05 12 23 Vol. 44 No. 37

KU students enjoy outing with kids in foster care program

By Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

LAWRENCE — How could the day be any better?

Teenagers and college students were setting up volleyball nets, playing catch and just “chilling” together under a clear blue sky on a spring morning.

It was a relaxed and amiable day on April 29 at O’Connell Children’s Shelter Ranch on the eastern side of Lawrence.

Some 25 students from the St. Lawrence Catholic Campus Center at the University of Kansas spent a half day in fellowship and activities with 30 young residents, ages 13 to 18, at O’Connell.

The agenda was nothing more than that: fun and friendship.

“It is really a magical experience, seeing the young people interact,” said Gina Meier-Hummel, O’Connell executive director. “The kids who we serve so often feel alone.

“They don’t have anyone outside of [the staff] who work with them day in and out and spend extra time with them. Many of them aren’t connected to family anymore, don’t have anyone to visit and are disconnected from friends. The time the college students come to hang out with them is important . . . to let them know other people truly care about them.”

One of those was 14-year-old Noah, who had only been at O’Connell for more than a month.

“It’s pretty fun,” said Noah (not his real name). He never expected, he said, to be playing volleyball with college kids — not least of which because he didn’t even play the sport!

But he joined right in, and when he saw there were fewer people at the second, more distant net, Noah went there. He found the KU students to be relatable and fun.

“They’re adults, but they’re not adults, if you get what I’m saying,” he said.

The big picture

In Kansas there were 6,261 youths in foster care in 2022 according to the website at: foster carecapacity.com. The total number of licensed foster homes in Kansas was 2,289. Other children were placed with relatives, nonrelatives or in congregant care.

There are many reasons why children end up in foster care, according to the Kansas Department for Children and Families. The two broad categories are abuse and neglect — neglect including the death or incarceration of a parent, parental substance abuse, caretaker inability, and a child’s behavior or disability.

The children who are placed in residential care, hospital care or higher-acuity care have some highly significant needs, according to Meier-Hummel. Children

PHOTO BY JAY

Michelle Roesner, a University of Kansas senior, visits with a 16-year-old in the foster care system on April 29. Some 25 students from the St. Lawrence Catholic Campus Center at the University of Kansas spent a half day in fellowship and activities with 30 young residents, ages 13 to 18, at O’Connell Children’s Shelter Ranch in Lawrence.

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER

KU students, including senior Nolan Bemiss (above) from the St. Lawrence Catholic Campus Center, join foster kids from O’Connell Children’s Shelter Ranch for a game of football.

Church owes victims who come forth a debt of gratitude

In Chapter 18 of St. Matthew’s Gospel, the disciples ask Jesus: “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” Jesus responds by calling a child to stand in their midst and says: “Amen, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever receives one child such as this in my name receives me” (3-5).

In the very next verses, Jesus says: “Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone hung around his neck and be drowned in the depths of the sea. Woe to the world because of things that cause sin! Such things must come, but woe to the one through whom they come!”

(6-7)

These are incredibly powerful and challenging words from Jesus. Our Lord, when asked who is the greatest in the kingdom, pointed to a child — because of their pure trust. Children and adults who become childlike have the highest place in the heavenly kingdom.

Our Lord gave the sternest possible warning to those that harm a child and who damage or, even worse, destroy childlike trust. He described their fate in hopeless terms — doomed to inevitable death like someone thrown into the sea with a millstone.

It is cause for great shame for those bishops, priests and other representatives of the church who harmed children, robbed them of their innocence and stole their trust. They will have to stand before God to explain the inexplicable — why they chose to do great harm to innocent children. They will have to explain why they chose to wound the church, to damage the trust of the innocent and, for some, destroyed faith in a loving God.

Sexual abuse of children is horrific in any context. However, it is even more devastating if the perpetrator is a representative of the

church. Sexual abuse by an ordained minister of the church creates significant obstacles for victims to seek comfort and healing from the church, the living body of Christ.

The priesthood is a call to be configured to Jesus, the innocent victim who gave his life to ransom us from sin, to minister mercy and to offer us the opportunity to share in his divine and eternal life. When someone called to be another Christ is a victimizer, it can create a wall between the victim and the real Jesus — the one from whom we should receive healing, mercy and unconditional love.

I am grateful and the church is grateful for victims of clergy sexual abuse who, with courage and persistence, brought light upon the injustice they suffered. I thank them for their desire and commitment to protect others from experiencing the harm of abuse that they know all too well.

I thank them for finding the strength to refuse to allow the perpetrator of their abuse to separate them from Jesus, for not allowing the injustice they experienced to keep them from the church, and for choosing to use wounds that have been inflicted upon them as motivation to be an instrument for change and reform in the church.

Recently, I received a letter that gives me great hope and affirms the amazing healing power of God that is possible when our community and leadership welcomes the survivor’s pain and truth.

I recognize that each abuse survivor walks his or her own

say I forgive those in the church who have hurt me. You, my church, are doing for me and many others what Christ has called you to do. Ask forgiveness.

ARCHBISHOP NAUMANN’S CALENDAR

unique path. As a church, we must meet survivors where they are, offering support without judgment and respecting their personal journey. Too often, people came forward and were met with rejection or disbelief. Many still live in silence fearing this response. If you have suffered harm, the letter may stir anger or frustration from your personal experience with representatives of the church. If this is so, I humbly ask you to consider allowing us another opportunity to do better.

I share, not assuming this is everyone’s path, but so it might benefit others to hear these words:

Dear Catholic Church, I have loved you my whole life and have always been faithful to you. You hurt my heart very deeply, and you hurt my family very deeply too. Still I love you and remain faithful to you.

Recently, I attended a Mass of atonement for those who have been hurt by sexual abuse and family and friends who have been hurt. It was beautiful. The bishop apologized for the way the church has treated victims and their families. He humbly apologized for his own failures too.

I have attended several of these Masses and have been touched by the sincerity and humility of these bishops and priests. I have personally been apologized to by four bishops and countless priests. These men are good and holy men. They have listened to my pain, comforted me and helped me to heal. They have given me advocates who have been compassionate and loving in so many ways. I have been crushed but also lifted up and out of a dark place.

It’s time for me to

I am so grateful for your humility and for your beautiful efforts to help me heal. Your love is real and sincere. I accept your apology and I forgive you.

I hope as one of your members to help others who are still struggling to find peace and healing.

May God bless you for doing the right thing. Continue to help so many who are still hurting. Just love them the way you have shown love to me.

Your ever faithful child.

I am very grateful for those who pray for healing for victims and the church; for those who help with Virtus training for employees and volunteers; for those who work to make our parishes, schools and ministries safe harbors where all who enter are treated with respect and protected from harm; for the Independent Review Board that advises me on how to respond to allegations of abuse in a manner that treats all parties involved with respect and compassion and helps to discern truth so that the church can truly be a vessel of mercy, healing and love; and for the staff of our office for protection and care that helps our church respond to those who have been harmed. By implementing a victim-centered approach, they seek to bring healing and restoration.

In the Mass, we touch Calvary and the great injustice that Jesus suffered because of our sins. Jesus, the totally innocent one, by immersing himself in our humanity and becoming a victim of human cruelty and a gross miscarriage of justice, united himself by a special bond with all victims. Jesus knows what it is like to be a victim of religious authorities.

Just as blood and water gushed forth from the pierced side of Jesus giving life to the church and being the

May 12

Benedictine College Baccalaureate Mass

May 13

Donnelly College commencement — Cathedral of St. Peter, Kansas City, Kansas Medical school graduation Mass — Cathedral Mass and blessing of renovation — St. Columbkille, Blaine

May 15

Catholic Charities Golf Classic luncheon — Lake Quivira Country Club

Confirmation — Our Lady of Guadalupe, Topeka

May 16

Confirmation — Sacred Heart, Emporia

May 17

Presbyteral Council meeting — chancery

Jesus Covenant Prayer Partner call

May 18

CFNEK board advance and commissioning — Savior Pastoral Center, Kansas City, Kansas

Confirmation of Queen of the Holy Rosary, Overland Park and St. Pius X, Mission — Queen of the Holy Rosary

May 19

Holy Hour and dinner with those to be ordained — Sacred Heart, Shawnee

May 20

Archdiocesan 50th wedding anniversary Mass and reception — Church of the Nativity, Leawood

May 22

“Shepherd’s Voice” recording — chancery

Archdiocesan Finance Council board meeting — chancery

Confirmation — St. Catherine, Emporia

source of the life-giving sacraments of baptism and Eucharist, we pray that in our encounter of the life-giving wounds of Jesus, we will be inspired to become a surging torrent of justice and a renewing stream of mercy and love.

As the archbishop, I offer my sincere and heartfelt apology to those who have been harmed by representatives of the church. I beg forgiveness for ways that I have failed to be a shepherd of God’s people who lays down his life to protect the flock.

Jesus entrusted the church to the care of the apostles. In the Gospels, the apostles reveal their own weaknesses and vulnerabilities. Judas betrayed Our Lord. Peter denied knowing Jesus. Nine of the other ten apostles abandoned Jesus on Good Friday.

Despite their weaknesses, on Easter night, when their denial and abandonment

were fresh in their minds, Jesus breathed the Holy Spirit upon them and empowered them to be the earthen vessels Our Lord had chosen to be his instruments in bringing his mercy and love to others.

Jesus continues to choose as successors of the apostles weak human vessels. In part, Jesus prefers to use the weak and low-born so that it is clear the ministry of the church is not of human origin, but it is the Holy Spirit working through flawed human beings. We must come to the Lord asking him to use us in our weakness to be his instruments of grace. We ask especially that he help those who have suffered abuse to know that they are particularly close to Jesus, who also was an innocent victim. We beg the Lord to do what only he can do to bring healing, peace, hope and joy to their hearts.

LIFE WILL BE VICTORIOUS

ARCHBISHOP JOSEPH F. NAUMANN

KEELER WOMEN’S CENTER CELEBRATES 20

By Jill Ragar Esfeld jill.esfeld@theleaven.org

KANSAS CITY,

Kan.

— The Keeler Women’s Center celebrated its 20year anniversary with typical Benedictine hospitality on April 21 in the Donnelly College Event Center here.

The day was so successful, director Sister Bridget Dickson, OSB, is already planning for the 25th.

“I’m so proud of my volunteers,” she said. “We had good food, good fellowship. I had a good time; I hope everyone did.

“We’re going to get geared up for the 25th. We’ll be even bigger and better then!”

Msgr. Stuart Swetland, president of Donnelly College, addressed the many volunteers, clients and friends gathered, saying, “I want to welcome you to where it all started.”

