,” said Solidum. “Despite the fear . . . love will overcome.”

She is proud of her staff and volunteers.

“I have never witnessed more incredible teamwork amid complete uncertainty in my life, and I’m so proud of them,” she said. “The people we’re seeing in our Family Support Centers are frantic, broken, because they have no idea what they’re going to do now that they’ve been laid off.

“They have no idea what they will do for employment, and just keeping food in the house [is a challenge] now that their children are at home.”

Solidum was at a Family Support Center when she met a single mother with three children. The woman was sobbing with relief and gratitude because she was finally getting help.

“Like in every other circumstance, Catholic Charities will remain a pillar,” said Solidum. “We will remain a trusted resource they can turn to when they are in complete despair.”

APRIL 3, 2020 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

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How to stay sane in a time of stress

ecently, I spoke with my brother who lives in northern Italy. He is well — and so are his wife and family — but is tired of being confined to his home.

Because of his age — he is 71 — he is not allowed to go out. He has not set foot on a street for two weeks.

I asked him how he was managing. He said: “I am not doing well. I am bored and I get easily irritated. To keep busy, I start working on an unfinished project, but I soon get frustrated because I need supplies, which I cannot get because I cannot leave my home.”

Social isolation is a way to be safe, but it takes a toll.

Here in the United States, we are beginning to get a taste of the stress that the coronavirus brings to our society and our families.

Restaurants and bars are closed, schools are closed, employers are asking their employees to work from home or just stay at home.

Our whole life is being disrupted.

Being a family therapist by training, my mind goes to the needs of couples and families in these stressful times. My thoughts and prayers go to the young families, those that are most vulnerable. With both parents at home, their income stopped, the children underfoot 24/7, their life is being turned upside down.

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

This situation, especially if prolonged, brings high stress, which can cause unexpected conflicts between the parents. The annoying small quirks and habits that under normal circumstances are overlooked, can now trigger negative exchanges that hurt the relationship and increase the tension in the family.

To survive, we need to learn to cope. We need to adjust and be flexible.

The Greek storyteller Aesop told a fable about an oak tree and a reed and how they coped in a situation of stress. One day an oak tree was boasting about his strength to the nearby reed, and accusing the reed of being weak because, as reeds do, he

would bend to the wind. A storm came and the oak tree resisted until the wind uprooted it, while the reed — by bending to the force of the wind — was spared any damage.

How do we adapt in these times of storm? We must be like the reed. We accept the danger of the reality we face and change our ways of doing things, keeping in mind that our priority is always our marriage and the well-being of our children, and the knowledge that God is our strength.

Here are some suggestions I gathered from several recent articles: 1. Take care of yourself physically. Eat regularly and healthy food, exercise, get sufficient sleep, avoid overuse of alcohol and develop a daily routine for yourself and your children that ideally includes time for work, exercise, learning, fun time and definitely prayer. Make time for prayer a daily activity and, on Sunday, participate with your family in the Mass that is being televised or streamed in your area.

2. Stay connected with others. Get the facts about the evolving crisis and limit news media consumption. Connect with others via phone, email, social media and text messages.

Develop a daily routine for yourself and your children, and spend quality time as a family. This is the time to pull out old board games.

Pope Francis reminds us: “We must rediscover the

Dorothy (Korte) and George Wellnitz, members of Sacred Heart Parish, Emporia, will celebrate their 65th wedding anniversary on April 12. The couple was married on April 12, 1955, at Sacred Heart. Their children are: Connie Boyce, Robert Wellnitz, Kevin Wellnitz, Kathy Ables, Marcia Johnson and Laura Piper. They also have 18 grandchildren and 34 great-grandchildren.

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

“Dignified and Affordable Without Compromise”

“Locally Owned and Operated Since 1904” Jim Larkin

What is helping you keep your sanity? Share this with a friend. concreteness of the little things, small gestures of attention toward our family and friends.”

3. Follow the protocols recommended by your local medical and civil authorities, such as limiting exposure and hand washing.

4. Pray. Prayer brings us face to face with God and gives us his perspective on life. God is the source of our hope. Hope is the light that guides us through uncertain times. Hope helps us relieve our stress.

Psychologist David Cates, Ph.D., director of behavioral health at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, told Newsweek that for couples who have a strong foundation in their relationship, the current crisis can be an opportunity for growth. On the other hand, for couples with poor negotiation and communication skills, this situation can cause a crisis.

In a gesture of caring for all couples, Teri and I are making available one of our online marriage enrichment programs free of charge to any couples that want to use it. To access it, go online to: www.the-virtues. net/online-free-program/.

Jacob “Jake” and Carole Mertz, members of Christ the King Parish, Topeka, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on April 12 with a family dinner. The couple was married on April 11, 1970, at Most Pure Heart of Mary Church, Topeka. Their children are: Susan King and Sara Farrar. They also have six grandchildren

is affiliated with Warren-McElwain Mortuary, Lawrence, KS

1844 Minnesota Ave. Kansas City, Kansas 913-371-7000

Question for reflection:

Sam Garcia

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Sister Mary Vincent Fritton, SCL

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EAVENWORTH — Sister Mary Vincent Fritton, 98, a Sister of Charity of Leavenworth, died on March 10 at the motherhouse here.

She celebrated her 75th anniversary as a Sister of Charity in 2018. She entered the religious community following her college graduation and served as a Sister in a variety of educational, administrative and pastoral care assignments.

Sister Mary Vincent was known for a powerful operatic singing voice, a passion for Latin, an attention to detail, prayerful devotion and a warm servant’s heart. She embodied the Sisters of Charity characteristic virtues of simplicity, humility and charity.

She was born on Sept. 8, 1921, in Topeka, the youngest of three daughters of Benno V. and Josephine (Zeidler) Fritton. A strong German Catholic heritage predominated on both sides of her family.

She attended St. Joseph Grade School in Topeka and Topeka Catholic High School before pursuing a music education degree, along with concentrations in Latin and religion, at Saint Mary College, Leavenworth. After college, she entered the Sisters of Charity community on Sept. 1, 1943, and professed vows as Sister Mary Vincent on March 6, 1945.

