04 10 20 Vol. 41 No. 34

THELEAVEN.ORG | VOL. 41, NO. 34 | APRIL 10, 2020

Christ is risen!

Neither the tomb nor the locked doors — nor even quarantines — can keep the risen Lord from entering into our midst. May you open your hearts to receive him this Easter, and always. Be assured of his peace and mercy! + JOSEPH F. NAUMANN Archbishop of Kansas City in Kansas

+ JAMES P. KELEHER Archbishop Emeritus of Kansas City in Kansas STAINED-GLASS WINDOW AT HOLY FAMILY CHURCH IN KANSAS CITY, KANSAS

TRIDUUM MESSAGE

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann will have a special Triduum message for Catholics of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas. Go online to: archkck.org for the video message and for livestreamed Holy Week services.

MASS ON TV

KMCI-38 The Spot will broadcast Good Friday and Easter Sunday services live from the Cathedral. The Good Friday service will begin at 3 p.m.; Easter Mass starts at 10 a.m.

APRIL 10, 2020 | THELEAVEN.ORG

ARCHBISHOP

2

With Jesus, we can exercise our freedom in any and all situations

I

n St. Matthew’s Passion narrative, on three different occasions, Jesus responds to questions with variations of the phrase: “You have said so.”

The first time occurs after he has told his apostles that one of them will betray him. They all begin to reply one after another with their own question: “Surely, it is not I, Lord?”

The fact that they ask the question betrays their own lack of confidence in their ability to remain faithful.

Peter is the exception.

He boasts: “Though all may have their faith in you shaken, mine will never be.”

We all know how that turned out. Several verses later in the courtyard of Caiaphas, Peter, weeping bitterly, exits the Passion narrative because he swore three times that he did not even know Jesus.

Judas, like the other apostles, asks the question: “Surely it is not I, Rabbi?” To which Jesus replies: “You have said so.”

Note that, in contrast to the other apostles, Judas addresses Jesus as “Rabbi.” The other apostles acknowledged Jesus as Lord, implying they have given him authority over them.

Judas recognizes Jesus as a teacher, but he has not surrendered his heart to Our Lord’s will.

Later in the Passion,

LIFE WILL BE VICTORIOUS ARCHBISHOP JOSEPH F. NAUMANN when Jesus is being interrogated by the Sanhedrin, Caiaphas, the high priest, demands: “I order you to tell us under oath before the living God whether you are the Christ, the Son of God.” Jesus replied again: “You have said so.”

Later still in the Passion narrative, when Pontius Pilate is attempting to find a graceful way out of being forced to convict Jesus, he asked: “Are you the king of the Jews?” Jesus responds again: “You say so.”

In each of these instances, Our Lord used an idiom essentially to say “yes.” Jesus makes no compromises with the truth, even when that proves very inconvenient.

Our Lord affirmed the uncomfortable reality that Judas was a traitor.

Jesus acknowledged

to Caiaphas that he is the Christ, the Son of God. In so doing, Our Lord essentially sealed his fate with the Jewish religious authorities.

When Pilate asked Our Lord if he was the king of the Jews, Jesus does not equivocate. By acknowledging his rightful claim to this title, Jesus has made certain his crucifixion.

Our Lord has validated the accusation of the Jewish high priests — namely, he is a threat to Caesar. Pilate believes he has no options but to permit what the enemies of Jesus desire: to allow Our Lord’s execution.

In St. John’s Gospel, Jesus informs Pilate that his kingdom does not belong to this world. In other words, Jesus does not claim to be an earthly ruler like Caesar.

Our Lord counsels Pilate that he came into this world to testify to the truth and everyone who belongs to the truth

Erin Barrett, Agent www.insurewitherin.com

Call or Text: (913) 648-1100 | erin@insurekcmetro.com | St. Joseph Parishioner 13139 Shawnee Mission Parkway, Shawnee, KS 66216 | Bishop Ward Alum

listens to his voice. This prompts Pilate to pose the million-dollar question: What is truth?

Earlier in John’s Gospel, Jesus asserts that those who become his disciples will know the truth and the truth will set them free. What is this truth to which Jesus alludes? With Pilate’s unwitting cooperation, this truth is revealed on Calvary — namely, God’s amazing, merciful love for each of us.

The freedom that springs from the truth of God’s love is quite different from the world’s notion of freedom. Freedom for Pilate was not much different from our cultural notion today. It is the ability to choose to do what I want to do, when I want to do it. Freedom for Jesus was to embrace his Father’s will, to choose to do the good — to choose the noble, to choose to love.

Jesus came to teach us the truth about God, the truth about his love and mercy. Jesus came to teach us the truth about ourselves — namely, that we are made in the divine image.

We are made for greatness. Jesus came to make us his sisters and brothers and thus become beloved daughters and sons of his heavenly Father.

This truth makes us free, because we can live

this truth and exercise it in any circumstance.

There is no situation in which we cannot choose to do the Father’s will, to love others by seeking their good before our wants and desires. This is the truth that sets us free!

We can exercise this freedom in any and every situation. This understanding of authentic freedom can be lived as a child or senior citizen, as married or single, as a CEO or sanitation engineer, as a president or a prisoner, in the midst of a pandemic or a “shelter in place” order.

With Jesus, we always live in the truth of our identity. As beloved sons and daughters of a loving and merciful God, we have been set free to live our true identity anywhere and everywhere.

For Jesus, freedom and truth are tethered to each other, unlike our secular culture that proposes we can be whatever we imagine ourselves to be, no matter how contradictory it may be to physical reality. This is a fool’s freedom that can only lead to personal confusion and moral chaos.

When our life in this world is complete and we come before the tribunal of God, hopefully we can say with integrity and certainty that we are a faithful disciple of Jesus.

And Our Lord will reply: “You have said so!”

NEED HELP HEALING FROM A PAST ABORTION?

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ARCHBISHOP NAUMANN April 10 Livestream Good Friday service at 3 p.m.

April 11 Livestream Easter Vigil Mass at 7:30 p.m.

April 12 Livestream Easter Sunday Mass at 10 a.m.

April 14 Livestream Mass at 8:30 a.m.

Administrative Team meeting April 16 Livestream Mass at 8:30 a.m.

Holy Trinity women’s Bible study via Zoom April 17 Jesus Caritas meeting via Zoom

THE SHEPHERD’S VOICE 8:30 a.m. Sundays on 92.9 FM and KEXS AM 1090 Encore Monday at 11:30 a.m.

APRIL 10, 2020 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

3

MASS ALONE

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER

Father Mike Scully, OFM Cap., pastor of Holy Family Parish in Eudora, celebrates Mass by himself in the church. Even without public Masses, priests still celebrate Mass — just alone. Even during the best of times, during an off day from their duties at the parish, many priests will celebrate Mass in their rectory.

Why priests still celebrate Mass when nobody is there

By Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

K

ANSAS CITY, Kan. — It had never happened before.

Public Masses in the archdiocese are canceled, and gatherings of more than 10 people are

banned.

The pews are empty and the churches dark.

Parishioners stay home and watch the Mass on television or livestreamed over the Internet.

There is an exception, and for that, Father Brian Schieber was grateful.

“I’ve had a funeral yesterday and today (March 19),” said Father Schieber, pastor of St. Michael the Archangel Parish in Leawood. “We’re still allowed in Johnson County to celebrate funeral Masses, but they are limited to 10 people.

“I was thankful that I had the opportunity to celebrate Mass with other people. . . . I have been celebrating my

own private Masses. It makes you realize we’ve taken it for granted, and what a privilege it is to celebrate Mass as a body of believers.”

Like other priests of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, Father Barry Clayton still celebrates Mass on Sundays — but alone. And it’s not just on Sundays that they are celebrating alone. They do it daily.

“Certainly, on Sunday, it’s very different,” said Father Clayton, pastor of St. Philip Neri in Osawatomie, Sacred Heart Parish in Mound City and Our Lady of Lourdes in La Cygne.

“There is a feeling of absence and missing your parishioners who you usually gather with,” he said. “This might be the longest stretch of time that I’ve gone without meeting my parishioners.”

Uncommonly common This coronavirus pandemic might be the first time most Catholics have become aware of the distinction between private and public Masses, or even realized that there was such a

President Most Rev. Joseph F. Naumann

Publication No. (ISSN0194-9799)

“

“I HAVE BEEN CELEBRATING MY OWN PRIVATE MASSES. IT MAKES YOU REALIZE WE’VE TAKEN IT FOR GRANTED, AND WHAT A PRIVILEGE IT IS TO CELEBRATE MASS AS A BODY OF BELIEVERS.” thing as a private Mass.

Even so, there have always been public and private Masses.

Priests are encouraged to celebrate the Mass daily, and most of them do.

During a “day off” from the parish or on vacation, most priests will celebrate Mass, and sometimes they do it alone.

Is that allowed? Yes, it is even encouraged! According to canon 904,

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

Production Manager Todd Habiger todd.habiger@theleaven.org

Advertising Coordinator Beth Blankenship beth.blankenship@theleaven.org

Managing Editor Anita McSorley anita.mcsorley@theleaven.org

Senior Reporter Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

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

“daily celebration is recommended earnestly since even if the faithful cannot be present, it is the act of Christ and the Church in which priests fulfill their principal function.”

The real distinction is between Mass with or without a congregation, said Andrew Salzmann, associate professor of theology at Benedictine College in Atchison. A Mass without a congregation still has a deep intrinsic value.

When a Protestant service is canceled due to a blizzard, the pastor doesn’t go to the empty church and preach a sermon to the vacant pews.

