05 07 21 Vol. 42 No. 37

THELEAVEN.ORG | VOL. 42, NO. 37 | MAY 7, 2021

LEAVEN PHOTO BY MARC ANDERSON

Building one of the headboards for a Sleep in Heavenly Peace bed are: (from left) Patrick O’Malley, faculty adviser to the Benedictine College, Atchison, chapter of Sleep in Heavenly Peace; Brian Kesse, a member of St. Benedict Parish, Atchison; and Father Jeremy Heppler, OSB, pastor of St. Benedict Parish. Since its 2018 formation, Sleep in Heavenly Peace has built and delivered more than 500 beds to those in need throughout the area and region.

Atchison honors St. Joseph the Worker with a little elbow grease

By Marc and Julie Anderson mjanderson@theleaven.org

A

TCHISON — Two-yearold Joseph Minnis might not know much about St. Joseph, but he definitely seemed curious about the statue honoring his patron at the Mass here May 1.

The young grandson of Benedictine College president Stephen Minnis, along with his parents Matt and Mary Katherine and baby sister Mary Eleanor, joined some 500 members of the Atchison Catholic community for an outdoor Mass and celebration of the feast of St. Joseph the Worker, at which a statue of St. Joseph stood beside the altar.

A full evening of fellowship, food and fun followed on the grounds of St. Joseph Church, one of three used by St. Benedict Parish.

In his homily, the parish’s pastor and celebrant Father Jeremy Heppler, OSB,

discussed St. Joseph and an image of the saint on a prayer card distributed before the Mass. The card depicts a fresco in St. Benedict’s Abbey in which St. Joseph and the child Jesus are seen building an altar together.

Calling the fresco his favorite in the abbey, Father Heppler said, “What strikes me so much is St. Joseph kneeling next to the child Jesus. St. Joseph teaching patiently the child Jesus, teaching him the dignity of work, teaching him the importance of completing a task.”

“But it’s also Jesus teaching Joseph,” he continued. “Because as you may recall — what are they building? An altar, and there are three nails by Jesus.

Even the picture itself foreshadows what Jesus offers to all of us.”

Admittedly, Joseph’s role in Scripture is a quiet one.

“All that we see of Joseph in the readings are deeds — and in those >> See “PARISH” on page 6

LEAVEN PHOTO BY MARC ANDERSON

Two-year-old Joseph Minnis approaches the statue of St. Joseph after an outdoor Mass celebrated on May 1 on the grounds of St. Joseph Church. Joseph is the grandson of Benedictine College president Steve Minnis and the son of Matthew and Mary Katherine Minnis.

Summer schedule

The school house rocks

The Leaven will be starting its summer schedule soon. May 21 will be the last weekly issue, after which The Leaven will be published biweekly until September.

In the midst of a pandemic, archdiocesan Catholic schools braved the storm and went with on-campus learning. Read how they made it work.

Pages 7-9

2

ARCHBISHOP

MAY 7, 2O21 | THELEAVEN.ORG

Foster kids and families need your prayers — and your practical support

M

ay is a special month in the church’s liturgical calendar that promotes devotion to Mary as our spiritual mother.

This weekend, our culture also celebrates mothers and the importance of their vocation for our families and society.

May is also Foster Care Awareness Month.

In 2019, the archdiocese established a foster care task force. Every child, as a precious gift from God, deserves a loving family and a stable home life.

Sadly, each day in Kansas, children are removed from their homes by no fault of their own for safety reasons. Often, these children — from babies to teens — have been separated from their parents because of safety, abuse, neglect or the inability — at least for a time — for their parents to care for them.

Sometimes, children just need a safe place to live while the adults in their life work through a temporary crisis.

Currently, there are more than 7,000 foster care children in Kansas — each with a heart, soul and name. There are only 2,000 foster homes in Kansas. More than 1,000 children are living in group homes in Douglas, Wyandotte and Johnson counties.

Every day, five to 10 children in Johnson and Wyandotte counties are doing one-night placements while they

STATEMENT

By Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann

In support of Archbishop Salvatore Joseph Cordileone’s pastoral letter “Before I Formed You in the Womb I Knew You”

LIFE WILL BE VICTORIOUS ARCHBISHOP JOSEPH F. NAUMANN await a long-term foster family.

The national statistics for youth who age out of foster care without a family are: one-third will become homeless and one-fifth will become incarcerated.

Sadly, many of these young people will become victims of human trafficking. The ages of children in Kansas needing a foster home are: 4% under 1; 30% 1-5; 20% 6-10; 24% 11-15; and 21% 16-18.

The church is called to be an important part of the solution for these children. The Gospel summons all Catholics to engage in the corporal works of mercy.

Foster parents literally give food to the hungry, drink to the thirsty, shelter for the homeless and care for the poor.

Not every family is called to be a foster family. However, if only 2% of Catholic families became foster homes, we could make a huge difference in the lives

of children in Kansas and essentially end the foster care crisis.

It is my hope and desire that every parish would raise up one or more families to become foster homes.

Each week during Lent, Holy Trinity Parish in Lenexa provided information about the need for foster care and how individuals and families can help.

Currently, eight couples from Holy Trinity are exploring the possibility of serving as foster parents. I urge all of our parishes to do something similar.

Because of some of the unique challenges foster families encounter, they need the prayers, encouragement and practical support of the entire parish community.

If you are interested in helping your parish promote a foster care ministry, I encourage you to contact Debra Niesen at our archdiocesan pro-life office.

You can find additional information on our archdiocesan foster website under the pro-life ministry page, or directly at: www.

I

May 3, 2021

commend and thank Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone for his pastoral letter, “Before I Formed You in the Womb I Knew You.” Archbishop Cordileone correctly identifies legalized abortion as “the axe laid to the roots of the tree of human rights” and as a symptom of a “severely disordered society.” Archbishop Cordileone makes a compelling argument for: 1) the legal and scientific case for the protection of the unborn child as the foundation for all other human rights; 2) legislators and public figures who advocate and promote abortion’s availability share in the moral culpability for the evil of abortion; 3) the reception of holy Communion while rejecting one of the church’s most fundamental moral teaching is dishonest; 4) Catholics in public life who advocate for abortion create scandal by encouraging others to do evil.

The tone of Archbishop Cordileone’s pastoral letter makes clear his earnest desire for the immediate and eternal welfare of all those entrusted to his care. Archbishop Cordileone provides a tightly reasoned rationale why the protection of the unborn remains a preeminent priority among many other important concerns for upholding the dignity of each and every human person. I urge the people of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas to read prayerfully “Before I Formed You in the Womb I Knew You.”

archkcks.com/foster.

And to those of you who are currently fostering, we invite you to connect with us via the website so that we can share resources, pray for you and help support you if needed.

St. Joseph, the foster father of Jesus, is a special patron for foster care parents. During this year dedicated to St. Joseph, we can call upon him to assist us in our efforts to meet the needs of children and youth in our archdiocese. We can all do

something to surround the children in the foster care system with love and compassion.

I ask every member of the archdiocese to pray the prayer below every day during the coming week. At the end of the week, ask the Holy Spirit to help you discern what Our Lord is calling you to do to help the children of Kansas: “God, our Father, through the loving sacrifice of your son, Jesus Christ, you have given a home to us and

all the forsaken. Give us the eyes of Christ to see the vulnerable children and families in our midst. Give us hearts that break for what breaks the heart of Jesus. Encouraged by the example of St. Joseph, foster father of Our Lord, enflame us with the compassion of your Holy Spirit to make our homes and parishes places of love, support and protection for kids in crisis and their families. Amen.”

LOCAL NEWS

MAY 7, 2021 | THELEAVEN.ORG

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LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER

Aaron Chavis directs the truck from Midtown Signs into place to unload the new sign at Holy Name School in Kansas City, Kansas.

As the crane unloads it from the truck, Isaiah Reese (left) and Ian More guide the new sign into position.

As the workmen prepare the sign for placement, Mary keeps her eye on her charges in the classroom.

‘THEY’LL TAKE NOTICE’ KCK school works to improve its curb appeal

By Moira Cullings moira.cullings@theleaven.org

K

ANSAS CITY, Kan. — Organizers hoped that April 10 would be an exciting day for Holy Name of Jesus School here.

Principal Randy Smith and a handful of staff members and volunteers were taking down the school’s monument sign in preparation for a brand-new one.

But what they discovered in the process surprised them.

“We took down the old sign,” said parishioner Doug Hermes, “and we found in the middle of it the original sign!

“It’s part of the history of the school.”

Suddenly, installing the new sign on May 3 took on unexpected emotion — a feeling of nostalgia mixed with promise — for the community.

“I think it’s a great indicator of how the school continues to move forward,” said Hermes.

The new sign is only one component of a landscaping renovation designed to boost curbside appeal for the school on Southwest Boulevard.

The goal is to “dress up [the area] and make it look like it’s a vibrant, local, neighborhood Catholic school,” said Hermes. “There’s a lot of things going on here. We want to have the front appearance reflect that.”

A ‘gratifying’ project — and a personal connection An outdoor renovation at Holy Name has been in the making for years.

Under the leadership of a former principal, a group from the school met with Vince Florido, an outside sales rep at Midtown Signs, who offered them a discounted price for a monument sign.

For various reasons, the project didn’t move beyond initial discussions and draft proposals.

That was until Florido, a parishioner at Curé of Ars in Leawood, which happens to be Holy Name’s sister parish, reached back out to Hermes, one of the project’s key leaders.

This time, he had an offer they couldn’t refuse.

Midtown Signs had made a sign for a different church, but the sizing was

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER

Doug Hermes, a parishioner of Holy Name Parish in Kansas City, Kansas, takes a photo of the installation of the new sign at Holy Name School while Jennifer Starcke’s kindergarten class watches the action from the steps behind him. Hermes was one of the project’s key leaders in the effort to improve the school’s image. off. It was similar to the one initially designed for Holy Name, and the company’s owner, Dennis Baughman, wanted to donate it to the school.

Essentially, all they had to pay for was the sign’s faces, painting and copy letters.

Presenting the offer was special for Florido, who was baptized at Holy Name.

“It’s really gratifying to be able to help Holy Name School and Parish with this sign,” he said.

It was also exciting for the entire Midtown Signs team.

“Dennis, our owner, loves signs,” said Florido. He believes a sign “has meaning, it has character, it means something to people — to the community.”

“It’s a snapshot in time,” added Florido. “It’s nostalgic.”

‘God had a plan for the front of our building’ The next item on the project’s list is

beautifying the outdoor space surrounding the school.

Avery Nichols, a parishioner at St. Paul Parish in Olathe, is a landscape architect in training who’s sharing his talents to make this happen.

Nichols was approached by St. Paul pastor Father Michael Hermes about the prospect of creating a landscape plan for the school.

Father Hermes is the former pastor of Holy Name and Doug Hermes’ brother. Nichols couldn’t say no.

“This was an opportunity that came up that I definitely wanted to help with,” he said.

Nichols started by creating conceptual graphics and images and presenting them to the parish.

“I got their feedback on how they wanted the school and the church to look and to really make that space beautiful,” he said.

He then created a few concepts of planting and site design, and the team chose the one they wanted.

“It has definitely been meaningful President Most Rev. Joseph F. Naumann

Publication No. (ISSN0194-9799) Published weekly September through May, excepting the Friday the week after Thanksgiving, and the Friday after Christmas; biweekly June through August. Address communications to: The Leaven, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109. Phone: (913) 721-1570; fax: (913) 7215276; or email at: sub@theleaven.org. Postmaster: Send address changes to The Leaven, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109. For change of address, provide old and new address and parish. Subscriptions $21/year. Periodicals postage paid at Kansas City, KS 66109.