Sister Mary Vincent taught in high schools in Kansas, Montana and Colorado, where she enjoyed teaching vocals and directing choral groups. She interrupted her teaching ministry to serve one year as dean of women in the nurses’ home at St. Joseph Hospital in Denver. Her love for people and spirituality led to a postgraduate certification in clinical pastoral education in 1978.

Sister Mary Vincent had a reputation for being thorough and careful. Her meticulous, sharp-eyed nature found expression not only in note-taking and list-making, but proofreading books, something at which she was most adept.

Later in life, she aided Father Thomas Dubay, SM, a noted spiritual theologian who wrote over 20 books on Catholic spirituality. She proofread at least two of his works, both published by well-known Ignatius Press.

In one acknowledgment, published in 1985, he writes: “Sister Mary Vincent Fritton, SCL, once again passed her sharp eyes over these pages and freed them of small typographical errors.” Her multifaceted abilities in singing, teaching, administration, pastoral care and proofreading were a gift to associates and friends.

APRIL 3, 2020 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

New HR director’s ‘baptism of fire’

By Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

K

ANSAS CITY, Kan. — Tara McGranaghan’s first day as the new director of human resources for the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas was a lot like a baptism.

A baptism of fire, that is.

Her first day of work was Monday, March 16 — the first day that nearly the entire chancery staff had been told to start working from home to avoid potential exposure to coronavirus.

“I don’t even know how to describe it,” said McGranaghan. “I really don’t.

It’s a very unusual time for anybody in any job — whether they are brandnew or have been there for 20 years — because we’re all in this together, and we’re in water we’ve never been in before.”

Normally, one of the first things a new human resources officer would do is walk around to meet the people she would be working with. But on her first day, she was greeted by empty hallways and offices nearly devoid of human life.

“I’m looking forward to the future when the staff will come back,” said McGranaghan.

McGranaghan was born in Wichita but grew up in Overland Park. Those familiar with Irish history know that the Hill of Tara was the ancient capital of pagan Irish kings and the sacred dwelling place of the pagan Irish gods.

St. Patrick is said to have gone to Tara to battle the pagan priests.

Before she married her husband Tom, McGranaghan’s maiden name was: Ireland.

Despite her emerald-green Irish associations, McGranaghan grew up as a member of the Village Presbyterian Church in Prairie Village and converted to the Catholic faith. She and Tom were married at Holy Cross Parish in Overland Park.

Currently, they are members of Prince of Peace Parish in Olathe. They have two adult children who no longer live at home. Tom is retired.

McGranaghan graduated from Shawnee Mission West High School and studied at Kansas State University in Manhattan, where she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in retail marketing.

11

ASL livestream Masses offered for deaf community

A Tara McGranaghan is the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas’ new human resources director.

Her first day of work was March 16 — the day the majority of the chancery offices started working remotely.

“

“I AM A TRUE BELIEVER THAT IF STAFF FEELS APPRECIATED AND VALUED, AND IS GIVEN THE OPPORTUNITY, THEY WILL STRIVE FOR SUCCESS.” Both Tara and Tom are KSU graduates, and, at one time, were the proud owners of a purple bus they’d take to games in Manhattan.

McGranaghan spent the first part of her career in retail at Dayton Hudson (which owns Target), Macy’s and Marshall Fields. She made the career switch to human resources while at Marshall Fields.

Next, she worked for 11 years as a member of the leadership team of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph, most recently as the agency’s chief human resources officer.

In total, McGranaghan has more than 25 years of experience in human

resources, and she has developed a philosophy.

“I am a true believer that if staff feels appreciated and valued,” she said, “and is given the opportunity, they will strive for success.”

Becoming part of the archdiocesan leadership was a natural, logical step.

“I live in Kansas, and I thought it would be great to work in the archdiocese where I am a parishioner,” she said.

“I loved working in Missouri,” she added, “but when they talked about parish events [in Missouri], I was always going to events in Kansas.”

The duties of human resources managers have expanded and grown more complex over the decades, including benefits administration, staff administration and workplace “culture.” The current pandemic crisis has added an element of rapid change, with many new initiatives proposed in or coming out of the U.S. Congress.

“It’s still evolving,” said McGranaghan. “We need to look at all the legislation coming out to determine how and what we need to do.

Even though bills have been passed by Congress, there are still questions that need to be answered.”

lthough public Masses are currently suspended in the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, the deaf community has multiple ways to tune in virtually to live-streamed ASL Masses.

According to the National Catholic Office of the Deaf (NCOD) website, ncod.org, three live-streamed ASL Masses are available for the deaf community.

1. Father Shawn Carey, director of the deaf apostolate from the Archdiocese of Boston, will offer Sunday ASL Mass at 8:15 a.m. CDT on YouTube Live at: youtube.com/ user/DeafApostolateBoston. After live-streaming, the video will be available at: bostondeafcatholic.org and can be viewed at your convenience.

2. Father Mike Depcik, director of St. John’s Deaf Center, the Catholic deaf community for the Archdiocese of Detroit, will celebrate Sunday ASL Mass at 10:30 a.m. CDT on Facebook Live at facebook.com/deafmass.

3. Father Tom Schweitzer, assited by Deacon Tomas Garcia from Holy Angels Church of the Deaf in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles will celebrate Sunday Mass at 10:30 a.m. CDT in ASL and spoken English, and again at 1:30 p.m. CDT in ASL and Spanish at: youtube.com/user/ hacofthedeaf/live.

The office of deaf ministry will also upload ASL YOUCAT videos on a weekly basis at: archkcks.com/ home/asl-youcat to help with faith formation, since unnecessary gatherings, including Bible studies, have been suspended.

Benedictine launches Memorare Army pandemic prayer campaign

By Steve Johnson Special to The Leaven

A

TCHISON — “Please pray 10 Memorares a day, each day, for 10 days, for relief from the coronavirus crisis.”