There wouldn’t be a purpose.

But a Catholic priest will go from his rectory to the empty church and celebrate Mass, because there is a purpose.

Things visible and invisible But even without anyone else present, the Mass still has value, for two reasons.

First, when the priest celebrates the >> See “CATHOLICS” on page 11

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

APRIL 10, 2020 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

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SOCIALLY VULNERABLE Individuals, families of people with special needs hit hard by isolation

By Susan Fotovich McCabe Special to The Leaven

L

ENEXA — While many families are frustrated by the rising tensions of sheltering in place at home, others are separated from their loved ones and hard hit by isolation. One of the populations most affected by COVID-19 restrictions is people with special needs and their families.

Lenexa resident and Holy Spirit parishioner Margaret Holt, 68, is unable to visit her 34-year-old son Chase at his home in Pittsburg. Chase has a developmental disability and lives in a group residential environment.

Before the pandemic, Margaret enjoyed regular visits to Pittsburg. However, both she and Chase are considered at high-risk for contracting the virus and must remain apart for now.

“Never did I imagine I would be here in Johnson County, sheltering in place, while he is 108 miles away experiencing his own social distancing,” Margaret said. “Not being able to hug him and say, in person, ‘Mom loves you’ is hard.

“Plus, at 68, with a history of asthma, my own risk level is high for travel.

Chase lost his father suddenly years ago and I want to avoid him having to experience that again with me. As a single parent, that weighs heavily on my mind.”

Chase is not only isolated from his family; his opportunities for social engagement have been curtailed, including his favorite activity: swimming. Chase carries photos of his mother and sister and takes walks with his care providers.

But Margaret worries about the prolonged effects of isolation.

“We can find things to occupy ourselves around the house. However, this population finds that more challenging, and staff must be vigilant to prevent ‘cabin fever’ behaviors in all the clients,” she said.

The Newman and Kitchin families, both from Overland Park and Church of the Ascension parishioners, are sharing similar stories. Both of their sons have Down syndrome and live at home.

With the closing of churches and Masses, Lorrie Newman is struggling to nurture her 19-year-old son Keith both emotionally and spiritually. Before the

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE MARGARET HOLT

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE NEWMAN FAMILY

PHOTO BY VONG HAMILTON

Chase Holt lives in a group residential environment in Pittsburg. With the state “stay at home” order, his mother Margaret can no longer visit her son regularly.

The coronavirus pandemic has wreaked havoc on Keith Newman’s structured schedule. He’s gone from a wealth of activities to none. “He’s a person who relies on others for support,” his mother said.

Johnnie Kitchin, a senior at Blue Valley High School in Overland Park, uses FaceTime to communicate with friends while the “stay at home” order is in effect.

exercising, swimming and participating in Special Olympics, Tae Kwon Do, cup stacking, dances, movies, dinners out and plenty of time with friends.

“I can’t emphasize enough the negative impact of this virus on Keith and our family,” Lorrie said. “For people like Keith, who depend so much on their community and their [support people] to live a productive and fulfilling life, this virus has changed everything!

“The hardest part for Keith is going from a scheduled day to nothing. He is not a person who likes to watch TV or play video games, and is a person who relies on others for support.”

Likewise, Dolores Kitchin and her 18-year-old son Johnnie are adjusting to a new normal. Johnnie is a senior at Blue Valley High School. Before the pandemic, he had an active social life as a member of the school’s JV track team and a Special Olympics athlete.

“He had more of a social life than his parents!” Dolores said. “Most kids with special needs love school because they have a built-in social system [that includes both friends with and without special needs] that they socialize with on a daily basis.

“Since Johnnie is an only child, he only sees his father and me on a daily

basis. He is sad and anxious that he can’t see his friends. He is also very sad he won’t see many of those friends again, since they may not have a graduation ceremony and most will move on to college.”

Having Down syndrome also compromises a person’s immune system, which concerns both families.

“As an infant, Johnnie had a tracheotomy for two years,” Dolores said. “We lived under the same lockdown situation where we were isolated for two years.

“It was difficult, but our faith was the rock in our lives. Without it, we are nowhere.”

For Johnnie, FaceTime with friends bridges the gap between community and home isolation. For Keith, neighborhood walks — sometimes multiple times per day — and individualized time with his parents and siblings helps.

Lorrie’s best advice during this difficult time is to pray.

“What I’d say to others is pray! It’s my sanity and my peace,” Lorrie said. “Mary, our heavenly Mother, is a mom, too.

“She walks with us moms and will intercede for us. Believe in your heart Jesus is in control, and all we do for our kids is for him and his glory.”

“

“I CAN’T EMPHASIZE ENOUGH THE NEGATIVE IMPACT OF THIS VIRUS ON KEITH AND OUR FAMILY. FOR PEOPLE LIKE KEITH WHO DEPEND SO MUCH ON THEIR COMMUNITY AND THEIR [SUPPORT PEOPLE] . . .

THIS VIRUS HAS CHANGED EVERYTHING!” pandemic, Lorrie described Keith’s life as “scheduled.”

Typically, Keith’s week consisted of a Monday-Friday post-high school education program, which included two-plus hours a day of supported employment.

He enjoyed lunch with friends, classes and his time with co-workers.

Outside of school, he spent time in the community with support workers

‘Now I lay me down to sleep . . .’

By Moira Cullings moira.cullings@theleaven.org

O

LATHE — Calvin Kirby is “vigorous at avoiding bedtime,” said his mom Brooke.

But when she came upon the 6-year-old sleeping on the floor at the top of the stairs — next to a crucifix and two rosaries — it was a special moment.

“This instance was more charming, and certainly more peaceful, than some hijinks we’ve witnessed,” she said.

“His rosaries are clearly special to him, as one is from his Mimi (grandma) and the other from kindergarten at Prince of Peace [in Olathe],” continued Brooke.

The day he brought the rosary

home from school, she said, “he prayed the entire car ride from leaving our parking spot.

“His second-grade cousin who takes a ride home was gentle in his feedback on rosary etiquette, [saying], ‘Calvin, you don’t need to say the Sign of the Cross after every prayer.’”

Faith is already an important part of life for Calvin, who enjoys serving alongside his dad when he is an usher at Mass and beside his mom when she is a greeter.

The social youngster has accepted the current “stay at home” order during this time of the coronavirus pandemic well.

“We have spent much more time together as a family,” said Brooke.

“With my husband now working from home, the kids online for

school and social distancing, we’re communicating and interacting more as a family unit.”

Like many families, they have had a chance to slow down and appreciate their time together.

“Rushing to a practice, hurrying home from work for dinner, juggling play groups [and] volunteering are all on hold. Family togetherness is the plus to this otherwise dreadful threat,” said Brooke, and they have had more time to pray together.

“Our faith naturally calms us and also challenges us to interpret new roles we may be called for,” she said.

Six-year-old Calvin Kirby fell asleep on the floor with a crucifix and two rosaries, creating a special moment for his family.

APRIL 10, 2020 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

5

Parishes encouraged to apply for business loans you. The bank can email the documentation required to be completed and is the final answer on questions.

By Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

K

ANSAS CITY, Kan. — “Stay at home” orders and social distancing are putting the brakes on the spread of the coronavirus pandemic, but they’re also slowing the economy — and hurting people.

Businesses are struggling to meet expenses as revenues disappear, forcing them to lay off or furlough employees.

During a two-week period from late March to early April, a record 10 million people applied for unemployment benefits.

Catholic parishes, schools and other entities are getting hit, too.

In normal circumstances, people go to church every week and drop their contribution in the collection basket, said Carla Mills, chief financial officer of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas.

“Then, all of a sudden and in a very short period of time, people can’t drop their envelope in the collection basket.

And if they’re not set up for electronic giving, the church’s income is cut drastically,” said Mills.

There is cause for hope in this grim scenario, she said.

On March 27, the U.S. Congress passed and President Donald Trump signed the $2.2 trillion Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security Act — or CARES Act. This, the largest financial support package in the history of the United States, has several components. One of them is the Paycheck Protection Program, a $349 billion loan program offered through the Small Business Administration.

The purpose of the PPP is to give relief to individuals and small businesses, giving them forgivable loans to keep employees on their payrolls.

Mills and archdiocesan employees in the human resources, accounting and finance offices have been working hard to encourage the 106 parishes, 42 schools and 22 other entities of the archdiocese to apply for the PPP loans.

“I think they have responded pretty well,” said Mills. “We’ve been communicating about the program vigorously.”

To understand the PPP at the parish level, The Leaven turned to Patty Dickinson, business manager at St. Patrick Parish in Kansas City, Kansas.

Q: Do Catholic parishes and schools qualify?

A: Yes. The PPP loan is intended to

Q: When will the loans be given?

A: The sooner a parish submits the application the better, but you need to be thorough and accurate. You might get questions from underwriting as your loan is processed, or you may be audited later. Your bank is your contact, but the SBA and U.S. Treasury will approve the loans. Banks haven’t said when the loans will be issued, but the government knows the loans are needed immediately. The application period is from April 3 to June 30 for the initial funds.

Q: What must the loans be used for?

A: First, for payroll. Loan funds spent on payroll are forgivable. Second, for mortgage, rent, utilities — up to 25% of the payroll loan amount is available for these costs. (Be sure to read the details on what qualifies.)

Q: Must the loans be repaid?