Indeed, Keeler Women’s Center, founded by the Benedictine Sisters of Mount St. Scholastica in Atchison, was first located on the seventh floor of Donnelly College serving the students and larger Kansas City metro area.

Five years in, the center moved to the second floor of the Catholic Charities building on Central Avenue in Kansas City, Kansas, where it partnered with Catholic Charities and area agencies in addressing the needs of the underserved.

In 2018, Keeler moved to its current location at 759 Vermont Ave. in Kansas City, Kansas.

From location to location, the center has been a beacon of hope and support for the area.

“Quite frankly,” said Msgr. Swetland, “when our secular politicians ignored — abandoned — this part of the city, I am very proud as a ‘Dotte by choice’ to say the church stood up and stayed in place to serve those most in need.

“We see that by Bishop Ward High School, Donnelly College, the Sisters, Servants of Mary.

“But especially today, we celebrate the great apostolate of the Keeler Women’s Center.”

Congratulatory remarks were made by Sister Esther Fangman, prioress of Mount St. Scholastica, and by Archbishop

Joseph F. Naumann.

Singer Jennie Nichols was introduced by Sister Bridget who told a story of being in her office at the Keeler Women’s Center one day when she heard a beautiful voice singing.

“I thought, ‘That’s not recorded,’” she said. “So, I went down and found it was Jennie in the knitting and crocheting

group just singing away.”

Nichols was living nearby when the center opened in its current location and heard about the knitting and crocheting group.

“I joined them and I just fell in love with the idea,” she said. “I don’t live

Learn more about Keeler

Over the past 20 years, Keeler Women’s Center has offered counseling, support groups and classes to thousands of people. It coordinates about 150 professional volunteers and area agency partners to offer everything free of charge.

All are welcome to attend programs, regardless of socioeconomic status or geographic location. A variety of services and classes is available, as well as volunteer opportunities.

Keeler Women’s Center is located at 759 Vermont Ave., Suite 100B, Kansas City, Kansas.

For more information, go online to: www.keelerwomenscenter.org or call (913) 689-9375; Español: (913) 708-0286.

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JILL RAGAR ESFELD

The Keeler Women’s Center 20th anniversary celebration was capped off with a performance of Hispanic folk dances by the Keeler Center’s Mujeres (Women’s) Support Group. Above is Eugenia De La Rosa, a member of St. John the Evangelist Parish in Kansas City, Kansas.

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JILL RAGAR ESFELD

Sister Bridget Dickson, OSB, director of the Keeler Women’s Center, praises the volunteers who help make the center so successful.

WHEN OUR SECULAR POLITICIANS IGNORED — ABANDONED — THIS PART OF THE CITY, I AM VERY PROUD AS A ‘DOTTE BY CHOICE’ TO SAY THE CHURCH STOOD UP AND STAYED IN PLACE TO SERVE THOSE MOST IN NEED.

MSGR. STUART SWETLAND PRESIDENT OF DONNELLY COLLEGE

>> See “HISPANIC” on page 5

JOIN THE POPE’S SPACE MISSION OF HOPE

Take your place as a ‘Guardian of Hope’ before the launch

By Jill Ragar Esfeld jill.esfeld@theleaven.org

LEAVENWORTH — Talk about a mission trip!

The Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth are headed to space with Pope Francis this summer to spread hope around the world.

The 12-year mission named “Spei Satelles” (“Guardian of Hope”) will launch from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket on June 10.

People from all over the world are joining the Spei Satelles flight virtually, and you can, too.

But you’ll need a boarding pass, and they’re not just giving them away.

This virtual mission trip actually began three years ago, at the height of the coronavirus pandemic, when Pope Francis stood in a deserted, rain-swept St. Peter’s Square praying to restore faith and hope to the world.

The pope’s words were so profound they became part of a book called “Why Are You Afraid? Have You No Faith?”

To commemorate the third anniversary of that iconic moment, the Vatican has announced that the book will be broadcast around the world, literally, as it travels in a low-earth orbit satellite.

The satellite is about the size of a football and the “nano” version of Pope Francis’ book is about the size of the tip of a pen.

Spei Satelles has its own website (see sidebar). From there, you can follow the mission’s progress and even be part of it by signing up to have your name inscribed in a dedicated memory chip on the satellite.

You’ll receive a boarding pass to prove you are part of the mission. But

to get that pass, you must perform a work of mercy.

The plan is for the pope’s satellite to be filled with works of mercy from people of all ages, ethnicities and faiths around the world — a true beacon of hope and unity.

When Margaret Haik, director of communications for the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth, read about the Spei Satelles she was struck by how it fit with the charism of the Sisters.

“I thought this is exactly the life that the Sisters live,” she said. “And wouldn’t that be a wonderful way to engage the community?”

Haik contacted Megan Trout, the pastoral care coordinator of the motherhouse and Ross Hall, the skilled nursing facility for the Sisters.

Trout went to the satellite website to educate herself and determine how to present the information to Sisters who are not all techno-savvy.

She decided to combine the initiative with a prayer service, but realized her audience might need a visual to help them understand the concept of Spei Satelles.

“So I got some poster board and scissors and put together something roughly the same size,” she said. “Then

Join Spei Satelles

Spread the living Gospel by getting on board Spei Satelles. Go online to: www.speisatelles.org to get your virtual boarding pass and follow the mission’s progress.

Anyone with an amateur UHFband radio can hear excerpts from Pope Francis’ book in English, Spanish and Italian, as it passes overhead.

The satellite will stay in orbit for 12 years — but the radio transmitter only broadcasts for 6 months to a year, due to battery limitations.

I could point to it and say, ‘This is what is going to hold the computer, communication, book and everything.’”

During the prayer service, Trout told the Sisters, “We are challenged to embrace [hope] daily, because it is like oxygen to breathe life and give it meaning.”

At the service, Sister Rosemary Kolich was captivated by the initiative.

“What a creative way to grow in awareness of the Gospel call to be neighbors to one another,” she said.

All the Sisters had the same reaction and were enthusiastic to get on board.

“The project calls us to look outward, upward and beyond ourselves,” Sister Rosemary said. “And as we consider the message it will carry into space and to our world, we desire to be a part of that.”

Even though works of mercy are part of the Sisters’ everyday life, doing them for this mission was special, and they encourage others to join them on board.

>> See “SISTERS” on page 15

CNS PHOTO/COURTESY OF VATICAN MEDIA

In this undated photo, students at the Polytechnic University of Turin, Italy, work on Spei Satelles, a small CubeSat satellite they built, which is scheduled to be launched into space June 10. The satellite will carry a “nano” version of Pope Francis’ book, “Why Are You Afraid? Have You No Faith?” and it should be able to send signals back to earth for ham radio operators to hear the pope’s messages of hope and peace. The Spei Satelles project is promoted by the Dicastery for Communication at the Vatican.

CNS PHOTO/VATICAN MEDIA

Pope Francis walks across an empty St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican on March 27, 2020, for a prayer service that was livestreamed across the world in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic. The book, “Why Are You Afraid? Have You No Faith?,” gathered Pope Francis’ most significant speeches and comments during the pandemic. The book has now been converted into a tiny “nanobook” scheduled to be launched into orbit on a satellite June 10.

Mass asks forgiveness for sins of clergy sexual abuse

By Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

BASEHOR — How many survivors of sexual abuse by clergy and other church representatives were in the pews that evening?

Only God knows for sure.

But it is certain that some were there.

The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas hosted the second annual Day of Prayer in Atonement for Sexual Abuse in the Church on the evening of April 26 at Holy Angels Parish in Basehor.

“We will never know how many victims or survivors were at the Mass as many people hold this personal harm private,” said Amy Stork, victim care advocate with the archdiocesan office for protection and care. “With that being said, yes, we were aware of many survivors and family members of survivors in attendance.”

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann was the main celebrant and homilist. Archdiocesan chancellor Father John Riley and Holy Angels pastor Father Richard McDonald concelebrated. Cathedral of St. Peter rector Father Anthony Saiki was master of ceremonies.

The office for protection and care and the archdiocesan office of liturgy and sacramental life planned the Mass and reception that followed. All parishes in the archdiocese were urged to observe April 26 as a day to atone for the harm caused by sexual abuse in the church and to pray for the healing of those who had been affected.

“This Mass was a commemoration of the sad reality that representatives of the church have been responsible for harming children and others by sexual abuse,” said Michael Podrebarac, archdiocesan consultant for liturgy and sacramental life.

“The church is keenly aware of the pain and destructiveness of sexual abuse and desires to offer atonement for the sins of her own people who have caused great harm, and to remember all those who have suffered any form of physical and mental abuse,” he added.

Offering atonement means not only asking God’s forgiveness, but also showing public remorse in the most meaningful way possible and prayer for healing of those hurt and victimized, he said.

In his homily, Archbishop Naumann said that it is a cause for great shame

ABUSE SURVIVOR

for those bishops, priests and other representatives of the church who harmed children, robbed them of their innocence and stole their trust. They will have to stand before God and explain the harm they’ve done.

“It is important that we gather tonight to acknowledge the sins and

failures of the church,” said Archbishop Naumann. “It is important that we pray for God to break through the barriers that sin has created to bring healing and peace to victims.

“We offer this Mass for [the survivors] and your intentions. We hope that one of the fruits of our prayer tonight is to experience God’s healing love. The Mass is a sacrifice. In the Mass, we touch Calvary and the great injustice that Jesus suffered because of our sins. Jesus, the totally innocent one, immersed himself in our humanity, becoming a victim of human cruelty and gross miscarriage of justice, uniting himself by a special bond with all victims. Jesus knows what it is like to be a victim of religious authorities.”

At least one survivor believed the day of prayer in atonement was beneficial.

“Knowing that people in my community are willing to recognize the darkness of abuse,” said the survivor, “and are willing to support victims and survivors through prayer of atonement and for healing is, in itself, healing.

“I feel when one person in the body of Christ is suffering, it affects the entire church. When the church comes together — to pray for the hurting and wounded — in the same way, the healing effect is felt throughout the entire church.”

Other survivors at the Mass appreciated the positive effects of the day in atonement and the archbishop’s message.

“Feedback from those in attendance was very positive,” said Stork. “The survivors shared that they appreciated the archbishop’s homily. It was a powerful message of acknowledging the church’s failings and apologizing for the harm that this has caused so many people.

“Some survivors shared that it was harder than they expected at times, but were grateful for the support of all those in attendance. Many [non-survivors] present expressed gratitude that they were a part of something so meaningful and important to the survivors.”

Hispanic community enriches Keeler with its art, music

>> Continued from page 3

there anymore, but I still make the trek every Monday to attend knitting class.”

