04 21 23 Vol. 44 No. 34

Procession ‘unites Catholics’ in the Atchison Region

By Catherine Halbmaier Special to The Leaven

ATCHISON, KS — Fourth Street homeowners knelt on their front porches as a procession of clergy, altar servers, and parishioners passed by. They knelt not for any of these groups, but for the eucharistic Lord, carried in a monstrance at the head of the crowd.

The April 16 procession began at St. Benedict’s Church and traveled with the Blessed Sacrament down Fourth Street to Veterans Memorial Park at the Missouri riverfront. There, adorers prayed the Divine Mercy Chaplet and listened to a Gospel

reading from Jn 6:51-58. Following a homily by Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann and a Holy Hour, the congregation was invited to socialize.

Representatives from multiple parishes in the region joined the procession of some 850 faithful. Many sported banners and flags, as did Maur HillMount Academy and Benedictine College, both of Atchison.

In his homily, Archbishop Naumann preached on the life-changing power of faith in the Blessed Sacrament.

“Many have come to our faith because of the Eucharist, because they saw that the Eucharist was the center,” said the archbishop.

He also emphasized in his homily the literal

presence — or the Real Presence — of Christ in the Eucharist. And in conclusion, Archbishop Naumann thanked the crowd of adorers, calling on them to “realize the miracle in which we are engaged.”

“May we adore the eucharistic Lord,” Archbishop Naumann said. “May we thank Him for this gift.”

Father Jeremy Heppler, OSB, in an interview before the event, provided background on the origin of the procession.

“As a way to celebrate the archdiocesan year of the nationwide Eucharistic Revival, the archbishop suggested that each of the regions within the archdiocese host a eucharistic procession,” he said.

>> See “STREET” on page 7

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER

Deacon Jody Madden of St. Benedict’s Parish, Atchison, gives final instructions before the procession.

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER

As the procession makes its way down Fourth Street, parishioners who live along the route kneel before the Eucharist.

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann leads the Divine Mercy Chaplet at the end of the procession.

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER

Representatives from multiple parishes in the Atchison Region gather in front of St. Benedict’s Church in Atchison before joining in a eucharistic procession that advanced down Fourth Street to Veterans Memorial Park at the Missouri riverfront. An estimated 850 Catholics participated in the procession.

Our faith’s joy despite adversity attracts others to Christ

In this past Sunday’s Gospel, after inviting “Doubting Thomas” to touch the wounds of his hands and to put his hand into the gash in his side caused by the soldier’s spear, Jesus declared: “Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed” (Jn 20:29). In the second reading, Peter wrote to the early Christians: “Although you have not seen Him you love Him; even though you do not see Him now yet believe in Him” (1 Pet 1; 8).

In a sense, Thomas is every man, every would-be disciple. We can all identify with the fear of Thomas not wanting to appear foolish by believing in what is humanly impossible. Thomas refuses to accept the incredulous testimony of his friends. He is afraid that what they have told him is too good to be true.

The disillusionment of Good Friday still clouds his heart. Thomas does not want to experience again the despair of crushed hope. Thomas finds his cynicism more secure than believing in the appearance of a dead man. Thomas places what he believes to be an impossible condition upon his faith: “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands and put my finger into the nail marks and put my hand into his side, I will not

LIFE WILL BE VICTORIOUS

believe” (Jn 20:25).

On Sunday, I celebrated Mass at St. Benedict’s Abbey Church in Atchison and had the privilege to baptize and receive into the church several Benedictine College students. The baptism and reception into the church of new members is a key sign of the vitality of a Catholic community.

If we are living our faith well, it should be attractive to others. The authentic living of the Gospel is contagious. If our faith is real, others should see in us a joy, a peace, a generosity, a compassion and a love that is striking, even startling.

In Sunday’s first reading from the Acts of the Apostles, St. Luke describes the early Christian community gathering frequently to be taught by the Apostles, to pray and to participate in the “breaking of the

bread” — what we call today the Eucharist or the Mass. St. Luke also reports that none of the Christians were in need, because they shared their material blessings with one another.

St. Luke comments that the Christians “ate their meals with exultation.” In other words, they enjoyed being together. Christians radiated a sincere joy and — as a consequence — “every day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.”

It is true that many came to believe in Jesus without ever seeing Our Lord with their own eyes. However, they did see the effect Jesus had upon those who knew him and did see him. In a sense, those joining the Christian community in the Acts of the Apostles did see the living Jesus alive within his disciples. This is true in every age. The church continues to grow because others see in Catholics a peace, a love and a joy that they desire.

St. Luke speaks about wonders happening in the early Christian community. It is true that there were healings that happened as a result of the prayers of Christians asking the Lord to cure the sick. However, what was even more powerful in the attraction of new disciples was the joy and peace evident in Christians in the midst of suffering and even persecution. Our capacity to manifest joy even in time of adversity continues to be both stunning and attractive to others.

In a culture that offers many opportunities for pleasure, material comfort and forms of entertainment but also is plagued with epidemics of anxiety, loneliness and depression, the sincere and authentic joy of living our Catholic faith, the fruit of true friendship with Jesus and being part of a community that cares about us, remains alluring and attractive.

In truth, I do not think anyone becomes a disciple of Jesus without seeing him. Though we may not have seen the God-man Jesus who dwelt upon this earth 2,000 years ago, we do see Jesus alive in his disciples. We touch the wounds of Jesus when we experience the selfless love and compassion of his modern-day followers.

The Christian life

ARCHBISHOP NAUMANN’S CALENDAR

April 21

Bishops’ Advisory Group — Eucharistic Revival

Keeler Women’s Center 20th anniversary — Donnelly College, Kansas City, Kansas

April 22

National Catholic Committee on Scouting conference Mass and banquet — Embassy Suites, Kansas City, Missouri

April 23

Scouting Awards Mass — Cathedral of St. Peter, Kansas City, Kansas

April 24

Confirmation — Church of the Ascension, Overland Park

April 25

Catholic Benefits Association Finance Council meeting

Administrative Team meeting — chancery

Confirmation — Church of the Ascension, Overland Park

April 26

Adoration — Hayden High School, Topeka

Deposit and Loan Board of Trustees meeting — chancery

Day of Atonement Mass for sexual abuse victims — Holy Angels, Basehor

April 27

Confirmation — St. Agnes, Roeland Park

April 29

Knights of Columbus state convention — Topeka

May 1

Confirmation —Mater Dei, Topeka

well-lived is what every human heart desires. Do others recognize Jesus Christ alive within us? Do others experience

being touched by Our Lord’s wounds of love when they encounter us? Think about it!

ARCHBISHOP JOSEPH F. NAUMANN

‘New Manna’ podcast shines light on the Eucharist

By Meghan Ascher Special to The Leaven

KANSAS CITY, Kan. — “I knew there was already a ton of Catholic ‘stuff’ out there, but there was nothing exclusively about the Eucharist in this type of platform,” said Lee McMahon, consultant for evangelization for the archdiocese and the weekly host of the New Manna podcast.

The podcast was created to offer an in-house substantial resource to parishes and parishioners as the archdiocese begins its third year of Eucharistic Amazement. The first two years of the initiative began nationally with the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, and then moved to the diocesan level. In this third year starting in June, it will focus on the parish level to promote opportunities for a greater love for the Lord in the Eucharist.

McMahon brought several years of podcasting experience to the project, helping create and organize a podcast for St. Paul’s Outreach of Kansas City and 50+ of the “Greater Works” podcasts.

In each episode, McMahon interviews two featured guests. A number of archdiocesan priests have already shared their love of the Eucharist on this platform; lay leaders throughout the archdiocese have also been invited to share how the Eucharist has impacted their lives.

Father Joel Haug, associate pastor of St. Joseph Parish in Shawnee, is one such priest who shared his testimony in the Feb. 12 opening episode of the New Manna podcast, along with Father Luke Doyle, associate pastor of St. Michael the Archangel in Leawood and associate vocations director for the archdiocese.

“I was happy to do this podcast because of my friendship with Lee and Father Luke, and my love of Jesus in the Eucharist,” said Father Haug. “Any-

thing I have gained from my experience with the Eucharist, I want to share if it can help others grow in their relationship with Jesus.”

McMahon’s casual, friendly voice can be heard directing the conversational, usually hour-long podcast. He approaches each episode with the goal of soliciting the answers to three main questions from each of his guests:

1) What is your personal relationship with the Eucharist?

Each podcast begins with a person-

al testimonial of how the hosts have encountered the Eucharist and been changed by it. “The minute someone starts telling their story, people just quiet down and listen,” said McMahon.

2. What is your lived relationship with Jesus each day?

The point of the second question is to allow the host to describe how the love of Jesus in the Eucharist impacts their everyday lives.

“Nothing is worse than going to church and receiving communion but being disconnected from the people before and behind you,” said McMahon. “Real communion happens through shared life.”

3. What is your response to people who are unconvinced about Jesus in the Eucharist?

After the hosts have presented their testimony, they spend a moment in direct evangelization, offering advice as to how one can encounter Jesus in the Eucharist for oneself.

“It’s set up,” said McMahon, “so that both those who are catechists and those who don’t totally have their head wrapped around the idea of the Eucharist. Young and old alike will receive something out of the program.”

The New Manna podcast airs weekly on most podcasting websites and apps, including Apple Podcast and Spotify, and can also be found on the archdiocesan website at: https://archkck.org/ eucharistic-revival/new-manna/.

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER

Lee McMahon, consultant for evangelization for the archdiocese (third from left), hosts a weekly podcast called New Manna, which focuses on the Eucharist. Here he interviews, from left, archdiocesan seminarian Aaron Waldeck and Deacon Timothy Skoch, who will be ordained a priest in May, and Lucy Skoch, Deacon Skoch’s sister.

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER Lee McMahon, consultant for evangelization for the archdiocese, brings several years of podcasting experience to his “New Manna” podcast.

Our Lady of Unity debuts Math Night for parents, students

By Moira Cullings moira.cullings@theleaven.org

KANSAS CITY, Kan. — On March 23, math problems were met with determination, humor and a little encouragement from moms, dads and siblings of students at Our Lady of Unity School here.

It was the school’s first-ever Math Night.

Attendees were treated to dinner at the start of the evening. Each family was given a passport, and after their meal they visited eight stations where they played a different math game at each.

“Each math activity is a game that students could play with their parents to help increase problem-solving skills in math,” said OLU principal Cally Dahlstrom.

Families received packets with directions and tools to play some of the games at home. Those who completed all eight stations had the chance to win a family game package of their own.

The school used Title I funding to purchase a Nifty Numbers kit from Family Math Night. Each game had three levels based on age groups.

Stations were run by parent, student and teacher volunteers.