President Stephen D. Minnis of Benedictine College in Atchison made that request at the end of an online town hall, answering questions and delivering instructions for students and their families in the wake of the coronavirus crisis.

“Pray for an end to this crisis, for those suffering from the virus and those affected by it, and for the college — for our students and their families, and the entire Benedictine College community,” he said.

He also promised to light a candle for students in Mary’s Grotto each day until students return.

Mother Teresa, who visited Atchison’s Benedictines in 1981, started

the first Memorare Army in Calcutta, India, gathering pledges for 85,000 Memorares to raise needed funds for a new building.

President Minnis has started several Memorare Army campaigns in the past, including one for Westerman Hall, which was dedicated this year as America’s finest small-college science building.

Additionally, at Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann’s request, the college started a Memorare Army that gathered millions of prayers for religious freedom.

“We have used Memorare Armies often with incredible results here at Benedictine, a school chosen by Our Lady,” said Minnis. “I don’t have to tell you that Mary’s intercession is powerful, so please join us.

“Remember through all of this, Ravens will rise,” he concluded. “So let’s end our discussion with a Memorare.”

PHOTO BY STEVE JOHNSON

Benedictine College president Stephen D. Minnis promised to light a candle for students in Mary’s Grotto each day until students return. President Minnis has also started a Memorare Army prayer campaign for the end of the coronavirus crisis.

APRIL 3, 2020 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

12

‘I think God could use this to do some pretty cool things is planned out in terms of meetings and prayer and meals,” he said. “So, packing up from there and then in 36 hours being here, we had to plan all that for ourselves, so that was quite a whirlwind.

“All the men I am with are incredibly strong and mature and smart, so we were able to pick up and go and come here.”

Prayer, the deacon added, continues to be their main focus.

“We still make praying together a top priority. Seminarians and priests pray the breviary. We go to Mass as often as we can. We pray the rosary [and] do spiritual reading,” he said.

“We pray our Holy Hour together.

It’s 60 minutes in front of the Blessed Sacrament or just the tabernacle in the morning. That’s the first thing we have.”

>> Continued from page 1 guests, while continuing classwork online. Seminarians are free to leave, he said, but with the knowledge they cannot return.

The seminary also implemented many of the recommended guidelines aimed at preventing COVID-19’s spread.

For example, although the men still come together for prayer, they stagger themselves in the chapel, maintaining distance between themselves.

And while the seminary is essentially closed, if a seminarian needs a prescription, he can pick it up, but is expected to pick up anything else needed for the other seminarians.

In terms of his classwork, the deacon described the virtual instruction as “interactive participation,” which includes live-streamed lectures, reading material and live chat message boards.

In addition to classwork, the community can still attend daily Mass, too.

Deacon Mecum said he knows he’s incredibly blessed to still receive the Eucharist daily, something he knows the laity are mourning the loss of right now.

“When we receive the Eucharist,” he said, “we make our intentions for all those in our home diocese and all the faithful who cannot participate in the sacrifice of the Mass.”

PHOTO COURTESY OF DEACON TRAVIS MECUM

Deacon Travis Mecum is sheltering in place at Pope St. John XXIII Seminary in Weston, Massachusetts. The seminary closed its doors to the public, while continuing classwork online. Seminarians are free to leave, but if they do so, they cannot return.

Savior reborn Finally, the archdiocese has nine men in formation at Kenrick-Glennon Seminary in St. Louis. On March 16, those nine were informed the seminary was closing for the school year as of 5 p.m., March 18, giving them just 48 hours to pack and return home.

There was no indication of the virus among any of them. Still, out of an abundance of caution, Father Wallisch said all nine headed straight to Savior Pastoral Center.

“We just thought it would be best,” he said, adding the men had “already been together” for quite some time in St. Louis.

Currently, archdiocesan staff is working remotely, so Savior Pastoral Center seemed the logical choice to provide the men shelter for the foreseeable future.

Like Kenrick-Glennon, Conception Seminary in northwest Missouri decided to shutter its doors for the semester. The men there, Father Wallisch explained, will finish their courses online — with the difference being in their living arrangements, at least for now.

“They won’t immediately join the Kenrick-Glennon guys,” he said. “We’re going to have them isolate themselves for a couple weeks and then, once their schooling has to start back up, we’ll put them at Savior “We’re trying to create as best a seminary atmosphere as possible so that they can continue their formation.”

“Is this ideal? Certainly not,” continued Father Wallisch. “But could this be a very formative moment? I think so.

PHOTO BY DEACON ANTHONY MERSMANN

Alex Rickert, a college sophomore at Kenrick-Glennon Seminary in St. Louis, studies online from Savior Pastoral Center in Kansas City, Kansas, where archdiocesan students from Kenrick-Glennon have moved in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

Could it be a great time for them to all grow in the community and their fraternity with each other? Sure.

“So, I think God can use this to do some pretty cool things for seminarians.”

And their reaction is encouraging, he said.

“I find it edifying that the guys are bummed that they’re not at [the] seminary — meaning they take their formation seriously. . . . They enjoy immersing themselves in formation. They enjoy their fellow seminarians. . . . I take that as a good sign they’re really investing themselves in their formation.”

Father Morris, who moved into the temporary seminary on March 23, agrees.

“There’s a good spirit here, and so they’ve done a good job of taking ownership of what these next five weeks are going to look like,” he said. “It’s a blessing in disguise.

“Given the situation, God can bring these kinds of blessings out of anything.”

Viewing his role as a priest who can provide a “presence” and a source of morale to the seminarians, Father Morris said he can assist in the transition and closeout of the semester. From a practical standpoint, he celebrates daily Mass for the seminarians.

Spiritual benefits The “resurrection” of Savior Pastoral Center as a seminary, said Father Morris, is reaping benefits on multiple levels — spiritually, socially and physically — as seminarians pray together, eat together, work out together and even enjoy movies together during down time.

Deacon Mersmann, one of the nine from Kenrick-Glennon, agreed.