Nichols sang a moving a capella rendition of “I Will Survive,” and the crowd joined in the singing.

Many of the clients and volunteers gathered had similar stories of coming to the center and falling in love.

Sister Bridget, along with associate director Brenda Mortell, acknowledged that the success of the center was dependent on its volunteers.

“Brenda and I — just the two of us — are the puppet masters behind the scene,” said Sister Bridget. “It’s really

our volunteers that make everything happen.

“We serve all God’s people; we meet everyone with respect and dignity, and you help us do that.”

Sister Bridget and Mortell honored those many volunteers with gift bags and special acknowledgment. Some had been with the center all 20 years.

“I just love the whole mission of the Keeler Women’s Center,” said Pat Callaghan who has been with the center since its inception.

Callaghan was working at Donnelly College when the center opened there and used its services to help underserved students.

When she retired, she knew her heart was still with Keeler.

“After I retired,” she said, “I knew the first thing I wanted to do was volunteer.

“I had taken some nutrition classes through K-State and so I have been offering nutrition and food classes there since 2008.”

The celebration was capped off with a performance of Hispanic folk dances by the Keeler Center’s Mujeres (Women’s) Support Group.

“The Keeler Center is right there in the heart of the Hispanic community,” said Callaghan. “They really enrich Keeler with their music and art, and introducing their customs.”

Nichols ended the celebration by singing “Ave Maria.”

Archbishop Naumann was impressed with everything he experienced at the celebration, but not surprised by it.

“It was beautiful to see how this ministry has touched so many lives,” he said. “I loved the dancing, and the vocalist was tremendous.

“[The Keeler Women’s Center] is just another example of the great things the Catholic Church is doing within the KCK community.

“So, it’s great to celebrate with them — 20 years!”

(See Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann’s column on page 2.)

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JOE BOLLIG

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann was the main celebrant and homilist for the second annual Day of Prayer in Atonement for Sexual Abuse in the Church on the evening of April 26 at Holy Angels Parish in Basehor. The archbishop was joined by, from left: Father Richard McDonald, pastor of Holy Angels; archdiocesan chancellor Father John Riley; and Father Anthony Saiki, master of ceremonies.

KNOWING THAT PEOPLE IN MY COMMUNITY ARE WILLING TO RECOGNIZE THE DARKNESS OF ABUSE AND ARE WILLING TO SUPPORT VICTIMS AND SURVIVORS THROUGH PRAYER OF ATONEMENT AND FOR HEALING IS, IN ITSELF, HEALING.

Despite new alternatives, burial remains Catholics’ best option at death

By Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

KANSAS CITY, Kan. —

It used to be that it wasn’t even a question of what to do with a deceased Christian’s body: burial, of course.

The culture has changed.

Alternatives to in-ground burial of the body or placement of the cremated remains in a mausoleum are becoming more popular. Some people are turning to new methods and technologies for the disposition of human remains, supposedly because they are ecologically friendly alternatives.

Two new alternatives to burial or cremation are alkaline hydrolysis (also sometimes called aquamation or water cremation) and human composting.

Neither, however, are permissible alternatives for Catholics.

On March 23, the Committee on Doctrine of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops issued a statement on these methods, warning that they fail to give the “due respect that must be given to the bodily remains of the deceased in a way that gives visible witness to our faith and hope in the resurrection of the body.”

Burial is considered by the Catholic Church to be the most appropriate way of manifesting reverence and respect for the body of the deceased. That’s because the respect given to the bodily remains of the deceased Christian gives visible witness to our faith and hope in the resurrection, according to the statement, “On the Proper Disposition of Bodily Remains.”

Alkaline hydrolysis is legal in 21 states, including Kansas, according to the website at: aquamation info.com/kansas/. It was legalized in Kansas in 2011, but no funeral

homes in Kansas offer this, according to US Funerals Online. One funeral home in the Greater Kansas City metropolitan area (in Missouri) offers this alternative, according to Joe Walker, writing for the Funeral Consumers Alliance.

Put most simply, in alkaline hydrolysis the body is placed in a metal tank and — through heat and chemicals — is liquified. The bones are later collected, crushed and put in an urn for burial. The rest goes down the drain.

In human composting, the body is placed in a metal bin and packed with plant material. Heat, oxygen, microbes and bacteria are introduced and the body decomposes into a mass of compost. There is nothing left to be placed in a casket or urn to be laid to rest in a sacred place where the Christian faithful can visit for prayer and remembrance.

According to the U.S. bishops, neither method shows adequate respect for the human body or expresses hope in the resurrection.

No one has, of yet, approached her about either of these methods, said Sharon Vallejo, president of Catholic Cemeteries of Northeast Kansas, but it’s probably coming.

“A [colleague in another state] said families are beginning to ask their pastors about these methods,” she said.

Would Catholic Cemeteries accommodate families that want to choose one of these two alternatives?

“We would not,” said Vallejo. “We’d tell them, respectfully and gently, that it is disrespectful to the human body and contrary to the teachings of the Catholic Church. The body should be buried in a sacred place, not just turned into fertilizer.”

Exert oneself

62 Unconsciousness

63 Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries

66 Compass point

68 Picnic pest

Solution on page 10

Despite new alternatives, burial is considered by the Catholic Church to be the most appropriate way of manifesting reverence and respect for the body of the deceased.

Villa St. Francis of Olathe names new CEO

JD Benning

Special to The Leaven

OLATHE — As Villa St. Francis here, Catholic Community Hospice and Catholic Community Home Care come together to provide a continuum of care to seniors in the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, Brad Heidrick has stepped forward to lead the way as the new CEO of Catholic Community Health. Having spent more than 35 years in the long term care industry and having previously served on the board of directors of Villa St. Francis, Heidrick brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to advance the mission and ministry of Catholic Community Health.

“I basically grew up in the industry,” Heidrick said. A native of Beloit, Heidrick’s grandmother owned and operated a long term care facility in the area, later adding a new facility and putting his father in charge.

“Many people say, ‘Once you’re in this industry, you’re in it for life,’ and I feel that it truly is a calling,” he said. “After college, I pursued my Nursing Home Administrator license, but I also went through the CNA program. To this day, most of my decisions relate back to that, always asking the question, ‘How is this going to affect our residents?’

“It’s my goal for our staff to ask that same question, always seeking to make a positive difference in people’s lives.”

The executive team at Catholic Community Health is excited that Heidrick has been brought in to lead the charge.

“It’s a blessing to add Brad to our team as CEO,” said Matt Kemnitz, Catholic Community Health’s chief mission officer. “He is a person of great faith and character that I am excited to work alongside as we seek to bring Catholic Community Health to the next level. Brad’s humility and example of servant

>> Continued from page 1

are better off in families, so that’s why O’Connell also works with foster and adoptive families, and assists struggling families.

“Yes, there is definitely a shortage of adoptive and foster families,” she said. “Because of that, the young people experience multiple placements, young people who have some trauma history . . . have difficulty coping and a lot of them end up in residential care.”

It’s important to remember that foster children, despite what they’ve experienced, are “regular” kids who want and need the same things as do all children, said Michelle Roesner, a KU senior majoring in French and anthropology.

“I think that the kids have had various difficulties they’ve been through, traumas, honestly like anyone else,” said Roesner.

“It’s just that their traumas are to a different level and magnitude. After hanging out with them for an extended period of time, I’ve come to realize they’re kids like anyone else,” she continued. “They just want to have fun and be seen, to play and have help with their homework, and be with people they want to be like. That’s what’s cool about this event — it gives them the space to actually do that.”

Roesner has been a college coach — a sort of mentor — to 16-year-old Archie (not his real name) for about a month.

leadership is inspiring, and it is a privilege to work with someone who demonstrates genuine concern for our staff and the people that we care for.”

Heidrick takes the helm of Catholic Community Health at a crucial juncture in the organization’s long history of service in the archdiocese. Villa St. Francis recently broke ground on a major facility overhaul that will increase its rehabilitation services along with other critical facility updates. They also recently announced the Villa Fall Ball, an event to

As a college coach, she helps Archie with his homework, gives him a peek into college life, socializes and “appreciates him for who he is.”

“It’s actually amazing for the college students to come here and have fun and hang out with the kids,” said Archie. “It’s really exciting for me.”

Reaching out and caring

Last year, a young man who lived at O’Connell until he reached adulthood enrolled at the University of Kansas.

Usually, parents are involved in freshman orientation. Instead, he was assisted by a KU student named Grace, a member of the St. Lawrence Catholic Campus Center who was also his college coach during the young man’s time at O’Connell.

“We saw how much this young man who graduated [from O’Connell] enjoyed being around someone who was younger; that’s when [Gina MeierHummel] said, ‘Let’s connect with the St. Lawrence Center so the kids here can connect with some KU students, especially people of faith.’ Most of the kids here don’t have siblings,” said Jim Clark, a bridging (into adulthood) specialist at O’Connell.

O’Connell’s liaison with the St. Lawrence Center is Allisyn Petty, director of GoodCo, or “Good Company,” an

raise funds for Villa St. Francis, where services are offered to seniors regardless of their faith background or ability to pay.

Heidrick’s father provided him with a strong example of servant leadership.

“Whenever a new class of nursing school graduates would come to our facility, my dad would always remind them, ‘If today you hear [God’s] voice, harden not your hearts.’ He always reminded me that every interaction with the residents is an opportunity to make a positive impact

on their lives, even if it’s something as simple as a sip of water or just spending a few minutes with someone.”

Catholic Community Health provides a full continuum of care for seniors in the archdiocese, as well as offering hospice services in the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph. And CCH is the only Catholic hospice and home care in the archdiocese.

To learn more, visit the website at: Catholiccommunityhealth.org.

She played volleyball and talked with the youths.

“It was interesting to meet the different kinds of kids,” she said. “They had a lot of opinions and were proactive in sharing with me.

“We talked about religion. One [boy] asked about the difference between Christianity and paganism. He said Christianity had been forced on him when he was younger, so his opinion came from that. We had a lot of fun comparing the two. We talked about volleyball and cheered each other on.”

evangelization ministry at the center. Students who participate in GoodCo go to O’Connell.

These monthly meetups have happened since September 2022. Most of the events have been at O’Connell, but they’ve also arranged for the O’Connell youths to visit the KU campus and the St. Lawrence Center.

“It gives the students an opportunity to get off campus,” said Petty, “to engage with other people and get a different perspective, and also an opportunity for our students to just have fun,

“For the [O’Connell youths], they don’t have many people older than them interacting with them besides the staff. It gives them an example to be with average college students and see what college could be for them.”

Abbey Arrington, a junior studying elementary education at KU, was participating in her first visit to O’Connell.