“I’m really big about playing games with the family because you learn how to count, one-to-one correspondence, taking turns and learning how to be a graceful loser and a graceful winner,” said math resource teacher Mary Gentry, who organized the event.

Math Night is similar to the school’s Literacy Night, which launched in 2019. Dahlstrom said OLU planned on hosting its first Math Night in 2020 until COVID delayed those plans.

“We added a math night to increase parent awareness of activities they can complete at home with their students,” said Dahlstrom.

“Many of our parents are not aware of

how they can support their student(s),” she added, “and sometimes it’s difficult for our teachers to communicate activities with our language barriers.”

An important aspect of the evening was having translators who could provide the games in English and Spanish, since for the majority of OLU parents, Spanish is their first language.

Gentry hopes parents will be encouraged to play with their children because of the lessons they can learn through educational games.

Ascension parishioner with end stage renal failure now on transplant list

OVERLAND PARK — Last April, Amy Reinhardt shared with Leaven readers her experience with Goodpasture syndrome, a rare autoimmune disease which causes the body to attack its own lungs and kidneys. The disease left the member of Church of the Ascension in Overland Park with endstage renal failure.

Now, the 29-year-old is on the transplant list for a new kidney.

She shared her story of hardship, patience and hope in a video that can be found by searching “the struggles of end stage renal failure” on YouTube and clicking on the video by Isaiah Reasby.

The video comes at an appropriate time, since April is National Donate Life Month, which raises awareness about the critical need for organ donors.

According to Donate Life America, more than 100,000 people are on the waiting list for lifesaving organ transplants. Now, Reinhardt is one of them.

“Telling me my kidneys were failing changed my life back in 2021,”

COURTESY PHOTO

Amy Reinhardt shared with Leaven readers her experience with Goodpasture syndrome last April. The 29-year-old is now on the transplant list for a new kidney.

Reinhardt shares in the video. “The next words that I hope to hear will change it yet again: ‘Amy, we found you a kidney.’”

“I hope they feel very positively about math,” she added, “because some people are very frightened of it.

“This is part of having a game night. It’s showing them how fun math is and how you use it every day in real life.”

Gentry said quick games that are easy to set up are the most effective because most OLU moms and dads are busy working full-time jobs.

Events like Math Night are also vital because they help the parents feel comfortable and welcome at the school.

“They want to see where their kids are,” said Gentry. “They want to see the teachers that their kid is talking about. They work — they don’t get to come be a room mom or help in the classroom.

“[We’re] trying to provide another chance for them to have one-on-one with teachers and staff [and] increase their comfort level to know that we’re safe, we’re loving and this is a good place to be.

“We want to make sure to provide more of that.”

Former Benedictine prioress dies

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — Sister Mary John Thomas, OSB, died on Feb. 26. She was 90.

Born in Kansas City, Kansas, Sept. 11, 1932, and given the name Dolores Margaret, she was the eldest of four children.

Dolores attended St. Anthony School, Kansas City, Kansas, staffed by the Benedictine Sisters of Atchison.

After high school she worked for one year as a secretary and joined Mount St. Scholastica Convent, Atchison, in 1951. She made her first profession on Dec. 22, 1952, and her perpetual profession in 1956.

Sister has served in various

capacities throughout her career. She was a teacher at Sacred Heart Cathedral School in Pueblo, Colorado, St. Joseph School in Monte Vista, Colorado, St. Pius X in Mission, St. Cajetan School in Denver, and Holy Trinity School in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

She also served in pastoral ministry at St. Vincent de Paul Parish in Denver and Our Lady of Fatima Parish in Lakewood, Colorado. From 1975 to 1983 she served as prioress of Benet Hill Monastery in Colorado Springs. She directed the monastery’s retreat ministry and food services until she retired.

Mass for deceased little ones set for May 6

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — There will be a Mass of remembrance for deceased little ones at 10:30 a.m. on May 6 at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church, 3934 Washington St., here.

This Mass is for those who have lost children during pregnancy, childbirth or infancy and for those currently pregnant with an unborn child diagnosed with terminal illness.

All are welcome to attend and add their babies to the parish’s “Book of

Holy Innocents,” and to place a rose before Our Lady in honor of them. To participate, please RSVP your attendance by April 29 and the number of babies you wish to remember so as to ensure there are enough flowers.

To RSVP, go to: www.alexandrashouse. com and click on “about us” and then “events.”

This event is sponsored by Our Lady of Good Counsel and Alexandra’s House.

LEAVEN PHOTO BY MOIRA CULLINGS

Vannelly Saenzpardo helps her son Liam Rosales, a first grader at Our Lady of Unity School in Kansas City, Kansas, with a math activity as his brother Homero Rosales looks on. The school held its first-ever Math Night on March 23 to encourage learning by playing games as a family.

BC grad’s hobby becomes both a business and a ministry

By Jack Figge Special to the Leaven

ATCHISON — Every time Chris Rziha nails Christ to the cross, the action leads him to reflect on Christ’s passion and death through a more personal lens.

“There is something a little unsettling about nailing Jesus to the cross with your own hands,” reflected Rziha. “I nail him with my own hands — on purpose. I pray for the person that I am making this crucifix for.”

Over five years ago, Rziha started creating handmade wooden crosses; the last step in the process was the affixing of a figure of Christ onto the cross. Although Rziha started carving as a hobby, a year ago it evolved into both a mission and a business.

When he was a sophomore at Benedictine College, Rziha was on vacation with his family. He had free time, some scrap wood, and a knife. By the end of the vacation, he had carved his first cross and found a new pastime.

“I grew up in a family where we do a lot of our own home improvement projects and building renovations on our own. So, I’m kind of familiar with the whole process of working with things with my hands,” said Rziha. “When I got home, I tried a couple other designs and found that I really enjoyed the whole process of crafting these crucifixes.”

Rziha’s production process revolves around simplicity. Selecting the best pieces of scrap wood from his family’s wood pile, Rziha will then cut the pieces into a rough outline of a cross. Then, using a chisel, a screwdriver, and an array of knives, Rziha will carve the bare wood into an ornate cross and polish the wood with two coats of varnish.

To finish, Rziha delicately places a figure of Christ at the center and glues on various saint medals per the request of the client.

“Each crucifix has its own unique work and that’s the beauty of it,” said Rziha. “What makes them high quality is that I spend time with each individual piece and work on them individually.”

Shortly after he began his practice of carving crucifixes, Rziha’s family and friends started asking him to create crucifixes that they could give as gifts for confirmations, weddings, and other religious celebrations. Soon, even with the requests from family and friends, the crucifixes were piling up, and Rziha decided to open an Etsy shop to sell his

surplus crucifixes.

“My house was filling up with crucifixes and I needed another outlet to distribute them,” said Rziha. “I found that there was a need for this particular type of crucifix so I started making a crucifix and then placing a saint medal or anything the client wanted at the base of the crucifix, making it a perfect gift for a wedding or for a confirmation.”

When he started crafting the crucifixes as a hobby, Rziha never sought to turn much of a profit from his work. The price he does charge, on Etsy, goes towards covering his material costs and turning a small profit to help him justify the time he spends crafting.

“Part of my goal is to keep the prices low,” said Rziha. “Enough so, that basically my crucifixes are the best deal on the market. Normally a hand-carved crucifix that’s made to order would probably go for it $75 - $80 and I sell mine for $40 to $45. And that’s an intentional choice.”

As he sets out to carve every crucifix, Rziha contemplates the sanctity of the carving process and that which the object will be used — to foster the spiritual life of another.

“I carve by hand on purpose; it is a very contemplative process. As I carve, I pray for the people,” said Rziha. “For me, carving is a matter of contemplating Christ’s passion and suffering and its effects on my own life, and then I contemplate how this crucifix will impact the lives of others.”

Rziha is currently completing a master’s in Spanish at Baylor University with plans to attend Notre Dame this fall to undertake doctoral work in Spanish.

To find Chris’ Etsy shop, go to: www. etsy.com and search for chriscrossdesign.

Dance team wins reflect team dynamic, focus on faith

By Moira Cullings moira.cullings@theleaven.org

OVERLAND PARK — “This competition is one of the biggest stages for dance teams in the country,” said Tara Yantis, head coach for the St. Thomas Aquinas Spirits dance team.

“It is absolutely thrilling to perform alongside so many peer teams in the industry that we deeply admire,” she added.

The Spirits traveled to Texas for the American Dance/Drill Team National Dance Championship in Denton the weekend of March 24.

They competed against 80 teams and walked away with two national titles, a second place and a fifth place award (see sidebar for more details).

Senior captain Abigail Ballard was thrilled with her team’s accomplishments.

“My team has overcome a lot over the past year,” she said, “but it is how we handled it all that brought us closer together.

“The accomplishments meant that we were finally seen for how hard we had worked the entire year and being able to bring something we love so much to life and to tell that story.”

Senior captain Avery Rudicel is proud of her team’s efforts.

“I think what made this year so special is the team dynamic,” she said. “It took a lot longer for the team to get bonded this year, but when we got to

that moment everything clicked.

“Nationals was when we really clicked as a team.”

Yantis was particularly proud that her team earned the top GPA award in its division.

“We also keep a primary focus on our faith,” she said, “in constant appreciation of the blessings we have that are nothing short of God-given to be able to chase our dreams as a program.

“On top of that, we have a large group of supportive parents that travel with us to support the team.”

This year’s senior class chose the theme “Make your mark.”

“It was just perfect,” said Yantis. “In every way, they fought to show who they were, what kind of hearts they have and that kindness always wins.

“They certainly made a mark to be proud of.”

Yantis emphasized the importance of the Spirits’ ability to compete at a high level, especially since it can show the girls the possibilities of dancing in college and beyond.

“So many people see ‘spirit’ teams in high school as just groups that shake poms,” said Yantis. “It’s so much more than that in this day and age.

“To compete at the level we do, the

The awards

First Place National Champion — Small Varsity Game Day

First Place National Academic Champion (team GPA of 4.03) — Small Varsity

Second Place — Small Varsity Lyrical

Fifth Place Overall — Small Varsity Teams

athleticism, artistry, commitment and focus are just so much more profound. It ignites in them drive and passion they may not have even known was there. It’s enriching on many levels.”

For Ballard and Rudicel, the opportunity to be captains of this year’s team was an honor.

“This year, I’ve learned how to collaborate with the other captains to lead our team together in the best way possible,” said Rudicel.

“We had to discuss together how to fix problems and how to keep the team motivated in hard times,” she continued. “The coaches have guided us along the way and have really taught me how to lead a team with grace.”

Ballard said the individual personalities that made up this year’s team created a special environment for the team to thrive.

“Without these personalities, our team wouldn’t be the same,” she said. “Those characters bring life to dancing and [are] what it is all about.”