“We have an incredible life and schedule at Kenrick where everything

Living together Of course, creating a temporary seminary also involves taking care of a variety of needs — some practical, some spiritual.

Upon their arrival, Deacon Mersmann and Keith Chadwick, a seminarian in his third year of theology, took charge of meal preparation. The two planned menus, did the shopping and have committed to cooking most (but not all) the meals. Others cleaned Strecker Hall and organized the living arrangements, while others took charge of the music and preparation of the sacred vessels for liturgies.

“We do everything in common, and we’re all living in the same hallway, up in Strecker,” the deacon added. “There’s this incredible bond focused on prayer, just embracing all the sacrifices that everyone’s life now includes.”

Usually, said Father Morris, seminarians are divided by their classes. For example, students in college might live in separate wings or separate buildings from those in theological training. Now, with nine seminarians at various stages in their formation period all together, the seminarians closer to ordination are getting to know their younger brothers in pre-theology or college.

Savior’s grounds, too, provide seminarians plenty of room for exercise and outdoor prayer.

Stay in touch Finally, the seminarians have established an email account at: kcksemprayers @gmail.com. They encourage everyone throughout the archdiocese to send their prayer requests to that address.

“We are experiencing the same trials that you are in terms of not being able to leave, in terms of the very limited to no contact with our families,” said Deacon Mersmann.

“So, we are in solidarity with you there,” he added, “and we want to affirm you and encourage you.”

CASH FOR YOUR HOME (913) 980-4905

Any condition in the metro area Leave anything behind.

We will even help you with your move

Mark Edmondson - local parishioner http://www.buykcproperty.com

APRIL 3, 2020 | THELEAVEN.ORG

CLASSIFIEDS

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

Communications coordinator - Holy Cross in Overland Park is looking for a faith-filled person with a heart for serving others to join our team! The communications coordinator’s main focus is to consistently highlight and promote the mission of the parish through the various communication channels available today. The position also works with staff, ministry leaders and parishioners to communicate our vision and encourage engagement.

Demonstrated proficiency in creating online and printed media a plus. The position is part time and hours are flexible. Check out our website at: www.holycrossopks.org for a complete position description and an application form. Please submit application and resume online to Phil Thacker at: pthacker@holycrossopks.org.

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

Community live-in assistants - L’Arche Heartland of Overland Park serves adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities in day program support services and in residential services. We are seeking assistants who are looking for a unique opportunity in a faith-based organization. We are in immediate need of live-in assistants and potential live-out assistants to work in our day program serving 30 adults. We have a recycling program and community activities. Our core members participate in distributing for Meals on Wheels and Rise Against Hunger. They also attend community events such as the library, movies, bowling and going to parks. We also have a need for live-in and live-out assistants in our five residential homes. If interested, contact Jamie Henderson, community leader, by email at: jamie@larcheks.org.

Administrative assistant - Looking for something new?

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

Data manager – The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas is seeking an experienced individual to manage and maintain its Raiser’s Edge database. The position reports to the executive director of stewardship and development, but interfaces with many departments in maximizing use of the database software. The ideal candidate will be a practicing Catholic in good standing; have demonstrated attention to detail in data input, management and analysis; strong communication skills — written, verbal and listening; and strong mathematical aptitude. This position requires a college degree and a minimum of two years’ experience in professional data management, preferably in a fundraising setting. Prior experience with Raiser’s Edge preferred. A complete job description, application and benefits information are available on the archdiocese’s website at: www.archkck.org/jobs. Interested individuals should email cover letter, resume and application by April 3 to: jobs@archkck.org.

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

Teachers - Preschool and toddler teachers needed. Competitive salary and good benefits. Applicants should be capable of warm and caring interaction with young children.

Call (913) 248-4589.

Caregiver needed - Need caregiver for Kansas City, Kansas, woman suffering from MS. Hours are M - F from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call (913) 291-2465.

Director of administrative services - Good Shepherd Parish in Shawnee has a June 1 full-time opening for the director of administrative services. Qualified applicants will have successful management experience with an emphasis in human resources, accounting and financial management. In addition, a demonstrated commitment to the Catholic faith and mission is essential. This position is responsible for managing the parish front office; managing all human resources responsibilities including the processing of payroll; managing all accounting functions; coordinating the parish/school finances with the parish accountant; and supervising a staff of one. Strong communications skills are essential, along with a desire to work in a positive faith-oriented environment. Competency with Microsoft Office programs, internet use and email required. This full-time position is eligible for parish and archdiocese benefits. Please submit cover letter and resume to: slemons@gsshawnee.org or to: frkent@ gsshawnee.org by April 6.

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

Parish office receptionist - St. Michael the Archangel Parish is seeking a part-time receptionist to work three days per week from 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. It is a job-share position with some flexibility. Duties include: taking and routing incoming calls; welcoming guests; scheduling Mass intentions; data entry; and other office duties. Applicants must be practicing Catholics, compassionate, possess excellent communication skills and be proficient with the Microsoft Office Suite. Experience with databases also preferred. This position is highly visible and represents St. Michael the Archangel to parishioners and guests. The receptionist reports to the parish administrator. Desired start date is on or about May 4. Pay will be based on skills and experience. Send resume and cover letter to: St. Michael the Archangel, attention: Denise Greene, 14251 Nall Ave., Leawood, KS 66223 or email to: denise.greene@ stmichaelcp.org.

Assistant principal - Our Lady of the Presentation School in Lee’s Summit, Mo., is seeking an assistant principal committed to Catholic education with experience in administration. The assistant principal works collaboratively with the administration team to support instruction; administer discipline; moderate 8th-grade events; coordinate middle school activities; and assist principal with the day-to-day operation of the school. The assistant principal has decision-making responsibilities in keeping with school policies and the diocesan administrative manual.

The position is hired and evaluated by the principal. Basic qualifications: master’s degree in educational leadership from an accredited university, or in process to earn a degree; valid teaching certificate with at least three years of teaching experience; trained in Protecting God’s Children, or willing to be trained; and experience with elementary or middle school students. Technology integration preferred.