The St. Lawrence Center’s interaction with O’Connell is one way ministries of the archdiocese are trying to answer Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann’s call for archdiocesan Catholics to support families and children in foster care as a dimension of pro-life ministry.

“The Church is called to be an important part of the solution for these children,” he wrote in a column in the May 7, 2021, issue of The Leaven. “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.”

IT’S ACTUALLY AMAZING FOR THE COLLEGE STUDENTS TO COME HERE AND HAVE FUN AND HANG OUT WITH THE KIDS. IT’S REALLY EXCITING FOR ME.

‘It gives them an example [of] what college could be for them’

PHOTO BY JD BENNING

Brad Heidrick (fourth from left) is the new CEO of Catholic Community Health. He joins a team that includes, from left: Matt Kemnitz, chief mission officer; Jackie Longston, Villa COO; Duke Onkoba, Catholic Community Health COO; Nicole Anthony, CFO; and Tiffany Howell-Clair, director of business development.

GIVE ME THAT OLD-TIME RELIGION

Father Jim White, SJ, lives life old-school

STORY AND PHOTOS BY JOE BOLLIG

KANSAS CITY, Kan. — The doorbell to the home of Father James White, SJ, is a real bell, and that tells you something about him and his life.

It’s simple, practical and old-timey. Low tech. All you do is give it a yank.

The bell was answered by the personification of your classic country bachelor grandpa farmer: balding with white hair, blue eyes smiling through glasses, wearing two layers of plaid flannel shirts and Big Smith bib overalls from Nigro’s Western Store.

“They’re very practical,” said Father Jim of the overalls.

Father Jim lives in one of the two one-story 1950s farmhouses on 20 acres in a still-rural corner of northwest Kansas City, Kansas. The land was donated to the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas by the estate of Michael and Rose Sambol after Rose died in 1992, and Father Jim has lived there since 1995.

The interior is a bit cluttered, but it feels comfortable and charming. Antiques and religious art are all around. Books of Scripture and commentary fill the bookcase; two starter trays of tomato plants are clearly slated for transplant in the garden.

“A lot of things in this house are antiques,” said Father Jim, 85, with a laugh. “And I’m included!”

Many of the antiques, he said, were handed down from the maternal and paternal sides of his family, including a crucifix brought from Bohemia by a grandmother on his mother’s side.

On the living room table, which also serves as his home altar to celebrate Mass, are two metal objects recovered from his Danish Lutheran grandfather’s grave when it was moved — a black metal plaque “At Rest” and a metal flower of some sort.

Last of a breed

“I’m the only Jesuit living and working in the state of Kansas, and probably the last, too, because there aren’t many of us to go around anymore and we mostly work at schools,” said Father Jim.

The Jesuits who serve Rockhurst High School (where he used to teach) and Rockhurst College in Kansas City, Missouri, are his community. He’s been a Jesuit since 1962 and was ordained a

priest in 1971.

When Father Jim was hired by the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas to be minister to priests in 1995, he asked then-Archbishop James P. Keleher for a place in the country where he could make pottery and keep a vegetable garden.

You can take the boy off the farm, but you can’t take the farm out of the boy.

Father Jim grew up on a Flint Hills farm northwest of St. Marys, and graduated from Wamego High School. His family

belonged to Immaculate Conception Parish in St. Marys, which had been a Jesuit parish from 1848 to 1971.

“I’ve always had an affection for the land and growing things,” said Father Jim. “When I arrived here, I planted 80 oak trees, and they’ve grown well. The soil is loess. That’s a wind-blown soil from dust that blew up from the river valleys when the glaciers retreated.”

In the yard, he created a little pile of reddish stones the glaciers brought from

the far north thousands of years ago.

Father Jim stopped making pottery because it strained his arms, but he has another side gig. The metal pottery building is now his feed shed, and the three other buildings on the property house his chickens. He raises chickens and sells their eggs to help support himself. The chicken breed is Red Star. He eats a lot of chicken.

Among the family heirlooms Father Jim treasures

Father Jim, who has been playfully given the nickname

When Father Jim White, SJ, agreed to be minister to priests in 1995, he asked then-Archbishop James P. Keleher for a place in the country where he could tend a garden. Here, he holds a tray of tomato plants he planned to plant this spring.

Father Jim gets help from members of the Knights of Columbus at Curé of Ars Parish in Leawood, who pick up his feed orders in Bonner Springs, deliver the feed and help sell the eggs.

So, he came by his nickname honestly: Father Egg White.

Father Jim is retired but active. He still gives spiritual direction to various priests, but he handed off his duties as

minister to priests to Father Francis Hund, senior associate pastor in residence at Prince of Peace Parish in Olathe.

Since the 1990s, he has also done “supply,” or substituting at Mass for pastors. He regularly celebrates Mass on Mondays at Queen of the Holy Rosary in Overland Park and on Thursdays at St. Francis de Sales Parish in Lansing.

“I used to do a whole lot more than I do

now,” he said. “Some weekends, I’d have six Masses. I don’t do anything like that anymore. I’m not as active at 85 as I was at 65, but I’m still pretty much available.”

Prayer, peace and quiet

“I was asked a couple of years ago, ‘What has been your major accomplishment in over 50 years in priesthood?’” said Father Jim.

His answer was a simple one.

“To grow in intimacy with Jesus,” he said. “You have to have peace and quiet to do that.”

It helps to have a place like his small “farm,” he said, for peace and quiet. But Father Jim also does something that helps: He eschews much technology.

He only owns a simple cellphone, mostly if something happens when he’s driving. He uses a landline at home.

He doesn’t own a computer. He doesn’t have internet connectivity. He doesn’t have cable or satellite or a television to connect them to. He doesn’t have a typewriter (which used to be very important to him), a dishwasher or a clothes dryer.

Video games?

“I don’t know what those are,” he said.

He has a CD collection of music, mostly classical, but he doesn’t listen to them anymore. Like any good farmer, he has a weather radio and a regular radio.

He’s not anti-technology. He just doesn’t need it, mostly.

“Spiritual things come to the surface more readily in peace and quiet,” said Father Jim.

While he lived at a retreat house in Liebenthal, in the Diocese of Dodge City, there was a television, but he covered it with a tablecloth. There was a computer owed by the diocese, but if he pressed

one wrong button it wouldn’t work right. Someone once gave him a computer, but he lost interest.

“Here’s where the words ‘peace and quiet’ come in,” he said. “I enjoy peace and quiet. There’s no need for a television set.”

Not having the technology that most people would consider essential is not a burden for him. He can keep in touch with people with phone calls or regular mail. Other people help him when he needs it for particular things.

“Sometimes, I have a need for what other people have expertise in. That would be computers, information that comes from computers, and I have two sources. One is a lady at Rockhurst Jesuit community. She is our community coordinator, so I call her up. I also call Kelly [Kmiecek] in the archdiocesan vocation office.”

In a pinch, there’s also a neighbor lady who he turns to when he needs to quickly get homily material from an internet source. Most recently, it was an Emily Dickinson poem.

“I know Father Jim lives a simple lifestyle without a lot of distractions,” said Father Hund. “He empties himself to make room for God.

“That’s part of the Jesuit prayer, the ‘Suscipe.’ It begins, ‘Take Lord, and receive all my liberty,’ and ends with ‘give me your love and your grace, for this is enough for me.’”

Here, in the quiet of Father Jim’s house — and of his life — those final words resonate in a special way: “This is enough for me.”

“That part of the Jesuit spirituality,” said Father Hund, “is certainly lived in his life.”

treasures is a crucifix brought from Bohemia by his grandmother when she immigrated to this country.

nickname “Father Egg White” by parishioners, washes and sorts chicken eggs he sells after the Masses he helps out at.

Maur Hill-Mount Academy mock trial team bound for nationals

Jack Figge Special to The Leaven

ATCHISON — “Objection, your honor!” rang out from the defense table.

The outburst came not from a seasoned defense attorney nor a good-willed prosecutor, but from Maur Hill-Mount Academy freshman Hayden Lickhart, who was competing with his fellow students in the annual state mock trial competition.

For the first time in the Atchison school’s history, MH-MA has hosted a yearlong mock trial program. Now — another first — the school will be sending delegates to the national tournament to represent the entire state of Kansas.

A national program for high school students, mock trial aims to teach students about the judicial system through hands-on experience. At the beginning of the year, a realistic case is shared with each team. The team then spends months preparing and learning the ins and outs of the case, the laws that apply to each case and how to present the case in court.

Each team will then compete against other high school teams from their region in the regional tournament. Teams are judged based on their preparation, presentation, and knowledge of the case and law. The top four schools from the region advance to state competition, where the top performing team advances to the national tournament, this year to be held in Little Rock, Arkansas, May 18-20.

“We didn’t expect to win either state or nationals. We thought we’d get third place or something like that,” said sophomore Isaac Trotter. “Then, they announced our name, and we all went crazy celebrating with one another.”

Displays of unity like their celebration are the defining characteristic of

the MH-MA team. Head coach Thomas Doyle, a pre-law student at Benedictine College in Atchison, can be thanked for fostering the rich community.

Noted for his ability to relate to the team and the experience he brings as a participant in his high school mock trial program, Doyle has helped the team to thrive and embrace their potential.

“You can’t even quantify the contributions Thomas has made to this team. He’s put in probably hundreds of hours,” said Judge Martin Asher, a retired county judge and adviser to the

team. “Since he’s kind of close to the kids’ age, they look up to him as kind of an older brother. I mean, he is so dedicated to this. It’s just unreal.”

For two years, Doyle competed for his high school, Hayden High School in Topeka. There, his coach had an enormous impact not only on his mock trial preparation but also on his human formation, an impact that he now wants to pass on to his students.

“One of my coaches in high school was a part-time professor at [Topeka’s] Washburn law school. He’s been one of the most influential people in both my

faith life and my interest in the legal profession. I thought that I could hopefully have this same impact on the high schoolers here.”

Doyle has built the team around two principles: faith and community. The team often prays together and has built a community centered on helping one another reach their potential.

“We pursue the Lord in everything; he is our strength,” said Trotter. “We also have an intense work ethic and have great team chemistry. We just work well with each other to achieve the goals we set.”

“I am proud to continue the legacy of service my grandfather and father began in 1946.”

Gregg Amos

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JACK FIGGE

Thomas Doyle (right) guides Maur Hill-Mount Academy sophomore Isaac Trotter through the upcoming case to be tried at the Mock Trial National Championship held at the Arkansas Capitol.

BEREAVEMENT MEETING

Curé of Ars Parish (Father Burak Room)

9405 Mission Rd., Leawood

May 13 at 8 a.m.