PHOTO COURTESY OF PATTY DICKINSON

Patty Dickinson, business manager of St. Patrick Parish in Kansas City, Kansas, works on the parish’s application for a Paycheck Protection Program loan. help employers to keep employees on the payroll for an eight-week period. Since Catholic parishes are considered nonprofit, 501(c)(3) religious organizations, they should seriously consider applying for the PPP loan.

Q: Why should they apply?

A: The loan will help a parish or organization cover payroll costs, and 25% of the loan can be used for other expenses, including mortgage, rent and utility payments.

Q: How do parishes benefit?

A: If your parish needs help with payroll, mortgage, rent or utility expenses as contributions decline, you should apply.

The benefit is that loan proceeds used for payroll are forgivable if you meet employment guidelines.

Q: What amount should be applied for?

A: Employers applying for the loan are eligible for two times their average monthly payroll and an additional 25% of that amount. Most banks require a monthly spreadsheet to be completed that will calculate your average monthly payroll. This spreadsheet will require payroll detail from both Paylocity and Dayforce payroll registers or, for small parishes, from your past payroll registers.

Q: Where do you start?

A: Step one, start by accessing the information about the PPP from the U.S. Treasury website at: home.treasury.gov (click on the red banner, “For small businesses seeking relief from COVID-19”).

Step two, contact your bank. If your bank is associated with the Small Business Administration, it should be able to help

“We are proud to be a locally owned family funeral home serving our community.”

A: Some loans can be forgiven. Loan forgiveness is reduced or disallowed, however, if: • More than 25% of the loan is spent on rent, mortgage, utilities • You reduce your employee full-time equivalents • You decrease salary and wages by more than 25% for any employee who made less than $100,000 annualized in 2019 Q: What is a full-time equivalent?

A: The process of counting full-time and part-time employees is somewhat involved. Simply put, you can put two halftime employees together for one fulltime equivalent. For detailed instructions on how to count employees, go online to: home.treasury.gov.

Q: If a pastor or parish business manager has further questions, who is available at the Catholic Church Offices to help them?

A: If you have any questions about the process, contact Carla Mills by email at: cmills@archkck.org. She can help walk you through it.

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APRIL 10, 2020 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

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Announcement

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAN DIXON

The Wilhelmina Gill Multi-Service Center — more commonly known as Saint Mary’s Food Kitchen — continues to operate to feed the hungry, using social distancing to prepare and distribute sack lunches. On March 27, 424 people were served, including 49 children.

Food kitchen even more essential now

By Jan Dixon Special to The Leaven

LATHE — The volunteers of St. Paul and St. John Paul II parishes here have been making and serving a hot lunch for their neighbors in Kansas City, Kansas, every fourth Friday of the month for years now.

Meatloaf, potatoes, green beans, fruit, bread and cookies have been the standard menu.

The dining guests have gathered in a bright and comfortable dining room at the Wilhelmina Gill Multi-Service Center — more commonly known as Saint Mary’s Food Kitchen — to enjoy a meal and spend time with their friends.

Between 250 and 400 lunches have been served seven days a week.

“We served 104,199 meals last year,” said Heidi Fox, who volunteers as the food kitchen manager seven days a week.

As the country began to grapple with the disruption of the coronavirus pandemic, the food kitchen staff and their volunteers were faced with a dilemma: how to keep themselves and others safe but still feed the hungry.

The work, said Father Michael Hermes, pastor of St. Paul Parish, is essential to what it means to be a Christian.

“It is a corporal work of mercy and has been a hallmark of being a follower of Christ from the first generation of believers,” he said. “They knew that charity done for the least of the flock, especially those who were hungry, was charity done for Christ.”

So, on March 17, the feeding of our neighbors continued, but changed to a “grab-and-go” model, with sack lunches distributed on the sidewalk outside the Wilhelmina Gill Multi-Service Center.

“We had to find a way to keep going. People need us,” said Fox.

O

“

“WE HAVE ELDERLY CLIENTS WITH NOWHERE TO GO AND NO RESERVES. WE HAVE YOUNG FAMILIES WHO LIVE PAYCHECK TO PAYCHECK AND NOW HAVE NO JOB. HARVESTERS AND MEALS ON WHEELS HAVE BEEN CANCELED IN THE AREA.” And for the many parishes who regularly provide lunches to the food kitchen, this act of charity continues, albeit using as few pairs of hands as possible.

With food items donated or purchased, the menu changed to sandwiches, chips, fruit, cookies and bottled water — all bagged in lunch sacks.

“We had such a positive response in donations for the lunches from the parish,” said Ann Eckland, John Paul II Parish accountant. “It was a perfect opportunity for us to spread the love of Christ, even while safely at home. Three staff members met at the rectory to make the lunches.

Tom and Sandy Rockey, coordinators with Jim and Julie Bird, met in the St. Paul School kitchen. Wearing gloves and maintaining required social distance, they assembled sandwiches and packed bags.

“Together with JPII, we prepare enough to feed approximately 350 people with a few extras,” said Sandy Rockey.

And these lunches may be the only food our neighbors get.

“We have elderly clients with nowhere to go and no reserves. We

have young families who live paycheck to paycheck and now have no job,” Fox said. “Harvesters and Meals on Wheels have been canceled in the area.”

Last Friday, the line waiting for lunches wrapped around the building. People using wheelchairs, walkers, crutches and strollers waited patiently at 6-foot intervals for their meal.

A total of 424 were served, including 49 children. Without backup services available, they were very grateful to have a sack lunch.

Father Hermes suggested we look to St. Charles Borromeo as an example at this difficult time. During the plague and famine of 1576 in Milan, Italy, St. Charles tried to feed 60,000 to 70,000 people daily. To do this, he had to borrow large sums of money.

While the civil authorities fled the city to avoid the plague, Father Hermes said, St. Charles stayed in Milan, where he ministered to the sick, the hungry and the dying.

“There is a need and it is up to us to fill it,” said Jim Bird.

Keeping the food kitchen open by providing sack lunches to our neighbors in need is nothing short of Catholic social teaching in action.

Adhering to required guidelines for social distancing is protecting community health. St. Paul and John Paul II parishes, along with many others, are doing both.

“The distribution of sack lunches at the food kitchen by our Catholic faithful ranks as one of the greatest acts of charity we could be performing during a pandemic,” Father Hermes said.

Fox optimistically plans to continue the distribution of sack lunches for the foreseeable future and plans a happy reunion for all once life returns to normal.

“There will definitely be cake,” she promised.

And St. Charles Borromeo would be proud.

Father Justin Nolan, FSSP, parochial vicar at St. Rose Philippine Duchesne Latin Mass Community since 2011, was notified on March 19 that he will not be granted faculties to minister in the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas.

Father Nolan’s faculties have been suspended since June 2019 in order to allow for a thorough review of concerns raised about appropriate boundaries and interactions with children and youth.

Although no determinative evidence of abuse was found by the archdiocesan investigation and no criminal charges were sought by civil authorities after the completion of their investigation, Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann, in an abundance of caution, made the decision not to reinstate Father Nolan’s faculties in the archdiocese. This decision was based on concerns raised over a period of years about Father Nolan’s inability to maintain appropriate boundaries and comes after a careful review by the archdiocesan Independent Review Board. Father Nolan denies any wrongdoing.

All information related to this matter has been provided to the superiors of the Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter (Fraternitas Sacerdotalis Sancti Petri, FSSP).

The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas takes all allegations of inappropriate behavior by church personnel seriously. It encourages anyone with knowledge of inappropriate conduct by any church employee, volunteer, clergy or religious to contact law enforcement first, and then make a report to its confidential report line at (913) 647-3051 or online at: archkck.org/reportabuse.

Correction The April 3 issue of The Leaven incorrectly stated that the obituary for Abbot Ralph Koehler, OSB, would be published in that issue and it was not. Abbot Ralph’s obituary can be found on page 12 of this issue. The Leaven apologizes for any confusion.

Annual race goes virtual

B

UCYRUS — Due to restrictions pertaining to the COVID-19 outbreak, the 11th annual Running with the Cows half marathon and 5K race hosted by Queen of the Holy Rosary Parish here has been switched to a virtual race.

With the virtual race, participants can run on May 9 at the time and place of their own choosing. Runners who had already registered for the event are automatically registered for the virtual run.

Registered participants will still receive their 2020 race shirt and medal. A date and time for packet/swag pickup at the KC Running Company store in Martin City will be announced at a later date.

Running with the Cows is an annual event to raise funds for Queen of the Holy Rosary School in Bucyrus. The income is essential to help pay teacher salaries, school building upkeep and other expenses necessary to keep this small private school running.

Information and signup can be done online at: www.cow.run.

APRIL 10, 2020 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

Praying for the heroes of COVID-19

By Jill Ragar Esfeld jill.esfeld@theleaven.org

W

hat becomes of a boy who drinks an entire bottle of water from the miracle well at the House of the Virgin Mary in Ephesus?

I can tell you.

My sister and her husband, parishioners of Christ the King Church in Topeka, took a trip to Turkey many years ago.

There, they visited the House of the Virgin — not far from Ephesus — which tradition holds is the last residence of the Virgin Mary. There, my sister received a bottle of healing water from its miracle well.

Back home, while unpacking, she left her precious bottle in her kitchen — to be put away for times in need of special blessings.

Thinking it was just a bottle of water, my nephew drank it.

Pilgrims travel over great distances to get a sip from the miracle well.

Kevin just walked from his bedroom to the kitchen and downed an entire 8 ounces.

My sister was not happy, and we all wondered — what will happen now?

Will he become a priest, a bishop, a pope?

Not to detract from the power of Mary, but even before the “water incident,” Kevin was very gifted.