COURTESY PHOTO

Chris Rziha, a graduate of Benedictine College in Atchison, works on a handcrafted crucifix that he will sell on his Etsy store.

COURTESY PHOTO

The St. Thomas Aquinas Spirits dance team competed at the American Dance/Drill Team National Dance Championship in Denton, Texas, the weekend of March 24.

God was as good as his word. Are we?

Remember when we said we’d never take the Eucharist for granted again? When we had to watch Mass online or from cars in the church parking lot? When every part of parish life — from faith formation classes to Bible studies to doughnuts on Sundays — changed overnight?

Three years ago last month, the pandemic was just beginning. The world was shutting down. The vast majority of daily life suddenly centered around home.

As each of us grappled with seismic changes in society, an unexpected ripple effect was that the domestic church became the primary expression of faith for most Catholics. No longer could we gather for regular celebrations of the Eucharist in person, but we could join in prayer with the universal church from our kitchens, bedrooms and living rooms.

Do we remember how we promised we’d never forget?

The third anniversary of the pandemic lockdowns invites us to spend time praying through what this time brought to our lives, families and faith. Since home was where we spent most of 2020’s intense months,

praying at home can help us continue to navigate a changed world.

To remember what Catholicism teaches about the domestic church, it helps to return to the Catechism: “In our own time, in a world often alien and even hostile to faith, believing families are of primary importance as centers of living, radiant faith. For this reason the Second Vatican Council, using an ancient expression, calls the family the “ecclesia domestica” (CCC 1656).

Long before “Covid” or “quarantine” entered our daily discourse, we were called to remember that the church is not limited to the four walls of a holy building. Any time

and place we gather as family can be a domestic church, too.

How was your own domestic church changed by the pandemic?

You might have spent every waking moment of 2020 or 2021 with your family, or you may have experienced deep isolation, wishing you could gather with children or grandchildren like before.

You might have missed important celebrations: weddings, graduations, anniversaries, funerals or births. You may have been so overwhelmed by virtual work and distance learning,

divisions in churches and communities, or anxieties about the future that you found it nearly impossible to pray.

Or, you might have found that regular routines of prayer amid the chaos kept you going.

No matter what you experienced, God’s promise to remain constant and faithful holds true. Christ has stayed with us, never abandoning us, even as the world turned upside down.

In thanksgiving to our faithful God, we can commit ourselves to deepening our domestic churches as we seek to strengthen our

parishes. One simple step we can take is to keep praying at home.

Set a special time and place for daily prayer where you live. Let yourself enjoy the physical presence of sacramentals like candles, rosaries, holy water or prayer cards that remind you of God’s presence at home. Place a crucifix, icon or holy artwork on your wall to remind all who enter that this is a place of prayer.

Let your prayer at home encompass those beyond your walls, too. Pray for your parish, community and leaders. Pray for all who still cannot receive the sacraments regularly.

Pray for those who have not returned to church after the pandemic. Pray for new members who might still be trying to feel at home.

May we never forget the days when every prayer was uttered within our own walls.

May we give thanks each time we gather now, for the grace of worshipping together in person.

Most of all, may we never take the gift of the Eucharist for granted. May we savor every second of the sacraments and Scriptures we get to receive. May we stick to our promise never to forget.

LAURA KELLY FANUCCI

Laura Kelly Fanucci is an author, speaker and founder of Mothering Spirit, an online gathering place on parenting and spirituality.

Street procession gives chance for others to encounter Jesus

Father Jeremy, pastor of St. Benedict’s Parish, described the collaboration between regional parishes to organize the event.

“The priests of the Atchison Region heard about processions in a couple of other regions, and we thought that we should host one,” he continued. “Working with Rick Cheek, the archdiocesan representation, we gathered representatives from each of the 13 parishes in the region, Benedictine College, and Maur Hill-Mount Academy to begin planning for this event.”

Through this procession, Father Jeremy expressed not only the hope to bring Catholics together, but to bring Christ to others along the way.

“Our hope for the day is to unite Catholics from throughout the region and beyond to adore our eucharistic Lord,” he said. “By bringing him to the streets and eventually to the riverfront, we also want to provide an opportunity for others to have an encounter with Jesus.”

Father Jeremy concluded with his hopes for the procession’s outcomes.

“Hopefully, this time of adoration will lead us as individuals, a community, and a region to a deeper love for the One from whom divine mercy flows forth,” he said.

As representatives from 13 parishes, Benedictine College, Maur Hill-Mount Academy, and the archdiocese gathered together, some were no doubt inspired by that deeper love, and by the strength of the community. Archbishop Naumann was one of them.

“It’s beautiful,” said Archbishop Naumann. “It’s really for me very inspiring to see so many people from so many different parishes in the Atchison region come together.”

And he hinted at the possibility of more processions like this in the future.

“So many of them were saying, ‘We’d like to do this every year’,” said Archbishop Naumann. “I told them, there’s no reason we can’t.”

In closing, the archbishop praised the event’s turnout, saying he was “inspired and edified by the faith of the people.”

Above, an altar boy crosses the intersection of Fourth and Mound Streets in Atchison. The procession in front of him was moving a little fast, while behind him, a little slow, temporarily trapping him in the middle. Representatives from 13 parishes, Benedictine College and Maur Hill-Mount Academy joined in the procession.

Abbot James Albers, OSB, processes with the monstrance containing the Body of Christ down Fourth Street in Atchison towards its final destination at Veterans Memorial Park where adorers prayed the Divine Mercy Chaplet and listened to a Gospel reading from Jn 6:5158.

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER

Last month, on March 23, Pope Francis advanced the a priest. Beatification will require a miracle attributed — a declaration of sainthood — will require an additional eligible to become one? For that and more on the canonization

CAN ANYBODY BECOME

Communion of saints gift of early church

By Daniel S. Mulhall Catholic News Service

What is the communion of saints? Or canonization, for that matter?

Canonization provides recognition by the church that a person lived a life of faith that was heroically virtuous, meaning that he or she lived according to the theological virtues (faith, hope, love) and cardinal virtues (prudence, justice, temperance, fortitude) in a way that people saw God actively in the person’s life.

When a person is declared a saint by the church, the church affirms — through miracles worked through the intercession of the saint — that the person is in heaven with God. The canonized person then is given a feast day (frequently the day of the person’s death) within the church’s liturgical year, and is remembered in the liturgy.

The concept of the commu-

nion of saints has its origins in the church’s early days, and is one of the primary beliefs of the church. We proclaim our belief in the communion of saints in the Apostles’ Creed.

In 1 Corinthians 12:12-31, St. Paul develops the theological teaching that all Christians together make up the body of Christ, and that each of us have an important role to play in the life of the church — while living and after death.

As Paul wrote and we read in 1 Corinthians 12:24-26, “God has so constructed the body as to give greater honor to a part that is without it, so that there may be no division in the body, but that the parts may have the same concern for one another. If [one] part suffers, all the parts suffer with it; if one part is honored, all the parts share its joy.”

From this teaching the church understands the communion of saints to be a spiritual union of all the members of the church, living or dead, in purgatory, or in heaven, and

who are in a state of holiness.

Those living who are baptized are considered members of the mystical body of Christ and the communion of saints as long as that person is not living in mortal sin. Those who have died — whether preparing for heaven or already living in the presence of God — remain a part of Christ’s body and the communion of saints as long as he or she didn’t die separated from God.

While the church pays special homage to men and women who have been declared saints, we do not pray to saints. That would be idolatry. All Catholic prayers are addressed to God.

However, Catholics have for centuries offered honor and devotion to the holy men and women who have gone before us, asking that they intercede on our behalf. The idea is a simple one: Just as I can turn to a family member for help when I have a special need, I can turn to a saint for help. The Catechism of the Catholic Church says it this way in No. 957:

“Exactly as Christian communion among our fellow pilgrims brings us closer to Christ, so our communion with the saints joins us to Christ, from whom as from its fountain and head issues all grace, and the life of the people of God itself.”

The catechism goes on to say in No. 1475 that a “perennial link of charity” exists between the faithful in heaven and those on earth, and that we should call upon the saints and ask for their assistance.

While the process of canonization developed over the centuries, the veneration of the saints (not adoration, only God is adored) has its foundation in the earliest days of the church. The martyrdom of St. Stephen — the first follower of Jesus to die for his faith — is retold with reverence in Chapter 7 of the Acts of the Apostles.

St. Ignatius of Antioch was put to death by the Romans because he refused to give up his faith in Jesus. Ignatius, who apparently learned of Jesus directly from the

apostles Peter and John, looked forward to dying for Christ. He wrote that the blood of martyrs became the seed of faith for new Christians.

Ignatius wrote, “Do not do me an untimely kindness. Allow me to be eaten by the beasts, which are my way of reaching to God.

I am God’s wheat, and I am to be ground by the teeth of wild beasts, so that I may become the pure bread of Christ.”

After his death, Ignatius’ bones were taken back to Antioch where they were honored by the Christians there.

They, not the church, declared Ignatius a saint. This practice continues until today. The people the Vatican declares saints and canonizes have already been declared “with God” by the faithful who have been inspired by their lives. The Vatican simply validates what the living body of Christ has declared to be true.

Mulhall is a noted catechist, author, editor and speaker.

St. Stephen was the first follower of Jesus to die for his faith. This fresco by S. G. Rudl of his stoning can be found in the church kostel Svatého Cyrila Metodeje.

the sainthood causes of six people — five women and attributed to the candidate’s intercession, and canonization additional miracle. What is a saint, though? And who is canonization process, join The Leaven as it asks

BECOME A SAINT?

Mysterious help from a centuries-old saint

By Katharine Talalas Catholic News Service

In college, I was a stressed-out and overcommitted student. In addition to a heavy course load, my jam-packed schedule included campus ministry, student government, a few committees, play rehearsals and graduate school applications.

In hindsight, I probably kept busy because I didn’t have the slightest idea of what God wanted from me. Not yet out of my teens, I nevertheless felt pressured to have it all figured out. It seemed wise to explore all possible options so that this expensive undertaking called college would be purposeful.

Like many adolescents, I was especially anxious about finding my way and purpose — unaware that, for most people, it is a lifelong journey. Though college is a social whirlwind, it can also be a very lonely place. Reading and intensive study require some physical isolation, but mental isolation incidentally results.

When you are physically distant from the people who knew you from childhood, you become mentally distant from the person you used to be when you were with them. Overall, it is a good thing to expand your mind and form your conscience as an adult. But the process of deciding what you really think and believe — perhaps for the first time — brings with it a great deal of uncertainty.