The bereavement ministry will hold a grief support meeting after the 8 a.m. Mass. The topic will be: “Ten Commandments of Grief.” For more information, call (913) 649-2026.

WOMEN EMBRACING AGING

Keeler Women’s Center

759 Vermont Ave., Suite 100-B

Kansas City, Kansas

May 16 from 2 - 3:30 p.m.

This is a support group for women who want to explore aging. Share your experiences, wisdoms and unexplored changes that aging is bringing to your life.

ROSARY RALLY IN HONOR OF OUR LADY OF FATIMA

Holy Spirit Parish

11300 W. 103rd St., Overland Park

May 14 from 3 - 4:15 p.m.

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

ST. ISIDORE FEAST DAY: MASS AND BLESSING OF SEEDS AND SOIL

Christ’s Peace House of Prayer

22131 Meagher Rd., Easton

May 15 at 10 a.m.

Join us for a day to honor St. Isidore, the patron saint of farmers, on his feast day. The day will begin with Mass followed by a rosary procession to the St. Isidore Shrine. Bring seeds and soil in a small, decorated basket to be placed at the altar for blessing. The day will end with lunch and fellowship. A freewill offering will be taken up. To attend, send an email to: info@christspeace. com or call (913) 773-8255.

WILLS AND TRUSTS WORKSHOP

Sacred Heart Parish (meeting room 2)

5501 Monticello, Shawnee

May 17 at 6:30 p.m.

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

HOT DOG POTLUCK

Most Pure Heart of Mary Parish (Culhane Room)

3601 S.W. 17th St., Topeka

May 18 from 5 - 7 p.m.

The Christian Widow and Widowers Organization will host the hot dog dinner. There is no cost to attend. For more information, call (785) 213-0374.

‘DON’T JUST READ THE BIBLE, UNDERSTAND THE BIBLE’

Curé of Ars Parish

9401 Mission Rd., Leawood

May 19 from 7 - 8:15 p.m.

May 20 from 9 - 10:30 a.m.

May 20 from 1 - 2:30 p.m.

Join us for presentations by Dr. Bill Creasy. The presentation on May 19 will be: “Becoming an Educated Reader of Scripture.” A wine and cheese social will follow. The presentation on May 20 will be: “A Portrait of King David,” presented in two sessions. There will be a lunch break but lunch is not provided. Attend any or all of the sessions. RSVP online at: cureofars.com/dr-bill-creasy-event.

BACH CONCERT

Holy Angels Parish

15438 Leavenworth Rd., Basehor

May 21 at 3 p.m.

Dr. Douglas O’Neill, director of formation in sacred music and liturgy at Christ the King School in Kansas City, Kansas, will perform works including “Piéce d’orgue.”

PANCAKE BREAKFAST

St. Patrick Parish (center)

1086 N. 94th St., Kansas City, Kansas

May 21 from 8 - 11 a.m.

The Knights of Columbus Bicentennial Council 6781 breakfast will include pancakes (regular and blueberry), sausage, scrambled eggs, and biscuits and gravy. Juice and fresh coffee are included. A freewill offering will be accepted.

FATHER PETE O’SULLIVAN MEMORIAL BENEFIT GOLF

TOURNAMENT

Emporia Municipal Golf Course

1133 S. KS-99, Emporia

May 26 at 8 a.m.

Registration begins at 8 a.m. Shotgun start at 9 a.m. Four-person scramble, $400 per team. For more information, call Brad Durbin at (620) 340-5239 or send an email to: bmd92257@gmail.com.

13th ANNUAL ST. THOMAS MORE CONTINUING EDUCATION PROGRAM

Savior Pastoral Center

12601 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, Kansas

June 2 from 8 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Sessions will be “Revisiting Basic Estate Planning,” given by Mike Griffin from McDowell Rice Smith & Buchanan, PC; “Enhancing the Client Experience,” given by Brian Leitner, Mariner Wealth Advisors; “Recent Developments in Legal Ethics with Focus on Getting Paid and Trust Accounting” and “The More Things Change, the More Things Stay the Same,” given by Krystal L. Vokins and Crystalyn M. Ellis from the Kansas Disciplinary Office. Continuing education hours are pending. There is an $80 registration fee. Register online at: cfnek.org/events/thomas-more.

ANNUAL GERMANFEST

Sacred Heart-St. Joseph Parishes

312 N.E. Freeman Ave., Topeka

June 3 from 4 - 11 p.m.

June 4 from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

There will be authentic German food, locally brewed beer, handcrafted items for sale, inflatables, live polka music, games and more. The event kicks off June 3 with a bilingual German/English Mass celebrated on the grounds. For more information, go online to: www.sacredheartstjosephcatholic.org/ germanfest.

PANCAKE MENUDO BREAKFAST

St. John the Evangelist Parish

2910 Strong Ave., Kansas City, Kansas

June 4 from 8:30 - 11:30 a.m.

The Unity Council 709 of the Knights of Columbus are hosting the breakfast. The cost for a large Menudo bowl is $10; small Menudo bowl is $5; three pancakes, sausage links and scrambled eggs are $6. The meals include tortillas, coffee and juice. To-go orders are available.

RETROUVAILLE: WEEKEND FOR COUPLES

See website for location

June 9 - 11 Kansas City

Retrouvaille offers a welcoming and loving space to couples who have been living with the misery of a failing marriage and hope that it is not too late for a better marriage. Retrouvaille helps couples show each other mercy through the opportunities it provides to listen, forgive, be reconciled and to move into their futures,

Barrett Insurance Agency Inc

Erin Barrett CLU ChFC, Agent 13139 Shawnee Mission Parkway

erin@insurewitherin.com

Bus: 913-648-1100

Hablamos Español St. Joseph, Shawnee, parishioner State Farm, Bloomington, IL 2001738

believing their marriages can be healed and restored. For more information, call: (800) 470-2230 or visit the website at: helpourmarriage.org.

PROJECT RACHEL/PROJECT JOSEPH SATURDAY RETREAT

Lenexa (exact location given after registration)

June 24 from 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Is Mother’s Day or Father’s Day a difficult time for you, bringing up memories you’ve been trying to forget? Have you been thinking about this for a long time but struggle with reaching out to talk to someone? We’re offering a one-day retreat that can help you on the road to healing in a judgment-free, confidential environment. Continental breakfast, lunch and materials will be provided. To register, go online to: projectrachelkc@ archkck.org or call/text (913) 621-2199.

‘GOSPEL OF NONVIOLENCE: LIVING THE WAY OF JESUS’

Keeler Women’s Center

759 Vermont Ave., Suite 100-B Kansas City, Kansas

First and third Wednesdays

From 1 - 3 p.m.

In a world where bullets enter homes and violence disrupts neighborhoods, where the news seems to report more and more killings and war, come and experience the message of nonviolence that has been preached by Jesus and wise people through the ages. Register by calling or texting (913) 689-9375.

ST. THOMAS AQUINAS

SUMMER CAMPS

St. Thomas Aquinas High School

11311 Pflumm Rd., Overland Park

May - August

A variety of camps will give students entering grades K - 8 the chance to discover their potential in sports and other activities. Registration and more information are available online at: www.stasaints.net/ summercamps. Call (913) 319-2416 for questions or email: btriggs@stasaints.net.

CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS

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

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

NEED HELP HEALING FROM A PAST ABORTION?

Call or text 913-621-2199

Compassionate, Confidential, Free

EMPLOYMENT

President - Bishop Miege High School - Bishop Miege High School is currently seeking to fill their president position for the next school year that begins July 1. The president is responsible for the fiscal stability of the high school and implementing the goals and objectives of a Catholic philosophy of education in the school community. Must be a practicing Catholic and have a master’s degree in education, business or other related field. A minimum of at least five years’ experience in a leadership role in education, business or other related field is preferred. This is a full-time position and is eligible for paid time off and participation in our benefits plan. Please visit: archkck.org/jobs to learn more about this job opportunity or to apply.

Director of religious education K - 8 - Church of the Nativity, Leawood, is seeking a full-time director of religious education. This position is a key pastoral leadership and formation role that requires collaboration with the pastor, evangelization and youth ministers, staff members, volunteers and parishioners to provide Catholic formation for public and home school children (K - 8) and sacramental preparation for all parish families. The ideal applicant will be a practicing Catholic in good standing with the church who holds a bachelor’s or master’s degree in theology, philosophy, catechesis or similar academic discipline or five years’ experience. Some experience in teaching/leading young children, teens and/or RCIA; leadership and supervisory experience in a Catholic parish setting is helpful. Applicant should be motivated and effective in communication and be knowledgeable of current media and technology. Evening and weekend work as well as regularly scheduled daytime office hours required. This position is eligible for the archdiocesan benefits package with a start date of June 1. Position open until filled. Please send a letter of application and resume to: jobapplication@kcnativity.org.

Youth minister - Church of the Nativity, Leawood, is seeking a full-time, dynamic, high energy, consistently visible and creative youth minister to join the campus youth director and Christian formation team. This position will be responsible for working directly with the youth director to aid in the coordination of pastoral youth ministry for the entire campus, including high school youth, junior high youth from both the parish school and religious education program, and parish young adults. The ideal candidate will be a practicing Catholic who can work well in a team dynamic closely collaborating with the campus youth director and the director of religious education; displays strong communication skills through a variety of points of contact; exhibits interpersonal skills to foster mutual support from families of youth; and has a passionate love for sharing Jesus Christ with all youth, knowing any contact with them is a touchpoint of evangelization. Qualified applicants should have at least two years’ experience in youth ministry or qualifying degree; have or be willing to receive Virtus training; and pass a background check. Please send resume to: jobapplication@kcnativity.org.

Middle school religion teacher - Holy Trinity Catholic School in Lenexa is seeking a middle school religion teacher for the 2023-24 school year. This teacher will be responsible for teaching seventh and eighth grade religion. Interested applicants should complete the teacher application process online at: www.archkckcs.org and email a resume to principal Scott Merfen at: smerfen@htslenexa.org.

Youth minister - Prince of Peace, Olathe, is seeking an exceptional and experienced leader who desires to witness, serve and form teens and their families. They will work with a volunteer core team to envision, plan and execute a youth ministry program in accord with the church’s vision for youth formation and in collaboration with the pastor’s mission and vision. This is a full-time, leadership and administrative position that would be responsible for the implementation of weekly youth programs for both junior and senior high. Seeking a Catholic experienced in youth ministry who will encourage and train adult core and youth team leaders. For more information, go to: www.popolathe.org. To apply, send a resume and cover letter to April Bailey, director of faith formation, at: abailey@popolathe.org.