Production Manager Todd Habiger todd.habiger@theleaven.org

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

Senior Reporter Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

to be able to help out . . . and be able to [offer] my profession and skills to [create] what they imagined for their site and transform that front entrance into something new,” said Nichols.

For Smith, receiving help from local Catholics from multiple parishes has been a special surprise.

“We didn’t specifically set out to do it this way,” he said. “It came about where everyone who started working with this project has some kind of Catholic tie.

“It’s almost like what I explain to the [students] all the time: God has a plan for each of us. God had a plan for the front of our building.”

This is Smith’s first year at Holy Name and he’s excited to play a part in improving its physical appearance.

“It’s going to make it an area that people don’t just drive by [and think of it as] another business or another place along Southwest Boulevard,” he said. “I think they’ll take notice of it.

“It’ll be something that people are curious about what’s happening next.”

Managing Editor Anita McSorley anita.mcsorley@theleaven.org

Advertising Coordinator Beth Blankenship beth.blankenship@theleaven.org

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

4

LOCAL NEWS

Eighth annual Abbot’s Table honors three with Lumen Vitae Medal

By J.D. Benning Special to The Leaven

A

TCHISON — Sharing the word of God is the mission of every Christian — and on April 10 the monks of St. Benedict’s Abbey here, with the help of friends in Kansas City and around the world, honored three people for answering Christ’s commission par excellence.

At the eighth annual Abbot’s Table event, Abbot James Albers and the monks presented the Lumen Vitae Medal to Benedictine Sister Irene Nowell, of Mount St. Scholastica Monastery in Atchison, and to Dr. Scott and Kimberly Hahn, world renowned theologians and speakers, for their work in sharing and educating the world about sacred Scripture.

Typically, the Abbot’s Table draws more than 800 guests who celebrate the accomplishments of the Lumen Vitae Medal recipients as well as celebrating the work of the monks. But COVID-19 presented new challenges.

The friends of the abbey responded by hosting watch parties across the country, including two at the Overland Park Convention Center.

From there, the Abbot’s Table was shared virtually on YouTube, Facebook and CatholicTV. The event began with a new video from the abbey called “The Life of a Monk,” a humorous take on the phases of monastic life. (Check it out online, along with all the Abbot’s Table videos, at: Kansasmonks. org/AT2021.)

The monks then celebrated the lives and service of Father Denis Meade, Abbot Ralph Koehler and Father Blaine Schultz — all who made tremendous contributions to the abbey, its apostolates and the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas.

The first Lumen Vitae Medal recipient, Sister Irene, was honored from afar, receiving her medal alongside 110 of her Sisters at Mount St. Scholastica. The monks honored Sister Irene for her many accomplishments as an author, Benedictine College professor and — most especially — for her work instructing the monks in formation at the abbey on sacred Scripture.

Sister Irene, in her remarks, shared that she was especially gratified to receive the award from one of her favorite students, Abbot James, who studied under her as an undergraduate student at Benedictine College. Sister Irene has now retired from public ministry and resides at Mount St. Scholastica.

Above, Dr. Scott and Kimberly Hahn, renowned theologians and speakers, and (right) Benedictine Sister Irene Nowell, author, Old Testament scholar and retired Benedictine College professor, each received the Lumen Vitae Medal at the eighth annual Abbot’s Table event on April 10.

The monks then celebrated the service of Scott and Kimberly Hahn, converts to the Catholic faith, who were chosen to receive the Lumen Vitae medal for their powerful witness to the truth of the Gospel and their efforts in sharing the Catholic faith through their writing, talks, videos and much more.

In receiving the award, Kimberly shared a powerful reflection on the Holy Spirit’s work in her life and in the word. Scott followed her, offering an insightful and incisive recounting of the Emmaus story from the Gospel. An indefatigable pair, the Hahns hosted two talks in the metro area and participated in a live Q&A at St. Benedict’s Abbey the morning after the Abbot’s Table, sharing their story and working to evangelize people in the area.

Finally, with the 2020 Abbot’s Table having been canceled, the monks looked back at the previous two years of prayer and work in northeast Kansas and beyond. Abbot James announced the abbey had received not one, but two, $200,000 challenge matching gifts, enabling donors to the abbey to triple their impact on the mission of the monks.

The friends and benefactors of the abbey rose to meet the challenge, receiving over 600 donations totaling

just over $200,000. While they have met the challenge goal, the monks continue to raise donations for the One Legacy/One Future Fund. This provides for the education needs of the abbey’s newest members — currently supporting five monks in formation — and for the health care and retirement needs of the abbey’s elder members, men who have spent their lives in service to Christ and his church. Donations to the One Legacy/One Future Fund can be made by visiting the website at: www.kansasmonks.org/challenge or by mail to St. Benedict’s Abbey, 1020 N. 2nd St., Atchison, KS 66002.

The monks have already begun plans for Abbot’s Table IX at which they will present the Lumen Vitae Medal to John and Terry Gillchrist and to the founders of the Society of Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity (SOLT) in Spring 2022.

MAY 7, 2O21 | THELEAVEN.ORG

Transitional diaconate ordination to be livestreamed May 22

K

ANSAS CITY, Kan. — Catholics around the archdiocese are invited to virtually attend the ordination to the transitional diaconate of Andrew Gaffney and Sudeep Kodigandla May 22 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Matthew Parish in Topeka via livestream.

Because of COVID restrictions, the event will be invitation-only. But all are welcome at: livestream.com/archkck/ transitional-ordinations.

Gaffney is the son of John and Lori Gaffney of St. Matthew Parish. He is a graduate of Hayden High School in Topeka and attends St. John Vianney Theological Seminary in Denver.

Kodigandla is the son of the late Dominic and Puspavathi Kodigandla of L.R.G. in Anantapur, India. He is a graduate of L.R.G. High School and attends Kenrick-Glennon Seminary in St. Louis.

The two men will return to their seminaries to continue study and formation for eventual ordination to the priesthood.

James

and

Tony

and

Beverly

(Dugan) Burke, members of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, LaCygne, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on May 15 with a small celebration. They will have a larger family gathering this summer. The couple was married on May 15, 1971, at Mother of God Church, Oswego, by Father James O’Shea. Their children are: Allison Gardner, Brendan Burke and Blaire Burke. The also have three grandsons.

Barbara (Curtis) Novak, members of Holy Angels Parish, Basehor, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with a dinner with their children at J. Gilbert’s in Overland Park on April 24.

They then celebrated with children and grandchildren on April 25 with a barbecue. The couple was married on April 24, 1971, at Our Savior Church, Jacksonville, Illinois. Their children are: Andy Novak, Jennifer Hinkin, Louie Novak and Casey Novak. They also have 10 grandchildren.

MAY 7, 2021 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

5

Deacon Chadwick set his sights on the priesthood at a young age

By Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

K

ANSAS CITY, Kan. — Some men agonize over whether or not they have a vocation to the priesthood.

Not Deacon Keith Edward

Chadwick.

He’s never had to surprise his friends or break the news to his parents. He’s always known that the priesthood is what he wanted and so did they.

“When I was 5 years old, I wanted to be a priest for the first time,” said Deacon Chadwick.

“It was pretty public. My classmates always knew it and my parents always knew it,” he continued. “I remember Fifth-Grade Vocations Day, when they asked us who wanted to be a priest, and I was the first one who stood up.”

There was that one, brief time when he thought he’d grow up to be a lay canon lawyer, but that didn’t last long.

Soon, after many years, he will realize his dream of becoming a priest.

He was ordained a transitional deacon by Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann on May 16, 2020, at the Cathedral of St. Peter in Kansas City, Kansas.

And Deacon Chadwick — with two other men — will be ordained a priest

by Archbishop Naumann at 10 a.m. on May 29 at St. Michael the Archangel Parish in Leawood. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, participation is by invitation only.

Deacon Chadwick is one of the four children of Robert “Chad” Chadwick and Sheryl Chadwick of Bonner Springs. He and his brother Kyle are twins.

His father is a real estate agent and his mother is on the family advisory board at Children’s Mercy Hospital.

They belonged to Sacred Heart Parish, which relocated to Shawnee after a fire destroyed the Bonner Springs church.

He grew up in a “pretty good Catholic household,” he admitted. They never missed Mass on Sundays. He went to Catholic schools from kindergarten all the way through the seminary. Growing up, it seemed that he and Kyle were altar servers “every Sunday” beginning in fourth grade, maybe because as twins they were an ever-ready pair.

“I’ve always been pretty religious as a kid,” said Deacon Chadwick. “I said I wanted to be a saint in preschool, and then in kindergarten I said I wanted to be a priest and haven’t changed too much since then. Religion was always my favorite class as a kid.”

As a teenager, Deacon Chadwick participated in Prayer and Action, the parish youth group and all the archdiocesan summer camps — Camp Kateri through Xtreme Camp at Prairie Star Ranch in Williamsburg. Not only was he an altar server into his high school years at his parish, he was eucharistic minister as well.

In all that time, his desire to become a priest remained, but it needed to mature. That happened when he met a very special priest during high school.

LEAVEN FILE PHOTO BY TODD HABIGER

Deacon Keith Edward Chadwick assists Archbishop Emeritus James P. Keleher at the 2019 ordination Mass. Archbishop Emeritus Keleher will vest Deacon Chadwick at his priestly ordination on May 29 at St. Michael the Archangel Parish in Leawood.

“When looking at high schools, I chose St. James Academy [in Lenexa], because they had daily Mass and I could learn about my faith and live my faith better,” said Deacon Chadwick.

“Monsignor Ray Burger, the chaplain at St. James, was very encouraging to guys who wanted to serve and lector,” said Deacon Chadwick.

“He started the Magnificat Society, which was a vocations club,” he said.

“We met after school and said evening prayer together. He was always a good example to us about how to be a faithful young man and what a vocation to the priesthood would look like.”

In addition to his pastor Father Craig Maxim, another person who influenced his vocation was Archbishop Emeritus James P. Keleher. They kept in touch, and the archbishop became a mentor.

Archbishop Emeritus Keleher will vest Deacon Chadwick at his priestly ordination.

After he graduated from St. James in 2012, he went to Conception Seminary at Conception, Missouri, and then to Kenrick-Glennon Seminary in St. Louis.

Deacon Chadwick knows he’s being ordained a priest during a difficult time in the church, but says there has never been an easy time in the church.

“The Lord raises up those to be his priests who he chooses and calls,” he said, “so the Lord has asked me to help

PERSONALLY SPEAKING Name: Keith Edward Chadwick Age: 27 Born: Kansas City, Kansas Raised: Bonner Springs Parents: Robert and Sheryl Chadwick Siblings: Tyler, Brett and Kyle Home parish: Sacred Heart, Shawnee Education: St. James Academy, 2012; Conception Seminary College, Bachelor of Arts in philosophy, 2016; Kenrick-Glennon Seminary, Master of Divinity, 2021 The most inspirational Christian(s) I’ve ever met: Cardinal (Raymond) Burke Favorite food: Chipotle Favorite smell/scent: Vanilla What I wanted to be growing up: Priest since 1999; before that, I wanted to be a saint.

Worst job I’ve ever had: I’ve enjoyed all of them.

Things I like to do: I like to talk, play piano and read.

Most important life lesson learned (so far): Turn everything over to God. The closest I’ve come to death: car accident right after my diaconate ordination (not seriously injured) If I could do it all over again, I’d: take myself less seriously.

Best vocation advice I’ve received: Love the people and let them show you how to be a good priest.

Who had the greatest impact on you seeking your vocation: Msgr. Ray Burger, Archbishop Keleher, Archbishop Naumann, so many brother seminarians My advice for vocation discerners: Pray in front of the Blessed Sacrament and take it a step at a time.

What I’m looking forward to most as a priest: I look forward to saying Mass and forgiving sins.

him carry his cross in this particular way, like he does with every vocation.

“So, it doesn’t really frighten me to

be ordained a priest in this tumultuous time in the church, because the church has always had tumultuous times.”

