07 17 20 Vol. 42 No. 2 by The Leaven

THELEAVEN.ORG | VOL. 42, NO. 2 | JULY 17, 2020

A ‘SERVANT’S HEART’ Nurse uses her ‘special gifts’ for crisis relief

By Katie Peterson Special to The Leaven

ife-changing is how registered nurse Suzie Stadler, a parishioner of St. John Paul II Parish in Olathe, described her mission trip to Tijuana, Mexico. “Spiritually for me, to be in a scary time and just to see how it can truly be overcome . . . I came home completely changed,” Stadler said. Stadler accompanied Dr. Gary Morsch, founder of COVID Care Force Effort, to Tijuana May 24-28 to assist the Missionaries of Charity, a religious order founded by St. Teresa of Calcutta. The order had been hit hard by COVID. The care force is an extension of Morsch’s organization, Heart to Heart International, which helps improve access to health care, provides humanitarian development and administers crisis relief to communities worldwide. “That was a terrible situation for them. They had no downtime, and they were working [like mad] — the ones that could,” said Stadler of the Sisters. “How they were just joyful to overcome it was a beautiful lesson.” The need for the trip came about when Morsch was put in contact with the regional superior of the Sisters in Tijuana, and it was decided that he and a nurse would go and assess the situation. From there, Morsch reached out to Dr. Amanda Tauscher, Johnson County Dermatology co-owner and a parishioner of Sacred Heart Parish in Shawnee, who recommended Stadler accompany him on the trip. “When I spoke to Dr. Morsch and listened to him explain the urgent situation in Tijuana, Suzie’s name nearly immediately came to mind,” Tauscher said. “Suzie has worked with me for years, and she has some really special gifts. “She has what Dr. Morsch

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

PHOTO COURTESY OF SUZIE STADLER

Nurse Suzie Stadler assists Dr. Gary Morsch, founder of COVID Care Force Effort, in testing one of the Missionaries of Charity priests in Tijuana, Mexico.

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“HER VOCATION AS A NURSE IS PART OF THE VERY FABRIC OF HER BEING. I ALSO KNEW THIS PARTICULAR CALL TO SERVE WAS GOING TO BE ESPECIALLY CHALLENGING BECAUSE THE FIRST PERSON TO ARRIVE WOULD BE FACED WITH THE MOST UNKNOWNS.” calls a ‘servant’s heart,’” she continued. “Suzie has a special ability to recognize those who are hurting and do something selfless out of love to help them heal. “Her vocation as a nurse is part of the very fabric of her

E-PARISHIONERS

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann has used Facebook during the pandemic to evangelize. Page 4

being. I also knew this particular call to serve was going to be especially challenging, because the first person to arrive would be faced with the most unknowns.” But Tauscher believed Stadler was up to the challenge.

ANNULMENTS

“I know Suzie to have grit and faith such that she would not let fear keep her from helping those in need,” she said. “As a fairly new convert myself, I remain less familiar with some elements of the culture of Catholicism. But

For all you need to know about the annulment process and how it can foster healing. Pages 8-9

that is all so naturally a part of Suzie’s life and upbringing. I absolutely knew she would be entirely at ease with the Sisters in Tijuana.” At ease she was, Stadler said. “I’m very comfortable being around religious life,” Stadler explained. “They were just as cute as can be, and we were like celebrities because they had been locked up and not able to go anywhere, and they were just so gracious. “I would have stayed there for four weeks.” >> See “MOTHER” on page 10

WINNERS

The Leaven brought home 11 awards from this year’s Catholic Press Association competition. Page 16

JULY 17, 2020 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

Catholics need to inform themselves and vote their values

ear friends, In a democratic society, an essential part of Christian discipleship is to exercise our right to participate in choosing those who represent us in government. We have a responsibility to be engaged citizens who work actively for the common good. For the Catholic, voting is not just a good thing to do, but a moral responsibility. Many people have made heroic sacrifices to give us the freedoms we enjoy. We have a duty as Americans, Kansans and Catholics to take advantage of our right to vote. Moreover, we are called not simply to vote, but to be well-informed voters who, in casting our ballots, apply the moral principles and priorities of our faith. Since the beginning of our nation,

Mass at 9 a.m. Saturday Aug. 1

LIFE WILL BE VICTORIOUS that should guide their decisions as voters. There are many important moral issues facing our society. For the sake of brevity, I wish to reflect upon three that are particularly timely. Racism is an intrinsic moral evil that results in grave injustice to its victims, but also is an offense against God, who has created every human being in the divine image. We must choose leaders who not only oppose racism but are committed

ARCHBISHOP JOSEPH F. NAUMANN the Catholic bishops have chosen not to endorse political candidates or parties. The Catholic Church does not tell its members how to vote. At the same time, it is the responsibility of the church to help form the consciences of her members to understand the principles and priorities

Prince of Peace Chapel Resurrection Cemetery 83rd and Quivira Rd. Lenexa, Kan.

Holy Redeemer Chapel Gate of Heaven Cemetery 126th and Parallel Kansas City, Kan.

Holy Trinity Chapel

Mt. Calvary Cemetery 801 SW Westchester Rd. Topeka, Kan.

For persons buried or entombed from Jan. 6, 2020 through July 5, 2020 at one of our Catholic Cemeteries in Northeast Kansas MT CALVARY, KCK Velma Andrisevic Bernice Anzek Daniel Avila Karen F. Bellman Will Blank Antonio Cecena Jr. Manuel Cervantes Thomas Cisneros Mary O’Connor Cathy Crockett Daniel C. Duff Kathy Ann Dyche Andrew Esparza Helen M. Fadjetich Mary A. Fanning Ann J. Felich Kevin Forbis Mary E. Fracul Carmen Garcia Simona A. Garcia Clara L. Gates Sullivan Edna Gunther Donald Hargis Constance Harris Terry Heffron John W. Hochard John Janesko Jr. Mary Janesko Daniel F. Juarez Loc Kay Nikola Kolic Mary Krizmanich Milka Krznaric

Louise Lisac Frances Lopez Jesus Lopez Roberto C. Lopez Louis E. Lustig Rafael Magana Norma J. Mahoney Cruz Martinez Erick R. Rangel Mendoza Dennis Miskec Beatrice A. Morales Carl E. Null Sr. Brigitte Porter Margaret B. Racki Mary J. Relic Mary A. Reyes Marcelline Rodriguez Maria A. Rodriguez Nellie Rodriguez Eleanor M. Stricko Michael Tapia Helina Dawit Tekie Albert R. Tinoco Sr. Manuel V. Torres Margaret Troutman Loretta Warczakoski Mary M. Warren Helen Wutich Edward J. Zurga Sr. Joan Zybko RESURRECTION Helen Adams Ugochukwu C. Afokwalam

Mary C. Ascher Leo Ashner Kathleen Barr John F. Barthol Sukh Dev Bassi John Bates Sharon K. Batt Isabel G. Brandt Joseph Bruno Sr. William H. Beals Jr. Aileen Berry Michael J. Berry Marie Bierach Josephine G. Brehm Franklin C. Boraks Douglas A. Boyd Sandra Bugni Catherine Bush Cesar I. Camacho Romo Saturino S. Capili Dorothy Carnelia Phillip M. Carney Mary Carrico Angel Cervantes Baby Chernoff Dorothy J. Coonce John R. Coonce Henry Lee Corcoran James Patrick Corcoran Madeline Louise Corcoran Norma J. Cordes Doris M. Creighton Earl A. Creighton Josephine Mae Dold

Karen R. Dunn Duc Minh Duong Kathryn Duval Debra A. Eisenbarger James E. English Jr. Deborah Epperson Jason Fell Rosemary T. Fiscella David W. Fishman Edward L. Fitzgerald William A. Fleming Mary K. Fogarty Rita Forrest Caroline C. Fuentes Jane K. Furnish Joan S. Giannola John P. Gish Robert J. Godbout Marianne Goldsich Erlene M. Graybill Carl Greinke Paul P. Gualtieri Daniel J. Hanis Linda Jo Hanson Ruth A. Hart Gary E. Hartegan Richard J. Hauber Kathleen M. Hays Margaret A. Helmstetler Kathleen M. Hepker Elaine G. Herman Marilyn M. Hess Marjorie Hoff Anne F. Horan

Gary F. Horst Russell B. House Jou Chue Her Joann Hundelt Lawrence E. Ishum Dorothy Jesberg Jeanine Justis Martin Kasick Walter Keech Fredrick E. Kempin Mary W. Kennedy In Joe Kim Mary Sophia Klassen Terry Kraft Raymond Kudrna Christopher Kueter Carolyn M. Loughbom Adela Mangalo Layne R. Mays Ronald D. McDaniel Thomas C. Mead Jr. Barbara A. Merrifield Mable L. Messbarger Suzanne McAvoy John H. McClure Sherry Ann McCune Shirley McKay Mary Ann Mitchell Baby Moburg Frederick W. Mosher II Roger G. Meador Jr. Dennis Murphy Avery Ngoc-Anh Nguyen Nhiem Hoang Nguyen

to healing its festering wounds. Peaceful protests are constitutional rights that need to be respected and protected. However, violent riots resulting in the deaths of innocent victims and the destruction of public monuments and private property are also grave evils. Our leaders have a responsibility to protect citizens and preserve civil order. This past November, the Catholic bishops of the United States again identified the protection of unborn children as the pre-eminent moral priority because: 1) abortion attacks the most vulnerable and innocent; 2) abortion occurs within the family, destroying the most precious human bonds thus harming parents; and 3) the sheer number of human lives destroyed, nearly one million annually, adds to abortion’s societal importance.