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

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

Caregiver needed - Caregiver needed to take care of elderly woman who is wheelchair-bound (three days per week). In Overland Park area. Please call (913) 961-3213.

Maur Hill-Mount Academy admissions director - Position summary: This person reports directly to the president and is responsible for the recruitment of all students. The admissions director manages all aspects of admissions, including, but not limited to, international recruitment, working with international agents, scholarship applications, notifying families of acceptance, the school website and marketing to different constituents for the purpose of recruiting students, especially those boarding at the school. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following: direct and manage admission programs for recruitment and enrollment; collaborate with the principal and residence life director to understand, report and improve student retention; develop strategic goals and actions to achieve target enrollment; build an ongoing list of international agents to recruit to MH-MA; organize and promote alumni gatherings in different locations to inspire them to market MHMA to potential families; plan and organize admission events and receptions for prospective students and families; manage the CRM database for admissions; manage the upkeep of the website, particularly for recruiting students; create social media posts for the purpose of recruiting students, especially boarders; develop and maintain strong relationships with constituents, including partner schools and professional consultants; coordinate scholarships and financial aid for all students; create, implement and report on annual goals, objectives and a plan of action for attracting and retaining students; manage the daily operations of the admission office, including budget, database, files, correspondence and mailings; collaborate closely with the residence director for new students; visa/passport coordination; and retention.

Classroom teachers - Holy Trinity Catholic School in Lenexa has multiple openings for classroom teachers in kindergarten, first grade and second grade for the 2023-24 school year. Interested applicants should complete the teacher application process online at: www.archkckcs.org and email a resume to principal Scott Merfen at: smerfen@htslenexa.org.

Director of evangelization and parish life - St. Ann Parish in Prairie Village is seeking a dynamic, team- focused leader to fill the role of director of evangelization and parish life. This person will oversee current formation programs including Journey (formerly Christ Renews His Parish), Bible studies and formation events, such as parish service days, parish missions and evenings of reflection. The director of evangelization and parish life will form leaders for small groups, lead teams of volunteers and serve as staff contact for these formation programs and events. The director of evangelization and parish life is a part-time ministerial position (up to 25 hours per week) with some evening and weekend work required. Interested applicants should submit a resume and cover letter to Father Craig Maxim at: frcraig@ stannpv.org.

Bookkeeper - The Catholic Education Foundation is currently seeking a bookkeeper to work in their office. This position would be responsible for providing bookkeeping support and assisting with some administrative duties. The ideal candidate would have three to five years working in bookkeeping or accounting. Experience working in a nonprofit setting is also a plus. Please visit: archkck.org/jobs to learn more about this job opportunity and to apply.

Summer associate - We are hiring for a New Roots summer associate — VISTA. New Roots for Refugees is a four-year training program that began in 2008 as a collaboration between Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas and Cultivate KC. The program helps refugees with agricultural experience to start their own small farm businesses by growing and selling produce through farmers markets, wholesale and the New Roots Farm Share. As an AmeriCorps VISTA with New Roots for Refugees, you’ll support farmers helping to increase access to fresh, healthy food in the Kansas City area. The AmeriCorps VISTA will help them sell their produce, connect with customers and learn about sustainable farming practices. You will also have the opportunity to learn about different cultures and make a real difference in the lives of refugees. Apply today at: catholiccharitiesks.org/careers/ and scroll down to “Job Openings,” then to “View All” for job description and to apply.

Non-medical caregivers - Saint Rita Home Care is hiring non-medical caregivers for seniors. Seeking compassionate individuals to fill all shifts. Call or text Renee Margush at (913) 229-4267, or rmargush@saintritahc. com. Member of Prince of Peace Parish, Olathe Director of administrative services - Good Shepherd Parish and School in Shawnee is looking to hire a fulltime director of administrative services. This position involves executive level responsibilities that include but are not limited to financial management, human resources and staff supervision. Qualified applicants will also be responsible for development and donor relations. The successful candidate will have familiarity and competence with current technology. Strong communication and interpersonal skills are required. Spanish language skills are an asset. A demonstrated commitment to the Catholic faith and mission is essential, along with a desire to work in a positive, faith-oriented environment. This full-time position is eligible for parish and archdiocesan benefits. Please submit a cover letter and resume to: frkent@gsshawnee.org. Resumes will be accepted until the position is filled. Start date is negotiable.

Bookkeeper/accountant - The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas is currently looking for a bookkeeper/accountant to work in its accounting office. This position would be responsible for all aspects of the accounts receivable functions for the chancery offices. The incumbent would also issue invoices to parishes and archdiocesan institutions. A minimum of two years’ relevant work experience in accounts receivable or other accounting functions is preferred. To learn more about this position or to apply, please visit: https://archkck.org/jobs.

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

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

Catholic elementary school principal - St. John Church and School in Lawrence, KS is seeking a principal with demonstrated skills in leadership in elementary school administration, spiritual development, and advancement. Ability to work in a multicultural environment is required. St. John is preschool through 8th grade with an enrollment of approx. 300 students. Applicants should understand and live the mission of Catholic schools and have or be eligible for Kansas licensure in educational leadership. Please apply on-line at: www.archkckcs.org/apply.

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

Microscope service/repair: Are you passionate about supporting small business? A locally owned, family business is currently seeking candidates to provide preventive maintenance and repair service on microscopes. No previous experience necessary, on-the-job training provided by seasoned technicians. Good communication, time management and customer service skills needed. Hours are flexible depending on customer needs. Some travel is required. Please contact us at: techneeded23@gmail.com.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fourth grade teacher - Nativity Parish School in Leawood is seeking a fourth grade teacher for the 2023-24 school year. Applicants should apply by sending an email to principal Luke Jennison at: luke. jennison@kcnativity.org.

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

First grade teacher - Nativity Parish School in Leawood is seeking a first grade teacher for the 2023-24 school year. Applicants should apply by sending an email principal Luke Jennison at: luke. jennison@kcnativity.org.

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

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

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

Care and outreach coordinator - St. Michael the Archangel Parish in Leawood is seeking a care and outreach coordinator. Responsibilities include compassionate coordination of care ministries and outreach efforts such as extraordinary ministers of holy Communion to the sick and homebound; funeral planning; grief support; divorce support; difficult circumstances, etc. Must be a practicing Catholic with a servant’s heart and have excellent interpersonal and communications skills. This is a full-time, ministerial position with some weekend and evening hours. For a full job description, visit: stmichaelcp.org/employment. To apply, email: denise.greene@stmichaelcp.org or call (913) 4023984.

Catholic elementary school principal - Christ the King School in Kansas City, Kansas, is seeking an individual with demonstrated skill in spiritual, academic and advancement leadership, and experience in the classical liberal arts for the 2023-24 school year. Familiarity with Spanish is a plus. Christ the King School has approximately 216 students in K - 8th grades and 20 preschoolers taught by 19 teachers. Applicants for principal must be practicing Catholics, understand the mission of Catholic schools, and have or be eligible for Kansas licensure in education leadership. Please apply at: www.archkck.org. Call (913) 3361550 with questions.

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

>> Classifieds continue on page 13

Middle school ELA teacher - Nativity Parish School in Leawood is seeking a middle school ELA teacher for the 2023-24 school year. Applicants should apply by sending an email to principal Luke Jennison at: luke.jennison@kcnativity.org.

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

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

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

Math teacher - Nativity Parish School in Leawood is seeking a middle school math teacher for the 2023-24 school year. Applicants should apply by emailing principal Luke Jennison at: luke.jennison@kcnativity.org.

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

Drivers and aides - Assisted Transportation is hiring safe drivers and aides to transport students in Johnson and Wyandotte Counties, 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 are encouraged to apply. Make a difference in your community by helping those in need! Call (913) 262-5190 or visit www.assistedtransportation.com for more information. EEO.

Fifth grade teacher - Nativity Parish School in Leawood is seeking a fifth grade teacher for the 2023-24 school year. Applicants should email principal Luke Jennison at: luke.jennison@kcnativity.org.

Staff job openings - Donnelly College in Kansas City, Kansas, has the following staff job openings available: director of development, intake coordinator; director of development; part-time information systems coordinator and vice-president of business affairs/ CFO chief financial officer.. Find job descriptions and details at: www.donnelly.edu/careers.

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

FOR SALE

For sale - Two side-by-side plots at Mount Moriah Cemetery, Kansas City, Missouri. Lot 92, block 26, two spaces.. Valued at $9600, asking $4000 or best offer. Call JoAnn at (913) 262-9582.

For sale - One plot at Mount Calvary Cemetery in Topeka. Located in the Rossiter section. Asking $2200. Includes transfer fee. Call Patty at (785) 286-6806.

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).

HOME IMPROVEMENT

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% www.windowservicesoverlandpark.com drcconswindows@gmail.com

(913) 461-4052

STA (Sure Thing Always) Home Repair - Basement finish, bathrooms and kitchens; interior & exterior repairs: painting, roofing, siding, wood replacement and window glazing. Free estimates. Call (913) 5791835. Email: smokeycabin@hotmail.com. Member of Holy Trinity, Lenexa.

EL SOL Y LA TIERRA

*COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL

*LAWN RENOVATION *MOWING

*CLEANUP AND HAULING

*DIRT GRADING/INSTALLATION

*LANDSCAPE DESIGN* FREE ESTIMATES HABLAMOS Y ESCRIBIMOS INGLES!! CALL LUPE AT (816) 252-1391

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

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

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

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.

SERVICES

Popcorn ceiling texture removal

Call Jerry at (913) 206-1144. 30 years’ experience. Member St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee.

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

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

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

Interior painting

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

Member St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee.

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

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

Quality painting - Interior, exterior painting and wood rot repair. Quality workmanship insured. Call (913) 206-4524; email: robaprince@aol.com.

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

FOR RENT

Home for rent - Three bedroom; two bath; fully furnished basement; two-car garage; large lot. No smoking, no pets. $1500 per month. Call (913) 9634716.

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

$$$PAYING CASH MONEY$$

For military items, pocket and wristwatches, American coins, old buttons, lanterns, spurs, silver flatware, crocks, pocketknives, oil lamps, lanterns, Southwest items/jewelry. Most old items considered. Call Patricia today at (913) 515-2950.

PILGRIMAGE

Pilgrimage to Medjugorge - Sept 5 - 24, 2023. Cost is $2500 per person, which includes airfare, bus transportation, accommodations, two meals per day and daily local guides. Hosted by visionary Mirjana Soldo. There will also be a pilgrimage to Poland and Medjugorge June 16 - 26. For details, call Grace Legaspi at (913) 449-1806.