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LOCAL NEWS

MAY 7, 2O21 | THELEAVEN.ORG

Parish pairs service project with feast day >> Continued from page 1 deeds, we see him pointing to the One . . . who is the way, the truth and the life,” Father Heppler said.

After Mass, a sloppy joe meal and a bake sale, whose proceeds will benefit the parish, were complemented by a particularly appropriate opportunity for the feast day being celebrated. In partnership with Atchison’s Benedictine College chapter of Sleep in Heavenly Peace, participants were invited to help build beds for those in need. The national organization solicits donations and then builds and delivers beds, blankets and linens to those in need, particularly children, across the United States.

Formed in 2018, Benedictine College’s chapter is one of approximately 200 across the country and has built and delivered more than 500 beds in the past three years.

Nine headboards were built throughout the evening by those in attendance, including Father Heppler himself.

LEAVEN PHOTO BY MARC ANDERSON

Above, Father Jeremy Heppler, OSB, celebrates Mass in honor of St. Joseph the Worker, assisted by (left to right): Father Matthew Habiger, OSB; Deacon Chuck Welte; Father Roderic Giller, OSB; and Father Jay Kythe, OSB. Also joining in the celebration were Brothers Leven Harton, Joseph Ryan, Karel Soukup, Maximilian Anderson, Angelus Atkinson and Jean-Marie Hogan.

Left, a young boy is all smiles as a crew from Sleep in Heavenly Peace constructs his new bed in his bedroom on March 20. In all, 44 beds were delivered and assembled that day.

PHOTO COURTESY OF SLEEP IN HEAVENLY PEACE

ACROSS 1 Popular stadium 5 Night light 9 Dwelling 14 Back 15 Island 16 Employed 17 Tails 18 Acquaint 19 White poplar 20 Self 21 Swooping sound 23 Cut of beef 24 Ancient empire 26 Dined 28 Adam and __ 29 Evils 31 Bad (prefix) 34 Shoestring 37 __ goes before destruction 39 Type of dressing 40 By way of 41 Reverberate 42 Small breads 44 Deepened 47 Punching tool 48 Small town 50 Scarf 51 Electroencephalograph (abbr.)

52 White water makers

56 Star Trek Automoton’s 59 Elephant seat 63 Adjust 64 Minds 66 Winnie the __ 67 “ I __ at the office” 68 Large zoo animals 69 __ Major (Big Dipper) 70 Toe part 71 Sleeps 72 Appear 73 Ca. University

DOWN 1 Parable of the __ and Goats 2 Door joint 3 A witch lived here 4 Spots 5 An angel 6 Capital of Norway 7 Margarine 8 Information 9 Expression of surprise 10 Holy book 11 Brand of sandwich cookie 12 Cafe 13 Garden of __ 21 Marry 22 Movie 2001’s talking computer 25 Capital of South Korea

27 Cooking measurement 29 Frosting 30 Sister of Rachel 31 Rodents 32 Attention-Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (abbr.)

33 MGM’s Lion 34 Not quickly 35 Place for the wicked 36 Affirm 38 Review 39 Women’s undergarment 43 South by east 45 Father of Ishmael 46 He survived the Great Flood 49 Good grief!

51 Land of Pharaoh 53 Son of Abraham 54 Name for Satan 55 Inscribed pillar 56 Danish physicist 57 Off-Broadway award 58 Agts.

60 Musical composition 61 Had on, as clothing 62 Medicine amount 65 Distress call 67 African antelope Solution on page 15

‘NO CURVEBALL WE COULDN’T HANDLE’

PHOTO COURTESY OF ST. JAMES ACADEMY

St. James Academy, Lenexa, freshman Tresyn Charbonneau works on an English assignment in class. While other systems and districts offered hybrid or remote learning, archdiocesan Catholic schools opened for in-person classes in fall 2020.

Catholic schools rose to the occasion in what could have been a no good, very bad year

By Therese Horvat Special to The Leaven

K

ANSAS CITY, Kan. — Ingenuity, creativity and flexibility were key components of the success of the Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas this past year.

Add to those, multiple opportunities to teach creatively, fortify faith and build even stronger communities — despite or because of the pandemic — and this school year will be one for the record books.

While other systems and districts offered hybrid or remote learning, archdiocesan Catholic schools opened for in-person classes in fall 2020. Principals, teachers and staff repurposed cafeterias, parish halls and the outdoors to accommodate safe distancing; masks were mandated; and frequent hand-sanitizing occurred.

Technology enabled remote parent/teacher conferences, led

PHOTO COURTESY OF MOST PURE HEART OF MARY SCHOOL

Students in Amy Muller’s kindergarten class at Most Pure Heart of Mary School in Topeka celebrate 100 days of school by creating a poster with 100 cereal pieces. From left are Leighton Cronister and Alara Roth. to enhanced communications and allowed for streaming of liturgies and fundraisers. Bucking national trends, some schools experienced

increased enrollment.

Archdiocesan superintendent of schools Vince Cascone is quick to acknowledge the tremendous ded-

ication of principals, teachers and staff, who focused on doing what was best for students and their families.

Likewise, Lynda Higgins, principal of Resurrection School in Kansas City, Kansas, said the parents have been awesome.

“Everyone pitched in to make this work. It felt like we became a stronger community,” she said.

The students, too, deserve kudos for being problem-solvers and for their compliance with mask and safety regulations out of respect for one another. Pastors, school boards and business teams, the archdiocesan school office and donors received high marks as well for their support and collaboration, as did local health departments.

With state assessments conducted this spring, comparative data on academic achievement is pending.

Teachers and principals have worked diligently to minimize pandemicrelated learning slides. >> Continued on the next page

>> Continued from previous page In schools where other testing occurred during the year, results appear promising. Janet O’Connell, resource teacher at St. Agnes School, Roeland Park, said that experts agree that in-person learning is generally more effective than virtual for most students.

The backstory Once schools implemented virtual/ online learning in response to last spring’s state-mandated school shutdown, Cascone explained that the conversation shifted to preparations to reopen buildings in fall 2020. At the archdiocesan level, three subcommittees developed recommendations related to academics, health and wellness, and enrollment and finance.

The subcommittees included school leaders, teachers, school counselors, school nurses, physicians and school office representatives. Each subcommittee issued a report with guidance for reopening. Cascone said that utilizing the principle of subsidiarity, the adaptation and implementation of the guidance fell to schools at the local level, and that principals and teachers have done a stellar job.

At St. Agnes, a committee of teachers spent summer 2020 reviewing school procedures and identifying ways to create a safe learning environment. Jane Sullivan, principal, believed this process instilled a sense of ownership. Even simple things — like providing every fourth- through eighth-grader with his or her own storage bin for supplies instead of sharing supplies as they had in the past — was designed for both safety and student independence.

“Before the school year started, each of our teachers made a welcome video to show students their classrooms,” Sullivan said. “Teachers also drove through neighborhoods for driveway visits to meet students and parents and to ease their minds about returning safely to St. Agnes.”

Recognizing that the school would not meet safe spacing requirements based on its existing configuration class sessions, leadership of St. James Academy, Lenexa, added an eighth hour to the schedule and gave each student a study hall period in the dining room. Shane Rapp, principal, said that his team invested considerable time in making this work. Their efforts bolstered the confidence of parents and teachers that St. James was providing a safe environment.

Challenges on different fronts Finding substitute teachers during the pandemic was one of the biggest challenges schools faced. Eric White, principal of Most Pure Heart of Mary School in Topeka, fortunately had several ancillary staff he could draw from to keep the school operational.

Even with that concern addressed, the school had to begin its Christmas break a week early when multiple support and administrative staff — including White — contracted or were exposed to COVID and required quarantining.

Another challenge was that teachers were responsible for both teaching in-person classes and providing instruction for students who opted for remote learning. Over time, the numbers of remote learners decreased as

The sixth-grade science class at Resurrection School in Kansas City, Kansas, brainstorms how to keep an ice cube from melting for five hours. Clockwise f families chose to return youth to the classrooms.

Still, teachers faced the added pressures of masks, distancing, family health concerns, uncertainties and achieving balance in their lives. Schools sought to sustain teacher and staff morale with relaxed dress codes, professional development by Zoom, treats and ongoing communication. Resurrection School equipped teachers with portable microphones for their classrooms. Father Bill Porter, St. Agnes pastor, closed the school for a day to give teachers a break.

Sports and activities presented other challenges. Most Pure Heart canceled volleyball and basketball earlier in the school year, but offered some sports options this spring. Rapp appreciated the collaboration among archdiocesan Catholic high schools in determining that sports were needed for whole person development of students. He credits Mark Huppe, athletic director at St. James, for working with each coach and athletic trainer at the school to adopt extensive sanitation measures.

At Xavier School in Leavenworth, principal Janelle Hartegan praised the ingenuity of school music teacher Andrea Sladky who introduced gross motor movement and rhythmic activities with tambourines. The school maintained a band throughout the year with dots on the gym floor to mark appropriate distancing.

Creativity abounds “Our teachers are so creative,” Hartegan enthused. “Given a problem, they’ll figure it out.”

Missing the opportunity to see faces of students and teachers and to exchange relaxed conversation, one teacher asked, “Can we do a picnic?”

On a beautiful fall day, students brought beach towels and enjoyed lunch outdoors.

At St. James, when the theater teacher couldn’t locate a socially distanced play for students to perform, the teacher wrote a script for production. Choirs split into smaller groups to facilitate safe practices and performances, and the accompanist started a handbell choir.

Students likewise exercised creativity. When COVID restrictions prevented Sullivan from visiting her mother on her 90th birthday in Nebraska, St. Agnes students leapt into action. They designed greeting cards with messages like: “Don’t worry about your daughter; we’ll keep her safe.” The honoree enjoyed the cards and shared them with friends.

St. James students invited teachers to participate in a morale-boosting rubber duck competition. Teachers paid to participate with the goal of keeping their ducks from being stolen. Half of the proceeds went to charity; half to the winner who donated

The kindergartners at St. Agnes School in Roeland ers spent summer 2020 reviewing school procedu the funds for a staff happy hour. Rapp found it entertaining to see the lengths to which teachers went to safeguard their ducks.

PHOTO COURTESY OF XAVIER SCHOOL

Charlie Scaletty, a fourth-grader at Xavier School in Leavenworth, shows her classmates in Spanish class a photo of herself and her family on a Camino de Santiago pilgrimage.

PHOTO COURTESY OF RESURRECTION SCHOOL

from left are: Allison Lopez, Catalina Hurtado, Allyson Ortega and Natalie Navarro.

venues met or exceeded their goals.

Michael Morrisey, who with his wife Patty manages the School Advancement Program for the archdiocese, said the response from donors was incredible; he also praised everyone who assisted with these events.

Xavier held a successful virtual event that featured videos to recognize four teachers, a silent auction, student performances and live updates as families enjoyed catered meals they had picked up at the school.

Faith foundational; service continues

d Park enjoy lunch socially distanced outside on a nice spring day. At St. Agnes, a committee of teachures and identifying ways to create a safe learning environment.

St. Agnes has produced a weekly Breaking News video with student co-anchors and reporters. The energizing clips showcase school information,

the saint of the day, birthday announcements and interviews.

Many schools that transitioned their fundraising events to virtual

White believes key lessons of the pandemic are that God didn’t do this to humanity and that people can handle the situation with God’s help.

Rapp agreed, saying that the pandemic might actually have helped in the faith arena at St. James.

“We realized that we’re not totally in control,” he said. “We know this is difficult. People are experiencing grief and loss. Our God offers hope.

This became a teachable moment for us, and we became more committed than ever to prayer and the sacraments.”