Sensitive and wise beyond his peers, at age 5, he engaged my husband in a game of chess.

When we asked my sister where he learned, she replied, “I had no idea he knew how to play.”

Kevin was just like that.

A voracious reader and an outstanding student, we all knew he was meant for something special.

At confirmation, he took the name of St. Anthony, and seemed to adopt that saint’s inquisitive nature and deep spiritual thirst.

He got his undergraduate degree in theology, and we thought he was on that pope path for sure.

But St. Luke must have had some

PHOTO COURTESY OF JILL RAGAR ESFELD

Jill Ragar Esfeld stands with her nephew Kevin, who grew up in Christ the King Parish in Topeka and is now a doctor in New York. influence because, after much discernment, Kevin decided to become a physician.

He was an unusual medical student with that background in theology rather than biology. But it served him well.

He had a heart for people facing their greatest struggles. While earning his doctorate, he worked with Sister Kevin Marie Flynn, SCL, in Kansas City, Missouri, who ministered to AIDS patients.

He eventually wrote a moving and compassionate thesis on the impact a terminal diagnosis has on spirituality.

He did his residency at New York Presbyterian Hospital and fell in love with the Big Apple. After a fellowship in Chicago, he returned to New York.

And that’s where he lives today — practicing medical oncology with a remarkable compassion for those who suffer, and with a heart for healing beyond the flesh.

It’s hard for me to imagine that the little boy, who loved to be scared by “Goosebumps” stories, is now facing real terror at the epicenter of COVID19.

It’s hard for me to believe that the quiet kid, whose biggest concern was

downing his mother’s bottle of holy water, is now trying to focus on the care of cancer patients while a pandemic rages around him.

Kevin copes with the stress by going on long runs through the streets of New York, and sends me surreal snaps of an empty Times Square.

He urges our family to stay quarantined and take this virus seriously.

Isn’t that the least we can do?

There are thousands of Kevins in hospitals across the country. Every family could tell a story like this, about a wonderful child who grew up to dedicate his or her life to the care of others.

I pray for Kevin every day — that St. Anthony will help him find the fortitude to endure this crisis. That St. Luke will implore the Holy Spirit to fill him with wisdom and strength.

That the holy water from Mary’s well has long-lasting effects.

And most of all, that his compassion will not fade in the face of so much sorrow.

I pray that all our heroes serving the public will have faith in the promise of God — not to shield us from suffering, but to enter into it with us, and bring goodness and joy from our darkest hours.

7

Patricia A. and George F. Williams, members of Most Pure Heart of Mary Church in Topeka, will celebrate their 65th wedding anniversary on April 16.

The couple was married on April 16, 1955, at Assumption Church, Topeka.

Their children are: Belinda, George P. and Theresa. They also have seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

Jerry and Jane Prettyman, members of Immaculate Conception Parish, Louisburg, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on April 4. The couple was married on April 4, 1970, at Immaculate Conception Church.

Their children are: Greg, Angie and Tony. They also have 10 grandchildren.

Sister Jeremy Dempsey, OSB ATCHISON — Sister Jeremy Dempsey, 94, a Benedictine Sister of Mount St. Scholastica here, died March 15 at the monastery.

Sister Jeremy was born Aug. 16, 1925, the daughter of Joseph and Hanna (O’Connor) Dempsey of Blaine.

After entering the monastery in 1949, she taught in high schools in Iowa, Kansas, Colorado and Nebraska.

With a master’s degree in English from Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska, she served as an English instructor at Donnelly College in Kansas City, Kansas, and at Benedictine College, Atchison. After retiring from teaching, she assisted in the monastery’s development office and other services.

She lived her religious commitment for more than 70 years and remained a prayerful and active part of her community’s life until her death.

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The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas

OUR SUNDAY SUPPLICATION

H

Sunday, April 12, 2020 | Easter Sunday 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, this order of prayer can be offered by individuals and families 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.

HYMN

J

esus Christ is risen today, Alleluia! Our triumphant holy day, Alleluia! Who did once upon the cross, Alleluia! Suffer to redeem our loss. Alleluia! Hymns of praise then let us sing, Alleluia! Unto Christ, our heavenly King, Alleluia! Who endured the cross and grave, Alleluia! Sinners to redeem and save. Alleluia! But the pains which he endured, Alleluia! Our salvation have procured, Alleluia! Now he reigns above as King, Alleluia! Where the angels ever sing, Alleluia! Sing we to our God above, Alleluia! Praise eternal as his love, Alleluia! Praise him, all ye heavenly host, Alleluia! Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Alleluia!

ACT OF CONTRITION Leader: Let us acknowledge our sins, and seek the Lord’s pardon and peace.

Together: I confess to almighty God and to you, my brothers and sisters, that I have greatly sinned, in my thoughts and in my words, in what I have done and in what I have failed to do, through my fault, through my fault, through my most grievous fault; therefore I ask blessed Mary ever-Virgin, all the Angels and Saints, and you, my brothers and sisters, to pray for me to the Lord our God. Leader: God our Father, by raising Christ your Son you conquered the power of death and opened for us the way to eternal life. Let our celebration today raise us up and renew our lives by the Spirit that is within us. Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

Together: Amen.

THE SUNDAY READINGS A reading from the Acts of the Apostles (Acts 10:34a, 37-43)

P

eter proceeded to speak and said: “You know what has happened all over Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John preached, how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power. He went about doing good and healing all those oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. We are witnesses of all that he did both in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a tree.

This man God raised on the third day and granted that he be visible, not to all the people, but to us, the witnesses chosen

by God in advance, who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. He commissioned us to preach to the people and testify that he is the one appointed by God as judge of the living and the dead. To him all the prophets bear witness, that everyone who believes in him will receive forgiveness of sins through his name.”

The Word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

Responsorial Psalm (Ps 118:1-2, 16-17, 22-23)

Reader: This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad.

Together: This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad.

Reader: Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his mercy endures forever. Let the house of Israel say, “His mercy endures forever.”

Together: This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad.

Reader: “The right hand of the LORD has struck with power; the right hand of the LORD is exalted. I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the LORD.” Together: This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice

and be glad.

Reader: The stone which the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.

By the LORD has this been done; it is wonderful in our eyes.

Together: This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad.

A Reading from the Letter of St. Paul to the Colossians (Col 3:1-4)

B

rothers and sisters: If then you were raised with Christ, seek what is above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Think of what is above, not of what is on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ your life appears, then you too will appear with him in glory.

The word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

Sequence Christians, to the Paschal Victim Offer your thankful praises!

A Lamb the sheep redeems: Christ, who only is sinless, Reconciles sinners to the Father.

Death and life have contended in that combat stupendous: The Prince of life, who died, reigns immortal.

Speak, Mary, declaring What you saw, wayfaring: “The tomb of Christ, who is living, The glory of Jesus’ resurrection; Bright angels attesting, The shroud and napkin resting.

Yes, Christ my hope is arisen;

Response: Christ our life, save us.

Leader: Son of the Father, our master and our brother, you have made us a kingdom of priests for our God, may we offer you our joyful sacrifice of praise.

Response: Christ our life, save us.

Leader: King of glory, we look forward to the great day of your coming in splendor, that we may see you face to face, and be transformed in your likeness.

Response: Christ our life, save us.

Leader: Sanctify all who suffer from the present pandemic, and draw us all closer to you in this time of suffering.

Response: Christ our life, save us.

Leader: Author of life, remember those who have passed from this world, grant them the glory of your risen life.

Response: Christ our life, save us.

THE LORD’S PRAYER Leader: Remember us, Lord, when you come into 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, alleluia, alleluia.

Response: Containing in itself all delight, alleluia, alleluia.

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 Canticle of Zechariah (Lk 1:68-79) To Galilee he will go before you.”

Christ indeed from death is risen, our new life obtaining; Have mercy, victor King, ever reigning!

Amen. Alleluia.

Gospel Verse (cf. 1 Cor 5:7b-8a)

Reader: Alleluia. Christ, our paschal lamb, has been sacrificed; Together: let us then feast with joy in the Lord. Alleluia.

A reading from the holy Gospel according to John (Jn 20:1-9)

O

n the first day of the week, Mary of Magdala came to the tomb early in the morning, while it was still dark, and saw the stone removed from the tomb.

So she ran and went to Simon Peter and to the other disciple whom Jesus loved, and told them, “They have taken the Lord from the tomb, and we don’t know where they put him.” So Peter and the other disciple went out and came to the tomb. They both ran, but the other disciple ran faster than Peter and arrived at the tomb first; he bent down and saw the burial cloths there, but did not go in.

When Simon Peter arrived after him, he went into the tomb and saw the burial cloths there, and the cloth that had covered his head, not with the burial cloths but rolled up in a separate place. Then the other disciple also went in, the one who had arrived at the tomb first, and he saw and believed.

For they did not yet understand the Scripture that he had to rise from the dead.

The Gospel of the Lord.

Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

“The Disciples Peter and John Running to the Sepulcher on the Morning of the Resurrection” was painted by Eugène Burnand in 1898.

FOR REFLECTION 1. As we begin this Easter season, how can we better live, each and every day, in practical ways, our belief in the resurrection of our blessed Lord?

2. Who might we send greetings to on this festive day?

3. Why do you think that Jesus did not appear to his enemies — those who had him put to death — in order to prove to them that he was truly the Son of God?

RESPONSE TO THE WORD Leader: This is the day the Lord has made; Response: let us rejoice and be glad, alleluia.