Van Vi Nguyen Judith Nixon Joan Obermayer Pauline Pansing William R. Park III John P. Passman Otto Pavelcik Jude Payne Lynda Peacock Russell Penson Hien Pham Rosaire B. Pirotte Betty Popa Erin K. Prather Mary Faith Pretzer Patricia M. Rassmussen Dennis Rearden Mary Rearden Nancy Reilly Norma Reilly Herminia M. Reyes Isaac McBride Reyes Carmela Rieger Carrie Rodgers Margaret E. Rosberg Paul Routh John H. Rudolph Mary L. Salisbury Alberta Schlagel Mary Schmidt Tertius Maximillian Schmitz John Schweiger Rita M. Seago David E. Shay Grace Silva Mary Ann Skridulis Thomas Slater Janis Smith Raymond F. Smith Anna M. Spanke Monica Stallbaumer Donald Stearns Jr. Sheila R. Strecker Marigene P. Suellentrop Braxton M. Swanson Donald Swenson Leslie G. Swenson Abigail Teferra Nannie Sue Tehel

Frances L. Thomas Helen Thompson Deanna “Missy” Treu William Trotta Mary E. Vause Frank Viscek Duane Vock Dr. William Walls Carol Weinrich William T. Welch Bernard L. Welling Jr. William J. Wheeler Jack D. Whistler Mark Wittlinger Theresa K. Wolkey Sherry Wood Richard Zeitler Anna H. Zickwolf Virginia L. Zumalt ST. JOSEPH Rita Sue Bock Lorene Colyer Sarah Devore Mary Fredericks Peggy Ketzner Carol Sue Maurer Rosie Mckown Edward J. Nunnink Frank Pflumm Jr. Margaret C. Reischman Dennis W. Richards Donald Scheier Ralph Scherman Harold Schuyler Rosella M. Solar Jordan A. Sullivan Stuart Phyllis Travers Darlene J. Vaughn John C. Waters Jr. Agnes Weigel Leroy Weigel ST. JOHN LENEXA Adrian J. Jackson Mary Stumpff MT CALVARY OLATHE Madeline Bailey

Tragically, the Kansas Supreme Court has claimed to have discovered a right to abortion in our state constitution. To correct this grave injustice imposed by the court, the Value Them Both constitutional amendment needs to be adopted by the citizens of Kansas. We need elected officials who will take action to defend the innocent life of the unborn and their mothers. The Value Them Both constitutional amendment, while not prohibiting abortion, returns to our state Legislature the ability to enact laws that place restrictions on the abortion industry, protecting both mother and child. Passage of the Value Them Both amendment requires affirmative votes by 2/3 of both the Kansas Senate and House of Representatives.

Marvin Lickteig Diana Sharon Brigette Sledge GATE OF HEAVEN Virginia Allen Gary L. Andrews Margie A. Bopp Joseph Courtney Nikki L. Del Percio Heriberto Diaz Wilma L. Dillman Kathleen A. Dorst Rex Glynn Funez Josiane R. Goossen Joanne McCrary Joseph H. Muder Ida M. O’Connor Ramon O’Connor Karen A. Poolman Therese Tomasic Thomas Tomasic Sr. Ker Vang MT CALVARY TOPEKA Marcia Ackerman Robert Aley Rita Almaraz Elizabeth R. Andrews Neil Bartley Marilyn Berberick Eva Bermudez Esteban Blancas Sr. Louis Bruno John Bueltel Shirley Burkhart Louise Cessarich Maria G. Chavez Kenneth Conklin Jr. Amalia Corona Manuel Roman Cruz Esther DeSoignie Stephen Dice Michael Dreher Arthur Duran Michael Patrick Eakes Theresa Caroline Eakes Irene Escobar Teresa Escobar

On Aug. 4, primary elections will be held in Kansas. The first step to exercise your right to vote is being registered. The Kansas Catholic Conference has organized a voter registration drive. You can access an online voter registration form at: kansascatholic.org. To vote in the August primary, you would have had to register by July 14 but you can still register for the general until Oct. 13. In this COVID-19 environment, you may wish to take advantage of the opportunity to vote by mail. Become knowledgeable about candidate positions and voting records on issues with important moral implications. Let your voice be heard. Vote in the upcoming August primary and in the November general elections. Thank you and God bless.

Tim Etzel Dorothy Evans Martha T Evans Joan Fleshman Theresa Gallagher Barbara Gellings Elizabeth Warren Gerhardt Alejandro Giron Edward Haefner Lorine Haefner James Hackett Larry D Hafner Henry Hohn Quinlan Halbeisen Mary Ann Hall Alfonso Hernandez Gilbert Herrera Sr. Joanne Hibbert Clement Hochard Henry Hohn Melissa Holloman Dolores Holloway Avila Anne Holthaus Dr. Kathryn Iliff Heather King Theresa Rose Klotzbach Wilfred J. Konrade Geraldine E. Laney Teresa Lasnier Rose Lee Vicki Lee Megan Barkemeyer Lindquist Dale Maas Carol Ann Malecki Troiano Martire Eldon Martin

Lucia Martin Joseph T. McCaffrey Harold Michaelis James Michaelis Marcella Montgomery Sylvia Montgomery Mary Virginia Ortiz Felipe “Phil” Ortiz Brenda Purcell Teresa Quintana Lori Ralph John J. Reb Jeffrey Roberts Gerald Ronnebaum Winnifred Rutherford Diane Scheck Mary Ann Scheck Dorothy L. Scherer Dorothy Schiefelbein-Fields Catherine Schmidt Jane Schnellbacher Robert Shockley Marcelina Tabares Marc W. Tanking Louis Torrez Mary Ellen Warner Thomasene H. Weissbeck John R. Wempe Shirley Wheeler William “Bill” Wheeler Sr. Gene W. Wilkinson Duane E. Wunder Robert J. Wunder James R. Wurtz Mary Lou Ziegler Maria Ann Zulaica

913-371-4040

information@cathcemks.org www.cathcemks.org

JULY 17, 2020 | THELEAVEN.ORG

NATION

Loans keep ‘essential ministries’ going during national emergency

ASHINGTON (CNS) — The chairman of the U.S. bishops’ domestic policy committee said the federal emergency “bridge loans” that dioceses, parishes and other Catholic entities applied for provided a lifeline, allowing “our essential ministries to continue to function in a time of national emergency.” “The Catholic Church is the largest nongovernmental supplier of social services in the United States,” said Archbishop Paul S. Coakley of Oklahoma City. “Each year, our parishes, schools and ministries serve millions of people in need, regardless of race, ethnicity or religion.” “The novel coronavirus only intensified the needs of the people we serve and the demand for our ministries,” he added. “The loans we applied for enabled our essential ministries to continue to function in a time of national emergency.” Archbishop Coakley, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development, made the comments in a statement released late July 10 in response to an Associated Press story claiming the Catholic Church “used a special and unprecedented exemption from federal rules to amass at least $1.4 billion” in federal loans. The AP story described the loans as “the church’s haul” and claimed the total amount might “have reached — or even exceeded — $3.5 billion, making a global religious institution with more than a billion followers among the biggest winners in the U.S. government’s pandemic relief efforts.” The news service said its July 10 story was based on its analysis of recently released federal data. “The Paycheck Protection Program was designed to protect the jobs of Americans from all walks of life, regardless of whether they work for for-profit or nonprofit employers, faith-based or secular,” Archbishop Coakley said. “The shutdown orders and economic fallout associated with the virus have affected everyone, including the thousands of Catholic ministries — churches, schools, health care and social services — that employ about 1 million people in the United States,” the archbishop said. “These loans have been an essential lifeline to keep hundreds of thousands of employees on payroll, ensure families maintain their health insurance and enable lay workers to continue serving their brothers and sisters during this crisis,” he added. By some estimates, thousands of individual churches, schools, food pantries and other social service programs would have shuttered all around the country were it not for the federal loan program. Even with the emergency loans, “more than 100 Catholic schools have announced that they plan to close, with hundreds more facing an uncertain future,” Archbishop Coakley said. “Businesses, hospitals, schools and churches all across the country are facing many of the exact same problems.” The latest school closures came July

By some estimates, thousands of individual churches, schools, food pantries and other social service programs would have shuttered all around the country were it not for the federal loan program referred to as PPP.