Testifying to this is the fact that daily Mass attendance at St. James is up 50%. In Leavenworth, three area pastors offered weekly Masses in three-month rotations at Xavier, celebrating Masses in the chapel with one class attending and other students viewing in their classrooms. Priests distributed the Eucharist in the hallways.

Schools likewise adapted for service opportunities. Catholic Charities brought projects to St. Agnes School for students to complete. After reading the story “My Librarian is a Camel,” fourth-graders at Xavier asked if they could sponsor a book drive to benefit Children’s Mercy Hospital. Students

made posters and promoted the drive to collect new books. The school was hosting a book sale at the time, so parents were encouraged to purchase an extra book for the drive.

“This activity made it feel like we were having a regular school year,” Hartegan recalled.

In the final analysis “Everybody is so grateful that we stayed open,” White said. “We had a very healthy year with very few students going home sick. Even with all the restrictions, our days remain joy-filled. To date, we have not been thrown a curveball that we couldn’t handle.”

“Our goal was to keep our school day as normal and predictable as possible because everything was so different in the world due to the pandemic,” said Michelle Beaven, Resurrection resource teacher. Joy came from unexpected places.

Beaven recalled an occasion when she was teaching reading skills to first-graders. They lowered their masks briefly to reveal that five of them were missing teeth — something that would have been more obvious in a pre-COVID setting.

Rapp said this year has proven what Catholic schools are capable of.

“It demonstrates the power of Catholic education when parents, teachers and others cooperate to support our mission,” he said. “I told our team that this is the biggest challenge of our professional lives and asked that we make it the finest moment in the life of our school. All our efforts to build relationships and trust came to fruition this year.”

Cascone summed up the year this way: “With fortitude, flexibility and determination — and under challenging circumstances — we held true to our guiding principles.”

10

NATION

MAY 7, 2O21 | THELEAVEN.ORG

Pandemic means facing boundaries, exhaustion for hospital chaplains

By Effie Caldarola Catholic News Service

T

he COVID-19 pandemic showed us the heroes in our midst. And hospital chaplains rank high on that list.

During this pandemic year, hospital chaplains have been subject to stress and overwork, especially with added casework and fewer volunteers allowed to help. They have borne the pain of more deaths than they’ve ever seen. And for a profession where healing touch and a compassionate personal presence are integral, ministering at times from a distance was heartbreaking.

For Catholic chaplain Mary GibbonsGeorgevich, the experience of working in a hospital during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic was a time of spiritual growth and challenge.

“I’ve become more contemplative. I’ve had to slow down and reflect on what I was seeing,” GibbonsGeorgevich said. “I tried to see hope, and I found my ability to come into silence with patients really improve.”

At first her hospital, Mercy Health-St. Vincent Medical Center in Toledo, Ohio, kept chaplains from entering all rooms, even of non-COVID-19 patients. After a month, chaplains were once again in regular rooms, but restricted from physical contact with COVID-19 patients.

Rosaries were prayed over the phone, and Gibbons-Georgevich found herself saying prayers of commendation for the dying as she touched the patient’s door and communicated through Zoom with

CNS PHOTO/GREGORY A. SHEMITZ

Father Corneille Boyeye, chaplain at St. Catherine of Siena Medical Center in Smithtown, New York, and a member of the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart, anoints the hands of Cecilia Prado, center, and other nurses in the hospital’s telemetry unit. patients and their loved ones.

“I found myself ministering to the family as much as the patient,” she said, “but that’s always a big part of our work.”

Gibbons-Georgevich said she “couldn’t have made it through without our team of chaplains” who regularly debriefed together.

“We had the sense that God was there with us. I felt the presence of the Holy Spirit working through me.”

When exhausted, she found herself gravitating to Psalm 23. “I felt I was in that dark valley.”

Meanwhile, David Sweeney, a Catholic

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chaplain at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, was allowed into the rooms of COVID-19 patients. The Nebraska Medical Center made headlines in 2014 by being a national leader in treating Americans who had become infected with Ebola. The center also has a specialized biocontainment unit on its large midtown campus.

For those reasons, their approach to pandemic ministry might have been bolder than smaller hospitals unused to confronting new infectious diseases.

“We chaplains were all fitted for N95 respirators,” Sweeney said. “If it’s non-

essential, we call into the rooms.” But if needed, they could enter, and since visitors from outside were not allowed, the chaplains were even more in demand.

Sweeney did not stress about taking the virus home to his wife. He felt confident with the center’s precautions and said he felt more vulnerable at the grocery store. But he said “it got stressful at the height of the pandemic when we had double the normal number of deaths per day. That was tough.”

He sees his role as to “ensure that God’s presence is recognized by the patients. They’re not alone.”

After 17 years of working with the sick and dying, Sweeney didn’t find his own spiritualty challenged, but he still struggles with those who won’t wear masks.

Gibbons-Georgevich did worry about taking the virus home. She would wash her clothes in hot water after work, and laughs that she had to start wearing scrubs because the laundry was taking a toll on her wardrobe.

She would sometimes be so tired she’d go to bed right after work, and she slept in a different bed than her husband to avoid the possibility of infecting him.

When she finally received her vaccine, she cried from relief.

“My husband has been so supportive,” she said.

Both Gibbons-Georgevich and Sweeney see a light at the end of the tunnel.

Increased vaccinations and continued mask-wearing are bringing decreased hospitalizations. The Nebraska Medical Center has gone from seven units completely full to only one in March.

NATION/WORLD

MAY 7, 2021 | THELEAVEN.ORG

Pilgrimage book weaves spiritual meaning with Holy Land geography

By Agostino Bono Catholic News Service

A

Christian pilgrim to the Holy Land is quickly impressed by the proximity of many holy sites associated with the life of Jesus. The Church of the Holy Sepulcher contains both the place of Christ’s crucifixion and his burial tomb. As walking was a major means of biblical travel, sacred sites often are a quick bus drive apart.

Another sharp realization is that many Christian sites are steeped in Old Testa“Holy Land Pilgrimage” by ment history Stephen J. Binz. Liturgical and the Judaic Press (Collegeville, Min- fo u n d a t i o n s nesota, 2020). 303 pp., of Christian$24.95. ity. Also notable is the importance to Islam of many places, as mosques have been built upon churches built upon synagogues.

So a pilgrimage to the Holy Land is not something to be done in a short time or as an excursion during a tourist visit. For a believer, the spiritual transcendence is part of the geography, countering any desire to skim over the region.

Early in “Holy Land Pilgrimage,” author Stephen J. Binz refers to the Holy Land as the “fifth Gospel” because it helps us understand the truths revealed by Christ as people stand on sacred sites.

Pilgrims today can draw water from Jacob’s well as they read the Gospel account of Christ’s encounter with the Samaritan woman. Couples can renew their marriage vows at Cana, scene of the wedding feast where Christ performed his first miracle.

Enjoying the spiritual riches of the Holy Land — deepened by its historical, cultural and archaeological wealth — requires a learned guide. Binz is such a guide. He emphasizes the Christian spiritual dimensions of the sites while drawing depth from their historical, archaeological and cultural significance. He is an experienced tour guide and author of several books on the Holy Land and pilgrimages.

The book describes a pilgrimage as an ancient practice, a journey to a sacred place in search of transcendence. It notes that throughout the Bible, the journeys of God’s faithful are described as pilgrimages.

While the book gives weight to the historical, cultural and archaeological dimensions of the sites, the emphasis is always on the spiritual. The book starts with a lengthy examination of a pilgrimage’s significance, and it details a novena in preparation for the trip.

Then, rather than a flowing narrative, the book is a series of essays — some with the aroma of a homily — on specific biblical sites. These are followed by short spiritual exercises: suggestions for meditations on the events and people associated with the sites, Bible readings and short prayer services emphasizing communion with God and his message.

11

Russia cracks down on political protests

R

OME (CNS) — While the Russian government’s treatment of jailed opposition leader Alexei Navalny is “mainly a political question,” the mass arrests of protesters and the situation in Russia’s jails are a concern for the Catholic Church and all Christians, said the head of Moscow’s Mother of God Archdiocese.

Moscow-based Archbishop Paolo Pezzi said, “We ask that justice be given to the innocent; mercy to the guilty; intelligence, courage and wisdom to those who must judge; and, especially, humanity to those who must then enforce the punishment.”

In an interview April 29 with SIR, the news agency of the Italian bishops’ conference, Archbishop Pezzi entrusted his prayer to the intercession of Friedrich Joseph Haass, a 19th-century German Catholic doctor who spent most of his life in Russia caring for the poor, especially prisoners, and advocating for improved conditions in the country’s jails.

Navalny was arrested Jan. 17 on his return from Germany, where he spent five months in the hospital after a near-fatal nerve agent attack.

Mass protests of his jailing have

CNS PHOTO/ANTON VAGANOV, REUTERS

A woman walks her dogs in front of an image of jailed Russian opposition politician Alexei Navalny in St. Petersburg, Russia, April 28. Archbishop Paolo Pezzi, the head of Moscow’s Mother of God Archdiocese, said that while the Russian government’s treatment of Navalny is “mainly a political question,” the mass arrests of protesters and the situation in Russia’s jails are a concern for the Catholic Church and all Christians. taken place since then and an estimated 13,000 protesters have been arrested.

Asked specifically about Navalny’s case, Archbishop Pezzi preferred to quote a Russian priest who said, “As a priest it is not important

what a prisoner’s name is, what his last name is or the article under which he was condemned. But for me, the words of Christ who calls us to treat anyone in prison as if they were Christ himself have great importance.”

Pope updates Vatican laws so cardinals, bishops can face trial

V

ATICAN CITY (CNS) — Updating the laws that govern the Vatican’s civil judicial system, Pope Francis stated that cardinals and bishops accused of a crime can now be tried in a Vatican court.

The pope said the new measure, issued “motu proprio,” on his own accord, reflects the “fundamental equality of all” by ensuring that the Vatican

judicial system conforms to the principle that “among all the faithful there is true equality in dignity and in action.”

The pope also stressed the need for changes to the current judicial system “to ensure the equality of all members of the church and their equal dignity and position, without privileges that date back to earlier times and are no longer in keeping with the responsibilities that each person has in building

Deaf Catholics applaud Vatican’s sign language service on YouTube channel

H

OUSTON (CNS) — When the Easter livestream of Pope Francis’ general audience and the Angelus was broadcast for the first time in American Sign Language on the Vatican’s YouTube channel, the deaf Catholic ministry group in Texas took particular notice.

Redemptorist Father Len Broniak, chaplain and program director of the Archdiocese of GalvestonHouston’s deaf ministry, called it a “great step forward for open access to the pope’s messages. I’m glad awareness is growing. The deaf community has been overlooked for such a long time. I hope this heightens awareness of the bishops throughout the world,” the priest added.

The Vatican’s new “No One Excluded” project offers interpreters in Italian and American Sign Language. Along with the YouTube channel dedicated to accessibility for people with communication challenges, an app will be made available in the next few months

CNS SCREEN GRAB/VATICAN NEWS VIA YOUTUBE

This is an image from the Vatican American Sign Language YouTube site. The service started March 31. for people with sensory disabilities, Vatican News reported.

The effort is being piloted for one year, and there are hopes of expanding it to include other sign languages. Deacon Bruce Flagg, ordained this year as one of the few deaf deacons in the country, said he wanted to thank the pope for his “dedication to inclusion on behalf of the deaf throughout the world.”

up the church.

“This requires solidity of faith and consistency of behavior and actions,” he wrote in the document published April 30. Still, the new law says, the pope must give his “prior consent” before a cardinal or bishop is tried by city-state’s court.

The court handles crimes against Vatican civil law, not the Catholic Church’s Code of Canon Law.