Interested candidates can apply at: careers.hireology. com/thecatholicdioceseofkansascitystjoseph and click on “Jobs for the Catholic Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph,” then scroll down and click on “Assistant Principal – Lee’s Summit MO.“ CFNEK accountant/controller - The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas is seeking an accountant/controller for the Catholic Foundation of Northeast Kansas (CFNEK).

This is a full-time position. This position is responsible for preparing annual financial statements, reporting for board and committee meetings, and recording transactions.

The ideal candidate will be a practicing Catholic in good standing; have a thorough knowledge of not-for-profit generally accepted accounting principles; be proficient at data input and analysis; and demonstrate effective communication skills, written and verbal. The position requires a bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance or related field and a minimum of four years’ relevant work experience in accounting and financial management. A complete job description, application and benefits information are available on the archdiocese’s website at: www.archkck. org/jobs. Interested individuals should email cover letter, resume and application to: jobs@archkck.org. Position open until filled.

General office work - Seeking a versatile, adaptable, motivated and customer-focused individual for a general office position in our dynamic small business. Individual will perform a wide variety of tasks including, but not limited to, receptionist, customer care and product processing. Computer skills are a must; QuickBooks knowledge is a plus.

Professional phone etiquette, clear communication skills, dependability and excellent customer service skills are required. Please send resume to: Yourcareer101@gmail.com.

Elementary school principal – Holy Name School in Kansas City, KS, is seeking an individual with demonstrated skill in spiritual, academic, and advancement leadership for the 2020-21 school year. Holy Name has approximately 115 students in K - 8th grades and 14 preschoolers taught by 10 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, Archdiocese of Kansas City in KS, 12615 Parallel Parkway, Kansas City, KS, 66109. Deadline for applications is April 17.

Part-time equipment repair person - Seeking individuals looking for flexible part-time work maintaining and repairing small equipment for our dynamic company. Service is completed at customers’ locations and electrical knowledge is a plus. Position involves regional travel with overnight stays, some lifting and walking; dependable transportation is a must. Positive attitude, dependability, time management and organizational skills, as well as being quality- and customer-oriented, are required. Please send resume to: Yourcareer101@gmail.com.

HOME IMPROVEMENT STA (Sure Thing Always) Home Repair - Basement finish, bathrooms and kitchens; interior & exterior repairs: painting, roofing, siding, wood replacement and window glazing. Free estimates. Call (913) 579-1835.

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

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

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

Everything is guaranteed 100% (913) 461-4052 www.windowservicesoverlandpark.com drcconswindows@gmail.com Rusty Dandy Painting, Inc. – We have been coloring your world for 40 years. Your home will be treated as if it were our own. Old cabinets will be made to look like new. Dingy walls and ceilings will be made beautiful. Woodwork will glow.

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

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

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

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

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

All interior and exterior work.

Honest, dependable, experienced and family owned.

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

(913) 927-5240 or nelsport@everestkc.net Concrete construction - Tear out and replace amped, stained or colored patios and drives. Retaining walls, footings, poured-in-place safe rooms, excavation and hauling.

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

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

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

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

Doll dresses - First Communion dresses for American Girl dolls or any 18” dolls. To include dress, veil, shoes, tights, and cross necklace for $35. Call (913) 345-9498 or send an email to: wwelch4@kc.rr.com to order. The dress is on display at Trinity House, 6731 W. 119th St., Overland Park, KS. Tree trimming/landscaping Free estimates licensed/insured/references (913) 620-6063 Mike Hammer local moving - A full-service mover.

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

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

Release your weight and restore your power in 8 weeks! http://8toyouridealweight.com/coach/kathi/

13

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 - Maintenance-free villa in Holy Trinity area! Palisades at College across from Aquinas. Three-bedroom/ sunroom floor plan. All new paint, flooring. Beautiful south and east exposure. Within walking distance of parks, trails, eateries. Must see. Call Joe at (913) 274-8822. $290K. For sale - White Oaks, 5.2 country acreage. Can be subdivided into three properties, multiple uses. Near Preston, MO, Lake of the Ozarks and Pomme de Terre Lake.

For more information, send an email to: novafam@live. com.

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

Caregiving - Caregiver available - reasonable rates, years of experience with all kinds of medical issues and conditions. Can do days, nights, weekends and help with food preparation and basic personal care. Just came from a job in quarantine with a client for the last four months. Call (913) 602-1289.

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.

Concrete Work

Any type of repair and new work Driveways, Walks, Patios Member of Queen of the Holy Rosary Parish

Harvey M. Kascht (913) 262-1555

Wagner’s Mud-Jacking Co. Specializing in Foundation Repairs Mud-jacking and Waterproofing.

Serving Lawrence, Topeka and surrounding areas.

Topeka (785) 233-3447 Lawrence (785) 749-1696 In business since 1963 www.foundationrepairks.com

APRIL 3, 2020 | THELEAVEN.ORG

COMMENTARY HOLY WEEK April 5 PALM SUNDAY OF THE PASSION OF THE LORD Mt 21: 1-11 Is 50: 4-7 Ps 22: 8-9, 17-18, 19-20, 23-24 Phil 2: 6-11 Mt 26:14 – 27:66 April 6 Monday of Holy Week Is 42: 1-7 Ps 27: 1-3, 13-14 Jn 12: 1-11 April 7 Tuesday of Holy Week Is 49: 1-6 Ps 71: 1-4a, 5ab-6ab, 15, 17 Jn 13: 21-33, 36-38 April 8 Wednesday of Holy Week Is 50: 4-9a Ps 69: 8-10, 21-22, 31, 33-34 Mt 26: 14-25 April 9 HOLY THURSDAY OF THE LORD’S SUPPER Ex 12: 1-8, 11-14 Ps 116: 12-13, 15-16bc, 17-18 1 Cor 11: 23-26 Jn 13: 1-15 April 10 FRIDAY OF THE PASSION OF THE LORD (Good Friday) Is 52:13 – 53:12 Ps 31: 2, 6, 12-13, 15-16, 17, 25 Heb 4: 14-16; 5: 7-9 Jn 18:1 – 19:42 THE EASTER VIGIL IN THE HOLY NIGHT Gn 1:1 – 2:2 Ex 14:15 – 15:1 Is 55: 1-11 Rom 6: 3-11 Ps 118: 1-2, 16ab-17, 22-23 Mt 28: 1-10

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14

You’ll find what you’re looking for

re you stuck at home? Or are you safe at home?