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“THE CATHOLIC CHURCH IS THE LARGEST NONGOVERNMENTAL SUPPLIER OF SOCIAL SERVICES IN THE UNITED STATES. EACH YEAR, OUR PARISHES, SCHOOLS AND MINISTRIES SERVE MILLIONS OF PEOPLE IN NEED, REGARDLESS OF RACE, ETHNICITY OR RELIGION.” 9 in the Archdiocese of New York and the Diocese of Brooklyn, New York. The archdiocese announced that 20 schools will not reopen in the fall because of the financial fallout caused by the novel coronavirus pandemic. Archdiocesan education officials also announced three schools will merge. About 2,500 students and 350 staff members in the archdiocese will be affected by the closings. The Brooklyn Diocese announced it will close six schools and noted these schools have more than $630,000 in outstanding tuition payments. The diocese said the schools it is closing have experienced declining enrollment for the last five years, but registrations dropped off significantly as the pandemic took hold of the metropolitan area. “We will continue advocating for everyone negatively affected by this terrible pandemic, praying for all the sick, for all who have died and are in mourning, and especially the poor and vulnerable at this time of great need,” Archbishop Coakley said in his statement. In late April, statistics compiled by the Diocesan Fiscal Management Conference showed that 8,000 parishes, 1,400 elementary schools, 700 high schools, 104 chanceries, 185 Catholic Charities agencies and 200 other diocesan organizations in 160 dioceses had applied for assistance at that point. The church entities that received

President Most Rev. Joseph F. Naumann

Publication No. (ISSN0194-9799)

assistance were able to “sleep better knowing help is on the way and for now they do not have to lay staff off,” Patrick Markey, executive director of the conference, told Catholic News Service. Markey also told CNS that church entities that were not funded in the first round or applied after the original allocation of federal money was exhausted had already applied or planned to file applications as new monies flowed into the program. On April 3, Congress approved — and President Donald Trump signed into law — the $349 billion Paycheck Protection Program as part of a $484 billion emergency relief measure developed in response to the economic fallout caused by the spread of COVID-19. Congress later allocated an additional $310 billion for the loan program, which is administered by the Small Business Administration. According to CNN, more than 4.8 million small business owners have utilized the program. On June 30, the U.S. Senate extended to Aug. 8 the deadline to apply for the loans. The extension came as over $130 billion allocated to the program remained unused. The Paycheck Protection Program loans are partly “forgivable,” meaning the money does not need to be repaid if the employer uses the money for payroll costs, mortgage, rent and utilities as required by the program.

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

Production Manager Todd Habiger todd.habiger@theleaven.org

Advertising Coordinator Beth Blankenship beth.blankenship@theleaven.org

Managing Editor Anita McSorley anita.mcsorley@theleaven.org

Senior Reporter Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

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

Statement from the archdiocese The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas feels blessed and grateful in the midst of these challenging times, said Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann, to have received funding for local church, parish and school operations through the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, which provides economic assistance to workers and small businesses. Parishes, schools and ministries in the archdiocese received enough funding to meet almost 10 weeks of payroll expenses for their employees. According to the requirements of the CARES Act, all funding received was considered a loan at first, then reporting was required. If all reporting stipulations were met, then partial and/or full forgiveness may be given. “This was truly a godsend when we learned of it,” Archbishop Naumann said. “When the local government required the suspension of public worship, parishes lost one of the main sources of funding for their ministries — their weekend collections. “But the teachers and staff at the parish schools continued to instruct their pupils online, and the aid programs at Catholic Charities continued to deliver food to the hungry and help those struggling to find shelter and health care, regardless of their religious affiliation. “Thus, the loans that our various parishes, schools and Catholic Charities ministries received kept their employees — like those of many other small businesses and religious denominations — off the unemployment rolls and hard at work.” “That, in turn,” he added, “has permitted us to both honor our mission and keep our people helping other people. “For this, we are very grateful.”

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

JULY 17, 2020 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

LIVE WITH ARCHBISHOP NAUMANN

Online Mass helps archbishop connect with a wider audience By Moira Cullings moira.cullings@theleaven.org

ANSAS CITY, Kan. — When Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann celebrated Mass on Facebook Live for the first time in March, he had no idea the virtual community that awaited him. The archbishop had never celebrated Mass for a strictly online audience before, but the pandemic has called for all sorts of unusual practices. “I kind of felt like the early Christians that were forced out of Jerusalem by a persecution, [and as a result] that’s how the Gospel began to get spread,” said Archbishop Naumann. “In a sense,” he added, “not really being very savvy with technology, I’d never really considered using it much as a tool to pray with people. “This really opened my eyes to its potential in that area. I could reach a lot of people that normally I wouldn’t connect with very regularly.” For more than three months, Archbishop Naumann offered Mass nearly every day at 8:30 a.m. from his own chapel and on Sunday mornings from the Cathedral of St. Peter in Kansas City, Kansas. It was a way for him to reach people in the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas — and beyond — who were at home and unable to attend Mass due to COVID-19. The archbishop typically drew in more than 2,000 people for each Mass — and sometimes up to more than 7,000. From the start, the community felt like an audience of virtual “parishioners” who were there to pray with the archbishop and connect with one another through comments. “There were a lot of comments

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“I’LL ALWAYS BE GRATEFUL THAT IT’S KIND OF FORCED ME TO USE THESE TOOLS THAT WERE THERE BEFORE [AND] TO EMPLOY THEM AS A WAY OF FULFILLING MY MISSION OF PROVIDING PASTORAL CARE FOR OUR PEOPLE.” of encouragement, but also some comments that had questions or suggestions on how [the archdiocese] could do things better,” said Archbishop Naumann. “I did find it helpful to read what people were experiencing.” Many of the regular viewers hailed from rural parts of the archdiocese and even from the archbishop’s hometown of St. Louis. The archbishop was always delighted by the positive feedback he received, like comments that said: “I feel like I know the archbishop now. I know him better.” “That was very gratifying,” he said. Although the archbishop is grateful for the online community, he is excited to get back to visiting parishes in person as the celebration of public Masses are starting up again. Because of his busy schedule, he will no longer be able to offer livestream Masses for the time being. His last Facebook Live Mass from his chapel took place July 3, and his last Mass from the cathedral was celebrated July 4. But the archbishop wants to keep in touch with the unique community that’s formed around them. He plans to publish a morning reflection video on the daily readings on Facebook each day. “What’s very apparent is [this community’s] love for Jesus and their longing for him and their

willingness to connect in the ways that they have,” said Archbishop Naumann. The archbishop wants to keep connecting in particular with people who aren’t “regular customers in our church,” he said. “I remember one lady saying she wasn’t Catholic, but her son was,” said Archbishop Naumann. “She began to watch the daily Masses, and she really was finding a lot of spiritual strength and comfort from them.” The Facebook Live Masses have not only brought peace to those staying at home, but they’ve also been a blessing for the archbishop, who believes God has brought good from this situation. “It’s opened up for me this ability to [recognize] we don’t need a pandemic to be livestreaming messages to people,” he said. “I’ll always be grateful that it’s kind of forced me to use these tools that were there before,” he continued, “[and] to employ them as a way of fulfilling my mission of providing pastoral care for our people.” Archbishop Naumann will look back at this unprecedented time with appreciation, he said. “I’ll be forever grateful to be able to have had — and hopefully continue to have — a more personal connection with people than I’ve had before so they know their bishop better,” he said.

Online community embraces archbishop’s virtual Masses

ANSAS CITY, Kan. — During her daily commute from Emporia to Topeka, teacher Holly Aranda used to start her day by listening to Scripture from a Catholic website made available in an audio format. But that changed in mid-March when the COVID-19 pandemic closed schools, her commutes ended and she was forced to teach from home via Zoom video conferencing. “[My commute] was a very faithful, spiritual time to listen to the readings and start the day before beginning my vocation of being a teacher,” said Aranda, who works for Auburn-Washburn USD 437. She missed that special part of her daily routine. Fortunately, she found something even better: the daily Mass celebrated by Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann in his home chapel, shared via his personal Facebook page. Early on, Archbishop Naumann urged his Facebook “parishioners” to look for the blessings they might find in the pandemic. “One of the blessings [for me] was it gave me more time with God on a daily basis,” said Aranda. The archbishop’s Masses became “a part of my day,” she said. From March to early July, Aranda found spiritual solace and sustenance every weekday at Archbishop Naumann’s 8:30 a.m. Masses. And she wasn’t alone. Although not always able to attend live, by the end of the day, thousands of people would view the archbishop’s daily Masses from all over the archdiocese — and not a few from his hometown of St. Louis. Aranda, a convert to the Catholic faith, was even able to evangelize with these Masses.

>> See “SOME” on page 15

JULY 17, 2020 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

LEAVEN PHOTO BY BETH BLANKENSHIP

Savior Pastoral Center in Kansas City, Kansas, was the recipient of a donation of 38 reproductions of famous works of art. Some of the works that are now displayed on the walls of Savior are, from left: “House by the Marne,” by Paul Cezanne, an example of Post-Impressionism; “Guernica,” a cubist work by Pablo Picasso; and “The Sunflowers” by Vincent Van Gogh.