Construction workers killed on job remembered in special Mass

S

ILVER SPRING, Md. (CNS) — Eighteen construction workers from the Washington, D.C., region who lost their lives on the job during the past year were memorialized April 28 in the first observance in the Archdiocese of Washington of International Workers’ Memorial Day. In a Mass celebrated at St. Camillus Church in Silver Spring, the 18 workers from Washington, Maryland and Northern Virginia were symbolized by white hard hats bearing their names set upon chairs circling the parish altar. A 19th hard hat with no name was looped with a blue surgical mask to symbolize an unknown number of construction trade workers who died from COVID-19.

A single red rose was also on each chair. Franciscan Father Brian Jordan, pastor of St. Camillus, related how some of the workers had died: crushed or suffocated in collapsed trenches; injured in falls, struck by vehicles or other objects, or electrocuted. He noted that according to data kept by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, OSHA, while construction workers make up 4% of the U.S. workforce, they account for 20% of workplace fatalities.

CLASSIFIEDS

12 EMPLOYMENT Family and consumer science teacher - Bishop Miege High School is seeking a family and consumer science teacher for the 2021-22 school year. Classes to be taught will be: foods, child development and interior design.

Send letter of interest and resume to Mariann Jaksa at: mjaksa@bishopmiege.com.

Middle school science teacher - Prince of Peace School is seeking a full-time middle school science/ STEM teacher for the 2021-22 school year. Candidates must hold a valid Kansas teaching certificate and be licensed to teach 7th - 8th-grade science. Candidates must be faith-filled, student centered, and work well with colleagues. For more information, contact Jane Shriver at: jshriver@popolathe.org or (913) 764-0650.

Lead consultant for special needs - The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas has a full-time, benefits-eligible position open for a lead consultant for the office of special needs. This position is responsible for assisting parishes with the delivery of parish-based ministries and services for children and adults with special needs. It includes but is not limited to assisting parishes and pastoral regions in identifying needs, designing programs/initiatives, implementing ministries and monitoring the ongoing pastoral efficacy of such ministries. The incumbent manages dayto-day operations of the office of special-needs ministry and advocates for children and adults with special needs across the archdiocese; ensures access for those with special needs to situation-appropriate Christian formation, sacramental preparation, liturgy and other events at parishes; and supervises consultants and other employees assigned to the department. This position requires a bachelor’s degree in pastoral care, special education, social work or related field; a minimum of three years’ experience working with individuals with developmental and physical disabilities, vision and hearing loss or other special needs; and a practicing Catholic registered in a Catholic parish or faith community, and must embrace in word and deed the church’s teachings on faith and morals as articulated by the church’s magisterium. Qualified individuals must submit a cover letter, resume and application. To apply, please visit: www.archkck.org/jobs. Application deadline is May 27.

Retreat team - The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas has a full-time, benefits-eligible position open for a retreat team member at Prairie Star Ranch. The retreat team member performs a variety of programmatic and development activities for the retreat team internship program, specifically targeted at the facilitation of retreat programs. The position includes coordination with the director of the retreat center to facilitate retreat programs and host specific user groups. The retreat team member works with user groups, youth ministers, pastors and others to develop a higher level of service and hospitality for the ministry both on-site and off. In addition to the programming dimension, the position requires time spent in an intentional Catholic community, with time in communal prayer, personal prayer and Catholic formation. There is some manual labor and food service associated with the position as well as an expectation of high professionalism and motivation. This position requires a bachelor’s degree in religious studies, theology, education, human relations or related field; must be a practicing Catholic, registered in a Catholic parish or faith community, and must embrace in word and deed the church’s teachings on faith and morals as articulated by the church’s magisterium. Previous experience in Catholic camp ministries preferred. Qualified individuals must submit a cover letter, resume and application. To apply, please visit: www.archkck.org/jobs.

Application deadline is May 27.

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 parttime 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.

Part-time stylists - 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 that specializes in dresses for mothers of the bride/groom and galas is looking for part-time stylists.

Our boutique is a warehouse environment where clients come in by appointment only. You must have a sense of style and a great personality to be able to interact with our “moms.” Hours are flexible. Must be willing to work a minimum of one evening per week and weekends. Must be able to stand and walk on concrete for long periods of time and reach overhead to pull gowns. Previous retail experience preferred, but not necessary. Hourly rate is based on experience. If interested, call (913) 730-8840.

Administrative assistant for evangelization, formation and outreach - This position provides front office administrative support to two department directors as well as other staff, including, but not limited to, RE, youth sacrament preparation, adult education, youth ministry, VBS and CGS. This is a year-round, part-time position that normally works Monday through Friday with occasional, infrequent evening and weekend duties. For additional details, a comprehensive job description or to apply, please visit the website at: stmichaelcp.org/ employment-opportunities or contact Denise Greene at: denise.greene@stmichaelcp.org or (913) 402-3984.

Second grade teacher - St. Ann School is seeking a second grade teacher for the 2021-22 school year. Applicants should apply online through the archdiocesan website at: www.archkckcs.org and email principal Liz Minks at: lminks@stannpv.org.

Fifth grade teacher - St. Ann School is seeking a fifth grade homeroom teacher for the 2021-22 school year.

Applicants should apply online through the archdiocesan website at: www.archkckcs.org and email principal Liz Minks at: lminks@stannpv.org.

Technology teacher - St. Ann School is seeking a parttime technology teacher, approximately 20 hours per week, for computer and keyboarding skills for grades K - 6. This teacher will also potentially work with middle school students in elective courses. Applicants should apply online through the archdiocesan website at: www. archkckcs.org and email principal Liz Minks at: lminks@ stannpv.org.

Latin teacher - St. Michael the Archangel School is seeking a full-time Latin teacher for the 2021-22 school year. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a passion for evangelization and discipleship and have experience teaching Latin.

Please send resume and cover letter to the parish school, attention Dr. Lorenzo Rizzi, 14251 Nall Ave., Leawood, KS 66223 or to: lorenzo.rizzi@stmichaelcp.org.

Middle school science teacher - Prince of Peace School is seeking a full-time middle school science/ STEM teacher for the 2021-22 school year. Candidates must hold a valid Kansas teaching certificate and be licensed to teach 7 - 8th grade science. Candidates must be faith-filled, student-centered and work well with colleagues. For more information, please contact Jane Shriver at: jshriver@popolathe.org or (913) 764-0650.

Part-time director of religious education - Holy Family in Eudora is seeking a part-time director of religious education. The director is responsible for coordinating religious education classes for children ages K - 12, first Communion preparation, confirmation preparation, vacation Bible school and other duties. This is a paid position at 10 - 15 hours per week. Please contact the pastor at (785) 542-2788 or email: hfceudora@sunflower.com.

Campus minister - A full-time position of leadership within our Good Company campus ministry charged with overseeing the success of our Good Company campus ministry; management of the lead and team positions; student leadership development; assisting in the effective implementation of the St. Lawrence playbook; and responsibility for making sure any Good Company initiatives fall in line with our core values; daring to stand out; forming fullness in each person; living the art of relationship; and building a culture of home. This individual will provide leadership, coordination and talents in the area of leadership within Good Company with the goal of creating a culture of home at St. Lawrence and equipping student leaders with the tools necessary for evangelization. Specific responsibilities include overseeing the Good Company mission and vision; creatively implementing Good Company outreach events; writing content and leading an effective structure of all Good Company team meetings; creating a seeker-oriented retreat; mentoring and disciplining students; and is a strong relational presence in and outside of the St. Lawrence Center. Qualifications for the campus minister are a strong desire and natural ability to evangelize on a secular university campus; an ability to relate to different types of people; and at least two years’ ministry experience. The Good Company campus minister at St. Lawrence must work well on a team and must be comfortable having courageous conversations that contribute to staff unity and team development. She/he must be a strong witness of the Catholic faith and committed to discipleship in their own life. Email inquires and resumes to Stacy Cretors at: scretors@kucatholic.org.

Social media and digital communications manager The Benedictine Sisters of Mount St. Scholastica are looking for a creative, energetic individual to be responsible for the planning, creation and execution of Mount St. Scholastica’s digital communications. This position is responsible for updating, maintaining and creating content for our organization’s website. This role will work to ensure that messages and brand are consistent across all online and social platforms while building and measuring engagement with our audience on social media. This position will work closely with the communications team to produce fresh and engaging content, including video, that tells Mount St. Scholastica’s story within the scope of an integrated communications strategy. The ideal candidate will have a bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications or related business area; 3+ years of experience in social media/digital communications, using industry standard software products for web design, word processing and video editing. Interested individuals should submit a cover letter and resume to Sister Helen Mueting at: hmueting@mountosb.org.

Catholic Community Hospice - Come work for Catholic Community Hospice. We are a loving, compassionate and not-for-profit hospice agency. Visit us at: https:// catholiccharitiesks.org/careers/.

Career positions at Ryan Lawn - Full-time career positions at Ryan Lawn & Tree for people who have a passion for plants, working outdoors and customer service. Put your degree to work in the outdoors. We are faith-based and 100% employee-owned. We offer careers in forestry (both plant healthy and pruning), turf, pest and landscaping. With 350 associates in five branches, we have growth careers for the right people. We expect a lot. We can teach you our industry if you want to learn and are willing to work hard. If you or someone you know is interested, apply online at: RyanLawn.com.

Program coordinator: human rights - The Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph is seeking to fill the program coordinator: human rights job opening. This position will assist the development, implementation and maintenance of diocesan programs related to church teaching on contemporary social issues. This is a part-time position. Please visit “Job Openings” at: www.kcsjcatholic. org for a complete job description and to apply.

Small equipment technician - Do you enjoy tinkering and working with your hands? Then this is the job for you!

We are a small, family-owned local company looking for someone who is handy with small equipment and enjoys traveling every now and then. We need team members with a positive attitude who are flexible, dependable, self-motivated, mechanically inclined, customer-service oriented and have great time management skills. Mostly on the job training. Electrical knowledge is a plus. Please send your resume to: Yourcareer101@gmail.com.

Lead preschool teacher - St. Ann Young Child Center is currently seeking a lead teacher for a full-time threeyears-old classroom. The lead teacher is responsible for creating lesson plans and teaching a classroom of 12 students with an aide, M - F. The lead preschool teacher is also responsible for maintaining proper qualifications for licensure through the Kansas Department of Health and Environment and for maintaining the principles of Catholic education. If you are interested, please contact Cara Schwarz, preschool director, at (913) 362-4660 and/or send resume and cover letter to: cschwarz@stannpv.org.

Language arts teacher - St. Michael the Archangel School is seeking a faith-filled, eighth-grade language arts teacher willing to also sponsor student council and/ or yearbook. Interested applicants should complete the teacher application process at: archkckcs.org. Please contact the principal, Dr. Lorenzo Rizzi, at: lorenzo.rizzi@ stmichaelcp.org for more information.

Associate director, catechesis and faith formation The Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph is seeking to fill the associate director, catechesis and faith formation job opening. This position provides catechetical and discipleship leader training and mentoring services that equip parishes to evangelize/form parishioners and increase ministerial leadership capacity. This is a full-time, benefits-eligible position. The diocese offers a comprehensive benefits program, including medical, dental and vision plans, STD/LTD fully paid by the employer, retirement plans including a 403(b) plan and a defined benefit pension plan. Paid time off includes generous paid holidays, vacation and sick leaves. Note: All diocesan employees are required to consent to a background check and sign and acknowledge the ethics and integrity in ministry code of conduct prior to hire. Completion of Protecting God’s Children training is required within 30 days of hire. Go online to: www.kcsjcatholic.org and click on “Get Started” and scroll down to “Job Openings” for more information and to apply.