PRAYER OF THE FAITHFUL Leader: Christ is the Lord of life, raised up by the Father; in his turn, he will raise us up by his power. Let us pray to him, saying: Response: Christ our life, save us.

Leader: Lord Jesus, light shining in the darkness, you lead your people into life, and give our mortal nature the gift of holiness, may we spend this day in praise of your glory.

Response: Christ our life, save us.

Leader: Lord, you walked the way of suffering and crucifixion, may we suffer and die with you, and rise again to share your glory.

Together: Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel; he has come to his people and set them free.

He has raised up for us a mighty savior, born of the house of his servant David.

Through his holy prophets he promised of old that he would save us from our enemies, from the hands of all who hate us.

He promised to show mercy to our fathers and to remember his holy covenant.

This was the oath he swore to our father Abraham: to set us free from the hands of our enemies, free to worship him without fear, holy and righteous in his sight all the days of our life.

You, my child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way, to give his people knowledge of salvation by the forgiveness of their sins.

In the tender compassion of our God the dawn from on high shall break upon us, to shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death, and to guide our feet into the way of peace.

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

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

Together: Amen.

APRIL 10, 2020 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

RAIN DOWN

Priests take to the sky to deliver blessing

By Todd Habiger todd.habiger@theleaven.org

S

ENECA — Look, up in the sky. It’s a bird. It’s a plane.

It’s, it’s . . . well, it is a plane.

But the plane flying over Nemaha County on March 29 was special. It carried two priests blessing the county with holy water right before the state of Kansas’ “stay at home” order — due to the coronavirus outbreak — went into effect.

Father Arul Carasala, pastor of Sts. Peter and Paul Parish in Seneca, woke up that Sunday morning and took a long hard look at his church.

A statewide “stay at home” order would be going into effect at midnight. Masses, which had been canceled weeks before, wouldn’t be starting up anytime soon.

He was a pastor who physically couldn’t be with his flock.

“The whole place looked empty and dry,” Father Carasala said. “I thought, ‘The people can’t come to me, I need to go to the people.’”

So he called up a friend, parishioner Scott Heiman, who owns a plane, and asked if Heiman would be willing to take him and Father Reginald Saldanha, pastor of nearby Sacred Heart in Baileyville and St. Mary in St. Benedict, up in one of his planes later that day, so the two priests could bless the county with holy water.

Heiman thought it was a great idea. News of the blessing made its way quickly through emails, the parish website and social media.

“I thought it was a good way to connect with the people during this time of isolation and quarantine,” said Father Saldanha. “They can’t come to the church. We can’t have public celebrations. At least through this, we make them feel connected to the church.”

Father Carasala said that during this time in which parishioners can’t attend Mass because of the pandemic, people have told him the things they miss most are the Eucharist and the ability to bless themselves with holy water.

“I can’t take the Eucharist to all the people, but I can take the holy water to all of them,” he said.

At 2:30 p.m., the plane took off with a big container of holy water strapped to a seat and the two priests sprinkling the holy water out the windows on each side of the plane.

The reaction was fantastic. As the priests took to the air, families took

THE SHEPHERD’S VOICE 8:30 a.m. Sundays on 92.9 FM and KEXS AM 1090 Encore Monday at 11:30 a.m.

10

Parishes offer livestream Masses in Spanish

By Moira Cullings moira.cullings@theleaven.org

O

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Father Arul Carasala, left, Scott Heiman and Father Reginald Saldanha prepare to go airborne to bless all of Nemaha County on March 29 by plane right before the statewide stay at home order went into effect.

“

“I CAN’T TAKE THE EUCHARIST TO ALL THE PEOPLE, BUT I CAN TAKE THE HOLY WATER TO ALL OF THEM.” to their yards waiting for the blessing. Some people wrote messages on their driveways. Others waited and waved. Still others sent the priests text messages as the plane came into view.

For the children of Tiffany and Stan Haug — 11-year-old Logan, 9-year-old Kendall and 3-year-old Haiden — it was an exciting time, and they wanted to do something special for their pastor, Father Carasala. A huge chalk message of “Hi Father Arul” greeted him as he

flew over.

“They had a blast,” said Tiffany.

“They went out there immediately.

They used every piece of chalk we had in our house and then they patiently sat outside and waited for his flyover.”

Father Saldanha said the reaction reminded him of his time as a missionary priest in New Guinea.

“There were some communities that I could reach only through small planes, and I did it only twice a year,” he said. “It took me back to those memories where people would have so much eagerness and joy to see a priest.”

In all, it took Father Carasala and Father Saldanha 90 minutes to fly over and bless the entire county.

“One parishioner called me and said, ‘You know, it’s like God flying over us and giving us a blessing at the time we needed it the most,’” said Father Carasala.

VERLAND PARK — Several archdiocesan parishes are offering livestream Masses to help laypeople stay connected to the faith during this time of social distancing, but only a few are livestreaming Masses in Spanish.

Two of those are Holy Cross Parish in Overland Park and St. Paul Parish in Olathe.

“It is important to have Masses available in Spanish online to support people in their faith and to sustain the ties of community,” said Holy Cross pastor Father Mike Stubbs.

“Not all parishes have the resources to make this possible, so it is something that Holy Cross has taken on,” he added.

Holy Cross’s first online Spanish Mass has been viewed more than 800 times.

The parish will continue to livestream Mass in Spanish on Wednesdays at 7 p.m. and Sundays at 1 p.m., which are the times Spanish Mass would typically be offered there under normal circumstances.

St. Paul has livestreamed multiple Spanish Masses, including during Holy Week, and it will offer an 8 p.m. Holy Saturday Mass and 12:30 p.m. Easter Sunday Mass.

The parish will continue to celebrate Mass in Spanish on Sundays at 12:30 p.m. on its Facebook page and YouTube channel.

“It is important to have these Masses available to everyone, not just one particular culture or group,” said Father Michael Hermes, pastor of St. Paul.

“We cannot gather for liturgy in large groups,” he continued, “we cannot gather in small informal groups physically close to each other, and most of us are confined to our homes.

“The online Mass is just a substitute.

But it is the ‘next best thing’ to the real thing, which is all of us coming together to hear the word of God proclaimed and to receive the body and blood of Christ in the Eucharist.”

Father Hermes’ favorite comment he’s received is that “it feels like I’m at Grandma’s house,” because of the atmosphere of the online Masses.

“The online Mass provides a spiritual, emotional and physical reminder that we are part of something bigger, and it helps us know we are all connected and going through this pandemic together,” he said.

Holy Cross’s online Masses can be found on its Facebook page: Holy Cross – Overland Park, KS and its website at: holycross opks.org/news/mass-online-videos.

St. Paul’s online Masses can be found at: facebook.com/spcatholic and on its YouTube channel: St. Paul Catholic Church, Olathe, KS.

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APRIL 10, 2020 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

11

Rural ministry keeps in touch through Zoom technology

By Katie Peterson Special to the Leaven

R

OSSVILLE — From family rosaries to Scripture study to simply checking in on each other — that’s what Zoom Video Communications is allowing the Northeast Kansas Rural Youth Council to do during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It’s just the hugest blessing right now, especially,” said Angie Bittner, rural youth ministry outreach coordinator for the archdiocese. “But it’s always something in rural outreach that we’ve been grateful for — the chance to connect with each other even though we can’t physically be together.”

Since the start of the pandemic, Bittner has been connecting with both her NEKRYC children and her own youth group at St. Stanislaus Church in Rossville. They have had routine check-ins to see if there is anything someone needs praying for and to discuss Scripture passages from previous meetings.

This way, they can remain connected to other youth who keep their Catholic faith close to their heart, particularly the NEKRYC group, which includes 16 teens from 14 rural parishes across the archdiocese.

“It’s easy to feel isolated.

We’re already aware of that,” Bittner said. “Even if you have people in your homes or the kids are going to school regularly in normal times, sometimes they feel alone in their faith.

“They don’t necessarily have friends that are aiming for the same thing they are, so this connection — especially among these rural council kids — they just long for that connection,” she said. “They long for connection with kids who are aiming to be in a relationship with the Lord and to help lead others closer to him.”

Emma Elder, an 18-year-old NEKRYC member and parishioner of Sts. Peter and Paul Parish in Seneca, said being away from her friends has been difficult, but her faith has

PHOTO COURTESY OF ANGIE BITTNER

The coronavirus pandemic has caused the Northeast Kansas Rural Youth Council to utilize technology to stay in touch.

While nothing can substitute for things like the retreat the group made together last August (above), the Zoom meetings give the kids who are scattered through all parts of the archdiocese a way to stay connected. helped her.

“My faith has played a big role in keeping me positive during this time,” Elder said. “I try to wake up every day and find little things I am grateful for, such as having a warm bed to sleep in and family that loves me.

“I’ve also been trying to spread more joy to others throughout this time, by calling others via phone or FaceTime and sending out lots of

funny memes.”

“I’ve learned that I am a person that cannot be without other humans,” she continued.

“In other words, I’m super-social.

I’m also a hugger, so the social distancing is a struggle.

“But I’ve learned that, through any bad thing, you can always find the silver lining. God truly is amazing even though it may not seem like it in hard times.

“We just have to keep believing.”

St. Stanislaus Youth Group member Anna Schuckman, 17, said being able to stay in touch with her fellow youth group members through Zoom has been amazing.

“I am very close with a ton of people from youth group,” Schuckman said. “We talk about our struggles and how we can pray for one another, along with how we can help our communities.