Into this haze of anxiety and confusion came St. Dymphna. To give a little background, in college my catechesis was somewhat sketchy and I didn’t know a whole lot about the saints. St. Jude, famed patron of hopeless causes, was my trusty standby (to angst-filled teenagers, every problem seems hopeless). I had certainly never heard of an obscure seventh-century Irish virgin and martyr, largely forgotten by most Catholics.

Yet I didn’t need to know about her because St. Dymphna knew about me. She showed up one day while I was home for a weekend visit. While packing my belongings to head back to campus, I spotted something shiny on the floor near my dresser.

Upon closer inspection it was a little flat, metallic oval, with a portrait of a young woman and the name “St. Dymphna” stamped on its front. The medal had appeared in my bedroom seemingly out of nowhere. When I asked my mother if it was hers, she said she had never seen it before, and neither had my father or brother.

The medal traveled back with me to my dormitory. I unpacked my laptop and typed “St. Dymphna” into Google.

I found that St. Dymphna was the patron of anxiety sufferers.

To be human and a saint

By David Gibson Catholic News Service

There were no rapid-transit buses for St. Paul to hitch rides on as he traveled from place to place founding the early Christian communities named in his New Testament letters.

Paul lived in ancient times. If he lost sight of a traveling companion, he could not locate him via text message. Traveling was burdensome.

Moreover, the great apostle to the gentiles did not enjoy the best physical health. “You did not show disdain or contempt because of the trial caused you by my physical condition, but rather you received me as an angel of God,” he wrote to the Galatians (4:14).

Like anyone, Paul could worry or experience frustration. Exasperation rose to the surface when he learned that, in his absence, others were turning the Galatian Christians away from his teaching.

Paul’s great legacy makes it difficult to imagine he was anything like us. But “Paul was no plasterof-Paris saint, no abstract role model,” according to Passionist Father Donald Senior, a noted U.S. Scripture scholar.

Paul “lived at a time when his vision of the church was very much in doubt,” Father Senior explained. He thought “there must have been nights in Corinth, or Thessaloniki or Ephesus — surely in Jerusalem or during house arrest” when Paul “wondered if he was on the wrong track after all.”

Today, historians and others who write about the saints frequently accent the human dimensions of their lives. The intent is to show that saints are not remote, otherworldly figures who never experienced the kind of life familiar to the rest of us.

To be human and a saint: These are not polar opposites. Sainthood is for human beings.

Those traveling alongside Paul undoubtedly witnessed instances of quite human anger on his part or occasional sadness.

FOR THOSE WHO SUFFER FROM ANXIETY OR NERVOUSNESS, ST. DYMPHNA IS WITH THEM THROUGH THEIR CRISES, LARGE

OR SMALL.

Immediately, I dissolved into a flood of happy tears. This time, St. Dymphna’s startling overture instantly restored my hope and trust in God’s goodness. For the first time in months, I felt that my prayers were heard.

Reading on, bleary-eyed, I found that this lovely Irish princess was only 15 when she was martyred by her mentally unstable father. Her sweetness, piety, chastity and fervent devotion to God had earned her the

name “Lily of Fire.”

St. Dymphna’s compassion for the mentally ill and intercession on their behalf has resulted in many miraculous cures. For those who suffer from anxiety or nervousness, St. Dymphna is with them through their crises, large or small. Her support helps them stay sane in the face of their fear.

Some think that saints are for the old-fashioned, but help from above never goes out of style, even with the young. Anytime we beget a saint, we have more help from above to intercede for us during difficult times.

St. Dymphna was my patron throughout college, and has remained so in young adulthood. Today, I thank God for sending me a companion to help me in my distress, one who also looks at his face all of the time. He gave me the best friend I could ask for.

Yet, if Paul wondered during difficult moments whether he was “on the wrong track,” he had something to hold onto. “Paul held tightly to his hope,” Father Senior said.

What the biblical scholar had in mind were the reminders in Paul’s life and letters “that our hope in the future, despite failure, conflict and suffering, should be tenacious — not because we are wise and strong, but because God is faithful and nothing will separate us from the love of God that comes to us in Christ Jesus.”

But if it was possible even for the saints of biblical times to wonder sometimes if they were on the wrong track, did they have a “map” for locating the right path ahead? We have one, Pope John Paul II told the 2002 World Youth Day in Toronto.

The beatitudes “are the road signs that show the way” to genuine happiness, Pope John Paul said to the youth gathering, adding:

“Blessed are you if, like Jesus, you are poor in spirit, good and merciful; if you really seek what is just and right; if you are pure of heart, peacemakers, lovers of the poor and their servants.”

David Gibson is the founder and the original editor of Origins, and is now retired from Catholic News Service.

Katharine Talalas is the Assistant Director for Pro-Life Communications for the USCCB’s Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities.

The beheading of Saint Dymphna by Godfried Maes. St. Dymphna was killed by her father who suffered from mental illness.

Day of Prayer in Atonement for Those Harmed by Sexual Abuse

Loyola and Virgil Engelken, members of Sts. Peter and Paul Parish, Seneca, celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary on April 16 with family and friends. The couple was married on April 7, 1958, at Sts. Peter and Paul Church. Their children are: Julie Holthaus, Douglass; Carla Wolfe, Rocklin, California; Lori Lackey, Sabetha; Yvonne Engelken, Olathe; Lance Engelken, Chandler, Arizona; and Barry Engelken, Overland Park. They also have 14 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

Deborah and Thomas Haverkamp, members of Sts. Peter and Paul Parish, Seneca, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on April 28. The couple was married April 28, 1973, at Sts. Peter and Paul. They will celebrate with a Mass followed by a supper for family and friends on April 29. Their children are Abby Weber, Topeka, and T.J. Haverkamp, Seneca. They also have seven grandchildren.

Katie (Irvine) and Carroll “Mac” Macke, members of St. Patrick Parish, Kansas City, Kansas, will be celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary. They were married at Seven Dolors Church in Manhattan on April 28, 1973. They have three children: Susan Thrasher, Carolyn Bible and Scott Macke. They also have six grandchildren.

Bill and Carolyn (Edmonds) Rettele, members of St. Francis de Sales Parish, Lansing, will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary on April 22 with a reception at St. Francis de Sales with family and friends, hosted by their children Connie and Randy. The couple was married on April 27, 1963, at St. Francis de Sales. They have four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

CHICKEN DINNER AND BINGO

St. Patrick Parish Center

1086 N. 94th, Kansas City, Kansas

April 22 at 6 p.m.

Dinner is $10 for chicken, mashed potatoes, green beans or corn, salad, roll and a drink. Bingo will start around 7 p.m. and cost $10 for 10 games. Questions? Call Fritz Vertz at (913) 515-0621.

ROSARY RALLY IN HONOR OF OUR LADY OF FATIMA

St. Mary Parish

600 N. Liberty St., Independence, Missouri

April 23 from 3 p.m. - 4:15 p.m.

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

BOY SCOUT TROOP #295

PANCAKE BREAKFAST

St. Pius X Parish

5500 Woodson Rd., Mission

April 23 from 8 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

There will be all-you-can-eat pancakes, sausage, biscuits and gravy breakfast. The cost is $6 per plate, $20 for a family of four or more. Proceeds help Scouts pay for summer Boy Scout camp fees, troop outings and Philmont trek.

DAUGHTERS OF ISABELLALITTLE FLOWER CIRCLE

Christ the King Parish (Yadrich Hall)

5972 S.W. 25th St., Topeka

April 23 at 12:40 p.m.

A rosary will be followed by a business meeting and social time. If anyone knows of a member or family member of Daughters of Isabella in need of the circle’s prayers, call Diana Ortiz at (785) 554-4256 or chancellor Gen Orozco at (785) 213-0374.

PANCAKE MENUDO BREAKFAST

St. John the Evangelist Parish

2910 Strong Ave., Kansas City, Kansas

April 23 from 8 a.m. - 1 p.m.

The menu offers: large Menudo bowl for $10; small Menudo bowl for $5; or three pancakes, sausage links and scrambled eggs for $6. The breakfast also includes tortillas, coffee and juice. The event is sponsored by the Knights of Columbus Unity Council 709. To-go orders are available.

PROMOTING HEALTHY

RELATIONSHIPS

Corpus Christi Parish

6001 Bob Billings Pkwy., Lawrence

April 24 at 6:30 p.m.

Corpus Christi’s Fully Alive ministry and the Douglas County Interfaith Mental Health Outreach team invite adults and middle/high school youth to join us. The speaker will talk about dating and relationship violence that is a pattern of coercive and abusive tactics employed by one person in a relationship to gain power and control over another person. Relationship violence can impact anyone, regardless of their age, race, religion, gender, education or socioeconomic status. Learn that prevention is possible through this violence prevention program that teaches safe and healthy relationship skills, engages influential adults and peers, disrupts pathways to relationship violence and creates protective, safe communities. For more information, go online to: bemorelikeclaire.org.

SUDS & SCHOLARSHIPS 2023

Boulevard Brewing Company

2501 Southwest Blvd., Kansas City, Missouri

April 24 from 6:30 - 9:30 p.m.

Join us for our annual Suds & Duds benefit for the students of Holy Name of Jesus School, the smallest Catholic school in Wyandotte County, where 95% of our students rely on scholarships to attend. Your support will provide life-changing scholarships for students in need. Learn more and purchase tickets online at: one.bidpal.net/ holyname23/welcome.

CATHOLIC ADVISORS NETWORK

CrossFirst Bank

11440 Tomahawk Creek Pkwy., Leawood

April 25 from 5:30 - 7 p.m.

Attorneys, financial planners, accountants, wealth managers and insurance consultants are invited to an evening of networking, hors d’oeuvres, wine and beer. There will be a presentation and discussion on the Secure Act 2.0 by Casey Connealy of Gaughan and Connealy. To register go to: www.cfnek.org/events/ catholic-advisors-network. CE program registration link: www.cfnek.org/events/ thomas-more.

‘ST. JOHN CLIMACUS: ASCENDING TO MERCY’

Christ’s Peace House of Prayer

22131 Meager Rd., Easton

April 28 - 30

The retreat will begin at 5:30 p.m. on April 28 and end at 4:30 p.m. on April 30. In St. John Climacus’ “The Ladder of Divine Ascent,” the ascetic life is portrayed as a ladder we must ascend, each step being a virtue to be acquired or a vice to be surrendered. Its 30 steps reflect the hidden life of Christ himself. Let us come ready to climb, ready to surrender ourselves and our all to Jesus’ merciful heart. There are conferences, eucharistic adoration, Mass, confession, and time for private prayer, reflection and walking. Cabins/courtyard rooms: $170 single/$250 couple; or single guest

rooms: $100 (meals included). To attend, fill out the Individual retreat form online at: ChristsPeace.com or call (913) 773-8255.