Director of marketing/advertisement - Donnelly College is looking for a creative, flexible and organized director of marketing and communications to increase awareness of the Donnelly College brand with a particular focus on advancing enrollment and philanthropy. As a position that is both strategic and tactical, and housed within the advancement division, the director of marketing and communications is a critical driver of developing and implementing strategy to help the college achieve its mission and vision by reaching key target audiences such as prospective students and families, alumni, institutional partners, media investors and the public. The candidate should have the following qualifications: a bachelor’s degree required, preference given to persons with degrees in marketing, communications or journalism or to persons with a related master’s degree; working knowledge of social media platforms required; working knowledge of web design platforms required; preference given to those with bilingual skills and those with experience at an academic institution working with people of diverse backgrounds; committed to diversity and serving a diverse population.

Please email your cover letter, resume and transcripts to: hr@donnelly.edu with “Director of Marketing Advertising” in the subject line.

Accountant - The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas has a full-time, benefits-eligible position open for an accountant. This position performs professional accounting activities, including analysis and reconciliation of general ledger and subsidiary accounts, revenue and expenditure accounts, and the preparation and distribution of monthly reports to departments. The incumbent maintains the deposit and loan system records; prepares monthly statements for account holders; and prepares financial reports, budgets and year-end audit schedules.

This position requires a bachelor’s degree in accounting with at least two years’ relevant accounting work including: experience maintaining accurate financial records; preparing reports; preparing financial or auditor statements; schedules and reports. Qualified individuals must submit a cover letter, resume and application. Please visit: www.archkck.org/jobs to apply. Deadline is May 17.

Bookkeeping position - Christ the King Church in Kansas City, Kansas, is searching for a candidate to serve the parish and school in accounting. This part-time position will require 20-25 hours per week, with compensation reflecting the candidate’s level of competence and education. The ideal candidate will be competent in Quick Books and Microsoft Office, have the ability to oversee the administration of employee benefits and have the bearing of a servant leader in dealing with parish employees, parishioners and school families. Interested applicants should contact the pastor of Christ the King, Father Blaha, at: revnb@pm.me for application information, or view the job description at: ctkkcks.org.

MAY 7, 2O21 | THELEAVEN.ORG Career opportunity - Due to the growth of the Knights of Columbus, we are looking for professional men who are interested in helping fellow Catholics with their faith, family and finances. This is a full-time career opportunity that will allow you to be your own boss and a respected professional member of the community. If you or someone you know is self-motivated, good with time management and has a desire to succeed, this might be the opening you’ve been looking for. Benefits include unlimited professional income potential, flexibility, quality training program and incentive award trips such as Rome, Hawaii and Ireland. There are openings in northeast Kansas and western Missouri. If you want to serve your community, strengthen the church and change the world, call John Mahon at our regional office at (785) 408-8800 or toll free at (855) 356-4849.

Social mission and outreach coordinator - St. Michael the Archangel Parish is seeking a proactive, organized and approachable professional to serve as the social mission and outreach coordinator. This role is responsible for coordinating activities of various parish ministries, committees, volunteers and projects while assuring a high degree of outreach to the local community.

The position is approximately 25 hours per week with occasional evening and weekend responsibilities. Go online to: stmichaelcp.org/employment-opportunities for a full job description. Submit cover letter and resume to: Denise.Greene@stmichaelcp.org.

Drivers and aides - Assisted Transportation is now hiring safe drivers and aides to transport students with special needs in Johnson, Wyandotte and Clay County, Missouri, in company vans. Drivers earn $14 - $16 per hour. Aides earn $12 per hour. Part-time and full-time schedules available.

CDL not required. Retirees encouraged to apply. Make a difference in your community by helping those in need. Call (913) 521-4955 for more information. EEO Part-time servers - Santa Marta is recognized as a premier senior living community in Olathe. You will make a positive difference when you join the Santa Marta team as a server.

Responsibilities include: serve meals to residents in a professional and hospitable manner in either independent living or health care neighborhoods; respectful interaction and communication with residents and co-workers as required; work with a team in a professional manner within dining and other departments; use proper food handling and cleaning techniques; set-up and clean the dining rooms after each dining session. Part-time servers are normally scheduled 3 - 5 shifts per week (evenings 4 - 8 p.m. and weekend breakfast, lunch and dinner shifts). $10 - $11 hourly rate, depending on relevant experience. Part-time associates earn paid time off for hours worked. To apply, go online to: santamarta retirement.com, then go to “More,” then scroll down and click on “Careers.” Then scroll down to the bottom of that page and download the application form.

Communications director - Queen of the Holy Rosary Parish in Overland Park is creating the position of communications director. The successful candidate will work directly with Father Bill Bruning and the parishioner chairs of the communications committee, the evangelization committee and will coordinate the volunteers who will be responsible for our livestreaming and online presence. The job will also require marketing skills in the form of branding and marketing communications. Interested persons are invited to review the job description and send their resume to: qhradmin@qhr-opks.org.

Full-time assistant teachers - With multiple locations in Johnson County, Special Beginnings Early Learning Center provides high quality child care in a safe, loving Christian environment. With a balanced curriculum of pre-academics and the right environment, we believe we are providing the children the foundation to e successful in life. We are looking for full-time assistant teachers for all ages who have an excellent work ethic, a heart for children and a willingness to learn more about early childhood education. Experience and/or education is a plus, but we will train the right candidate. Duties include supervising and ensuring the safely and well-being of the children at all times; following predetermined curriculum and daily schedule; decorating the class and keeping classrooms clean and orderly; creating and filling out daily reports for each child; communicating with parent; meeting children’s basic needs (diapers, bottles, etc.). Must be patient and able to respond to difficult situations calmly; have good interpersonal skills with coworkers, parents and children; and be able to lift 25 pounds on a regular basis. There are opportunities for career advancement.

For more information or to apply, call Carolyn Andruss at (913) 894-0131, option 3.

Instructor, faculty faith formation - Holy Family School of Faith is looking for a tenacious, innovative and courageous missionary heart to help run our school faculty formation sessions. Expectations include leading faculty formation sessions, regular team meetings, curriculum design and planning, collaboration with our team and a commitment to live the movement of friendship, good conversation and the rosary. The ideal candidate will be in good standing with the church, have teaching experience and be well formed in the faith. If you are interested, contact Chris Hillyer at: Chris@ SchoolOfFaith.com.

Part-time office assistant - Looking for a job where you can make a difference and you’re not just a nameless face?

Come join our family-owned small company that’s been established locally in the medical instruments field for almost 40 years. We are looking for a full-time candidate who is detail-oriented, organized, self-motivated, dependable, customer-service oriented, friendly and has excellent communication skills. Job tasks include invoicing, vendor relations, product ordering and receiving/shipping. Computer skills are a must and QuickBooks a plus! Please send your resume to: Yourcareer101@gmail.com. >> Classifieds continue on page 13

MAY 7, 2021 | THELEAVEN.ORG

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS BARBECUE FUNDRAISER St. Agnes Parish 5250 Mission Rd., Roeland Park May 7 - 12 orders by email May 22 pickup from 1 - 5 p.m.

Knights of Columbus John Roe Council 3020 is selling barbecue prepared by award-winning pit-master Paul Kirk. Orders taken through May 12; pickup on May 22. St. Louis-style spare ribs are $20 per slab and baby back ribs are $25 per slab. Orders must be paid in advance. For more information or to place your order, contact Grand Knight Keith Krull at: stag.kofc@gmail.com.

OUTDOOR ROSARY Civic Center Park 200 E. Santa Fe St., Olathe May 13 at 7 p.m.

Everyone is invited to join in praying the rosary for world peace in honor of the memorial of Our Lady of Fatima. For more information, call Barbara at (913) 481-1745.

MEMORIAL LITURGY Curé of Ars 9405 Mission Rd., Leawood May 15 at 8 a.m.

There will be a memorial liturgy for deceased loved ones followed by a grief support meeting in the Father Burak Room. The topic will be: “Understanding and Dealing with Grief.” For more information, call (913) 649-2026.

ST. ISIDORE DAY RETREAT Christ’s Peace House of Prayer 22131 Meagher Rd., Easton May 15 from 10:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

>> Continued from page 12 Doll dresses - First Communion dresses for American Girl dolls or any 18” dolls. To include dress, veil, shoes, tights, and cross necklace for $35. Call (913) 345-9498 or send an email to: wwelch4@kc.rr.com to order. The dress is on display at Trinity House, 6731 W. 119th St., Overland Park.

Assistants - Assistants needed to provide support for developmentally disabled adults in a day program setting. Hours are 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. five days a week. Health, dental and vision premiums paid in full after two months of employment. Join us for meaningful, fulfilling relationships with our community. Larcheks.org.

Food service - St. Joseph School in Shawnee has a job opening in food service for the 2021-22 school year. The hours are Monday - Friday from 8:30 a.m. - 1:45 p.m. when lunch is offered. Perfect job for a mom. Call Kathy Hirt at (913) 631-7730.

Full-time elementary teacher - Sacred Heart School in Ottawa is seeking a full-time elementary teacher for the 2021-22 school year. Candidates must hold a current Kansas teaching license and be certified to teach K - 5. Interested applicants should complete the teacher application process at: www.archkckcs.org. For more information, please contact Lisa Blaes at: lblaes@sacred heartottawa.eduk12.net.

Direct support professional - Goodlife Innovations in Lawrence and in Johnson County is urgently hiring direct support professionals to help provide care, teach skills and hang out with adults with disabilities. Full- and parttime shifts available. Average pay of $14 - $16.33 per hour. Apply today at: https://mygoodlife.org/careers/.

SERVICES Handyman - I wanted to let you all know that we do basement finishes, deck building, bathroom and kitchen remodeling. This includes tile work, cabinet refinishing, and any sheetrock work. We also do all things flooring, siding, windows, doors, covered porches, sheds and much more. I really appreciate all your support. Please call Joshua Doherty at (913) 709-7230.

CALENDAR/CLASSIFIEDS Join us for a special Mass in honor of St. Isidore, the patron saint of farmers, on his feast day. The day will begin with Mass followed by a procession to the St. Isidore Shrine. Bring seeds and soil in a small decorated basket to be placed at the altar for blessing. After lunch and a time of fellowship, there will be a spiritual conference on Pope St. John Paul II’s encyclical, “On Human Work” (“Laborem Exercens”), eucharistic adoration and evening prayer. A freewill offering will be taken up during the retreat. For more information, send an email to: info@christspeace.com or call (913) 773-8255.

DISABILITY RESOURCE SERIES FOR PARENTS, GUARDIANS AND SELF-ADVOCATES Via Zoom May 20 and at 8:30 p.m.

Sessions include: “Working Healthy” (by Shannon Beat, benefits specialist). Register online at: www.archkck.org/special-needs. The Zoom link will be sent the day before each session. Contact Tom Racunas at: tracunas@arch kck.org or Jill Reffett at: jillreffett@embraceks. org with questions.

A SPIRITUALITY OF THE HEART ONLINE OPEN HOUSE Via Zoom May 23 from 7 - 8 p.m.

Have you been longing in your heart for a closer relationship with God or been searching for means to deepen your prayer life? The Daughters of St. Francis de Sales offer a practical means of living a life devoted to God in everyday life with a family of spiritual friends, united in a bond of love and support. We invite you to join our upcoming virtual open house to learn more about this gentle saint, his spirituality of the heart and our association. For meeting details, email:

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

Bankruptcy consultation - If debts are overwhelming you, seek hope and help from compassionate, experienced Catholic attorney, Teresa Kidd. For a free consultation, call (913) 422-0610; send an email to: tkidd@kc.rr. com; or visit the website at: www.teresakiddlaw.com.

Please do not wait until life seems hopeless before getting good quality legal advice that may solve your financial stress.

FREE LIFE INSURANCE QUOTE IN LESS THAN A MINUTE - For your free, no obligation life insurance or final expense quote from a dozen highly rated carriers, visit: www.mcevoyins.com or call (913) 481-2896. Sean McEvoy, Donnelly College graduate, and Bill McEvoy, Ascension parishioner.

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.