“Faith is important to me

because of the unconditional love,” she continued. “We will always be searching for something until we find and know [God’s] love.”

Zoom isn’t the only way these communities are staying connected.

Elder said she and her friends did a little act of kindness when they found out that school was going to be canceled for the rest of the school year.

“We went and bought 16 slushies from Sonic and drove around giving them to people who had had a rough year or who were going through a rough time,” Elder said. “[By] just that little act of kindness, I could tell that I was making someone’s day better.”

Bittner said the Rossville and Silver Lake communities are working to connect to the elderly as well, who aren’t as comfortable with technology.

“We are physically going to tape letters on their doors so that we maintain safe contact,” Bittner said. “We’re just letting people know how they can get groceries and how they can get help if they need it.”

All in all, Bittner said the message of Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann at the October 2019 “Enflame Our Hearts” convocation is coming alive more than ever in both the NEKRYC and Rossville/Silver Lake communities.

“Would we even have the chance to enflame hearts, enflame communities, like we’re going to in the upcoming weeks?” Bittner asked. “Our lives are way too crammed to make the time that God deserves for us to do that.”

But the pandemic has forced everyone to step back from our normal lives, and “to really connect our hearts with [God].”

“We don’t know how this is going to unfold. So just be open to that which the Holy Spirit is placing on our hearts,” she said. “We just need to be open to the needs of our people and everybody around us.”

For more information about the NEKRYC, go online to: www. archkck.org/rural-outreach.

Catholics still obliged to keep holy the Sabbath >> Continued from page 3 Mass, he acts “in persona ecclesiae” — “in the person of the church” — representing the whole church and making its prayers present.

Second, he is acting “in persona Christi capitis” — “in the person of Christ the head” — making the paschal mystery present to us now on earth.

But what if parishioners can’t be there to receive the body and blood of Christ?

“You can have that grace by receiving the body and blood of Jesus, which causes the grace,” he said. “Or, if you

can’t receive that, you can ask God directly for that grace of communion with Jesus and the church [through Spiritual Communion].

“It’s less physical and intense than receiving the actual sacrament, but you can pray for the grace of the sacrament even if you don’t receive the sacrament, and that is what Spiritual Communion is trying to do.”

Sunday’s never canceled Someday the coronavirus pandemic will be over. Does that mean it’s OK to

just stay home on Sundays, watch Mass on television and make Spiritual Communions?

Not at all, said Salzmann.

We are body and soul, and the reality is that receiving the Eucharist with other people is more efficacious — more complete, so to speak.

We, like ancient Israel, are called to gather as a people. If we refuse the call, can we yet remain a member?

In the meantime, even a pandemic doesn’t let us entirely off the hook.

“Just because we don’t have Mass doesn’t mean we don’t have a Sunday.

Although it can’t be as life-giving as it

otherwise might be,” said Salzmann, “we still have the obligation to celebrate Sunday in a particular way.

“There are other things canon law says we’re supposed to do on Sundays [besides attend Mass]. Those things are to spend time in prayer, be restful [and] spend time with our families and those in need.”

While the Sunday Mass may be the highlight of how we receive the grace of giving ourselves back to God in love and thanksgiving, there are other things we can and are supposed to do on Sunday to live in communion with God and each other.

APRIL 10, 2020 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

12

Former abbot Ralph Koehler, OSB, laid to rest

“

By Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

A

TCHISON — It was fitting that Abbot Ralph Koehler, OSB, 91, died on March 21 at St. Benedict’s Abbey here on the feast of the death of St. Benedict, according to the preconciliar church calendar.

He was a Benedictine monk, but more: a leader, pastor and missionary.

Abbot Ralph (Wilfred) Koehler was born on Jan. 20, 1929, in Seneca. He was one of seven children of John M. Koehler and Helen Victoria (Heideman) Koehler.

The Koehlers were members of Sts. Peter and Paul Parish and the children attended the parish school. Abbot Ralph graduated from high school in May 1945 and enrolled in St. Benedict’s College in Atchison that fall. He entered St. Benedict’s Abbey but did not stay.

He entered the U.S. Air Force in July 1947, eventually serving as an airborne radar technician in the Eighth Air Force at Roswell, New Mexico. He was discharged in June 1950 as a sergeant.

In 1954, he returned to St. Benedict’s College and, in July 1955, he reentered the novitiate of St. Benedict’s Abbey and was given the name Ralph. After professing his first vows on July 11, 1956, he completed his studies in 1958. He was ordained a priest on May 31, 1962.

He was going to be a missionary.

On Sept. 21, 1962, Father Koehler and Father Herbert Hermes (a future bishop) boarded the MS Estrid Torm in New York and sailed to Brazil, disembarking on Oct. 4 at Rio de Janeiro.

“HE WAS QUITE ENERGETIC AND HAD THE CAPACITY TO GET THINGS DONE. HE WAS A GREAT MISSIONARY. . . . HE TRAVELED ON THE WEEKENDS OVER ROUGH ROADS [TO OTHER PARISHES] AND HE WAS ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF BUILDING OUR PRIORY.” PHOTO COURTESY OF ST. BENEDICT’S ABBEY

Abbot Ralph Koehler, OSB, died on March 21.

He was the sixth abbot of St. Benedict’s Abbey, Atchison, serving from 1980 to 1989.

They went to the abbey’s new mission of St. Joseph Priory in the city of Mineiros, in the state of Goias, Brazil.

Father Ralph would minister in Brazil for the next 13 years, learning the language, land and people.

In addition to his pastoral work, Father Ralph helped plan and supervise the building of St. Joseph Priory, the first chapel in Mineiros and the renovation of a closed Catholic school into a lay formation center in Mineiros. He also was instrumental in the building of the convent of the Benedictine Sisters from Mount St. Scholastica Monastery in Atchison.

“I was with Abbot Ralph,” said Father Duane Roy, OSB. “We were missionaries together at St. Joseph Priory.

“He was quite energetic and had the capacity to get things done. He was a great missionary. . . . He traveled on the weekends over rough roads [to other parishes] and he was on the ground floor of building our priory. And he knew about architecture and plans. He was good at planning and executing.”

Father Ralph returned to St. Benedict’s Abbey in 1975, where he went on to teach mathematics at Maur HillMount Academy in Atchison and was director of Camp St. Maur.

“We were in the same novitiate class together,” said Father Roderic Giller, OSB. “Abbot Ralph was a take-charge guy.”

In 1976, Abbot Brendan Downey appointed Father Ralph as prior. Upon Abbot Brendan’s death, Father Ralph was elected the sixth abbot of the abbey on Nov. 28, 1980. He was blessed

Pastoral assignments • 1989 to 1990: Administrator for six months at Sts. Peter and Paul Parish in Seneca • 1990 to 1998: Pastor of St. Ann Parish in Effingham and St. Louis Parish in Good Intent • 1998 to 2000: Pastor of St. Mary Parish in St. Benedict, St. Bede in Kelly and St. Patrick Parish in Corning • 2000 to 2008: Pastor of St. Ann Parish in Hiawatha

by Archbishop Ignatius J. Strecker on Jan. 4, 1981.

“He was the abbot when I became a novice in 1985,” said Father Meinrad Miller, OSB. “He was a very good abbot.

During his time, we put together our Liturgy of the Hours books, renovated the monastery and started a health care facility for the elderly monks. He was a good spiritual father.

“Those were difficult times in the 1980s, because there weren’t a lot of vocations, but he always kept an optimistic outlook on life.”

He served as abbot from Nov. 28, 1980, to Dec. 3, 1989. Upon his retirement, he began serving as the pastor of parishes in the northern regions of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas.

Because of the coronavirus pandemic, the monks celebrated a Vespers of the Dead and the Mass of Christian Burial on March 23, with only family present. Abbot Ralph was buried in the abbey cemetery.

APRIL 10, 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 pre-academics 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.

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.

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.

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 facilities - Good Shepherd Parish in Shawnee has a June 1, full-time opening for a director of facilities. Qualified applicants will have successful management experience with an emphasis in facilities management. In addition, a demonstrated commitment to the Catholic faith and mission is essential. This position is responsible for managing and maintaining the parish structure, fixtures, grounds, the rectory and grounds, maintaining vendor/contractor relationships and supervising a staff of one. This is a hands-on position. It is essential that the successful candidate has a strong background in facilities management, including hands-on experience with plumbing, electrical, carpentry and other facilities-related maintenance issues. 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 archdiocesan benefits. Please submit a cover letter and resume to: slemons@gsshawnee.org or to: frkent@gsshawnee.org by May 1.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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: Your career101@gmail.com.

Math teacher - St. James Academy is seeking a full-time math teacher for the 2020-21 school year. The ideal candidate will be a practicing Catholic with a passion for creating disciples of Jesus who has experience teaching at the secondary level, particularly in the areas of geometry, college algebra and/or pre-calculus. Those interested should go to the archdiocesan website at: www.archkck. org/schools/2015/schools7-teacher-application-page and should also send a cover letter and resume to the St. James principal, Dr. Shane Rapp, at: srapp@sjakeepingfaith.org.

Computer science teacher - St. James Academy is seeking a full-time computer science teacher for the 2020-21 school year. The ideal candidate will be a practicing Catholic with a passion for creating disciples of Jesus who has experience teaching computer science and/or incorporating educational technology at the secondary level. If interested, apply at the archdiocesan website at: www.archkck.org/schools/2015/ schools7-teacher-application-page and send a cover letter and resume to the St. James principal, Dr. Shane Rapp, at: srapp@sjakeepingfaith.org.