Sometimes, changing one little word can alter our perspective. Living in the time of coronavirus has presented us all with a challenge: Do we choose to concentrate on what’s not there — no public Masses, limits on basic goods to purchase, travel restrictions — or do we instead focus on the good that’s there?

This story hits the nail on the head: Jim Smith went to church one Sunday morning. He heard the organist miss a note during the prelude, and he winced. He saw a teenager talking when everybody was supposed to be bowed in silent prayer. He felt like the usher was watching to see what he put in the collection and it made him boil. He caught the priest making a slip of the tongue five times in the homily by actual count. He slipped out the side door during the closing hymn and muttered, “Never again.

What a bunch of clods and hypocrites.”

Ron Jones went

MARK MY WORDS

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

to church that same Sunday. He heard the organist play an arrangement of “A Mighty Fortress” and thrilled at its majesty. He heard a teenager take a moment in the service to whisper a simple, moving message to her friend of the difference faith makes in her life. He was glad to see that this parish was sharing in a special collection for the hungry children in Nigeria. He especially appreciated the homily, which answered a question that had bothered him for a long time. He thought as

he walked out the front doors, “How can a man come here and not feel the presence of God?” (Adapted from a story in “Illustrations Unlimited,” edited by James S. Hewett.)

Two men at the same Mass. Each found what he was looking for.

This issue of The Leaven wants to shift our perspective a bit on the coronavirus pandemic. Without minimizing its seriousness and the havoc it’s unleashed on the world, that’s not the entire story. Many people have stepped forward in this time to alleviate its devastating effects. We’re privileged to tell a few of those stories here — from the selfless work of Catholic Charities to seamstresses sewing face masks; from the courageous

work of local nurses to calls to join the Memorare Army.

Archdiocesan priests are doing their part as well to respond in creative, positive ways, as did Father Nathan Haverland in our frontpage story. I’m not as enterprising — or energetic — in my efforts!

I’ve simply been using the parish picture directory as I celebrate a private Mass, changing the page each day (and remembering, as well, those who aren’t pictured).

John Bosio gives hints on page 10 on how to stay sane during the pandemic. Here are some things helping me: • Being grateful. I have a home to shelter in; plenty of food (thanks to wonderful parishioners who make sure I’m well-fed); the internet and a cellphone to keep in touch; electricity and clean water; and plenty more.

• Celebrating light. In these days when I get overwhelmed by the “darkness” of the news, I turn on my Christmas lights. Yes, I still have my tabletop Christmas tree up, as well as a string of lights around a doorway. Don’t judge.

They make me smile and remind me that the Light is always with us.

• Polka-ing. Brian McCarty and some members of Kolograd have posted polkas on Facebook (and I have plenty of polka CDs). It’s hard to be serious and gloomy when doing the “Chicken Dance.”

• Trusting in God. I came across this unattributed meme recently, and it makes a lot of sense: “I trust God . . . and I wear my seatbelt.

I trust God . . . and I use oven mitts with really hot dishes.

I trust God . . . and I lock my house at night.

I trust God . . . and I have smoke detectors in my house.

I trust God . . . and I take my prescribed medicines.

I trust God . . . and I will follow the best guidelines to share the task of flattening the curve.

Acting with caution and wisdom does not indicate a lack of trust in God.” Hang in there, Leaven readers, and look for what’s best in these days.

His choice of mount tells us what kind of messiah Jesus is

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o you drive a hybrid, out of concern for the environment? Or, do you tool around in a Jeep that can handle tough terrain?

Your ride says something about you — about how you view the world and how you fit into it.

That was also true centuries ago, at the time of Jesus. In the reading this Sunday for the blessing of the palms, we notice Jesus’ mode of transportation (Mt 21:1-11).

Huge crowds of pilgrims are entering the city of Jerusalem to celebrate the feast of Passover. One scholar estimates the number of pilgrims at about 125,000.

(Found in “Jerusalem in the Time of Jesus,” by Joachim Jeremias.)

IN THE BEGINNING

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

In the midst of that multitude of pilgrims, Jesus also enters the city. But, unlike them, he is not walking. Instead, he has a ride obtained

by his disciples according to his instructions to them: “Go into the village opposite you, and immediately you will find an ass tethered, and a colt with her. Untie them and bring them here to me.”

The Gospel further comments upon this mode of transportation as fulfilling the words of the prophet: “Behold your king comes to you,

POPE FRANCIS Many Christians are caught in a trap of complaining about everything and doing nothing about it, Pope Francis said in his morning Mass.

The sin of sloth, marked by careless indifference, apathy and self-pity, is a “poison, a fog that envelops the soul and doesn’t let it live,” he said in his homily at Mass that was livestreamed March 24.

The pope began the Mass by praying for deceased health care workers and priests who were infected

meek and riding on an ass, and on a colt, the foal of a beast of burden” (Zec 9:9).

The Messiah is not riding in on a warhorse, ready to do battle.

Neither is he driving a chariot. The choice of an ass reflects his peaceful nature and intentions.

The verse that follows in Zechariah, which is not quoted in Matthew’s Gospel, clarifies this: “He shall banish the chariot from Ephraim, and the horse from Jerusalem; the warrior’s bow shall be banished, and he shall proclaim peace to the nations.”

Most likely, when Zechariah mentions “an ass” and “a colt, the foal of an ass,” he is referring to a single animal, and not to two separate animals.

The second phrase

simply further describes the same animal. That is how the Gospels of Mark, Luke and John understand it. Matthew’s Gospel is alone in interpreting the prophecy as meaning two separate animals.