Win disability benefits - Disabled and no longer able to work? Get help winning Social Security disability benefits. Free consultation. Eight years’ experience. No fee unless you win. Call (785) 331-6452 or send an email to: montemace2000@yahoo.com or visit http://www. montemacedisability.org.

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

Call Joe, mention The Leaven discount.

A Total Door (913) 236-6440.

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.

HOME IMPROVEMENT

Senior Care Authority - Navigating senior care options can be overwhelming. We’ll help you sort through and understand all your care and living options and point you to vetted resources. Placement assistance is FREE. We do a thorough assessment, do all the research and walk with you as you make these big decisions for you or your loved one. Call (913) 359-8580.

STA (Sure Thing Always) Home Repair - Basement finish, bathrooms and kitchens; interior & exterior repairs: painting, roofing, siding, wood replacement and window glazing. Free estimates. Call (913) 579-1835. Email: smokey cabin@hotmail.com. Member of Holy Trinity, Lenexa.

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: pathway prepkc.com and contact Alex Pint at (913) 991-8217 or: alex@pathwayprepkc.com.

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

haydee@sfdsassociation.org or visit our website at: www.sfdsassociation.org and look for a link in our “Welcome” box to register.

WAR HORSES FOR VETERANS D-DAY RIDE 5600 W. 183rd St., Stillwell June 6 at 8 a.m.

This motorcycle ride is being hosted by the Father Donnelly Division of the Ancient Order of Hibernians. WHFV is a nonprofit organization that provides equestrian therapy for veterans and first responders. The 103-mile ride will begin at WHFV with stops at American Legion and VFW posts. It will end at Rawhide Harley Davidson, Olathe.

Absolutely no alcohol during the ride. The cost is: $25 per rider; $10 per passenger.

For registration and details go online to: horsesforveterans.com.

SPECIAL-NEEDS FAMILY CAMP Prairie Star Ranch 1124 California Rd., Williamsburg June 18 - 20

Enjoy a weekend of fun and family at Camp Tekakwitha. Register online at: www. archkck.org/special-needs.

ST. JOSEPH RETREAT: ‘WITH A FATHER’S HEART’ Christ’s Peace House of Prayer 22131 Meagher Rd., Easton June 25 - 27

The retreat will begin on June 25 at 6 p.m. with supper. In this year dedicated to St. Joseph, enter into the movement and develop a deeper relationship with our spiritual father as we learn about consecration to St. Joseph.

For more information, send an email to: info@ christspeace.com or call (913) 773-8255.

EL SOL Y LA TIERRA *Commercial & residential *Lawn renovation *Mowing *Clean -up and hauling *Dirt grading/installation *Landscape design *Free estimates Hablamos y escribimos Ingles!!

Call Lupe at (816) 252-1391 Painting - Diamond Painting, (913) 648-4933, Residential/Commercial, Exterior/interior, Free Estimate, Affordable, Decks, DiamondPaintKc.com, KCMO/Overland Park Metropolitan area.

Interior Painting Specialist Wall cracks repaired, fully insured.

Serving the area for 20 years.

Call Jerry (913) 206-1144.

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.

Popcorn ceiling texture removal Cracks repaired and wall painting available.

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

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

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

Everything is guaranteed 100% (913) 461-4052 www.windowservicesoverlandpark.com drcconswindows@gmail.com

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.

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

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

13 CATHOLIC HEART WORKCAMP Kansas City area July 12 - 15

If you know of anyone needing minor home repairs, painting or yard cleanup, contact the managers by email at: chwc.kc@ gmail.com or call (402) 306-9043. You will need to leave a message if you call. Safety guidelines are in place to meet the current CDC guidelines regarding COVID.

TOTUS TUUS FOR PEOPLE WITH SPECIAL NEEDS Prince of Peace Parish 16000 W. 143rd St., Olathe July 19 - 23

Come join others and learn about Totus Tuus. Register online at: www.archkck.org/ special-needs.

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

There will be a variety of camps for students entering grades K - 8. Registration and further information are available online at: www.stasaints.net/summercamps. For more information, call (913) 319-2416 or email: btriggs@stasaints.net.

CALENDAR submissions DEADLINE: Noon, Thursday, 10 days before the desired publication date.

INCLUDE: time and date of event; street address; description of event.

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

REAL ESTATE Get Instant Cash Offer on Your Johnson County Home!

Skip the Showings Move on Your Schedule Low Fee Structure Get Started Today! www.FullPriceHomeSale.com OFFER CODE KS01 We buy houses and whole estates - We are local and family owned, and will make you a fair cash offer. We buy houses in any condition. No fees or commissions and can close on the date of your choice. Selling your house as is never felt so good. Jon & Stacy Bichelmeyer (913) 599-5000 CASH FOR YOUR HOME (913) 980-4905 Any condition in the metro area Mark Edmondson - local parishioner http://www.buykcproperty.com Whole Estates Need to sell a home and everything in it?

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

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

FOR SALE HOLY ART Religious items and church supplies Made in Italy http://www.holyart.com 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)

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

Caregiving - 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.

14

COLUMNISTS

DAILY READINGS SIXTH WEEK OF EASTER May 9 SIXTH SUNDAY OF EASTER Acts 10: 25-26, 34-35, 44-48 Ps 98: 1-4 1 Jn 4: 7-10 Jn 15: 9-17 May 10 Damien de Veuster, priest Acts 16: 11-15 Ps 149: 1b-6a, 9b Jn 15:26 – 16:4a May 11 Tuesday Acts 16: 22-34 Ps 138: 1-3, 7c-8 Jn 16: 5-11 May 12 Nereus and Achilleus, martyrs; Pancras, martyr Acts 17:15, 22 – 18:1 Ps 148: 1-2, 11-14 Jn 16: 12-15 May 13 Our Lady of Fatima Acts 18: 1-8 Ps 98: 1-4 Jn 16: 16-20 May 14 MATTHIAS, APOSTLE Acts 1: 15-17, 20-26 Ps 113: 1-8 Jn 15: 9-17 May 15 St. Isidore Acts 18: 23-28 Ps 47: 2-3, 8-10 Jn 16: 23b-28

S

Damien de Veuster 1840-1889 Born in Tremelo, Belgium, Joseph de Veuster left school at 13 to work on the family farm. Six years later, he joined the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary, taking the name Damien. He volunteered for a mission to the Hawaiian Islands and was ordained in Honolulu in 1864. He served on the island of Hawaii for eight years, then volunteered in 1873 to work at the leprosy colony on Molokai (leprosy is now called Hansen’s disease). Father Damien was priest, doctor and counselor to 800 patients before he contracted the disease in 1884. He stayed on Molokai, ministering until a month before his death. Considered a model and martyr of charity, he was canonized in 2009.

The revolution has begun; it’s time to bear arms

urprisingly, someone is calling Christians to actively participate in a revolution.

And that someone is none other than Pope Francis himself!

It’s not a new call, but one that the pope has mentioned often since his election in 2013. And though he’s been powerfully leading this charge, is anyone following? Unlike revolutions based on violence and intimidation, though, this is a revolution of tenderness, modeled for us by the lives of Jesus and Mary.

Pope Francis elaborated on this theme in his first encyclical “The Joy of the Gospel” (“Evangelii Gaudium”) where he wrote: “The Son of God, by becoming flesh, summoned us to the revolution of tenderness” (88). Jesus must have seen this first in his mother, as the pope noted: “Whenever we look to Mary, we come to believe once again in the revolutionary nature of love and tenderness. In her, we see that humility

I

MAY 7, 2O21 | THELEAVEN.ORG

MARK MY WORDS

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

and tenderness are not virtues of the weak, but of the strong who need not treat others poorly in order to feel important themselves” (288).

The life of Jesus was a testament to this.

While others tended to shy away from or isolate people with leprosy, those possessed by demons or folks considered public sinners, Jesus embraced them with tenderness.

I’ve been thinking a lot about tenderness, especially after reading Tom Racunas’ column

on the next page. He reminds us that May is Mental Health Awareness Month and gives practical suggestions on how to educate ourselves and make good use of this time.

The pandemic has wreaked havoc on everyone’s mental health to varying degrees. A first place to heal some of its negative effects is to do a self-inventory and handle ourselves with some tenderness.

We should start, of course, with prayer, Scripture and quiet reflection. Additionally, these simple and practical suggestions from Mental Health America can further bolster our spirits: • Make a list of your successes in a journal.

• Send a thank-you note to someone.

• Spend some time with a pet.

• Get off the grid. Get yourself a break from your cellphone, social media and the news.

• Work your strengths; do something you’re good at.

• Take time to laugh.

• Yawn: Studies say it cools the brain and improves alertness.

Most importantly, though, we best practice self-care when we extend tenderness to others. This story shows how important that is: A small boy was tucked into bed one evening while his parents held a party. After turning on the nightlight, the mom kissed her son and told him not to be afraid because Jesus was there with him. She then closed the door and rejoined the guests downstairs.

After 10 minutes or so, the mom was surprised to see her son peeking through the upstairs bannister. She scooped him up and put him back into bed. The little boy said that he

got up because he was scared.

The mom replied, “Sweetheart, don’t you remember that I said you don’t need to be afraid because Jesus is here with you?”

“I know that Jesus is here,” said the little guy, “but right now, I want somebody around with skin on!”

Don’t we all? If there’s one lesson the pandemic has taught us, it’s this: As good as it was to be able to connect with others via phone, email or Zoom, it could never replace actually being in the presence of one another, with “skin on.”

That’s how tenderness is most effectively shown.

Let’s not leave Pope Francis out there on his own. It’s time for us to bear arms — not those that shoot bullets, but arms that extend in welcome to others; arms that soothe the hurting; arms that work for justice for the oppressed; and arms that lift others up in encouragement and hope.

Onward, Christian soldiers!

God calls us to the difficult act of loving one another

don’t often laugh out loud at signs in front of churches, but I did for a moment as I walked past a church this morning and read: “We believe the unbelievable.”

That’s good, I thought. The folks here happily acknowledge that Christianity isn’t composed simply of obvious statements about reality.

Some things Christians believe are deeply mysterious — not literally unbelievable, but close to it. But, hey, those who posted the sign seemed to be saying, if we can believe these things, you can, too!

Sunday’s second reading is certainly filled with the almost

,

KEVIN PERROTTA Perrotta is the editor and an author of the “Six Weeks with the Bible” series, teaches part time at Siena Heights University and leads Holy Land pilgrimages. He lives in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

unbelievable. “God sent his only Son into the world,” the biblical writer John tells us.

This son, just as much

God as his Father (now there’s a huge mystery) has become a human being (no less huge a mystery). And why?

God “sent his Son as expiation for our sins.”

Expiation of sins means removing them.

Here we have the mystery that Jesus’ death remedies our sinfulness — and the mystery that our sins needed such an extreme remedy.

Finally, also deeply mysterious, through Jesus’ expiating death

and resurrection — if we will believe it — God has given us a new life. He has made a fundamental change in us. We are “begotten by God.” God has re-created us, placing his Spirit in us.

John not only declares God’s actions.

He calls us to act. “Let us love one another,” he says. Here the challenge is not to believe the almost unbelievable but to practice the often impractical.

To love other people is hardly common-sense advice.

“Keep a sharp lookout for scoundrels and fools” would be wiser, based on general experience. But no, John says, go beyond that kind of wisdom and love even those

of whom you should beware.

There is a connection between what John tells us about God and the way of life he urges us to undertake.

Love originates in God (“God is love”) and has come to us (“In this is love: not that we have loved God, but that he loved us”).

God’s initiative empowers us to step out and live in the unexpected, difficult, even dangerous way of loving other people.

Without God’s mysterious movement toward us, how could we ever do that?

Perhaps when the folks at the church take down their present sign, they could put up another like it: “We do the impossible!”