MASTERPIECES Archdiocese receives donation of famous art reproductions By Moira Cullings moira.cullings@theleaven.org

ANSAS CITY, Kan. — Have you ever dreamed of seeing Leonardo da Vinci’s “Mona Lisa” up close? Thanks to a generous donor, you don’t have to travel to the Louvre in Paris to check it out. You can drive to Savior Pastoral Center in Kansas City, Kansas, to view a high-quality reproduction of the famous piece, as well 33 other works of art created by various artists throughout history. “These are reproductions,” said Tim Chik, director of the pastoral center, “but they’re painstakingly made reproductions of classical pieces of art from artists like Pablo Picasso, Vincent van Gogh, [Edouard] Manet, [Claude] Monet and Leonardo da Vinci — the absolute classics. “And some of these pieces are some of the most well-known and recognizable pieces of art that have ever been produced.” Included in the collection are 38 pieces accumulated over decades by Edward D. McCarthy and recently donated to the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas. McCarthy initially donated his impressive collection to the Jack Reardon Center in Kansas City, Kansas, which is now being torn down. So, William E. Myers, a parishioner of Church of the Ascension in Overland Park and representing member of the McCarthy family, reached out to staff at the archdiocese to ask if they were interested in providing the collection a new home. Lesle Knop, executive director of the Catholic Foundation of Northeast Kansas and ex officio member of the Catholic Fine Arts Council, was thrilled. “I recognized these works of art as being historic and having great educational value,” said Knop. “It is a privilege for the church to acquire the collection and be able to offer it and continue [the family’s] legacy,” she added. The archdiocese now owns paintings by impressionists, realists and artists from the Renaissance period. The eclectic collection also includes a framed picture of the Kansas City skyline. Savior is working on creating a permanent gallery inside its walls, which will display 34 of the pieces. In the

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER

Above, workers unload reproductions of classical pieces of art at Savior Pastoral Center in Kansas City, Kansas. The collection was originally donated by Edward D. McCarty, left, to the Jack Reardon Center in Kansas City, Kansas. With the Reardon Center being torn down, Savior was offered the collection and director Tim Chik happily accepted.

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER

meantime, the art will be temporarily displayed in another part of the building. The archdiocese, which enthusiastically supports the arts — hosting high school and professional art competitions each year at Savior — is grateful for this opportunity. “The Catholic Church historically has been a massive patron and sup-

porter of the arts,” said Chik. “We believe that art elevates the mind and lifts the soul. “And because of the gift of Bill Myers and his family, they are partners in that mission. “Their donation and their willingness to think of the church for this donation really shows the ongoing connection between the Catholic Church

and the arts community,” he said. Savior is open for business and visitors are welcome to check out the new gallery free of charge. Chik looks forward, in particular, to welcoming Catholic school students and teachers, who he encourages to stop by for a class field trip in the coming years. “I really hope that a lot of people want to come by and see it and appreciate the gift that we’ve been given,” he said. Savior Pastoral Center is located at 12601 Parallel Parkway in Kansas City, Kansas. Visitors are welcome during business hours Monday through Friday. Go to the front door by the bell tower and ask for permission to see the art.

JULY 17, 2020 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

FUELED BY FAITH Pandemic rules test even those used to living in community By Katie Peterson Special to the Leaven

important,” she said. Both communities have still found ways to remain connected to each other — thanks to livestreamed Masses and communal prayers that they can access on their phones or iPads. “You can turn that on, and it’s almost like you’re in the chapel,” said Sister Anne. “They moved the tabernacle, so it is in view of the camera.” Sister Esther said the Benedictine Sisters have also been able to continue to serve others, even in quarantine, by making personal protective equipment for the health care workers who take care of the elderly Sisters living in the Dooley Center. “The creativity is unbelievable,” said Sister Esther.

EAVENWORTH — As three local religious communities continue to navigate life and the current in-house restrictions because of the COVID19 pandemic, they agree that their faith has only gotten stronger. For nearly two months, the state of Kansas was under a “stay at home” order, which only allowed an individual to leave his or her home for essential activities. But for the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth, the Benedictine Sisters of Mount St. Scholastica and the monks of St. Benedict’s Abbey — both in Atchison — the restrictions were even greater. “We’re old,” Sister Katherine Mary Westhues, SCL, said bluntly. “And so that puts us more at risk.” Restrictions have varied between the communities. For the Benedictine Sisters and the SCLs, not only have they been quarantined from the outside world, they’ve also been quarantined from each other. This has meant eating meals in their rooms, or, more recently for the SCLs, one per table in the dining room, suspended group prayers and either limited or no access to the Eucharist. “It interfered with the whole prayer life we have,” said prioress Sister Esther Fangman, OSB. This led to internal struggles for some. “We have more in the dining room than we do in the chapel because of social distance and everything,” said Sister Katherine Mary. “I don’t know why the chapel is more poisonous than the dining room. “[The chapel] seems like the place we should go first!” she continued. “But that other things are more important than that — it bothers me. “I feel like I’m talking to God on the telephone because I’m not with him, and I don’t particularly care for talking on the telephone.” But she said this hasn’t stopped her from praying. “I’ve had a lot of internal struggles. I think the devil was behind it, but I continue to pray, and I know [God] is helping me,” said Sister Katherine Mary. Sister Anne Callahan, SCL, said she also has found it hard not being able to receive the Eucharist on a daily basis or interact with her fellow Sisters, but has tried to make the best of the situation. “I just took it as God’s will. We have a vow of obedience after all,” said Sister Anne. “I, personally, have found it like a 40-day retreat. . . . It’s been wonderful for our prayer life. “I think a lot of good came from it and got us focused on what’s really

St. Benedict’s Abbey

From top, the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth, as well as the monks of St. Benedict’s Abbey and the Benedictine Sisters of Mount St. Scholastica in Atchison, have had to weather the storm of the COVID-19 pandemic without much outside contact. Members of the communities admit that at times they’ve struggled with the pandemic regulations and social distancing requirements.

The experience has been different for the Benedictine monks, who decided early that, since they would stay inhouse, they wouldn’t quarantine from each other. “The guidelines had all been saying that within family units, social distancing wasn’t really a requirement, so as we were putting together all of our guidelines, the decision was made that this is our family,” said Brother Placidus Lee. Because of this decision, the monks have continued to pray together, celebrate the Eucharist and gather for meals. But this didn’t mean there weren’t moments of struggle. “During Saint Patrick’s Day, I was celebrating Mass and that’s when we announced that there would be no public Masses,” said Father Jay Kythe. “It kind of hit me like a ton of bricks during Mass. “By the end of Mass, I could barely eke out a blessing because I was really just upset about the idea that I was ordained to give the sacraments to people, and I couldn’t be there for them.” “I had to wrestle with that all through Lent,” he admitted. “It was really my Holy Week when I was able to surrender it and let it go and just really trust God.” No matter what the circumstance or individual struggle, each of the religious agreed that reliance on God and clinging to faith was key. “What else is there to cling to but to God?” asked Sister Anne. “There are things in life that happen, and it’s not a message from God of disappointment in us or wanting us to learn something, but it is a message of, ‘You have to go through this and, as you go through this, know I am with you,’ and it can strengthen you,” said Sister Esther. “This is our opportunity,” she added, “to go deeper — and grow — in our faith.”

JULY 17, 2020 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

Knights of Columbus donate funds for a bus shelter

By Marc and Julie Anderson mjanderson@theleaven.org

OPEKA — Two years ago, Arthur Alcala was watching the evening news when an inspiration struck. That night’s local news mentioned an anonymous donor who provided money to erect a bus shelter near downtown Topeka. Seeing that story, Alcala said, left him wondering if a similar bus shelter could be placed in the city’s Oakland neighborhood. He had just the bus stop in mind. Just across the Branner Street bridge, a large archway welcomes visitors to the Oakland neighborhood. Just past the archway is a bus stop that Alcala recalled at one time did not have a bench — merely a sign where people stood waiting for the bus. Although Alcala often drives by the stop located near Seward and Chandler streets, a block from his parish of Our Lady of Guadalupe, he didn’t give it much thought until after seeing the news story. “I used to drive by all the time in the wintertime and summertime and see people standing there,” he said. “I didn’t really give it much thought, but I said, ‘It’s got to be cold or hot standing there, waiting for the bus.’ “When I saw this on television in May or June of 2018, I called the bus company and I inquired about it.” Specifically, he asked about the cost. He learned the price tag came in at less than $5,000; $4,500 to be exact. As a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 3452 as well as the fourth-degree Knights San Juan Diego Assembly 3452, Alcala decided to approach his brother Knights about funding a shelter. In August 2018, he first mentioned the idea at membership meetings. Both groups received the idea enthusiastically, formally approving it in December. Both organizations would pay half. “So, that’s what we did,” Alcala said. “We went 50/50, with the idea that if one group didn’t want to do it, then all bets were off.” After receiving approval from both organizations, Alcala started deeper discussions with the Topeka Metro, the city’s bus operator. “So, I ran with it,” he said. “I had already been talking to the bus company, and I said, ‘Listen, this is what we can do. Let’s try and make it work.’”

LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER

Arthur Balandran of the Knights of Columbus cuts the ceremonial ribbon of the new bus shelter in the Oakland neighborhood of Topeka. He is assisted from left by Christina Valdivia-Alcala, a member of the Topeka City Council, fellow Knight Arthur Alcala and Rodd Hiller of the Topeka Metro board of directors.