This poses a dilemma: How could Jesus ride two animals at the same time? Some have even pictured him as astride the animals, with one foot on each. Not very likely.

In any case, Jesus enters the city of Jerusalem in peace, in order to bring us salvation. The enthusiastic crowds that welcome him will soon abandon him.

This moment of glory will soon fade away, only to yield to the lasting glory of the Resurrection.

with the coronavirus after caring for patients ill with COVID19. He thanked God for their “heroic example” of caring for the sick.

In his homily, the pope reflected on the day’s Gospel reading from St. John in which Jesus goes to the healing waters of the pool of Bethesda in Jerusalem and sees an ill man sitting helplessly by the pool. It was apparent to Jesus that this man had been ill for decades, and he asked him if he wanted to be healed. The man’s response “is interesting,” the pope said, because he doesn’t enthusiastically or decisively answer, “Yes”; he just complains.

— CNS

APRIL 3, 2020 | THELEAVEN.ORG

COMMENTARY

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15

New space offers greater opportunities to serve

he heart of Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas has always been with the heart of those we serve.

That’s why we are excited to announce that this summer, our administrative office and food pantry located at 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kansas, is moving to a building situated in downtown Kansas City, Kansas, at 600 Minnesota Avenue.

Catholic Charities is deeply invested in Wyandotte County. It is the place we first called home. We set up a formal office there over 60 years ago, after recognizing the great need for assistance within the community.

INSIDE CATHOLIC CHARITIES

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

Our commitment of serving neighbors in need has grown considerably over the years. We have evolved from being a safety-net

agency to one that strengthens individuals and families through skills training, financial education and employment.

Due to the expansion of our services, we have spent the last few years analyzing and planning for a new office space.

We were excited when we came across this

building space, as it ticks so many of our “must-have” boxes.

Conveniently located on a city bus route, it allows Catholic Charities to be more visible and accessible to those who benefit most from our programs.

Also, it meets our criteria of being near many of the other service agencies that we partner with in the community.

THERE’S NO BETTER TIME TO GET INVOLVED This new space is not just for those we serve and our staff, but also for our volunteers. Catholic Charities couldn’t do what we do without the dedicated volunteers who selflessly serve side

by side with us.

Our new location is conveniently positioned with ample parking and easy access from the highway and major thoroughfares.

While our volunteers come from all over our service area, there is no better time for those in our Wyandotte County parishes to take this opportunity to serve in their local community.

Learn more about how you can get involved by visiting our website at: catholic charitiesks.org/volunteer.

COME CHECK US OUT! We can’t wait to show you our new digs!

That’s why, after we have completely moved in, we will be adding

600 Minnesota Avenue to the list of stops we make on our Catholic Charities’ bus tour.

Join us to learn more about Catholic Charities’ mission and operations and view our exciting new space. Reserve your spot online at: catholic charitiesks.org/bus-tour.

We look forward to hosting you at our new place, once renovations are complete and the dust is settled.

We will be working closely with our archdiocese to schedule a blessing of our new building, along with an open house and KCK Chamber ribbon cutting.

We appreciate all of your incredible support during this time of transition!

Use this newfound free time to renew your faith, pursue real conversion

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his past February, I was serving on a Teens Encounter Christ weekend. During a break, I asked a few young people why they decided to go on retreat.

Their answers were simple: I just really needed to get away, to enjoy some silence, to renew and refresh, to disconnect from the busyness of life.

Don’t we all feel a need at times to disconnect from the busyness of life?

Now that many of us have been disconnected — ready or not — it is important that we rec-

DO WHATEVER HE TELLS YOU

RICK CHEEK Rick Cheek is the associate consultant for the office of evangelization and Catholic formation of youth.

ognize the opportunity God has offered us.

PANKEY FOUNDATION REPAIR

The opportunity to commit some of this newfound free time to renew our faith and pursue real conversion this Lent — not only for ourselves, but also for our families.

In the midst of this pandemic, are we shar-

ing the Gospel message with our family that helps them find peace in the fact that God is in control of our lives and works all things for our good?

With the time you may have on hand over the next few weeks (or months), now is the time to carve out a prayer space and time in your home and pray with your family.

Not sure where to start? Lectio divina can be the perfect first step, even for little children.

Read a scriptural passage out loud several times and ask them to pick words or phrases that they like or that stick out to them.

The daily Gospel is a great choice to use for this.

Moreover, dozens of pastors in the archdiocese are live streaming both Sunday and daily Masses.

Many Catholic websites offer the rosary recorded for you to follow along (for example, www.discerninghearts. com/catholic-podcasts/ holy-rosary/).

Formed.org has resources and movies to develop your faith, and most parishes have membership codes available so you can sign up for free. Magnificat is offering its online version and app for free through May;

for details, go online to: www.magnificat.com/ free.

Finally, follow me on Facebook or send me an email at: youth2@ archkck.org to sign up for our #TuesdayToolbox — a weekly list of resources provided by the archdiocesan youth office.

As we move forward in this new reality, if there’s anything you need to help your family’s spiritual growth, the archdiocese is here for you. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us for assistance.

Blessings on you and your family as we continue this new journey through Lent.

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APRIL 3, 2020 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

16

Seamstresses join forces to produce masks

By Jill Ragar Esfeld jill.esfeld@theleaven.org

Mask facts

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EAWOOD — Curé of Ars parishioner Bernadette Kaplan here celebrated her recent birthday in quite an unusual way: She spent the entire day making face masks.

“You know how you get that tug on your heart when you feel the Holy Spirit is calling you to do something?” she asked. “You just kind of drop everything and go?

“I had that; there was no hesitation.”

A former nurse, Kaplan is married to a physician, has a son who is a physician and a daughter who is an audiologist working with patients during the pandemic.

She understands the importance of personal protective equipment (PPE).

Kaplan is also a talented seamstress; that’s why a neighbor gave her an article about the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) relaxing guidelines and allowing the use of cloth face masks.

“My neighbor just knew I had a stockpile of fabric from over the years,” she said. “I read the article and I thought, ‘Well, I could make these.’”