SPAGHETTI DINNER WITH THE SISTERS

St. Patrick Parish Center

1086 N. 94th St., Kansas City, Kansas April 30 from 11 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Join the Sisters, Servants of Mary for their annual homemade pasta dinner fundraiser to benefit their ministry to the sick. The cost for meals of pasta and sauce, Italian sausage, meatballs, salad, bread, drink and dessert is $12 for adults and $6 for children ages 10 and under. Carryouts are available. Tickets may be purchased in advance or at the door. For more information, call (913) 371-3423. For large carryout orders, call by April 27 to (913) 334-2330.

FRANCISCAN JUSTICE CIRCLES

Via Zoom

May 2 at 7 p.m.

Are you looking to take actions that address the root causes of injustice in our society? Would you like to deepen you spirituality and grow in Franciscan values? Join a Franciscan Justice Circle to explore the spirituality and social justice values advocated by St. Francis. All are welcome to join us on this Zoom meeting. RSVP to Susan Tabor at: souljourner@sbcglobal.net. Find detailed information about Franciscan Justice Circles at: franciscanaction.org.

AN EVENING WITH ABBY JOHNSON

Church of the Ascension

9510 W. 127th St., Overland Park

May 3 at 7:30 p.m.

Abby Johnson has always wanted to help women in need. This desire led her to a career with Planned Parenthood, the nation’s largest abortion provider, but then ultimately made her flee the organization and become an outspoken advocate for women and the pro-life movement. Come hear her story. The event is sponsored by the pro-life office and is free. Register at: archkck.org/prolife.

SEASONS OF HOPE

Sts. Peter and Paul Parish

411 Pioneer St., Seneca Sundays at 5 pm.

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

LINGER OVER BREAKFAST

St. Teresa’s Academy (Windmoor Center)

5600 Main St., Kansas City, Missouri

May 6 from 9 a.m. - 11 a.m.

Awaken your inner spirit through the arts as we explore how art embraces our inner wisdom while building skills, flexibili-

ty and agility. Through our shared arts participation, we will build community among us, bringing hope and healing to a divided world, and expanding on our belief that all is sacred and connected.

CONSECRATION TO MARY RETREAT: REDISCOVERING FATIMA

Christ’s Peace House of Prayer

22131 Meagher Rd., Easton

May 12 - 14

The retreat will begin at 5:30 p.m. on May 12 and end at 4:30 p.m. on May 13. Spend a weekend dedicated to Mary and make/renew your Marian Consecration on the Feast of Our Lady of Fatima. We will look anew at the seven lessons Mary gave at Fatima. There will be Marian conferences, a special consecration to Mary ceremony, eucharistic adoration, Mass, confession and time for private prayer, reflection and walking. Cabins/courtyard rooms are: $170 single/$250 couple; or single guest rooms: $100 (meals included). To attend, fill out the individual retreat form online at: ChristsPeace.com or call (913) 773-8255.

WILLS AND TRUSTS WORKSHOP

Sacred Heart Parish (meeting room 2) 5501 Monticello Road, Shawnee

May 17 at 7:30 p.m.

A licensed estate planning attorney will go over how to provide for your family and protect your assets from taxes with the right estate plan. RSVP to: tlynn@archkck. org in the office of stewardship and development or call (913) 647-0365.

WOMEN’S CONFERENCE ON HEALING AND FORGIVENESS

Holy Trinity Parish

13615 W. 92nd St., Lenexa

May 4 from 5 - 9:30 p.m. May 5 from 2:30 - 4 p.m. and 6 - 10 p.m. May 6 from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

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

CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS

DEADLINE: Noon, Thursday, eight days before the desired publication date.

SEND SUBMISSIONS TO: beth. blankenship@theleaven.org.

EMPLOYMENT

Lead preschool teacher - Nativity Day School is seeking a full-time lead preschool teacher to join our team for the 2023-24 school year. Lead teachers should have at least three years of experience in a licensed early childhood program; have a degree in early childhood education or related field; be a practicing Catholic and understand the mission of Catholic schools. This position is benefits-eligible. Please contact: alison.davis@kcnativity.org or katie.king@ kcnativity.org.

Part-time kitchen assistants - Nativity Parish School in Leawood is seeking part-time kitchen assistants for the 2023-24 school year. Duties include: prepping food; setting up/breaking down the service line and garden bar; cleaning; washing dishes; interacting with children and adults in a friendly manner, all while following health department, school and supervisor guidelines. This position will be two to three days a week from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., approximately five - eight hours per week. Must pass a background check, become Virtus-trained and understand the mission of Catholic schools. To apply, contact Julie Bloomingdale, cafeteria director, at: julie.bloomingdale@kcnativity.org.

Catholic elementary school principal - St. John School in Lawrence is seeking a principal with demonstrated skills in leadership in elementary school administration, spiritual development, and advancement. Ability to work in a multicultural environment is required. St. John is pre-school through eighth grade with an enrollment of approximately 300 students. Applicants should understand and live the mission of Catholic schools and have or be eligible for Kansas licensure in educational leadership. Please apply online at: www.archkckcs.org/apply.

Microscope service technician - Are you a self-motivated individual looking for something new and different? Locally-owned family business is currently seeking candidates for part-time or full-time positions. Candidates will need good communication skills, time management and customer service skills. Hours are flexible depending on customer needs. Some travel is required. Please send resume to: techneeded23@gmail.com.

Companion care - Looking for a kind-hearted, energetic person to be a team player in our small growing company. Must have reliable transportation. Job entails driving clients to appointments and running errands for clients. Person must be personable, able to talk, do puzzles, play cards and entertain. We are not a handson caregiving company. Driving around the metro area may be required. Trip charge of mileage also given. Drug and background checks are mandatory. Call Jen at (913) 530-1795. Fahey case management.

After-school care teachers - Nativity Parish School in Leawood is seeking after-school care teachers for our day school and K - 5th grades. The applicant should be at least 18 and have a previous teaching or assistant teaching position in a licensed early childhood program. Must be Virtus-trained and CPR/first aid-certified. Please contact: alison.davis@kcnativity.org.

Para - Nativity Day School is seeking a para for our preschool program to work with individual students or small groups of students to reinforce learning of material or skills initially introduced by the teacher and assist in other classrooms as needed. Applicant should be at least 18 and have previous teaching or assistant teaching position in a licensed early childhood program. Must be Virtus-trained and be CPR/first aid-certified. Hours are Monday - Friday, about 25 - 28 hours per week. Please contact: alison.davis@kcnativity.org or katie.king@kcnativity.org.

Religious education coordinator - St. Michael the Archangel Parish in Leawood is seeking a religious education coordinator to support the director of religious education with organizing and implementing catechesis in grades K - 6. Candidates must have a solid understanding of the Catholic faith and an aptitude for sharing that knowledge with children and adult volunteers. Must have a willingness to learn creative catechetical planning. This position reports to a religious Sister and is part-time with some weekend and evening hours. See additional details at: stmichaelcp. org/employment. To apply, email: denise.greene@ stmichaelcp.org or call (913) 402-3984.

Part-time aide - St. Michael the Archangel Preschool in Leawood is seeking a part-time aide for the 202324 school year. This position is multiple days per week from 8 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Teacher aides assist the lead teacher in conducting daily activities, carrying out licensure rules and regulations and maintaining principles of Catholic education. See full job description at: stmichaelcp.org/employment. Send cover letter and resume to the preschool director at: jennie.wente@ stmichaelcp.org.

Fourth grade teacher - Nativity Parish School in Leawood is seeking a fourth-grade teacher for the 2023-24 school year. Applicants should apply online through the archdiocesan website at: archkckcs.org and email principal Luke Jennison at: luke.jennison@ kcnativity.org.

Catholic elementary school nurse - St. Ann School in Prairie Village is seeking a full-time nurse for the 202324 school year starting in early August. This position will provide care to approximately 230 students. This is an hourly position and is eligible for benefits. Hours are 7:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Includes vacation time and sick leave. Send resume, references and letter of interest to Susie Lutz at: susielutz@stannpv.org.

Custodial supervisor - Bishop Miege is seeking a custodial supervisor to work M - F, 2:30-11 p.m., with occasional weekends. The custodial supervisor will manage, coordinate, and work in concert with the custodial crew to maintain cleanliness of school building and grounds and ensure a safe and pleasant learning environment. Duties include, but are not limited to: oversight of janitorial staff; general housekeeping and sanitation duties; event set-up; light maintenance; inventory and ordering of janitorial supplies; and scheduling. Candidate must be able to navigate stairs, stand for extended periods and lift 50 lbs. regularly. Must have good communication skills and be able to relate positively and cooperatively with staff, students, and the community. Send resume to Ryan Wrigley: 5041 Reinhardt Dr., Shawnee Mission KS 66205, or email: rwrigley@bishopmiege.com.

DSPs needed - Direct care professionals needed in Overland Park in an intentional living community for adults with intellectual disabilities. Training provided. Live-in or live-out positions. Weekends, evening and overnight shifts available now. $13 - $15 per hour. Email: Heartland@larcheks.org.

Spanish teacher - St. James Academy is seeking a fulltime Spanish teacher for the 2023-24 school year. Ideal candidates will be practicing Catholics with a passion for evangelization and discipleship who are licensed, experienced, secondary Spanish teachers. Those interested should apply at: archkck.org/catholicschools/ employment/teacher-application-page/ and send a cover letter and resume to the St. James principal, Dr. Shane Rapp, at: srapp@sjakeepingfaith.org.

Director of administrative services - Good Shepherd Parish and School in Shawnee is looking to hire a full- time director of administrative services. This position involves executive level responsibilities that include but are not limited to financial management, human resources and staff supervision. Qualified applicants will also be responsible for development and donor relations. The successful candidate will have familiarity and competence with current technology. Strong communication and interpersonal skills are required. Spanish language skills are an asset. A demonstrated commitment to the Catholic faith and mission is essential, along with a desire to work in a positive, faith- oriented environment. This fulltime position is eligible for parish and archdiocese benefits. Please submit a cover letter and resume to: frkent@gsshawnee.org. Resumes will be accepted until the position is filled. Start date is negotiable.

Math teacher - Nativity Parish School in Leawood is seeking a middle school math teacher for the 2023-24 school year. Applicants should apply online through the archdiocesan website at: archkckcs.org and email principal Luke Jennison at: luke.jennison@ kcnativity.org.

Hospice RN case manager - Catholic Community Health is seeking a hospice RN case manager. Catholic Community Health is a faith-based, not-for-profit health care organization that serves the Kansas City area, both in Kansas and Missouri. The RN case manager plans, organizes and directs hospice care provided by the interdisciplinary team, with emphasis on community health, education and experience. The RN case manager uses available resources to plan and direct services to meet the needs of patients and families within their homes or nursing facilities. Applicants must be a graduate of an accredited school of nursing, have RN licensure (current, unrestricted) and possess valid driver’s license, auto insurance and reliable transportation. Interested applicants should send a resume to: hr@catholiccommunityhealth.org.