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“I RAN WITH IT. I HAD ALREADY BEEN TALKING TO THE BUS COMPANY, AND I SAID, ‘LISTEN, THIS IS WHAT WE CAN DO. LET’S TRY AND MAKE IT WORK.’” Meanwhile, Knights raised funds by volunteering at Hummer Sports Park that serves primarily as an athletic venue for the Topeka Public School District. The district includes three high schools, all of whom use the venue’s facilities. As volunteers, Knights sell and serve concessions at football games, baseball or softball games, and the occasional swim meet.

“Currently, we are volunteers at Hummer Sports Park, and we are receiving for our volunteer work a donation back from Hummer,” said Lino Munoz, faithful comptroller to the Knights of Columbus assembly. “It helps us to raise the funds that we need to do the work that we can do here. We do what we can as volunteers. “And, of course, it’s not something they have to provide, but they do and we’re grateful for that.” While fundraising continued, Alcala made phone calls to check on the project’s progress, never dreaming how long the process could take. “I didn’t realize everything they had to do,” Alcala said. The Topeka Metro created plans, obtained approval from the city of Topeka, conducted soil tests and more — all while ensuring governmental regulations and statutes were followed at the local, state and federal levels. Actual construction didn’t begin until

late 2019. At times, Alcala said he’d grow a bit discouraged by the project’s slow speed, especially when others asked him about it. Once work began, though, it seemed nothing could stop it. Well, almost nothing. Earlier this year, a driver hit the bus stop’s bicycle rack but not the shelter itself. Still, one of the shelter’s panes was damaged. Then the pandemic hit, slowing down repair efforts, not to mention any official ceremony celebrating the project’s completion. But on June 26, Alcala and a dozen other Knights participated in the shelter’s official dedication with city of Topeka officials and representatives from the Topeka Metro. “It took a while, but we finally got it done,” said Alcala, adding he’s grateful for the Knights’ support. “Without them,” he said, “we couldn’t have done it.”

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Annulment process provides healing, hope and restoration By Marc and Julie Anderson

verwhelmed. Unsure. Hesitant. Those are just a few words Mark Schmitz, a member of St. John the Evangelist Parish in Lawrence, uses to describe how he felt when he began the annulment process more than 17 years ago. Yet, he has never regretted his decision to seek an annulment. It provided him healing — healing he didn’t realize he desperately needed. For Father Joseph Arsenault, SSA, the archdiocesan judicial vicar, helping couples heal from brokenness is what brings him joy in his particular ministry. “Ultimately, that’s what we want it to be, a process of healing,” he said. While he doesn’t always hear back from petitioners after annulments are granted, there have been occasions in which people have thanked him and the entire tribunal, saying the process has brought them healing, peace and closure. Some petitioners have even sent wedding pictures.

‘A very healing process’ Father Bruce Ansems, the associate judicial vicar and a judge of the archdiocesan tribunal, said he has found that the process of helping people heal from their brokenness can be quite fulfilling to him as a priest. “I enjoy being an instrument of reconciling people to the sacraments of the church and helping them come to a better understanding of the beauty of the teachings and laws of the church,” said Father Ansems. “The annulment process can be a very healing process for

those who participate in it,” he continued. “I think when marriages end, the parties sense that ‘something wasn’t right’ . . . or was ‘not the way it was supposed to be.’ Most times the annulment process helps to confirm what they already sensed. It can help give closure.” Father Joseph is a 20-year veteran of tribunal work — nearly his entire priesthood. He tries not only to be an instrument of healing, but also works to dispel some of the common myths and misunderstandings about annulments and the process. Father Ansems said dispelling these myths “can be difficult, because it’s like changing folklore.”

“I talk about annulments occasionally in my homily,” he said, “speak on it to people who invite me and try to make myself available to answer questions, whenever and wherever people have them. “It’s kind of amazing at times how many people are just curious about the process and what it really means . . . even if they don’t need an annulment.”

Children are not illegitimate Perhaps the most common misconception the two priests encounter is that an annulment means any children are

illegitimate. Nothing could be further from the truth, said Father Joseph. “The law states very clearly [an annulment] has no impact on legitimacy,” he said, adding both church and civil authorities agree on this point. “When dealing with legitimacy,” he said, “you deal with it in terms of what [the relationship] had the appearance of at the moment when the children were born.” A civil divorce, Father Joseph explained, does not take away any legal rights of the children. Whether the parents remain together has no bearing on the children’s property or inheritance rights. “In the church,” he added, “we follow the same legal principles.” Another misconception they encounter is that an annulment is the equivalent of a Catholic divorce. “I think most people think that ‘it’s just a Catholic divorce,’ but a divorce dissolves a relationship that existed in a civil way,” Father Ansems said. “An annulment says the church’s understanding of marriage didn’t even exist at the time of consent, due to some known or unknown reason by the spouses.” According to Catholic Church teaching, an annulment is “a declaration by a church tribunal that a marriage thought to be valid according to church law actually fell short of at least one of the essential elements required for a binding union.” And it is possible to get a negative decision.

Annulments don’t cost anything One final misconception that often arises in annulment cases, the two priests said, is the issue of cost. “One of the old misconceptions is . . . that it costs a lot. Well, it never did,” said Father Joseph. “There has never been a requirement of payment for an annulment,” he added. Until recent reforms by Pope Francis, the church sometimes asked for a donation based upon how much time it took to process the case. For example, if it took $1,000 to process a case given the amount of time and paperwork involved, the church might have asked for a donation of $500, saying it “would be greatly received if you can afford it.” The emphasis though, Father Joseph said, was on affordability. If someone simply could not afford it, the case was still handled. “If you said, ‘I’m strapped and I really just cannot afford it,’” the case still went to judgment, he explained. The reason the church used to ask for donations is because, like civil courts, the tribunal still spends a lot of time and resources processing a case. But, again, Father Joseph said, no one should have ever been turned away due to their inability to offer any donation. Nowadays, Father Joseph said, donations are no longer even mentioned. That was a change instituted by Pope Francis in 2015 as part of reforms

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“THE ANNULMENT PROCESS CAN BE A VERY HEALING PROCESS FOR THOSE WHO PARTICIPATE IN IT. . . . MOST TIMES THE ANNULMENT PROCESS HELPS TO CONFIRM WHAT THEY ALREADY SENSED. IT CAN HELP GIVE CLOSURE.”

made to the annulment process. “He mandated annulments are to be totally gratuitous. So, we have stopped even asking for the donation,” Father Joseph said. “We make it clear that people are free to give if they so desire, but we don’t ask for anything specific.” Another misconception, Father Joseph said, is that sometimes people think they can prevent an annulment. “That’s not the case. The case is judged objectively,” he said. “It’s not based on both parties being in agreement.”

Both parties have a right to be involved Father Ansems said sometimes one of the main reasons people don’t seek annulments is because they don’t want to “rock the boat.” “They find themselves having reached a level of civility with their ex-spouse and are afraid that by seeking an annulment they will cause unnecessary strain in an already stressful relationship,” he said. Father Joseph agreed, but emphasized that once one party starts the annulment process, both parties have a right to be involved. After all, he said, someone cannot get a divorce without the other’s involvement. The same is true of the annulment process. Often, in cases in which the petitioner didn’t want the former spouse involved, it would turn out the former spouse had provided information critical to providing a declaration of nullity, he said. Another common frustration people sometimes associate with the annulment process is the length of time involved in filing the petition and waiting for the decision — as well as the depth of information collected. “At times, it was overwhelming,” Schmitz said, although he recognized even at the time that all the questions

were important to the tribunal being able to make a just determination. “They needed to ask questions,” he said. “The key is: I was giving information so the tribunal could make a determination.” Schmitz said he received “a lot of assistance and help” from family and friends in order to “get all the information to the tribunal to render a just judgment.” The assistance came in the form of witness statements from family and friends who knew him and his first wife. “I never knew what they wrote on their statements nor do I need to,” he said. What he does know is that honesty and truthfulness are integral to the entire annulment process. He also learned the value of patience in waiting for the tribunal to complete it.

The whole process, he said, took about a year. “It’s a process to go through,” he said. “It was a healing process. I didn’t know that at the time, but I know that now as it provided closure to that chapter of my life.” Without going into too many details, Schmitz said his first marriage officially ended in 1994 and after 11 years, when his first wife simply decided she didn’t want to be married any longer. “I just let her go,” he said. “Turned out way better than I imagined.” For years, Schmitz said he went to Mass wherever he found himself. However, he didn’t join a parish and definitely did not avail himself of the grace of confession. He admits he thought he’d failed at his one and only chance at marriage. After all,

he reasoned, the Gospel specifically prohibits divorce. “Even though I didn’t ask for [the divorce], I just assumed it was my one-time chance,” he said. “I screwed up, and I didn’t really deserve another chance.” Around 2003, at the encouragement of friends, Schmitz returned to confession for the first time in 17 years and began the annulment process. Ultimately, Schmitz was grateful for the second chance. Not only did the annulment free him from his past, but he was to get his happily-ever-after ending with his wife of nearly 15 years. “It’s amazing we’ve been married that long,” he said. “It turned out way better than I could have ever imagined.” Like Schmitz, Shelli Burdiek, a member of St. James Parish in Wetmore, found the process to be one of healing.