CAREGIVING

Caregiving - We provide personal assistance, companionship, care management, and transportation for seniors in their home, assisted living or nursing facilities. We also provide respite care for main caregivers needing some personal time. Call Daughters & Company at (913) 341-2500 and speak with Laurie, Pat or Gary.

Personal caregiver - I am kind, dependable and trustworthy. Will provide companionship and care to a loved one in their home or assisted living. Contact MaryAnn at (913) 952-1736.

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

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

REAL ESTATE

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

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

Classified Advertising

The Leaven reaches approximately 50,000 subscribers. Cost is $20 for the first five lines, $1.50 per line thereafter.

To purchase a Leaven classified ad, email: beth.blankenship@theleaven.org

The appearance of advertising in The Leaven is not an endorsement by either the newspaper or the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas. The Leaven attempts to screen advertisers and copy, but is not responsible for claims and representations made in advertisements.

DAILY READINGS

SIXTH WEEK OF EASTER

May 14

SIXTH SUNDAY OF EASTER

Acts 8: 5-8, 14-17

Ps 66: 1-7, 16, 20

1 Pt 3: 15-18

Jn 14: 15-21

May 15

Isidore

Acts 16: 11-15

Ps 149: 1-6a, 9b

Jn 15:26 – 16:4a

May 16

Tuesday

Acts 16: 22-34

Ps 138: 1-3, 7c-8

Jn 16: 5-11

May 17

Wednesday

Acts 17:15, 22 – 18:1

Ps 148: 1-2, 11-14

Jn 16: 12-15

May 18

John I, pope, martyr

Acts 18: 1-8

Ps 98: 1-4

Jn 16: 16-20

May 19

Friday

Acts 18: 9-18

Ps 47: 2-7

Jn 16: 20-23

May 20

Bernardine of Siena, priest

Acts 18: 23-28

Ps 47: 2-3, 8-10

Jn 16: 23b-28

Nothing has the power to upset you. When I came across that line recently, well, quite frankly, it upset me! I’d not heard anything so ridiculous. Even more upsetting was the fact that a favorite author of mine, Jesuit Father Anthony de Mello, wrote it.

Father de Mello was a prolific storyteller who kindled a deep love for stories in me. His thin volume, entitled “Rediscovering Life: Awaken to Reality,” was based on a lecture he gave shortly before his sudden death in 1987 at age 55. This is where that silly — at least to my mind — “upset” sentence appeared.

Delving deeper into Father de Mello’s reasoning, however, got me thinking. He gave an example of a picnic getting rained out. You’re upset. But that feeling is not caused by the rain, but by your reaction to it.

Make peace with the upset in life

MARK MY WORDS

of stories clarify what I suspect Father de Mello would say.

REGINA

second century

Almost nothing is known for fact of this virgin and martyr. The Roman Martyrology says only that she died for her faith. According to legend, she was the daughter of a pagan man, and her mother died in childbirth. She was cared for by a woman who introduced her to Christianity. After discovering this, her father rejected his child but later attempted to have her marry a local prefect. When she refused, she was imprisoned and tortured. The night before she was killed, Regina was consoled by a vision that told her that her suffering would soon end.

As he explains: “But you and I have been trained to make our happiness depend on certain things and so when those things don’t happen — thanks to our training, thanks to our programming, thanks to the false belief If this doesn’t happen, I’m not going to be happy — well, what do you know? We upset ourselves.” I found myself

nodding in agreement. How many times have I been upset at the “rotten driving” of others when, had I just left home 10 minutes earlier and not put myself in a situation of being late, I’d not even notice the driving of others.

We’ve heard the antidote for upset throughout Easter: peace. And not just any peace. Jesus says: “My peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid” (Jn 14:27).

But what about those real issues, like war or violence, that concern us? Should we just ignore them? A couple

The first is about Ramsey MacDonald, one-time prime minister of England, who was discussing with another government official the possibility of lasting peace. The latter, an expert on foreign affairs, was unimpressed by MacDonald’s idealistic thinking and remarked, “The desire for peace does not necessarily ensure it.”

MacDonald replied, “Quite true. Neither does the desire for food satisfy your hunger, but at least it gets you started toward a restaurant.” (Found in “Illustrations Unlimited,” edited by James S. Hewett.)

Rather than merely being upset at the serious issues afflicting the world, a peaceful heart leads a person to pursue concrete solutions, as this second story illustrates:

Sadaku was a Japanese girl caught in the bombing of Hiroshima.

Her entire family was killed, and she received severe radiation burns. Although in a hospital, she was dying.

Instead of bemoaning this tragedy, she said: “This can never happen again to people. People can’t be this cruel to one another. So each day, I’m going to make a white crane, and I’m going to send it to somebody and ask them to be a disciple for peace.” After doing this for 683 days, she died.

Sadaku gave people a choice: Be consumed by a desire to bomb the rest of the world in revenge or continue what she started. Folks made a 684th white crane, then a 685th . . . and those still go throughout the world saying that life can be better.

(Found in William S. Bausch’s “A World of Stories.”)

So, the next time you find yourself getting upset, which will you pursue: a bottle of Pepto-Bismol or a more peaceful heart?

Even in the harshest circumstances, love prevails, hope endures

Afew years ago, a colleague of mine made a pastoral visit to one of the forgotten corners of the world: Armenia.

Here is a country suffering from devastations most of us can only imagine — genocide, war, earthquakes, economic disaster. It’s all taken a toll. The young have left, looking for better opportunities. Many of those left behind live in what my colleague called “grinding poverty.”

Their homes are tin sheds with no running water. Indoor plumbing is a hole in the floor.

Reflecting on all this, my colleague

DEACON GREG KANDRA

that he is nowhere.”

His unspoken question seemed to be: “Where is God?”

It is a question that has been asked again and again throughout history.

Where is God? Cynics may scoff. Doubters will shrug. But you don’t have to look far to find an answer; we find one in this Sunday’s Gospel. Just before he ascends to the Father, Jesus tells his disciples: You will not be alone.

will come to you.”

The Advocate, of course, is the Holy Spirit. The Spirit is coming, Jesus says. You will not be abandoned or alone.

Who would dare to disbelieve him?

In Armenia, he is in the hearts of those who are caring for the sick, the elderly, the poor, the helpless. He is in the arms that embrace children who have been pushed aside.

emailed me: “I know God is everywhere, but it seems sometimes

“The Father will give you another Advocate to be with you always,” he says, “the Spirit of truth. . . . But you know him, because he remains with you, and will be in you. I will not leave you orphans; I

In just a couple weeks, we will celebrate Pentecost, the birthday of the church, when the Holy Spirit fell like fire upon the apostles. It can be easy for us to forget: That fire is still burning. Even now, the Advocate continues to advocate for all of us.

To those who ask, “Where is God?,” the simple answer is: “Look around you.” God is wherever the Holy Spirit is at work.

Whether we realize it or not, God lives on around us and within us. Love prevails. Hope endures.

It’s there every Sunday in the tabernacle. It’s in the pews, in the quiet work of people we know and strangers we don’t.

It’s within us all, burning with the glow of one candle that ignited countless more fires, in humbling and inexpressible ways. Trust and believe: We are not orphans.

Christians must nurture roots of faith and build bridges, pope says

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The strong roots of faith and community helped the people of Hungary resist and survive Nazi occupation and communism, Pope Francis said, and the people must draw on those roots today to resist the more subtle threats of consumerism and individualism.

At his weekly general audience

May 3, the pope reflected on his visit

April 28-30 to Budapest, Hungary. But he also used his main talk as an opportunity to wish a happy 92nd birthday to his friend, Edith Bruck, a Hungarian-born writer and Holocaust survivor now living in Rome.

Fascism and the Nazi occupation of Hungary during World War II led to “the tragic deportation of a large Jewish population” and the deaths of some 400,000 of them, the pope said.

“But in that atrocious genocide, many distinguished themselves by

their resistance and their ability to protect the victims; and this was possible because the roots of living together were firm. In Rome, we have a great Hungarian poet who went through all of these trials and tells young people about the importance of defending an ideal so as not to be conquered by persecution and discouragement,” the pope said. “This poet turns 92 years old today. Best wishes, Edith!”

Deacon Greg Kandra is an award-winning author and journalist, and creator of the blog “The Deacon’s Bench.” He serves in the Diocese of Brooklyn, New York.

FATHER MARK GOLDASICH

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

By Marc and Julie Anderson mjanderson@theleaven.org

Local organization connects abortion survivors worldwide The Abortion Survivors Network

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Melissa Ohden said she never planned to start an organization.

Ohden, who joined the Catholic Church in 2014, belongs to St. Andrew the Apostle Parish in Gladstone, Missouri. She leads the Abortion Survivors Network (ASN), the world’s only organization dedicated to providing “a safe place for [abortion] survivors to finally share their story, be themselves, be vulnerable, to finally heal.”

Ohden first became involved with pro-life ministry in 2007, sharing her own story of having survived a saline infusion abortion in 1977 at 31 weeks.

As she shared her story at various events, other abortion survivors began asking her for help.

For years, Ohden connected survivors with other survivors, guided them to counselors, helped them write their testimonies and invited them to policy groups. Mostly though, she just helped survivors, including Kim Marvin of Kirkland, Washington, heal from the emotional and spiritual wounds they suffer as a result of the abortion.

Born in 1961, Marvin’s mother sought the services of an obstetrician/ gynecologist in Seattle whose clientele consisted mostly of patients seeking illegal abortions (abortion was illegal in any state until 1967) and underwent a saline injection abortion when Marvin was around two months gestation.

About 10 years ago, Marvin tracked down Abby Johnson, a former abortion industry worker whose story is told in the 2019 movie “Unplanned,” after a pro-life event and begged her for the name of someone with whom she could talk. Johnson gave Marvin Ohden’s contact information.

Marvin’s first phone call to Ohden lasted nearly two hours. Ohden encouraged Marvin to write her story.

Meanwhile, Ohden was serving other abortion survivors and praying for all of them, including Marvin. In 2019, Ohden said she realized God had

been calling her to a ministry for abortion survivors all along and officially started ASN with one specific purpose.

“My long-term vision would be for ASN to be so well-known and understood — not just in the pro-life movement, but in our culture — that survivors and families know that they’re not alone and that they have a place to go to for healing and hope.”

“Folks like me,” she continued, “and people like my biological mother deserve to know that they’re not alone, and they deserve to have their lives

transformed. . . . So, that’s what I’m in the business of doing now — serving these abortion survivors with community support and healing support.”

ASN organizes and facilitates confidential healing groups using a curriculum she wrote specifically for abortion survivors. In 2020, nine years after the first phone call, Marvin called Ohden and asked to be connected with other survivors.

Now, Marvin serves as the international coordinator for ASN, regularly meeting online with abortion survivors from countries as far away as Germany, Australia and Sri Lanka.