Resource and enrichment specialist - Holy Name School in Kansas City, Kansas, is seeking a part-time resource and enrichment specialist. This individual would provide support and service to Holy Name School by working with students, teachers, administration, staff members and parents as appropriate to implement a multiphase resource and enrichment program. Interested applicants should send a resume and cover letter to principal Dr. Lorenzo Rizzi at: lrizzi@archkckcs.org.

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.

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.“

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, pouredin-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) 4220610; 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. 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.

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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.

Cleaning lady - Reasonable rates; references provided. Call (913) 940-2959.

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/ Masonry work - Quality new or repair work. Brick, block and chimney/fireplace repair. Insured; second-generation bricklayer. Member of St. Paul Parish, Olathe. Call (913) 829-4336.

Speedy Guzman Moving and delivery Licensed and insured Anytime (816) 935-0176 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.

Garage Door Repair New Garage Doors Platinum Amarr dealer, Elite Home Advisor top rating.

Call Joe, mention The Leaven discount.

A Total Door (913) 236-6440.

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.

For sale - Two single crypts at Mount Calvary in the patio mausoleum, tier C. Valued at $14,950; will sell for $9500 Call Pam at (913) 631-4911.

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.benefitsofhome.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. Was a live-in caregiver for the previous client, a kidney patient, for three years. 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.

APRIL 10, 2020 | THELEAVEN.ORG

COMMENTARY THE OCTAVE OF EASTER April 12 EASTER SUNDAY OF THE RESURRECTION OF THE LORD Acts 10: 34a, 37-43 Ps 118: 1-2, 16-17, 22-23 Col 3: 1-4 Jn 20: 1-9 April 13 MONDAY WITHIN THE OCTAVE OF EASTER Acts 2: 14, 22-33 Ps 16: 1-2a, 5, 7-11 Mt 28: 8-15 April 14 TUESDAY WITHIN THE OCTAVE OF EASTER Acts 2: 36-41 Ps 33: 4-5, 18-20, 22 Jn 20: 11-18 April 15 WEDNESDAY WITHIN THE OCTAVE OF EASTER Acts 3: 1-10 Ps 105: 1-4, 6-9 Lk 24: 13-35 April 16 THURSDAY WITHIN THE OCTAVE OF EASTER Acts 3: 11-26 Ps 8: 2ab, 5-9 Lk 24: 35-48 April 17 FRIDAY WITHIN THE OCTAVE OF EASTER Acts 4: 1-12 Ps 118: 1-2, 4, 22-27a Jn 21: 1-14 April 18 SATURDAY WITHIN THE OCTAVE OF EASTER Acts 4: 13-21 Ps 118: 1, 14-15b, 16-21 Mk 16: 9-15

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T

he Vatican canceled Easter.

So reads the first part of a meme that I received.

It continues: You know how much stuff has to be messed up for the pope to be like “You know what, this year Jesus stays dead.”

Holy cow, what a misguided sentiment. First of all, the pope did not cancel Easter. The only thing different this year for many people is there will be no public Masses on Easter.

However, it does seem that, because of this necessary limitation on public gatherings, some folks are behaving as if “this year Jesus stays dead.” As Christians, we know that nothing could be further from the truth!

The resurrection of Jesus was a unique event that happened some 2000 years ago.

As Catholics, every time we attend Mass, we commemorate that event and continue to feel its saving effects in our lives.

So, even though we can’t celebrate Easter as a physical community gathered together, Jesus is still very much alive

Let’s all rise to the occasion 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.

and at work in our lives and in the world.

Now, there’s no way to outdo the story of the Resurrection. The following tale, though, may remind each of us of what we celebrate: A true story is told about a distinguished man, the only white person buried in a Georgia cemetery reserved for black people. This particular man had lost his mother when he was just a baby. His father, who never remarried, hired a black woman by the name of Mandy to help raise his son. She

was a Christian, and she took her task seriously.

Seldom has a motherless boy received such warmhearted attention.

One of his early memories was of Mandy bending tenderly over him in his upstairs bedroom each day and softly saying, “Wake up! God’s mornin’ is come!”

As the years passed, this devoted woman continued to serve as his surrogate mother.

The young man went away to college, but when he would come home on holidays and in the summer, she would still climb the stairs and call him in the same loving way.

One day, after he had become a successful statesman, this sad message came: “Mandy is dead. Can you attend her funeral?”

As he stood by her grave in the cemetery, he turned to his friends and said, “If I die before Jesus comes again, I want to be buried here beside Mandy. I like to think that on the Resurrection Day, she’ll speak to me again and say, “Wake up, my boy, God’s mornin’ is come!”

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

Easter Sunday this year is a particularly appropriate time for us to “wake up.” This coronavirus pandemic has disrupted our lives . . . and our complacency. This Easter is not normal, and that’s not such a bad thing.

In a sense, we’re forced to remember that very first Easter. The apostles were huddled behind locked doors — confused and fearful.

There was no large, joyful gathering singing “Alleluia!”

And even when the risen Lord did appear, they were still frightened.

It took some time before they could “wake up” to this wonderful event.

Maybe this pandemic is causing us to wake up to what the resurrection of the Lord really means.

I suspect that some

14

people simply miss the cultural event of Easter — the wearing of new clothes to church, the ham dinner, the Easter egg hunt — and not so much its spiritual meaning. Christ rose to give us a new life, a new way of looking at things, a new way to live.

Personally, I hope things don’t get back to “normal” once the pandemic has passed.

Instead, I pray that the valuable lessons that we’re learning in these days help us to truly accept the new life of the Resurrection, to change for the better.

May we move from the greed of hoarding to the new life of generosity and sharing; from selfishly living only for ourselves to the new life of solidarity, especially with those who are poor, lonely or ignored; and from the old life of taking others for granted to the new life of endlessly thanking others for their service to us.

In short, may God wake each of us up to his life within us this Easter, so that we can proclaim with renewed vigor: “God’s mornin’ is come!”

And nothing will ever be the same.

By their witness, apostles risk death — but gain eternal life

H

ave you ever served as a witness? If you have been the best man at a wedding or the maid of honor, you have.

The marriage license includes your name as a witness. Of course, there are other ways to act as a witness: for example, to testify in a courtroom for a trial or to sign off on a legal document.

There are also other less formal ways to serve as a witness that play a significant part in the Bible.

In Sunday’s first reading — Acts 10:34a, 37-43 — Peter, speaking on behalf of the apostles, presents them as witnesses of Jesus Christ.

His talk takes place not in a judicial setting

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.

but, rather, in the house of the Gentile centurion Cornelius. The apostles are witnesses to the events of Jesus’ life that

Peter briefly summarizes. They attest that those events really happened.

The event that stands out the most is Jesus’ resurrection. They did not see the event itself, but saw the risen Jesus: “This man God raised on the third day and granted that he be visible, not to all the

POPE FRANCIS As national and local governments have been issuing stayat-home or shelter-in-place orders to curb the spread of the coronavirus, Pope Francis asked people to pray for and assist those who are homeless.

He offered his morning Mass March 31 for those who are homeless “at a time when people are asked to stay at home.”

At the start of a livestreamed Mass from the chapel of his residence, the pope prayed that people become aware of all those who lack shelter and

people, but to us, the witnesses chosen by God in advance, who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead.”

Peter also points to the prophets as serving as witnesses centuries earlier to Jesus by their words that would eventually be fulfilled in him: “To him all the prophets bear witness.”

In bearing witness to Jesus Christ, the apostles not only affirm the facts of his life. They also bear witness to the meaning of those events, that those events bring salvation.

In this way, the witness of the apostles goes beyond merely testifying to evidence.

They are testifying to the truth of Jesus’ life.

Compare the idea of a character witness, but

on a much larger scale.

Such a witness makes a personal commitment. Eventually, for the apostles and many other early Christians, that commitment would result in their death.

It is no accident that the English word “martyr” derives from the Greek word for “witness.” The willingness to sacrifice one’s own life is the greatest form of witness.

The wonderful thing is that we can join the apostles in bearing witness to Jesus Christ.

Even though we have not seen the events of Jesus’ life, as did the apostles, we can testify to how Jesus Christ has operated in our own lives.

That is the most important witness of all.

housing and help them, and that the church would “welcome them.”

In his homily, the pope reflected on the day’s first reading and the Gospel reading, which, together, he said, are an invitation to contemplate Jesus on the cross and comprehend how he allowed himself to bear the sin of many and give his life for people’s salvation.

The first reading from the Book of Numbers (21:4-9) recalled how God’s people, who had been led out of Egypt, became impatient and disgusted with their difficult life in the desert. As punishment, God sent forth poisonous snakes that bit and killed many of them.

— CNS

APRIL 10, 2020 | THELEAVEN.ORG

COMMENTARY

15

How can we foster communion during this universal separation?

P

eople are finding all kinds of ways to make the most of all the extra time we have at home these days.

I’m a little nerdier than most — plus, it’s my job — so I’ve spent the time rereading the voluminous 2002 report on the permanent diaconate by the International Theological Commission under the leadership of then-Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger.

This document reviewed the development of the permanent diaconate in recent decades and outlined paths for further growth as deacons become more established in local churches.

One recurrent theme that I detected in my reading is the idea that deacons exercise the role of “bridge or mediation

ORDAINED TO SERVE

LEON SUPRENANT Leon Suprenant is the co-director of the office of the permanent diaconate. He may be reached online at: leons@archkck.org.

between the hierarchy and the faithful.”