Director of campus ministry - St. James Academy is looking for an experienced director of campus ministry for the 2023-24 school year who will work to implement the school’s vision for faith and mission. The ideal candidate would be an individual who is prayerful, faithful to the teachings of the magisterium of the Catholic Church, trained in Catholic youth ministry and possesses a degree in ministry or theology. We are looking for an individual who will offer gifts in leadership, organization, communication, ministry and spirituality and who finds joy in working with young people and adults. Interested candidates should email a resume and cover letter to Debbie Nearmyer, vice president of faith and mission, at: dnearmyer@sjakeepingfaith.org.

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

Groundskeeper - Savior Pastoral Center is currently seeking a groundskeeper. This position is responsible for the upkeep of the outdoor grounds and landscaping. Some responsibilities would include mowing, weeding, and trimming the grass and trees. This position may also perform other custodial tasks inside the center as needed. This is a seasonal fulltime position. To learn more about this position or to apply, visit: archkck.org/jobs.

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

Co-director of youth ministry - Church of the Ascension, a parish of 3,300 families in Overland Park, is looking for a creative, energetic and dedicated individual who desires to witness, serve and form teens and their families. The successful applicant will work with another youth minister and with a volunteer core team to envision, plan and execute a youth ministry strategy in accord with the church’s schema for youth formation and in collaboration with the pastor’s vision for youth engagement. Applicants should be Catholics, well-formed in the faith and faithful to the magisterial teaching of the church. A degree in youth ministry, catechesis, theology or related fields is preferred. Pastoral experience in youth ministry will be considered. Youth ministers are salaried, exempt employees, and working some evening and weekend hours will be required. Hiring will be contingent upon a clean background check and completing the necessary child and youth protection screenings and formation. Qualified applicants should contact Dr. William O’Leary, Pastoral Associate for Youth Faith Formation, at: woleary@kcascension.org. Applications will be accepted through May 8.

Director of marriage and family life - St. John Paul II Parish, Overland Park, is seeking a director of marriage and family life. Rooted in the Christian anthropology of St. John Paul II, the director of marriage and family life is tasked with forming and supporting parish families in their pursuit of authentic discipleship by ministering to them at major sacramental moments, as well as helping to guide their high school-aged youth into young adulthood. Primary responsibilities include: develop and execute mentoring and accompaniment initiatives for engaged couples, newlyweds and parents seeking baptism for their children. Primary responsibilities also include: oversee and run the ongoing formation of high school youth; develop ministry to single, young adults; plan and facilitate communal events for families; collaborate with parish staff on events and outings for the parish youth; participate in parish life at St. John Paul II. For full job description and instructions to apply, visit our website at: www.jp2kc.org/employmentopportunities.

Career opportunities - St. Teresa’s Academy is a Catholic, accredited college preparatory high school in Kansas City, MO. St. Teresa’s Academy educates young women to think critically, encourages them through Catholic values to love the dear neighbor without distinction, and empowers them to make a profound impact on the world. We are seeking a full-time chemistry teacher to prepare and deliver instruction and supervise laboratory work. This may include college dual credit courses and/or advanced placement courses pending certification. We offer a terrific benefits package including: 403(b) retirement savings plan with school match up to 5% each pay period; generous 50% discount on tuition for daughters of full-time staff members as well as: medical, dental, and vision; FSA/HSA plans: life and; voluntary life, short-term and long-term disability; critical illness. And, of course, the wonderful paid time off enjoyed by school employees! Please view all of the details about our openings and apply on our website: stteresasacademy.org/about-sta/employment/. St. Teresa’s Academy is an equal opportunity employer Building attendant - The Savior Pastoral Center is currently seeking a building attendant. This position is an on-site, live-in staff member who provides hospitality, security, maintenance and custodial services at Savior Pastoral Center. This position will work in the evening and on weekends. To learn more about this position or to apply, visit: archkck.org/jobs.

Teacher opening - Bishop Miege High School is seeking a Math teacher for the 2023-24 school year. Send letter of interest and resume to Maureen Engen: mengen@bishopmiege.com.

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

Care and outreach coordinator - St. Michael the Archangel Parish in Leawood is seeking a care and outreach coordinator. Responsibilities include compassionate coordination of care ministries and outreach efforts such as extraordinary ministers of holy Communion to the sick and homebound; funeral planning; grief support; divorce support; difficult circumstances, etc. Must be a practicing Catholic with a servant’s heart and have excellent interpersonal and communications skills. This is a full-time, ministerial position with some weekend and evening hours. For a full job description, visit: stmichaelcp.org/employment. To apply, email: denise.greene@stmichaelcp. org or call (913) 402-3984.

Field service technician - Are you a self-motivated individual looking for something new and different?

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

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

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

Coordinator of youth ministry and confirmation

- Corpus Christi Parish in Lawrence is seeking a dynamic and enthusiastic individual to fulfill the fulltime role of coordinator of youth ministry and confirmation. This person will be responsible for creating and implementing, administering and evaluating a high school and middle school ministry including sacramental preparation for confirmation. This role will collaborate with the pastor, parish and school staff and parents, as well as the archdiocesan youth ministry office. This ministry will require work during evenings and on weekends. The candidate must be an active Roman Catholic with a deep faith in Christ, rooted in the work of God and the Catholic tradition, and a model of a moral life for our youth. Salary based on experience. For a full job description, visit: cccparish.org and click on “Our Parish,” then scroll down to and click on “Employment Opportunities.” Interested applicants should send a cover letter and resume to Father Jerry Volz at: frjerry@cccparish.org. Applications must be received by May 1.

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

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

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

Drivers and aides - Assisted Transportation is now hiring safe drivers and aides to transport students with special needs in Johnson, Wyandotte and Clay County, Missouri, in company vans. Drivers earn $14 - $16 per hour. Aides earn $12 per hour. Part-time and full-time schedules available. CDL not required. Retirees encouraged to apply. Make a difference in your community by helping those in need. Call (913) 5214955 for more information. EEO.

>> Classifieds continue on page 13

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

Maintenance technician - Curé of Ars Parish in Leawood is looking for a full-time maintenance technician with a strong work ethic. We prefer a candidate with knowledge in grounds-keeping and general maintenance. This position also includes setting up for events. A maintenance technician is a thorough professional with attention to detail. The ideal candidate will be able to work autonomously and responsibly. Candidate needs to be able to lift 50 pounds and work off a ladder or lift. All employees are required to be Virtus-trained and background checked. This position may include some weekend and evenings as needed. Competitive pay including benefits, vacation/sick time, and 401(k) with match. Interested candidates should send a resume to the facilities director at: matt.rocca@cureofars.com.

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

Stylists needed - Are you addicted to the TV show “Say Yes to the Dress”? Are you self-motivated, love fashion and enjoy helping people look their best? If so, we want to talk to you! Sincerely Susan, a unique destination shop boutique is a warehouse environment where clients come in by appointment only. You must have a sense of style and a great personality to be able to interact with our “moms.” Hours are flexible. Must be willing to work a minimum of one evening per week and weekends. Must be able to stand and walk on concrete for long periods of time and reach overhead to pull gowns. Previous retail experience preferred, but not necessary. Hourly rate is based on experience. If interested, call (913) 7308840.

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

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

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

Caregivers - Daughters & Company is looking for several compassionate caregivers to provide assistance to seniors in their home, assisted living or in a skilled nursing facility. We provide light housekeeping/light meal preparation, organizational assistance, care management and occasional transportation services for our clients. We need caregivers with reliable transportation and a cellphone for communication.

A CNA background is helpful, though not mandatory. We typically employ on a part-time basis, but will strive to match up hours desired. Contact Gary or Laurie at (913) 341-2500 if you want to become part of an excellent caregiving team.

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

HOME IMPROVEMENT

Concrete construction - Tear out and replace stamped, stained or colored patios and drives. Retaining walls, footings, poured-in-place safe rooms, excavation and hauling. Asphalt drives and lots. Fully insured; references. Call Dan at (913) 207-4371 or send an email to: dandeeconst@aol.com.

Interior painting

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

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

Haus to home remodeling - Let’s give that room a nice facelift! Specializing in affordable room remodeling. From small projects to bathrooms and basements. We have lots of other services, too: tile, paint, carpentry, wood rot, decks, drywall, etc. Free estimates. For photos of our projects and to find out more about our company, visit us at: Haustohomekc. com or call Cole at (913) 544-7352.

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) 5791835. Email: smokeycabin@hotmail.com. Member of Holy Trinity, Lenexa.

HOME REMODELING & MAINTENANCE

Kitchens, baths, interior & exterior work

Licensed & insured - Shawnee & Lenexa area. 913-927-5240 or: dknelson2001@gmail.com

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

FOR SALE

For sale - Sturdy 1995 Honda Accord just getting started with only 137K miles on the odometer. Used as a back-up family car for years. Mismatched hood and other idiosyncrasies but still drives fine. $2,000 obo. Photo available on request. Text (913) 948-3127 with questions; shown only evenings and weekends in KCK.

For sale - Two plots in Mount Calvary Cemetery in Kansas City, Kansas. Located in section 11, lot 160, spaces 7 and 8. Upright monument allowed. Asking $4790, plus $200 transfer fee. Call Marianne at (913) 634-3127.

For sale - Unitron hearing aid ($2700 value). New, but never used. Includes case and is rechargeable. Also a Catalyst brand foldable wheelchair with black cushion. Make offer, call (913) 226-5630.

For sale - Double lawn crypt at Resurrection Cemetery in Lenexa, Garden of Hope section, double lawn crypt, lot 78 C, space 4. Conveyance fee included. Asking $5000. Call Lou at (512) 656-1801.

For sale - Two side-by-side plots at Mount Moriah South Cemetery, Kansas City, Missouri. Lot 92, block 26, spaces 2 and 4. Valued at $8000, asking $4000 Call JoAnn at (913) 262-9582.

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

For sale - Side by side plots at Mount Calvary Cemetery, Topeka, Kansas. Prime location in Four Evangelist, west road side. Asking $4200, conveyance fee included. Call or text Joyce at (785) 250-3010.

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).

Free - Free AKC-reg. male and female Yorkies (puppies) need a good home and great companion. If interested, email: jacbow2023@gmail.com.

SERVICES

EL SOL Y LA TIERRA

*COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL

*LAWN RENOVATION *MOWING

*CLEANUP AND HAULING

*DIRT GRADING/INSTALLATION

*LANDSCAPE DESIGN* FREE ESTIMATES

HABLAMOS Y ESCRIBIMOS INGLES!!