Marvin described meeting other survivors as “a gift from heaven,” a gift she would not have experienced had it not been for Ohden’s willingness to share her story.

“It’s really hard to get this message out because people don’t want to hear it,” Marvin said. “We have to educate that we exist. That, to me, is the biggest hurdle because I’d say 80 to 90 percent of the population does not know that you can survive an abortion. . . . With that statistic, that’s an uphill [battle], but it’s an opportunity as well.”

Sisters join people around the world in mission of hope

>> Continued from page 4

“Making a commitment to do a work of mercy on behalf of peace and hope is certainly something we can do,” said Sister Rosemary. “And participating in this mission can serve as another reminder of our call to love and care for our neighbor, to live as people of hope.”

Haik agreed, saying, “It’s a wonderful opportunity to join together knowing that people all over the world are participating in this.”

Trout knows how the Sisters suffered during their quarantine and sees this initiative as a sign that hope can come even from such difficulties.

“And this hope reaches far beyond our rooms, our motherhouse, into our communities and into space!” she said.

Do babies really survive abortions?

Yes. Sometimes abortion procedures fail, are stopped or reversed (abortion pill reversal). Not only do abortion survivors exist, but they exist in greater numbers than one might think.

According to a study focused on seven years’ worth of data and adjusted for population, abortion rates and other variables, the Abortion Survivors Network estimates that between 1973 and 2022, at least 85,187 infants have been born alive after failed abortions.

The same study estimates the number of infants who survive abortion annually is 1,734. To date, the Abortion Survivors Network has connected with more than 650 individuals who survived abortions.

What services does the Abortion Survivors Network offer clients?

The group facilitates confidential healing groups led by other survivors, provides community support and equips survivors to find their voices. All services are confidential.

This year, the organization is launching a campaign to equip and train ambassadors in their home states, helping to “make them visible and abortion unthinkable.” Also, the network is launching collaborative training on how to respond to and support women after failed chemical abortions, an area of ministry increasingly more important as abortion pills grow more accessible.

For more information about the Abortion Survivors Network, go online to: abortionsurvivors.org.

of mercy.

Lamont and Linda Weide, members of Church of the Nativity, Leawood, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on May 26. The couple was married on May 26, 1973, St. Pascal Baylon in St. Paul, Minnesota. Their children are: Cassandra and Cory. Phil and Mary (Nelson) Wheeler, members of St. Ann Parish, Prairie Village, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on May 20 with family. The couple was married on May 12, 1973, at Sacred Heart Church, Niles. Their children are Stephen Wheeler, Chicago; Anne Seeberger, Kansas City, Kansas; and Joseph Wheeler, Kansas City, Missouri. They also have two granddaughters.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE SISTERS OF CHARITY OF LEAVENWORTH

Megan Trout, the pastoral care coordinator of the Sisters of Charity motherhouse and Ross Hall in Leavenworth, the skilled nursing facility for the Sisters, shows the Sisters a model she created of Spei Satelles and explains how it works. The Sisters will join the pope’s mission by performing works

COURTESY PHOTO

From left to right: Social worker Kara West of the Abortion Survivors Network, the world’s only nonprofit dedicated to serving abortion survivors, joins abortion survivors Jennifer Milbourn, Karen Causey, Kim Marvin, Delana Brooks, Amy Miles and Denisha Workizer as they share a moment of laughter at the organization’s annual retreat in 2022.

FOLKS LIKE ME AND PEOPLE LIKE MY BIOLOGICAL MOTHER DESERVE TO KNOW THAT THEY’RE NOT ALONE, AND THEY DESERVE TO HAVE THEIR LIVES TRANSFORMED.

MELISSA OHDEN ABORTION SURVIVORS NETWORK FOUNDER

Spiritual direction revealed to deacon his heart’s true desires

By Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

KANSAS CITY, Kan. — When Deacon Colm Francis Larkin was just a little guy, 5 or 6 years old, he told his pastor that he wanted to grow up and become a priest — but he didn’t want to go to Mass all the time.

The old monsignor roared with laughter.

Thoughts of a vocation to the priesthood soon went away, but God has a funny way of bringing up the subject again with some men. This was the case with Deacon Larkin.

Larkin, soon to turn 29, was ordained a transitional deacon on May 21, 2022, at Christ the King Parish in Topeka. He and two other men will be ordained to the priesthood by Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann on May 27 at Prince of Peace Church in Olathe.

Now, Deacon Larkin can’t wait to celebrate Mass all the time — and hear confessions and administer all the sacraments of the Catholic Church.

“It’s a beautiful life that God has called me to,” he said.

Both of his parents have roots in the Diocese of Salina and he was born in Salina, too. But his family moved to Bellevue, Nebraska (really Omaha), and then to Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Dennis and Jean Larkin had four children, and Deacon Larkin is “the baby of the family.” He’s also the youngest cousin.

“The faith was very important and central to our family,” said Deacon Larkin. “I grew up going to daily Mass with my mom, we prayed at meals and lived our lives according to the church calendar.”

Catholic education was important, too. He’s attended Catholic schools from grade school through the seminary.

“I tell people I’m in my 23rd grade of Catholic education,” he said.

Deacon Larkin had no thoughts whatsoever about the priesthood all through grade school, high school and his first couple of years at Benedictine College in Atchison.

However, at Benedictine he thought he received sure guidance for his future.

“I originally wanted to be a physical therapist,” he said. “My organic chemistry professor told me my talents would be wasted on physical therapy, so she encouraged me to look into medical school. I took that as a sign from the Lord. I took my Medical College Admission Test — never officially applied, but I was ready to go.”

At about the same time, he started receiving spiritual direction from St. Benedict Abbey’s prior, Brother Leven Harton.

“He really uncovered a lot of these desires in my heart I didn’t know that I had,” said Deacon Larkin. “There was a desire for closeness and intimacy with the Lord, to totally give myself to him. I wasn’t sure what that meant. In the course of just a few months, I went from not having ever thought about it to thinking about applying for [the] seminary. It was a pretty quick discernment, all things considered.”

He also attended a Fellowship of Catholic University Students SEEK conference in Nashville, Tennessee, in January 2015, and it seemed then that the Lord was pointing him toward the seminary or the monastery — not medical school.

Deacon Larkin visited a seminary,

but it didn’t seem like a good fit. A priest there wisely counseled him not to drop out of Benedictine, but finish his degree and then decide on a seminary.

And he had to answer another question: Which diocese would he choose? He had ties to the Diocese of Salina, the Archdiocese of Omaha, the Diocese of Wichita, the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas and the Archdiocese of Dubuque.

“I asked (then-archdiocesan vocations director) Father Scott Wallisch, ‘How do I know which one is for me?’” said Deacon Larkin. “He said, ‘You’re going to want to go where your family lives.’ He didn’t know my parents were planning to move to Kansas City . . . almost all of my family eventually moved to Kansas City.”

Deacon Larkin graduated from Benedictine College with a bachelor’s degree in biology in May 2016 and entered St. John Vianney Seminary in Denver for the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas that August.

“I was very blessed to receive a very specific, a very clear, call to the priesthood during my first year in [the] seminary. But then came the painful years of being purified from worldly things,” he said.

“The formation team was incredible. They helped me to stay during times when I wanted to leave. Now, I can look back and see what the Lord was doing all along and how it was necessary,” he said. “Growth is painful. I’m grateful I didn’t confuse the pain of growth with the pain of choosing the wrong vocation. The Christian life is the cross, ultimately. I was schooled in the way of the cross in [the] seminary.”

Why does he want to be a priest? To save souls.

“I was created for this,” said Deacon Larkin. “When God created me, he saw me as a priest 29 years later. It’s beautiful to think this life was prepared for me from the beginning of time. It’s humbling, honoring and exciting. I can’t wait to go out there and serve the people of God.”

COLM LARKIN

Age: 28. I will be 29 at ordination.

City/town/location born: Salina

Parents: Dennis and Jean Larkin

Siblings: Liam Larkin, Sister Mary Maris Stella, FSGM, and Clare (Larkin) Ostmeyer

Hometown: Grew up in Omaha, Nebraska, but Overland Park is now home.

Current parish: Holy Cross, Overland Park

Education:

• Grade school: St. Bernadette in Bellevue, Nebraska

• Middle/Jr. high: Regis Middle School in Cedar Rapids, Iowa

• High school: Xavier High School in Cedar Rapids, graduated 2012

• College: Benedictine College, Atchison, graduated in 2016 with a degree in biology

• Seminary: St. John Vianney in Denver

Favorite movie: “Shawshank Redemption”

Favorite kind of music: country and folk

My encounter with the famous/infamous: When I was a kid, I met the real-life Rudy Ruettiger from the famous football movie “Rudy.”

One of the most inspirational Christians I’ve met: Honestly, it is just the ordinary people at the parish who inspire me the most.

My favorite class in seminary: I really enjoyed our church history classes.

Favorite saint, and why: St. Raphael the Archangel. He has sort of followed me around all my life. I originally formed a devotion to him because he is the patron saint of doctors and I wanted to go to medical school.

Favorite devotion, and why: the Surrender Novena. It got me through the toughest times in the seminary.

Book I’d recommend: “The Great Divorce” by C.S. Lewis

Favorite food: cinnamon rolls

Least favorite food: celery

Favorite childhood toy: Hot Wheels

When I was growing up, I wanted to be: archaeologist

Dream vacation: a fishing trip to Alaska

Worst job I’ve ever had: I detasseled seed corn in high school. This meant waking up at 4:30 a.m. and walking through corn fields all day pulling the tassels off of the tops of the plants.

Best job I’ve ever had: I worked for a catering company in high school.

Favorite leisure activity: fishing

My hidden talent/skill: This isn’t really a talent, but I have 20/15 vision, which is better than “perfect.”

People who had a major influence on my vocation: Obviously, my parents played a large role in raising me in the faith. My sister entered the convent when I was in college, which played a big part. Brother Leven Harton of St. Benedict’s Abbey in Atchison was my spiritual director in college and had the most immediate impact on me applying to the seminary.

Best advice I received while seeking my vocation: “Don’t take yourself so seriously.” My advice to someone seeking their vocation or how to get the most out of the seminary experience: If you stay faithful to prayer, the Lord will make known the plan he has for your life.

Qualities I admire in other priests: I admire priests who spend lots of time with families from the parish.

What I’m most looking forward to in my priestly ministry is: being back home in the archdiocese I want to be a priest because: It is a beautiful life that God has called me to.

Colm Larkin plays with a child he met on a mission trip to Peru in 2019. His group visited a shanty town, where they talked with the locals and played with the children.