This doesn’t mean that deacons are some sort of hybrid entity within the church, as deacons have received the sacramental grace

of holy orders. Still, they are uniquely poised as husbands, fathers and co-workers to help bring the Gospel to life in the midst of the world.

This idea of the deacon as a “bridge” or “mediator” fits in well with the idea from Vatican II (1962-65) that the church is a “communion” of all those who are alive in Christ. It is a relational model of the church that stresses our profound connectedness

“

THIS IDEA OF THE DEACON AS A “BRIDGE” OR “MEDIATOR” FITS IN WELL WITH THE IDEA FROM VATICAN II (1962-65) THAT THE CHURCH IS A “COMMUNION” OF ALL THOSE WHO ARE ALIVE IN CHRIST. in the body of Christ.

As I’m reading all this, I’m acutely aware that we are living in this strange time of “social distancing,” where a premium is rightly put on the need for “disconnectedness” until the pandemic passes.

We experience this phenomenon all the time in public spaces — and even in the church, where Sunday Mass itself tragically has been relegated to a mere

YouTube experience for most of us.

So, I’m wondering, how do we as Catholics foster communion during this time of universal separation?

And how can deacons help bridge the “social distance” in appropriate, life-giving ways?

This is something all of us are learning on the fly, but I think we have realized a few things already.

First, it’s extremely

important that we use this “quantity time” to spend “quality time” building up our community at home, which is known as the “domestic church.”

Second, I think we are all seeing the value of social media and staying connected with others without even leaving our living rooms.

And above all, third, we see the value of prayer as our anchor amid the uncertainty of these times. And we are finding creative ways, again often through social media, to pray with others throughout the world.

After all, our communion in the church is not merely physical, or even flesh and blood, but the work of the Holy Spirit, the Lord and giver of life, through whom nothing will separate us from the love of Christ.

CEF stepping up to meet historic need, but can use your help

D

uring this unprecedented time, health and finances are dominating our attention.

That’s to be understood. What’s being overlooked, to some degree, is the education of our children.

Many public schools have chosen to shut down part or most of their teaching for the school year. Some are offering a few hours per week of discussions but are not requiring attendance.

These students will miss part or all of their fourth-quarter learning opportunities. Some local school districts aren’t administering any tests or providing grades for the fourth quarter.

It is very different for

CEF CENTERED

VINCENT ANCH Vince Anch is the executive director of the Catholic Education Foundation.

our archdiocesan Catholic schools, where the learning hasn’t missed a beat.

Our Catholic schools are teaching the equivalent of a full curriculum,

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is affiliated with Warren-McElwain Mortuary, Lawrence, KS “Locally Owned and Operated Since 1904”

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mostly via virtual learning. The schools are using web-based platforms like Google Classroom and Zoom to set up virtual classrooms.

Attendance is taken.

Lectures are provided.

Homework is assigned.

Tests are being administered and grades are being given.

The learning will not stop. Just as important,

Jim Larkin

Sam Garcia

our students are participating in faith formation activities, including daily prayer, religion classes, rosaries and online Masses. Many principals are providing a morning video message and prayer to start off each school day.

The challenge for our Catholic schools has never been about providing high quality, faith-filled education.

The challenge is making a Catholic education affordable to all children, regardless of their families’ financial situation.

This has become especially difficult during this major worldwide crisis.

Some of our school families have a parent that has recently lost a job or has gotten their shifts cut. They can no longer pay tuition and need help.

Many more will be adversely affected as the crisis continues. Meanwhile, parish collections have greatly diminished, which is limiting support for schools. Schools and families are turning to the Catholic Education Foundation (CEF) for help.

CEF is stepping up to help families in need by providing special emergency assistance so their children can stay enrolled in school.

A record amount of requests for emergency assistance has hit CEF since the start of the COVID-19 crisis. Our new challenge will be in meeting the increased demands that are expected as this crisis continues.

This year’s spring CEF Scholarship Drive will be used to provide scholarships for students in need

for next school year, but will also help to provide emergency assistance grants to help families throughout the remainder of this school year.

We are so proud of how our principals, teachers, students and parents have stepped up during this crisis to set the educational and spiritual needs of our youth as a priority.

We are also eternally grateful for all of the generous supporters who have made it possible for CEF to serve over 1,400 children so far this year.

These children are praying daily for us to get past this worldwide crisis.

They are our best hope to meet the challenges of today and the future.

APRIL 10, 2020 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

16

LEAVEN PHOTO BY LORI WOOD HABIGER

Sister Lidia Ortíz, left, and Sister Silvia Juárez of the Sisters, Servants of Mary leave the Sisters’ convent in Kansas City, Kansas, and head out into the night to give care to those in need. The Sisters continue to go out nightly despite the threat of coronavirus.

INTO THE NIGHT Sisters, Servants of Mary continue to care for the sick despite the pandemic “

By Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

K

ANSAS CITY, Kan. — When it became apparent that the deadly coronavirus had suddenly reached the United States, the family of Jose Ramirez Sr. was very concerned.

That’s because Ramirez lives at home alone and is bed-bound — paralyzed from the chest down. He receives care from a caregiver during the day, then from the Sisters, Servants of Mary three nights a week.

Family members were concerned that the coming and going of caregivers would make Ramirez more vulnerable to the highly contagious disease.

“We actually had a meeting at his house to discuss that very thing,” said the patient’s son, Jose Ramirez Jr., a member of Our Lady of Unity Parish in Kansas City, Kansas. “I think God answered our prayers right away.”

The caregiver was so concerned that she offered to move the elder Ramirez into her own home temporarily. So, they did.

“When we called the Sisters and told them because of this pandemic we were moving my father to the caregiver’s house,” said Jose, “the Sister said, ‘OK.’ “They were still willing to come and see him on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.”

Since arriving in Kansas City, Kansas, in 1917 (a year before they nursed patients through the 1918 global flu pandemic that saw some 2,300 deaths in Kansas City alone), the Sisters have gone to the homes of the sick and cared for them there at no charge.

For those who fear what will happen to their frail and ill family members

“IT MEANS A LOT TO US, AND OUR MOTHER. . . . THEY PRAY THE ROSARY WITH HER, WHICH IS VERY IMPORTANT TO MY MOM. SHE HAS DEMENTIA AND THERE ARE SOME NIGHTS SHE CAN’T REMEMBER THE NEXT BEAD, BUT THE SISTERS ARE VERY PATIENT WITH HER.”

during the worldwide coronavirus pandemic, having the Sisters provide care in the relative isolation of their homes has given them peace of mind and soul.

The Sisters also provide care two nights a week for Estelle Yonkos, the mother of Janet Petit, a member of St. Charles Borromeo Parish in Kansas City, Missouri.

“It means a lot to us and our mother,” said Petit. “My mother was a very faithful person. They pray the rosary with her, which is very important to my mom. She has dementia and there are some nights she can’t remember the next bead, but the Sisters are very patient with her.

“My mother gets very excited when I tell her I’m going to go get the Sister, and you can see a big smile on her face.”

Having the Sisters means Petit and her husband can have at least two good nights of sleep each week.

The Sisters are still doing the work

they always have done, the only difference being that they are more vigilant because of the pandemic.

“We are more aware of whether there are any symptoms we can observe in patients, drivers and all the people we come close to,” said Sister Lucero Garcia, local superior.

“We [Sisters] live very close to each other,” she continued. “We’re together all the time — for prayer, meals, recreation, everything. So, it is very easy for us to detect if something isn’t going right with any of us. . . . It would not escape our eyes if any one of us gets sick.”

So far, none of the patients they see are infected with the coronavirus, and neither are their families. For the most part, their circumstances tend to isolate them anyway.

None of the Sisters has been infected either.

The Sisters are following established, standard practices of nursing. They have cut back on their noncritical outings — only shopping and seeing doctors when necessary.

And social isolation is nothing new to them — it’s their lifestyle anyway.

One new thing the Sisters are doing is spending more consecutive nights with patients rather than sending a Sister back and forth between patients on alternating days.

They maintain good hygiene, washing hands and using gloves when called for.

When they go back to the convent, they change out of the aprons they wear and their shoes. These are washed. At the time of this interview, there had been no need for additional measures like masks, but as CDC recommendations change, so will the Sisters’ practices.

“People are very concerned and nervous about [the coronavirus],” said

Sister Silvia Juárez. “They really need to talk about it, even though we can’t do much to help out but to listen to them.

For us to be there for them is a blessing. . . . Of course, we offer them our prayer and reassurances.

“We keep them in our prayers. I feel like they are more open to their faith and God at this time. There is not one person who doesn’t talk about it when we are riding with them from our convent to their home.”

The Sisters have always cared for the soul as well as the body. They pray with their patients and the families, but also in their own chapel.

Since the canceling of public Masses, the Sisters are very aware of the pain people experience at not being able to receive Jesus in the Eucharist or participate in eucharistic adoration, said Sister Lucero.

The Sisters have responded by increasing the time and intensity of their prayers.

“We don’t usually have prayer before the Blessed Sacrament exposed, but we have exposed the Blessed Sacrament for three times a day,” she said.

They keep in touch with friends, family and members of their community, reassuring them with their prayers.

They are also participating in the various prayer initiatives of Pope Francis.

“We need to pray more intensely for the people who are sick and suffering the consequences of this disease, and for the families, and for the whole world,” said Sister Lucero.

“Every time the archdiocese gives us something they want us to pray about, we include extra prayers,” she added. “And of course, we have a prayer list for people who call and want us to pray for them.

“People are in great need of someone to pray for them and with them. . . . They need God in their lives.”