Pope calls for monthlong global prayer marathon for end of pandemic VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Francis has called for a global prayer marathon for the entire month of May, praying for the end to the pandemic.

“The initiative will involve in a special way all shrines in the world” in promoting the initiative so that individuals, families and communities all take part in reciting the rosary “to pray for the end

of the pandemic,” said the Pontifical Council for Promoting New Evangelization in a press release April 21.

“It is the heartfelt desire of the Holy Father that the month of May be dedicated to a prayer marathon dedicated to the theme, ‘from the entire church an unceasing prayer rises to God,’” it said.

The theme refers to the

miraculous event recounted in the Acts of the Apostles (12:1-12) when all the church prayed for Peter, who was imprisoned until God sent an angel to free him, illustrating how the Christian community comes together to pray in the face of danger and how the Lord listens and performs an unexpected miracle.

COLUMNISTS

MAY 7, 2021 | THELEAVEN.ORG

15

Outdated thinking keeps us from helping where we can and should

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xcessive worrying. Avoiding friends and social activities. Abusing alcohol or drugs. Strong feelings of irritability or anger. Extreme mood swings. Feeling excessively sad. Thoughts of suicide.

These are some of the common symptoms of mental illness.

“Ah, but I’m not mentally ill,” you say.

No, maybe not right now. But we have all experienced mental illness in the past and we may experience it in the future.

We have been physically ill in the past and, in all likelihood, we will experience physical illness in the future as well. Mental illness is just that: an illness.

Like other illnesses, a continuum of symp-

REACHING OUT

TOM RACUNAS Tom Racunas is the lead consultant for the archdiocesan special-needs ministry. He can be reached by email at: tracunas@archkck.org.

toms occur that range from mild to severe.

When symptoms are mild, a few good nights of sleep, exercise and talking to a trusted friend can help us feel better in a few days. When symptoms

are more moderate to severe and persistent, we may need to see a health care professional, participate in counseling and/or therapy sessions and take medication.

When our physical symptoms are severe and persistent, our parish community is there for us. They prepare meals, do laundry, run errands, offer to take the kids for a few

hours, pray with us and for us, call to ask how we are doing and, sometimes, sit with us and hold our hand.

All too often, this is not the response for people and their families who suffer from severe and persistent mental illness.

The person with the mental illness and their family bear the additional burden of the stigma of shame and the shunning we unintentionally place on them. This creates a great barrier to them participating meaningfully in the life of the church — participation that could aid their healing.

The Gospel calls us to a different response.

In 2018, the bishops of California issued a pastoral letter on caring for those who

suffer from mental illness. They detailed six simple and convincing principles to guide that response: 1) Christ calls us to attend to those who suffer from mental illness and provide hope and healing; 2) The scope and burden of mental illness in our society is enormous. We are all affected by mental health concerns; 3) Those suffering from mental illness should not be stigmatized or judged; 4) The church, health professionals and scientific researchers should work together to improve mental health care; 5) We must meet and attend to those in need where they are; and 6) Those impacted by suicide need our compassionate response.

May is Mental

Health Awareness Month. If you want to help change the response, mental health literacy programs are available for individuals or parish groups.

If you, a loved one or someone you know is struggling, there is help. Catholic counselors are available throughout the archdiocese. There are support groups for those who have lost a loved one to suicide or sudden death.

The Calix Society is a Catholic support group for those with addictions. For more information, go online to: www.archkck.org/ special-needs and click on “Mental Health” at the top or send an email to: tracunas@ archkck.org.

Saint Dymphna, pray for us.

Marriage, like holiness, is something we must work at daily

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y wife and I were blessed to witness the wedding of a couple who received their marriage preparation from us.

The priest who would receive their consent to enter into holy matrimony asked the couple to turn toward one another and join their right hands.

The priest then held a crucifix on their hands as they declared their “promise to be faithful to you, in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health, to love you and honor you all the days of my life.”

The good times and bad, sickness and health, to love and

FAMILY MATTERS

DEACON TONY ZIMMERMAN Deacon Tony Zimmerman is the lead archdiocesan consultant for the office of marriage and family life.

honor will be lived out in all the little ways of daily life. It is a bold promise, a total gift of self that is symbolized

NEED HELP SELLING A HOUSE?

by the crucifix.

How can that couple, or any couple, make such a promise not knowing what the years will bring? On their own, they will fail. With Christ, they will persevere.

Around nine years ago, the “Living in Love” marriage enrichment began to be

offered in the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas. Hundreds of couples have more joy and love in their lives through this.

My wife Barbara and I, either as presenters or support, have experienced most of these enrichments. Each one gave us another gift in our married love.

We are convinced that a one-time enrichment is not enough support for a strong marriage. Enrichments should be a yearly practice.

Simply put: “Love grows or dies in all the little things every day.

Marriage is the greatest gift God could have given us. But it is not a gift we can keep to

ourselves. We believe in making your marriage incredible so that it can be a stable shelter for your children and community, a representation of Christ’s love to our church and a beacon of hope for a world desperately in need of your witness.”

“Living in Love,” now known as “Evermore in Love,” will offer the following enrichments for your marriage: • “Living in Love” retreat: June 26-27 at Holy Spirit Church, Overland Park; Aug. 28-29, Mother Teresa of Calcutta Church, Topeka; register online at: www.archkck.org/ livinginlove • “Everyday Skills for Creating Amazing

Marriages”: Thursday nights, June 17-July 29 at 8 p.m. (Zoom); visit the website at: www.

EverMoreinLove.org/ everyday-skills • May: “Having More Joyful Homes”: go online to: www. archkcks.org/help Future enrichments will be offered that illustrate how to use the various tools and skills from “Evermore in Love” to help couples dealing with different situations such as retirement or how to grow in couple prayer.

Remember that Jesus, in the true vine discourse, calls us to abide in him so that “my joy may be in you and that your joy may be full” (Jn 15:11).

Crossword solution

Please call me. I’m local, I pay cash anytime. Leave items not needed.

I’ll even pay your closing cost.

MAKE IT EASY. Mark Edmondson 913-980-4905 www.Mark@BuyKCProperty.com Holy Trinity Parishioner

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16

LOCAL NEWS

MAY 7, 2O21 | THELEAVEN.ORG

The Mass dispensation will soon be lifted. Now what?

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any Catholics have long since returned to regular Mass attendance, assured that their parishes were taking the proper precautions to keep them safe.

Others have been waiting until they could be fully vaccinated before feeling it was safe to attend.

But with vaccines now available everywhere for anyone 16 or older, Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann has announced that he will be lifting the dispensation from Mass that he originally announced on March 13, 2020, at the outbreak of the pandemic.

The timing is particularly appropriate: The dispensation will be lifted on Corpus Christi Sunday, which this year falls on June 6.

The Leaven spoke with Michael Podrebarac, archdiocesan liturgist, about why this is the perfect time for all of us to gather again on the solemnity of The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ.

Q.

Could you explain what a dispensation is and why Archbishop Naumann granted it in the first place?

A.

A dispensation is when a law of the church is set aside for some serious reason for the sake of the faithful. In this case, Archbishop Naumann, like other bishops in the United States, dispensed the faithful from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass because of the risks of large gatherings associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann has announced that he will be lifting the dispensation from Mass that he originally announced on March 13, 2020, at the outbreak of the pandemic. The dispensation will be lifted on Corpus Christi Sunday, which falls on June 6 this year. our participation in the celebration of the Eucharist at Mass.

To the parish, it means coming together again as a family of faith in a way that each of us needs, for we need each other.

To the church, it means having all her children who are able gathered together again, after such a long absence, to sacramentally manifest the body of Christ.

As Catholics, no one of us is called to fly solo. We do our best when we’re together in Spirit and purpose. Perhaps that’s why the Irish author James Joyce aptly described the Catholic Church as: “Here comes everybody!”

Q.

When will the dispensation be lifted and why then?

A.

It is set to be lifted beginning with the Sunday Masses celebrated for the solemnity of Corpus Christi, the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, June 5 and 6.

Q.

What is Corpus Christi Sunday, and why did Archbishop Naumann think it was a particularly appropriate time to invite Catholics back in this way?

Q. Will I be safe going back to

Mass?

A.

Corpus Christi is the solemnity on which we recall the great gift of himself which Our Lord has bestowed upon the church in the Eucharist. It is, for this reason, an especially appropriate time to renew our commitment to celebrating Sunday Mass as a congregation.

Q.

What does this mean for me specifically? What if I still haven’t been vaccinated and am afraid to be in a large group or am still concerned about the new variants? Am I still obliged to come to Mass?

A.

The announcement by Archbishop Naumann indicates that those “who suffer from underlying health concerns or compromised immunity, or who have genuinely serious concerns about the risk of contracting the coronavirus” are not required to return to Mass attendance. Fortunately, that is not the overwhelming majority of us, and so most of us, once vaccinated, can return to Sunday Mass with faithful confidence.

Q.

Why are Catholics obliged to go to Mass anyway? What does it mean when we pray at Mass that “it is right and just” that we do this?

A.

The whole purpose of being a Christian is to be close to the Lord Jesus Christ. There is no way for us as Catholics to be nearer to Our Lord than through the eucharistic sacrifice and holy Communion. Additionally, Christ

A.

LEAVEN FILE PHOTO

Archdiocesan liturgist Michael Podrebarac answers questions about the lifting of the dispensation from Mass and what parishioners can expect. has called us to offer ourselves in sacrifice to God, especially through the memorial of his body and blood, and so it is really from Christ himself — “do this in remembrance of me” — that we have the obligation to come together for Mass, in remembrance of him. The most perfect act of prayer by the church and her members is the Mass, by which it is “right and just” that we give God thanks and praise.

Q.

Does that mean Masses will no longer be livestreamed?

A.

Eventually, only a few parishes may continue to offer a livestream Mass from the parish church. Either way, the necessity for this ministry will decline as those who are able make their way back to worshiping in person. Watching Mass transmitted by livestream is not an alternative to those able to attend Mass in person. This is why it’s important for our parish communities to reach out to those who are ill or otherwise homebound, because sacramental participation, which is essential to us as Catholics, must always be a live, personal encounter with God and one another.

Q.

If I go to Mass at my parish, will I have to wear a mask, socially distance

and sanitize — in other words, follow the pandemic restrictions?

A.

This will depend on local health guidelines and directives, although the parish pastor may determine that mask wearing is required for those attending Mass. Until such time as health officials no longer suggest or direct the precautions associated with the pandemic, many of them will remain in place in most of our parishes, as a matter of public safety and care for one another.

Q.

What will other parishioners think when they see me back after all this time?

A.

They will be excited to see you after such a long time! We are at our best when we are together, and so people returning to Mass is a joyous time for all of us, even as we continue with certain precautions.

Q.

What difference does it make to anyone if I come back or not?

A.

It truly makes all the difference.

To the individual, it means coming back into the presence of God which can be accomplished in no other way,

Yes, I believe so. Our parishes have done an outstanding job navigating the perils of the pandemic, and there is no reason to suggest that we will not continue to exercise all due discretion in making sure our congregations are as safe as possible.

Q.

Will everything be “back to normal” or will things be different — and how different?

A.

As many experts and observers have suggested, we may never get back to what we once considered “normal” when it comes to life post-pandemic, and the same may be true for the church as well. Certain practices such as the sign of peace and holy Communion under both forms are perhaps still a long ways off.

Extra care will be needed for holy water fonts as they return to use. We’ve been reminded of “best practices” that perhaps should have never been taken for granted.

We will continue to walk by faith, of course, first and foremost, along with hope and love, as the greatest virtues of the church. But prudence ranks near the top, and wisdom and understanding are gifts of the Holy Spirit.

Perhaps the best thing to come out of this pandemic is twofold: a greater appreciation for life itself and its many blessings, and a greater sense of intention when it comes to practicing our faith.