CALL LUPE AT (816) 252-1391

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

Garage Door Repair

New Garage Doors

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

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

Tutor - Summer tutoring and music lessons available (piano, guitar, music theory and voice). For more information, please call/text (913) 206-2151 or email: Klmamuric@yahoo.com. Instructor has 18 years experience.

Popcorn ceiling texture removal

Call Jerry at (913) 206-1144. 30 years’ experience.

Member St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee. Design/remodel - At KCBR Design Remodel, we have been working hard over the years to build our award-winning and in-house team to become the top-rated bathroom and basement remodeler in Kansas City! We offer our clients a turnkey approach to remodeling. Our in-house designers guide clients through the design process of selecting materials and finishes and create a space that reflects their personality and lifestyle. Once the design is complete, our designers work closely with our in-house construction team to ensure that every part of the vision is executed brilliantly. We are dedicated to creating an exceptional experience by committing to transparent communication throughout every step of the remodeling process. We have built a trustworthy reputation throughout the industry with clients and vendors alike and we thrive on continuous improvement and innovation. We take pride in knowing how much joy our clients feel when they get to share their newly remodeled spaces with family and friends. We hope to share our passion with you on your next project! Call (913) 701-2500 or email: www.remodelkc.com.

Faith-based counseling to cope with life concerns - Kansas City area. Call Mary Vorsten, licensed clinical professional counselor, at (913) 909-2002.

Stone painting - We are offering FREE ESTIMATES to any and all who are interested in painting this summer! We do interior, exterior house painting along with decks, fences and much more. At Stone Painting we ensure professional, quality and cheap services tailored to your needs. Call now at (913) 963-6465.

ACT Prep - Founded by a Bishop Miege graduate, Pathway Prep has helped over 250 students during the last four years improve their scores. In-person or virtual sessions available. For more information, visit: pathwayprepkc.com and contact Alex Pint at (913) 991-8217 or: alex@pathwayprepkc.com.

Hicks lawn care - Take back your summer with professional weekly lawn service. Hicks Lawn Care is reliable and reasonably priced. The mow package includes weekly mowing, trimming and blowing off of solid surfaces using professional-grade equipment. Call or text Kade Hicks at (913) 594-2600.

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

Garage Door Repair New Garage Doors

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

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

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

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.

Interior painting - Interior painting specialist. 20 years experience. Call (913) 206-1144.

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.

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

Quality painting - Interior, exterior painting and wood rot repair. Quality workmanship. Insured. Call (913) 206-4524; email: robaprince@aol.com; or visit the website at: aprkansascity.com.

WANTED TO BUY

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

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

Will buy firearms and related accessories - One or a whole collection. Honest evaluation and top prices paid. Contact Tom at (913) 238-2473. Member of Sacred Heart Parish, Shawnee.

$$PAYING CASH MONEY$$

For military items, pocket and wristwatches, American coins, old buttons, lanterns, spurs, silver flatware, crocks, pocketknives, oil lamps, lanterns, Southwest items/jewelry. Most old items considered. Call Patricia today at (913) 515-42950.

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

PILGRIMAGE

TOUR ITALY (and IRELAND) JULY 2023 - Join Father Bill McEvoy in an unforgettable journey including Naples, Monte Cassino, Pompeii, Sorrento, the Amalfi Coast, Capri, the Blue Grotto, Castle Gondolfo, Assisi, and the eternal City — Rome — with attendance at Pope Francis’ Wednesday morning audience before returning home. For those who wish, there is a tour extension for three nights in Dublin, starting with a tour of the Guinness Brewery, the Boyne Valley, visiting ancient sites, churches and pubs, and an Evensong Choral performance at St. Patrick’s Cathedral. The tour price includes: round-trip air, 4-star hotel accommodations, breakfast and supper, professional driver and guide, private coach bus, gratuities, all activities and entrance fees per itinerary. Daily Mass. An experience never to be forgotten! For information, please email: Fr.Wm.McEvoy@gmail.com.

Pilgrimage to Medjugorje - May 10 - 18, 2023. Cost is $2500 per person, which includes airfare, bus transportation, accommodations, two meals per day and daily local guides. Hosted by visionary Mirjana Soldo. For details, call Grace Legaspi at (913) 4491806.

CAREGIVING

Saint Rita Home Care - Compassionate care in the comfort of home. We serve people in Miami and south Johnson counties. Kansas state licensed, non-medical home care agency. Contact us today for supportive care at: www.saintritahc.com; rmargush@ saintritahc.com; or (913) 229-4267.

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.

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

Homecare - CMA, 15 years’ experience, background check available, references available from past employers. Call (913) 999-4340.

Caregiver - 18 years experience, specialty in dementia care; ostomy care; feeding tubes; catheter care; personal hygiene; activities of daily living (ADLs); medication setup and medication reminders; personal assistant; hospice care and everything in between. Extremely patient; knowledgeable; dependable; reliable and intuitive. Please contact Andrea at (913) 548-1930.

REAL ESTATE

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

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

SOLUTION

DAILY READINGS

THIRD WEEK OF EASTER

April 23

THIRD SUNDAY OF EASTER

Acts 2: 14, 22-33

Ps 16: 1-2, 5, 7-11

1 Pt 1: 17-21

Lk 24: 13-35

April 24

Fidelis of Sigmaringen, priest, martyr

Acts 6: 8-15

Ps 119: 23-24, 26-27, 29-30

Jn 6: 22-29

April 25

MARK, EVANGELIST

1 Pt 5: 5b-14

Ps 89: 2-3, 6-7, 16-17

Mk 16: 15-20

April 26

Wednesday

Acts 8: 1b-8

Ps 66: 1-3a, 4-7a

Jn 6: 35-40

April 27

Thursday

Acts 8: 26-40

Ps 66: 8-9, 16-17, 20

Jn 6: 44-51

April 28

Peter Chanel, priest, martyr; Louis Grignion de Montfort, priest

Acts 9: 1-20

Ps 117: 1-2

Jn 6: 52-59

April 29

Catherine of Siena, virgin, doctor of the church

Acts 9: 31-42

Ps 116: 12-17

Jn 6: 60-69

When the world is your oyster

This Latin phrase, meaning “there is no more beyond here,” was the Spanish royal motto in the 15th century. According to Greek mythology, Hercules erected two pillars near the Straits of Gibraltar to mark what was considered the end of the known world. They were meant as a warning to sailors and navigators to go no farther.

When I was a small child, I didn’t have a motto, but it could well have been “Ne plus ultra.” Growing up in a predominantly Croatian community called Strawberry Hill in Kansas City, Kansas, there was no need to “go beyond,” since everything was available in a several block area. My school and church of St. John the Baptist, with both a gym and a bowling alley, were there. The neighborhood had at least three grocery stores, several “drink-

FATHER MARK GOLDASICH

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

ing establishments” (where families went for boiled shrimp on Friday nights), and playgrounds and alleys galore to play at and explore.

Even though I was an only child, I never felt alone. My maternal grandparents and my godparents lived on the Hill as did many other relatives and friends. And almost everybody was Catholic.

There were plenty

MARK MY WORDS

of picnics, wedding receptions, festivals and dances to fill up our leisure time. I even performed as a member of the St. John’s Catholic Club Tamburitzans, an orchestra that preserved our Croatian heritage.

However, if we absolutely couldn’t find something that we needed on the Hill, we ventured a few blocks north to “the Avenue” (Minnesota Avenue), which offered several movie theaters and a slew of stores.

This was “the world” to me.

But let’s return to that motto of Spanish royalty. Everything

CATHERINE DE’RICCI 1522-1590

At 13, St. Catherine entered the Dominican convent at Prato, Italy. As a young nun, she became mistress of novices and at 30 she became prioress for life. She became famous for her sound teaching, which she communicated in letters. From 1542 to 1554, Catherine received an extraordinary ecstasy. From noon on Thursdays through 4 p.m. on Fridays, she experienced the events of Christ’s passion. Although unconscious, her movements coincided with his — she stood solemnly at the scourging, bowed to be crowned with thorns, extended her arms to be nailed to the cross and so on. The stigmata also marked her body. Embarrassed by these phenomena, in 1554 she and her nuns prayed that the ecstasies would cease and they did. Catherine died in 1590.

changed when Christopher Columbus set sail from Spain into the “unknown.” Upon his return, with tales of a “New World,” Queen Isabella simply eliminated the first word from the royal motto, making it: “Plus ultra,” or “There is plenty more beyond.”

I underwent a similar transformation the older I got. Each year, my family would take a trip to Omaha, Nebraska, to visit an uncle and aunt and experience their Croatian parish’s extraordinary festival. My world got a little bigger.

Then, I began traveling to more states (and even once to Croatia) with the Tamburitzans and to Croatian Catholic Union bowling tournaments. The world got bigger and bigger.

Eventually, short trips turned into longer stays as I attended college in St. Paul, Minnesota, for four years. Later, I became an “ex-pat,” spending over five years living and studying in Rome

and visiting much of Europe and even Africa. Turns out this is a really, really big world.

By the time you read this column, I’ll be returning from a pilgrimage to the Holy Land.

I’ll be the chaplain for a group of about 35 people. Although I’d been there in 1981, this visit will be a brand-new experience. For example, the last time I was there, as a transitional deacon, things like cellphones, texting and Wi-Fi were unheard of.

It will be humbling this time around to celebrate Mass as a priest at sites like the Basilica of the Transfiguration on Mount Tabor, the Boat Chapel in Tiberias, the Basilica of the Nativity in Bethlehem and the Basilica of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem.

I’m sure to return with many stories about my adventures.

How blessed is this “kid from the Hill” to discover that in this world — as with our Catholic faith — there is “plenty more beyond.”

Emmaus journey captures the journey of every disciple of Jesus

Think of a memorable meal you had recently or in the past. We might recall the setting of the meal, the conversation that animated the group and the food and drink that provided bodily nourishment. But it’s the experience of the company of others, in whose presence we enjoyed the meal, that lifted our spirits and left lasting memories.

It would not be an exaggeration to say that after their experience of Jesus’ passion and death, the disciples tasted fear, disappointment and hopelessness. They’d lived through the unique experience of being in the physical company of Jesus as he walked and talked with them, healed the sick

and restored outcasts to their communities.

The disciples shared many meals with Jesus as he multiplied loaves and fishes, turned water into wine and enjoyed the hospitality of his friends, Mary and Martha. No wonder then,

that the two disciples described as heading away from Jerusalem — the spiritual center of worship of God — are downcast. Jesus, their beloved master and lord, is no longer present to them.

Jesus meets these two disciples on the road to Emmaus and enters into their deep disappointment and sense of abandonment. He does not issue a proclamation from heaven or send a thunderbolt of energy to revive them. Instead, Jesus draws near and accompanies them, talking with them even though their eyes were prevented from recognizing him.