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In 2012, Burdiek was enrolled in formation classes to join the Catholic Church. Having been raised in the Methodist and Presbyterian traditions, she did not completely understand the process at first, but credits Father Greg Hammes for being the ultimate father figure who walked beside her every step of the way. “He told me I needed an annulment,” she said. “I said, ‘OK. Tell me what I need to do.’ He helped me through that process. He was already walking me through everything else.” In fact, when her annulment was finalized about a year later, he came back to the parish to preside at her wedding to her husband Ryan. Although the process took some time, Burdiek said she found it to be helpful and healing. “A lot of it involved research that confirmed everything that I was saying, as well as the reason for my divorce. It affirmed I got divorced for the right reasons and not because I wanted to,” she said. Many people, she felt, seek divorce as an “escape mechanism” instead of trying to work through issues, but Burdiek didn’t think she had done that. It provided her a great deal of healing and peace to know the church agreed. And she has some advice for those considering an annulment. “You shouldn’t be scared,” she said. “Don’t judge the process before you go through it. You’ve got to actually experience the process before you can judge it. “You’ve got to let it do its thing and see where it takes you.” For more information about the annulment process or to start the process, contact the pastor of the parish in which you are registered.

“AN ANNULMENT SAYS THE CHURCH’S UNDERSTANDING OF MARRIAGE DIDN’T EVEN EXIST AT THE TIME OF CONSENT, DUE TO SOME KNOWN OR UNKNOWN REASON BY THE SPOUSES.”

JULY 17, 2020 | THELEAVEN.ORG

FAMILY LIFE

Make sure to invest in your ‘family of families’ — your parish

fter more than three months of home isolation, we as a country are beginning to venture out. One of the lessons Teri and I learned during our seclusion is that we do not like to be stuck at home. We are social beings; we like to be around people. Aristotle, the Greek philosopher, said it plainly: “Man is a social animal.” People in our community are our emotional, physical and spiritual support system. We benefit when we stay connected and meet our friends face to face. We thrive when we can help one another, but we wither when we isolate ourselves. The stress of the pandemic brought on by fear of the virus and the financial impact on the family budget has been compounded by isolation. However, family isolation has been a growing problem even before the pandemic, according to

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

David Brooks, an op-ed columnist for the New York Times. He wrote in the March issue of The Atlantic magazine that, in the course of history, the nuclear family — parents and children — has been supported by the extended family of grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, friends

Barb and Don Seymour, members of St. Aloysius Parish, Meriden, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on Aug. 1. The couple was married at St. John Evangelist Church in St. John, Indiana. Their children are: Scott Seymour and Kris Seymour. They also have five grandchildren. A family celebration is planned for later in August. Gary and Christine (Lutz) Klein, members of Church of the Ascension, Overland Park, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on Aug. 1. The couple was married on Aug. 1, 1970, at Curé of Ars Church, Leawood, by Father Michael Klein, the groom’s brother. Their children are: Lynn Hohman, Leslie Wilkinson and Patrick Klein. They also have seven grandchildren. The couple will celebrate with a family dinner and a trip to Santa Fe. John and Evelyn (Doerhoff) VanGoethem, members of Queen of the Holy Rosary Parish, Overland Park, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on July 18. The couple was married on July 18, 1970, at St. Lawrence Church in St. Elizabeth, Missouri, by Father F. C. Bonn. Their children are: Beth Riekeman and Doug VanGoethem. They also have five grandchildren.

and neighbors living in close proximity. In recent times, however, especially after the advent of industrialization, young men and women left their extended families to move to the city in search of work, away from their clan. Many of us have done the same. We moved away from our homes to pursue a job and a career. Today, the members of our extended families are scattered across the country and continents. Most of us live miles away from a relative and dwell in apartments or community developments where we know very few people. We lost the benefits of our natural support system, our extended families. We lost the natural ecosystem that can help us be more resilient and affirms our efforts as parents in passing on to our children our family traditions and values. We have fewer resources to support us as we weath-

Walter and Dorothy (Kipper) Lickteig, members of St. John the Baptist Parish, Greeley, will celebrate their 65th wedding anniversary on July 17 at their grandson’s wedding. The couple was married on July 14, 1955, at St. Boniface Church, Scipio, by Father Anthony Lickteig, brother of the groom. Their children are: Nancy Katzer, Elaine Bones, Coni Breland, Marjorie Seifer, Kenneth Lickteig and Marilyn Peine. They also have 20 grandchildren, six step-grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren and 10 step-great-grandchildren. Doreen and Frank Donovan, members of St. Benedict Church, Atchison, will celebrate their 70th wedding anniversary on July 29. The couple was married on July 29, 1959, at St. Benedict. Their children are: Patty, Carol, Colleen and Diane. They also have 12 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren. A family reunion is planned for a later date. Peter Jr. and Rachel Perez, members of St. Agnes Parish, Roeland Park, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on July 18 with a family gathering. The couple was married on July 19, 1970, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Kansas City, Missouri. Their children are: Lisa, Michelle and Peter III. They also have eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

er physical or mental illnesses, job losses and other life challenges we encounter along the way. Brooks and other authors point out the need to strengthen the ecosystems around today’s family. Families need the support that our extended families once provided. Fortunately, all of us Catholics have available a sound ecosystem that supports our families spiritually, emotionally and even physically, when necessary. It is our parish. For Teri and me, our parishes have been our extended family throughout our 48 years of marriage. They have been the place where our faith is nourished, and we find friends with similar values willing to share in each other’s joys and to help each other in moments of crisis. This past year, our parish offered a Thanksgiving dinner for anyone who wanted to be with

friends. We decided that rather than eat by ourselves at home with our daughter who was our guest, we would join our friends for a Thanksgiving parish meal. It was wonderful! Over the years, Teri and I, too, have been like nomads. We met in Kansas City, moved to Dallas and, from there, to Nashville, Tennessee, then to Columbus, Nebraska, and finally back to Nashville. Everywhere we lived, we made our parish the center of our spiritual and social life. With every move we made, right after buying a house, we looked for a parish. Our parish would be our main connection to the community. Pope Francis wrote: “The main contribution to the pastoral care of families is offered by the parish, which is the family of families” (“The Joy of Love,” 202). I want to encourage you to consider the place that your parish plays in your life. Belonging to a parish does

Question for reflection: In what ways is your parish your family’s support system?

not mean just going to church on Sunday. It means “belonging” — becoming part of building your Christian community by contributing, as a member of a family would. Do attend Mass, and become involved — volunteer to serve on the parish committees, to teach religious education, or to participate in the liturgy as a lector or other minister. You will find that by sharing your time and talents with your parish community, you and your family will benefit greatly. Teri and I look forward to resuming our participation in some parish activities with safety precautions.

Mother Teresa connection capped off the experience >> Continued from page 1 Not only did she develop relationships with the Sisters, but Stadler also had the opportunity to meet with friends of the actual saint, St. Teresa of Calcutta, including her postulator and the priest who was at her bedside when she passed. “I always had a devotion to Mother Teresa,” Stadler said. “[Meeting them all] was just the coolest religious experience of my life.” While there, not only did Stadler help Morsch assess the situation and bring in medical supplies, but she also provided bedside care to the ill. “I’ve been a nurse for 18 years but have been out of bedside nursing for a very long time, so it was awesome just to go be a nurse,” Stadler said. “It was so up my alley.” Morsch said Stadler was the perfect person to accompany him. “Suzie went, and she just absolutely did a phenomenal job and saved them psychologically and spiritually. They were depressed, they were defeated, they were discouraged,” Morsch said. “Suzie helped lay the foundation for what COVID Care Force is now doing throughout Mexico.” “Suzie is awesome. I wish I could clone her,” he added. “She is the perfect volunteer. She’s energetic, she doesn’t take herself real seriously, she’s a lot of fun and she’ll do anything.

PHOTO COURTESY OF SUZIE STADLER

Suzie Stadler wears all her protective gear as she deals with COVID-19 patients. “She’ll clean bathrooms, clean wounds, start NG (nasogastric) tubes. . . . She’s not afraid to get her hands dirty, and she always does it with a positive, Christ-like attitude.” Stadler said she hopes by sharing her experience that other medical professionals will want to help. “I would like to help recruit if there are health care professionals here who would like to have this amazing opportunity and can or would be willing to go or even just support the mission of COVID Care Force,” Stadler said. For more information about the efforts, visit the websites at: heartto heart.org and covidcareforce.org.