Filling a need Kaplan texted her son who practices medicine in Chicago to ask if he thought there was a need.

“Absolutely,” he replied.

She started making masks and posting about the project on Facebook.

“And the minute I did,” she said, “I started getting texts from lots of friends saying, ‘Can I have two?’”

Kaplan turned out masks as quickly as she could. She put them in plastic bags labeled with recipients’ names and left them on her front porch — two per person, so one could be washed while the other was worn.

And the requests kept coming. Many people with family and friends who had to interact with the public asked for masks. A physical therapy department asked for 35.

That’s when Kaplan reached out to the Holy Trinity Threaders, a prayerful group of seamstresses at Holy Trinity Parish, Lenexa.

Pat Wineland, who leads the group, said the task was perfect for the Threaders. To paraphrase the group’s favorite quote from St. Mother Teresa: “We can’t do great things, but we can do small things with love.”

Threader Ann Piette suggested that the group make masks for priests and church staff first, so they could be safe

How effective are homemade masks?

Scientists from the University of Cambridge had volunteers make cotton masks using a simple protocol and performed tests to see how well the homemade masks could capture particles down to 0.02 microns (five times smaller than the coronavirus).

The homemade cotton masks captured 50% of 0.02 micron particles.

By comparison, N95 respirator masks have a collection efficiency of at least 95%. The scientist concluded that “a homemade mask should only be considered as a last resort to prevent droplet transmission from infected individuals, but it would be better than no protection.”

Who needs the homemade masks?

The main purpose of the homemade face masks is to optimize the supply of N95 masks for frontline health care providers who need them the most. Homemade masks are needed for clergy, hospital staff, police officers, firefighters, social workers, home health care workers, employees in the service industry, people with compromised immunity, patients visiting caregivers and anyone wanting some degree of protection from infection.

Above, Curé of Ars, Leawood, parishioner Bernadette Kaplan started a campaign to make cloth face masks to protect those interacting with the public during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Right, a recipient being treated for cancer posted a thank you on Facebook wearing her mask. continuing to minister to parishioners in need.

“Then, I suggested we make them for local urgent care facilities, police departments and fire stations,” she said.

“I’ve made about 50,” said Wineland.

“And I got a call from a physical therapy office over on Nall that said they didn’t have any. So, they took 12.”

What material should be used to make masks?

Fabrics of 100% cotton with a high thread count are recommended for making masks. Although other materials may perform better in terms of particle capture, they are not breathable. Breathability and comfort are important factors in how long the mask can be worn. Based on particle capture and breathability, researchers have concluded that fabrics such as those used in cotton T-shirts and pillowcases are the best choices for DIY masks.

Spreading the word The cloth face masks are not as effective as surgical masks or N95 masks, but they fill a need for people interacting with the general public. That helps preserve the supply of more filtration-efficient masks for doctors and nurses serving the sick.

“The cloth masks aren’t medically standard,” said Piette. “But one of the hospital nurses said they use them over their (N95) masks so they can wash the fabric one and reuse the other.”

And the masks made by the Threaders have something extra sewn into them.

“You know we’re a praying group, and we pray when we sew,” said Wineland.

“We pray for each person receiving the masks we make.”

It’s a practice Kaplan has adopted, too.

As the need has grown, so have the volunteers.

“I’m in a Bible study group at St. Ann [in Prairie Village],” said Kaplan. “They have a group called the Fidget Group and they, also, are starting to make masks.”

“One of our girls has recruited sewers from Holy Family Church to help us,” said Wineland.

A former Trinity Threader who moved to Florida, but stays in touch with the group, has begun recruiting seamstresses in her area to make masks.

“Our nation is learning a good lesson in how to work together,” said Piette. “It’s a message spreading around the world.”

Where can I learn about making and donating masks?

You can look on the internet and find many instructions for making masks. Bernadette Kaplan recommends the website at: sweetred poppy.com/how-to-sew-a-surgicalface-mask/.

Home sewers are reminded to practice social distancing, hand hygiene and not work on masks when sick.

I don’t sew. How can I help?

You can donate materials for making masks. Right now, there is a great need for ¼-inch elastic. If you have elastic you can donate, contact Kaplan by email at: Bmksews@ gmail.com

‘Nothing really prepares you for a moment like this’ >> Continued from page 1 It might seem a little bit unusual, but the pastor said it’s important for everyone to stay connected with their parish families.

“There is such a sadness among everyone about not being able to gather with our friends and family, but even more so that we can’t gather together as faith families,” he said. “We take it for granted that we can gather together each Sunday and now with that not a possibility, we begin to long and desire it more than we ever would have otherwise.

“I can’t take away that pain of not

being able to gather together, but I wanted to do something to help make people feel like we were all still in this together.”

As he celebrates Mass each week, Father Haverland said he finds it edifying to him to be able to see his parishioners and know they are united in prayer as if it were a normal Sunday, even though they are not physically present.

“Nothing really prepares you for a moment like this,” he said. “I’ve had some unusual moments in my priesthood, but this one tops them all.

“Everything about Sunday Mass without the people felt incredibly awk-

ward. At the same time, it was really touching to know that in countless homes, families were gathered together in prayer with me.”

“As tragic as this is,” he continued, “I can’t help but think of all the amazing fruit that’s coming from this situation.

Families are spending more time together than they ever have, and people are longing to go to church more than they ever have.”

The creative approach, said Father Haverland, reminds him of saints and their fearlessness in ministering to all those under their care. Citing such examples as St. Gregory the Great, who reigned as a pope when a plague afflict-

ed Rome, and St. Maximilian Kolbe, who ministered during the Holocaust, the priest said their lives provide witness to the hope of Christ.

“I can’t help but think of the many saints that have come before us who have lived during some really tragic times like this,” he said. “Instead of shying away in fear, they rose to the occasion with their talents and creativity to somehow make humanity better and get through those challenging times.

“I have always looked up to them in admiration. And now I realize that we have the opportunity to do the same.”