As this Easter story unfolds, the disciples enter into the great mystery of the Eucharist, when Jesus continued

60th anniversary of

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The idea that stopping the arms race is essential for stopping war is not utopian but is “healthy realism,” Pope Francis wrote.

“Only by stopping the arms race, which takes away resources for fighting hunger and thirst and ensuring medical care for those who have none, can we avert the

his presence with his disciples — then and even now, to the present day. For Jesus begins by explaining the meaning of Scripture as it refers to his passion, death and resurrection.

When the disciples urge Jesus to stay with them as evening draws near, they approach the second part of every liturgical celebration. When Jesus takes bread, blesses it, breaks it and gives it to the disciples, Luke tells us only that, “with that their eyes were opened, and they recognized him.”

In this moment of eucharistic amazement, the disciples hear the Word of God preached, and receive the presence of Jesus in the bread, blessed and broken for the salvation of the world.

self-destruction of our humanity,” he wrote in an article for L’Espresso, an Italian magazine. The article, released April 7, marked both Easter and the 60th anniversary April 11 of St. John XXIII’s encyclical “Pacem in Terris” (“Peace on Earth”).

After the resurrection, Jesus goes to the Upper Room “where his apostles were gathered, full of fear” after watching him die on the cross, the pope said. His greeting to them is,

Have you made your Emmaus journey with Jesus this Easter? In the radiant light of the resurrection we can be confident to journey on the path the disciples walked with Jesus to deeper faith. For the Emmaus journey captures the journey of every disciple of Jesus. Today we are invited into awareness of Jesus, who desires to draw close to us, speak his comforting word, and then nourish us with the spiritual food (and healing presence) in the supreme gift of his body and blood in the Eucharist. As our eyes are opened around the sacred meal of the Eucharist, we join the church in praying with Easter faith, “Speak to me, Lord.”

“Peace be with you!” “Peace be with you is the greeting we exchange on this day,” the pope wrote. “To truly say ‘no’ to war and violence, it is not enough just to silence weapons and stop the aggressors. It is necessary to uproot the roots of wars and violence, which are resentment, envy and greed. One must have the courage to ‘disarm’ hearts, to ‘demilitarize’ them, to remove poison and resentment,” he wrote.

JEM SULLIVAN

Sullivan is a professor at The Catholic University of America.

On

‘Pacem in Terris,’ pope calls for disarmament

“Ne plus ultra.”

Eucharistic Revival: Now coming to a parish near you!

Jesus is close. Jesus is really close. Mass bridges heaven and earth. Eucharistic Prayer I says, “In humble prayer we ask you, almighty God: command that these gifts be borne by the hands of your holy Angel to your altar on high in the sight of your divine majesty . . .”

Jesus wills that we be near him, so near that through the Eucharist he fills us. Each day Jesus gives us himself “so that all of us, who through this participation at the altar receive the most holy Body and Blood of your Son, may be filled with every grace and heavenly blessing.”

Archbishop Joseph F.

SEEKING CHRIST’S HEART

the life of the world.”

The Timeline

June 19, 2022 — Feast of Corpus Christi. Launch of the Eucharistic Revival

June 19, 2022 – June 11, 2023 — Diocesan Year of Eucharistic Revival

June 11, 2023 – July 17, 2024 — Parish Year of Eucharistic Revival

eucharistic-revival/ adoration-directory/ for a listing of the regular adoration opportunities in the archdiocese. Sit before the Lord. Be still. Ask questions of Jesus himself. Journal. Amazing things will happen if you give Jesus your attention.

drawn them closer to the Lord.

Naumann and the bishops of the United States are calling for a threeyear grassroots revival of devotion and belief

in the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. Archbishop Naumann and the bishops of the United States believe that God wants to see a movement of Catholics across the United States healed, converted, formed, and unified by an encounter with Jesus in the Eucharist — and sent out in mission “for

July 21, 2024 – Pentecost 2025 — Year of Going Out on Mission

It is your turn to prepare yourself to more fully experience Jesus in the Eucharist. This Easter season engage in Eucharistic Revival. Here are a few ways to engage.

• Listen to Jesus himself. Go to adoration. Go to: archkck.org/

• Go to Mass with the clear purpose of drawing close to the Lord. Try something outside of your usual routine, like a daily Mass or eucharistic retreat. Listen closely to the words. They are said to and for you. Feel the healing and strength of receiving the Lord, like it was your first time. Many youth and families say that Mass at Camp Tekakwitha has

• Another way to form your heart is by listening to the testimony of local priests and lay leaders about the power of the Real Presence in their daily walk by listening to the New Manna podcast: archkck.org/eucharistic-revival/new-manna. Lee McMahon, archdiocesan consultant for evangelization, hosts priests and lay leaders that serve here in deep sharing that will move your heart.

More formation can be found at: USCCB National Eucharistic Revival website: eucharisticrevival.org/ or at our local revival website: archkck.org/revival.

Catholic bishops continue to lobby for mothers and babies

“The Chosen” film series depicts Jesus patiently imploring his disciples to live counter culturally, especially in the face of controversy.

Christians already know this defining trait of Jesus, based on Sacred Scripture and Catholic tradition.

“The Chosen” helps bring Jesus’ divine and sometimes provocative examples to life.

Pursuing policies in the public square reflects the truth of Jesus and his divine mission on earth — the Catholic Church. During the 2023 Kansas legislative session, legislative efforts by the Kansas Catholic Conference on behalf of the Catholic

bishops of Kansas are likewise viewed as controversial.

In wake of the defeat of the Value Them Both amendment last August, we’ve pledged to not abandon moms

and babies. Assisting moms in an unplanned pregnancy should not be contentious. Legislative efforts to secure greater support and funding for pregnancy resource centers have been met with intense political resistance and face the threat of a veto by Governor Laura Kelly.

The Born Alive Infant Protection Act,

known as HB 2313, should not be a point of contention. The proposal provides legal protection for infants born alive, regardless of the intent of the delivery. Babies born alive due to a botched abortion are guaranteed healthcare like any other child. Legislators face an override vote on the governor’s veto.

SB 180 establishes the proposed Women’s Bill of Rights and would provide the meaning of biological sex for purposes of “statutory construction.” It seeks a legal answer to the question: “What is a woman?”

The measure specifies that for purposes of any state law, rule or regulation, an

individual’s “sex” is based on an individual’s biological sex, either male or female, at birth.

The Save Women’s Sports Act is now state law after a successful veto override. It protects all Kansas women and girls engaged in sports competition, ensuring fair competition only against other females. HB 2238 excludes no one — all can play sports based on their sex at birth.

The override vote was needed despite the governor stating last fall during the gubernatorial campaign that “of course men should not play girls sports.”

A Kansas Democrat provided the game-changing veto override vote. State

Representative Marvin Robinson from Kansas City is enduring spiteful condemnation from Democratic colleagues and legislative leadership for his stand. He deserves our thanks and appreciation.

This is a small sampling of Catholic legislative advocacy action at the Kansas state house during the 2023 session. There have been some successes, while other policy proposals have languished. For example, our efforts to curtail the predatory payday loan industry will have to wait until next year.

Like the TV Jesus from “The Chosen,” we strive to persevere as a people of joy for the common good.

The Lord’s love taught her to see herself as he sees her

Acouple of weeks ago, I met with a new friend of mine (I’ll call her Sandra) for coffee. She is on fire to serve pregnant single women and we had planned to share ideas on growing our pregnancy support ministry. Our conversation took a turn in an unexpected but inspiring direction. When I first met Sandra, she shared with me that her passion for this ministry came from a personal understanding of what it feels like to face an unplanned pregnancy. When she was young, she found herself pregnant. Paralyzed by fear, her

LIFE MATTERS

friends swooped in and took her in for an abortion before she could process what was happening or pause long enough to consider all

of her options. Though she felt immediate relief after the abortion, she soon regretted it and mourned the loss of her child.

Sandra considered herself healed from that experience because she had gone on to get married, have children and grow in

her faith. However, she still had a strong desire to help other women be spared from the trauma and pain of abortion.

That morning in the coffee shop, she was bursting to tell me about an incredible weekend retreat she had recently experienced. She explained that the Holy Spirit had made it very clear to her that she still needed healing from her abortion. He helped her to see that she was still carrying significant pain, guilt and feelings of unworthiness.

With the support of her loving husband, she signed up to attend the Project Rachel

healing retreat.

Sandra shared how the retreat was life-changing. I could hear and see that she was finally set free from this burden she carried for so long!

She said, “Jesus spoke to my heart and convinced me the only thing I needed to give up for Lent was my constant pursuit of shame!”

His merciful love helped her to finally see herself as our Lord sees her — as his precious and beautiful daughter, full of dignity and worthy of his love and forgiveness.

Divine Mercy Sunday reminds us that God’s mercy is greater than any of our sins!

I’m so inspired by my friend. It took much courage to register for that retreat and face her wounds. Now His love can flow freely through her to help other women who are scared or broken.

Do you have an abortion in your past? Are you carrying the weight of a choice made out of fear or pressure?

Do you know someone who has been hurt by abortion?

You have a wonderful opportunity to make a life-changing difference in your or your friend’s life. Visit projectrachelkc. com for healing and hope after abortion.

DEACON

DANA NEARMYER

Deacon Dana Nearmyer is the director of evangelization for the archdiocese.

DEBRA NIESEN

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

CHURCH AND STATE

CHUCK WEBER

Chuck Weber is the executive director of the Kansas Catholic Conference.

BUILDING BETTER YOUTH

PHOTOS BY JAY SOLDNER

Rural and small town teens from around the archdiocese gathered March 25-26 at Prairie Star Ranch in Williamsburg for the Rural Catholic Youth Conference. Participants enjoyed keynote speakers Joel Stepanek, the VP of Parish Services for Life Teen International, and Sister Karolyn Nunes, FSGM, vocation director for the Sisters of St. Francis of the Martyr St. George. There was also music, activities and Mass.

Photos clockwise from top right:

TO THE TOP

Cami Dalinghaus from Sacred Heart Parish, Emporia, takes part in a mountain climber race which symbolized reaching the summit of the faith — the Eucharist.

FAITH IS FUN

From left, Anna Rziha and Clare Trotter, members of St. Benedict Parish, Atchison, clap along to the sounds of the Mikey Needleman band — a mainstay of Catholic youth events in the archdiocese.

FINDING FAITH

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann celebrates Mass for the youth gathered for the Rural Catholic Youth Conference. About 150 youth participated in the conference.

RAISE YOUR HANDS

Shea Kramer, a member of St. Gregory Parish, Marysville, raises her hands in celebration during some of the fun time scheduled for RCYC.