JULY 17, 2020 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

Corpus Christi procession a blessing for parishioners By Ellie Melero Special to The Leaven

MPORIA — Some Corpus Christi processions take longer than others. But St. Catherine Church in Emporia might have set a record for its June 14 celebration: Five hours! Amanda Rodriguez was excited when she saw Father Daniel Coronado get out of the van in front of her house on Corpus Christi Sunday. That morning, she and her mother had set up a small altar outside their home. They created it from a small card table that they draped with a tablecloth and decorated with a picture of Jesus, a statue of Mary, a candle and flowers. The altar was now ready for Father Coronado when he arrived. Now it was time for her to receive the body of Christ. Her pastor, Father Coronado of St. Catherine, spent some five hours going from house to house to celebrate the Eucharist with almost 80 families in a unique, socially distanced eucharistic procession. Like the Rodriguezes, each family set up and decorated altars in front of their houses and waited for Father Coronado to arrive and give them Communion. “It was an amazing experience,” Rodriguez said. “We’ve never had anything like this before. You can’t even put it into words how beautiful and amazing it was. “Just to have your priest come to your house and do that? It was very emotional. I think it was good for the community to have that, especially during this COVID time.” The COVID-19 pandemic forced churches around the country to close in March, and St. Catherine adapted by hosting Mass via Facebook Live. Although churches in Kansas have been allowed to begin reopening, St. Catherine hasn’t been operating at full capacity. Instead, parishioners are split into groups alphabetically by last name. One group comes one Sunday, and the next group comes the next weekend and so on. While many parishioners are thankful to be able to attend Mass again, the pandemic has still put a strain on many people’s lives. Father Coronado bringing the Eucharist to people’s houses was a reminder that the Lord is with people during times of struggle.

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Father Daniel Coronado, pastor of St. Catherine Church in Emporia, spent some five hours going from house to house to celebrate the Eucharist with almost 80 families in a unique, socially distanced eucharistic procession June 14.

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“IT WAS AN AMAZING EXPERIENCE. WE’VE NEVER HAD ANYTHING LIKE THIS BEFORE. YOU CAN’T EVEN PUT IT INTO WORDS HOW BEAUTIFUL AND AMAZING IT WAS.” “We needed it,” said parishioner Armida Martinez. “We needed to see Father [Coronado], we needed to be blessed, we needed for Our Lord to come to our house. And he came to our house and made a visit like, ‘I’m still here. I walk with you.’ “It was like that was one of the Gospels. ‘Did you not see me? I was here, I was walking with you.’ So, that was kind of also a physical reminder.” Martinez was too late to sign up to have Father Coronado bring Communion to her house, but she wanted to participate anyway. She went to the church at the beginning of the procession and was

invited to join the Benedictine Sisters at their altar. After receiving Communion, Martinez watched the rest of the procession on Facebook Live. Spiritual morale isn’t the only reason Martinez appreciated the procession. For many at St. Catherine, church is about community as well as faith. Watching the livestream gave Martinez an opportunity to see the faces of many people she hadn’t been able to see since before the pandemic, and she was thankful for the opportunity. “It felt like you had been to Mass,” Martinez said. “On Facebook, it’s not the same. You miss your church family, and this way you kind of got to see everybody again. . . . It’s not that you forget them. You just miss them because you don’t get to see them anymore.” Rodriguez and her fellow catechism teachers came up with the idea for the procession, originally thinking it would be a nice event for the families of the teachers. They discussed the idea with Sister Guadalupe, OSB, and Father Coronado, and then they decided all parishioners should be given an opportunity to participate. The parishioners responded with enthusiasm. A sign-up list went out, and parishioners provided their addresses to Sister Guadalupe. Some

Don’t forget to keep the Sabbath holy at home By Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

ANSAS CITY, Kan. — Although archdiocesan parishes are open for Sunday Mass, the COVID-19 pandemic continues and there are many who cannot attend because of age or health conditions. While the dispensation continues, Catholics are still obliged to “keep holy the Lord’s Day.” Fortunately, there are many prayers, litanies, rosaries and devo-

tions — too many to list here — that Catholics can pray as individuals, families or groups if they cannot attend Sunday Mass. But an excellent resource available online is the Sunday Supplication, a resource that combines prayers from the Liturgy of the Hours with the Sunday Mass readings. Like the Sunday Supplication by archdiocesan liturgist Michael Podrebarac that ran in The Leaven during lockdown, the Sunday Supplication provides an entire service for Catholics to conduct at

home. Updated each week by the staff of St. Michael the Archangel Parish in Leawood — stmichaelcp. org/our-Sunday-supplication — the website offers several options. Visitors to the page can scroll down to the heading “Two Ways to Pray.” where they can click on the “Print Guide” or the “E-Guide” for electronic devices to lead the service themselves. Or, as a third option, they can click on the “Our Sunday Supplication – Video Guide” for a video that features the parish’s pastor or associate pastor leading the prayers.

people doubled up and had more than one family at one house. Sister Guadalupe helped Father Coronado organize the procession, planning the route they would drive and giving updates on the livestream so families would know when he would arrive. She said one of her favorite parts of the procession was seeing the altars. The altars varied in size and style, some much more elaborate than others. But they were all beautiful and made with love. Processions like this are common in some Central and South American countries, but it was the first of its kind at St. Catherine. Sister Guadalupe said many people have asked if there will be another. She said neither she nor Father Coronado are opposed to the idea, but they would need to do some more planning in the future if they decide to bring it back. “It was a beautiful experience because of people’s faith in Jesus, the Eucharist and how happily they were waiting,” Sister Guadalupe said. “It was a joy to share with and be with each family and be messengers. “That Jesus went to visit people in their homes has been a huge blessing.”

Livestream rosary for healing and protection KANSAS CITY, Kan. — The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas invites everyone to support those who have been wounded by sexual abuse in the church by praying, in solidarity, for their healing and for the protection of all who are vulnerable. A healing rosary for those intentions will be livestreamed each month at 7:45 a.m. on the third Wednesday. Go online to: livestream.com/ archkck/healingrosary to view.

JULY 17, 2020 | THELEAVEN.ORG

NATION

Court rules in favor of exemptions to contraceptive coverage By Carol Zimmermann Catholic News Service

ASHINGTON (CNS) — In a 7-2 decision July 8, the Supreme Court upheld regulations by the Trump administration giving employers more ability to opt out of providing contraceptive coverage in their health plans. The decision, written by Justice Clarence Thomas, said the administration had “the authority to provide exemptions from the regulatory contraceptive requirements for employers with religious and conscientious objections.” Dissenting votes were by Justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Sonia Sotomayor. “This is a saga that did not need to occur. Contraception is not health care, and the government should never have mandated that employers provide it in the first place,” the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops said. The bishops said they welcomed the decision and hoped it “brings a close to this episode of government discrimination against people of faith. Yet, considering the efforts we have seen to force compliance with this mandate, we must continue to be vigilant for religious freedom,” they said. The statement was issued by Miami Archbishop Thomas G. Wenski, chairman of the USCCB’s Committee for Religious Liberty, and Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann of Kansas City, Kansas, chairman of the Committee on Pro-Life Activities. The case examined if the expansion of the conscience exemption from the Affordable Care Act’s contraceptive mandate violated the health care law and laws governing federal administrative agencies. It highlighted — as it has before when the Affordable Care Act’s contraceptive mandate has come before the high court — the Little Sisters of the Poor, the order of women religious who care for the elderly poor. The Sisters were represented, as they have been previously, by Becket, a religious liberty law firm. The case before the court combined Little Sisters of the Poor Saints Peter and Paul Home v. Pennsylvania and Trump v. Pennsylvania. According to government estimates,

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In this file photo, Sister Loraine Marie Maguire, mother provincial of the Denver-based Little Sisters of the Poor, speaks to the media outside the U.S. Supreme Court in Washington. the Trump administration’s rule changes would prevent 70,000 to 126,000 women from having contraception coverage in their employee health insurance. Ginsburg, who cited these numbers in her dissent, said the court had previously taken a balanced approach in accommodating claims of religious freedom, “one that does not allow the religious beliefs of some to overwhelm the rights and interests of others who do not share those beliefs.” She said that in this decision the court, for the first time, “casts totally aside countervailing rights and interests in its zeal to secure religious rights to the nth degree.” The U.S. bishops said there had been “multiple opportunities for government officials to do the right thing and exempt conscientious objectors. Time after time, administrators and attorneys refused to respect the rights of the Little Sisters of the Poor, and the Catholic faith they exemplify, to

operate in accordance with the truth about sex and the human person. Even after the federal government expanded religious exemptions to the HHS contraceptive mandate, Pennsylvania and other states chose to continue this attack on conscience.”

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Thomas, describing the work of the Little Sisters of the Poor and their involvement in this case, wrote: “For over 150 years, the Little Sisters have engaged in faithful service and sacrifice, motivated by a religious calling to surrender all for the sake of their brother. . . . But for the past seven years, they — like many other religious objectors who have participated in the litigation and rulemakings leading up to today’s decision — have had to fight for the ability to continue in their noble work without violating their sincerely held religious beliefs.” Mother Loraine Marie Maguire, the order’s U.S. provincial, said the Little Sisters of the Poor were “overjoyed that, once again, the Supreme Court has protected our right to serve the elderly without violating our faith. Our life’s work and great joy is serving the elderly poor and we are so grateful that the contraceptive mandate will no longer steal our attention from our calling.”

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JULY 17, 2020 | THELEAVEN.ORG

CLASSIFIEDS EMPLOYMENT Community live-in assistants - L’Arche Heartland of Overland Park serves adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities in day program support services and in residential services. We are seeking assistants who are looking for a unique opportunity in a faith-based organization. We are in immediate need of live-in assistants and potential live-out assistants to work in our day program serving 30 adults. We have a recycling program and community activities. Our core members participate in distributing for Meals on Wheels and Rise Against Hunger. They also attend community events such as the library, movies, bowling and going to parks. We also have a need for live-in and live-out assistants in our five residential homes. If interested, contact Jamie Henderson, community leader, by email at: jamie@larcheks.org. Teachers - Teachers are needed to fill positions in our Early Education Center (infant/toddler). Related experience is preferred, and all candidates must meet state and local requirements. Please submit your resume to: tgavila@stjoeshawnee.org. Call if you have questions: (913) 248-4589, ext. 4589. Principal - St. Thomas More Parish seeks a principal committed to Catholic education with strong leadership, communication and motivational skills. The position will begin on July 1, 2020. More information and application can be found at the following link: careers.hireology. com/thecatholicdioceseofkansascitystjoseph, and then scroll down to: St. Thomas More School.

Experience Sips for Scholarships virtually - on July 26 from 7 - 8 p.m. 100% of the proceeds go to need-based scholarships for students to attend Resurrection Catholic School (KCK). Tune in to the show at: rcskck.org to see student performances, guest speakers, bid on silent auction items and more! Contribute $100 or more to the Giving Wall before July 18 and receive complimentary Sips delivered to your door. For more information, to purchase a sponsorship or to make a donation, visit: rcskck.org or call (913) 371-8101. Career opportunity – Due to the success and growth of the Knights of Columbus, we are adding a financial representative in the Kansas City, Kansas, and Missouri metro areas, St. Joseph, Mo., and Maryville, Mo. This is ideal for a determined, high energy, high expectation, professional, self-disciplined, independent individual, who desires to serve others yet earn a better than average income. We provide top-rated financial products to our members and their families, and will provide excellent benefits and training. This is a full-time position. For more information or an interview, please contact John A. Mahon, General Agent, 1275 S.W. Topeka Blvd., Topeka, KS 66612; call (855) 356-4849; or email: mahonagency mail2@kofc.org. Full-time math teacher - Resurrection School is seeking a full-time math teacher for the 2020-21 school year. Candidates must hold a current Kansas teaching license and be certified to teach middle school math. Candidates must have experience working in education and value a team-oriented environment. Interested applicants should complete the teacher application process at: www.archkckcs.org. For more information please contact Lynda Higgins at: lhiggins@rcskck.org or (913) 371-8101. Board members - Santa Marta – Johnson County’s premier life-care community sponsored by the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, is actively seeking board members for the term beginning January, 2021. The board meets during the business day six times a year, and each board member also serves on a committee that meets six to twelve times a year. We are seeking applicants with an expertise in marketing, business management, law, finance and IT. Individuals that have the time and interest in providing input and seek to assist in fulfilling the mission of Santa Marta are encouraged to apply. Those who wish to be considered for appointment to the Board are encouraged to submit a letter of interest, resume or details of relevant experience and home parish to Heidi Abeln at: habeln@santamartaretirement.com by July 31, 2020. Any questions regarding the application process can also be emailed to this address, and a current Board member will reply. Be sure to include your phone number and mailing address. Additional information about Santa Marta can be viewed at: www.santamartaretirement.com. Preschool teacher - Resurrection School is seeking a full-time preschool teacher for the 2020-21 school year. Candidates must have experience working in primary education in a preschool setting and value a team-oriented environment. Interested applicants should complete the teacher application process at: www.archkckcs.org. For more information, please contact Lynda Higgins at: lhiggins@rcskck.org or (913) 371-8101. Preschool director - St. Michael the Archangel Parish, Leawood, Kansas, is seeking applicants for our preschool director position. Applicants must have 3 - 5 years of teaching and/or director-level experience and a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or equivalent. We are looking for a caring, team-focused leader with a passion for teaching God’s children. The successful candidate will be self-directed, possess strong organizational and interpersonal skills, and embrace and practice the Catholic faith. Job description, application and benefits information are available at: www.stmichaelcp.org/employment-opportunities.

After-school care supervisor - St. Michael the Archangel School is seeking an after-school care program supervisor. This position is responsible for schoolchildren in kindergarten through 8th grades from 3:25 - 6 p.m. Job responsibilities include coordinating snacks and monitoring homework, outdoor play and free-play activities. The ideal candidate will be someone who loves and has prior experience working with children. Contact Dr. Lorenzo Rizzi, school principal, at (913) 402-3965 or send resume and cover letter to: lorenzo.rizzi@stmichaelcp.org. We need your help! - Caring and reliable drivers needed to transport K - 12 students to and from school in Johnson and Wyandotte counties in company minivans. We offer competitive wages, flexible schedules and the ability to make a difference in your community by helping those in need. CDL not required. Retirees encouraged to apply. Call (913) 2625190 or visit: AssistedTransportation.com to learn more and apply online. EEO. Spanish and/or Latin teacher - St. Michael the Archangel School is seeking a Spanish and/or Latin teacher. The preferred candidate will be a practicing Catholic. Desired start date is on or about Aug. 11. Pay and hours will be based on skills and experience. Please send resume and cover letter by mail to the parish school principal: Dr. Lorenzo Rizzi, 14251 Nall Ave., Leawood, KS 66223; by email at: lorenzo.rizzi@stmichaelcp.org; or call (913) 402-3965. Full-time housekeeper – The housekeeper will work under the supervision of the facilities supervisor and the night maintenance supervisor and will provide efficient cleaning services to meet the needs of the maintenance department and Rockhurst High School. Responsibilities include: vacuuming, both damp and dry dusting; mopping, machine buffing and spray cleaning; replacing trashcan liners, hand towels, hand soap, toilet rolls and all other consumable as required; damp dust all high- level surfaces and report defects/deficiencies to manager, supervisor of director of facility management. Must be conversant with the use and safe operation of mechanical/electrical cleaning equipment. The housekeeper will also clean toilets, sinks, baths, showers and any additional area and duties reasonably required by the manager, supervisor or director of facility management. The housekeeper will also assist with the supervision of work grant program participants and complete VIRTUS training. The hours are M – F from 3 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. For a complete job description and to apply, go online to: rockhurst.edu and scroll down to “job openings and click on “Housekeeper - Full-Time.” Executive director for stewardship and development and the Catholic Foundation of Northeast Kansas - The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas is seeking to fill the role of executive director for stewardship and development and the Catholic Foundation of Northeast Kansas (CFNEK). This position builds, directs and coordinates a comprehensive stewardship and fund development program for the archdiocese and its agencies and CFNEK by ensuring that proper planning, communications and fundraising activities are implemented. This position is responsible for advancing the mission of the archdiocese through professional relationship-building activities, and develops, organizes and implements a spiritually based archdiocesan approach to stewardship. This position requires a bachelor’s degree in finance, marketing, business administration, nonprofit administration or related field; five years’ relevant work experience of professional management, planning and administering fundraising programs; five years’ experience in managing staff and volunteer groups. A complete job description can be found at: www.archkck.org/jobs. Qualified individuals should submit a cover letter, resume and application (available on website) to: jobs@archkck.org, title “Executive Director.” Deadline is Aug. 15. Middle school English/language arts opening - St. Benedict School is seeking a grade 6 - 8 English teacher for the 2020-21 school year. This individual must possess a Kansas teaching certification (or be in the process of gaining necessary licensure); endorsement in English/ language arts is a plus. Interested candidates are asked to email Helen Schwinn, principal, at: hschwinn@stben edict.eduk12.net . Part-time stylists - Are you addicted to the TV show “Say Yes to the Dress”? Are you self-motivated, love fashion and enjoy helping people look their best? If so, we want to talk to you! Sincerely Susan, a unique destination shop that specializes in dresses for mothers of the bride/groom and galas is looking for part-time stylists. Our boutique is a warehouse environment where clients come in by appointment only. You must have a sense of style and a great personality to be able to interact with our “Moms.” Hours are flexible. Must be willing to work a minimum of one evening per week and weekends. Must be able to stand and walk on concrete for long periods of time and reach overhead to pull gowns. Previous retail experience preferred, but not necessary. Hourly rate is based on experience. If interested, call (913) 730-8840.

HOME IMPROVEMENT NELSON CREATIONS Affordable home remodeling: Kitchens, baths, basements and room additions. All interior and exterior work. Honest, dependable, experienced and family owned. Licensed and insured. Member St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee. (913) 927-5240 or nelsport@everestkc.net

EL SOL Y LA TIERRA *Commercial & residential * Lawn renovation *Mowing * Clean-up and hauling * Dirt grading/installation * Landscape design * Free estimates Hablamos y escribimos Ingles!! www.elsolylatierra.com Call Lupe at (816) 935-0176 STA (Sure Thing Always) Home Repair - Basement finish, bathrooms and kitchens; interior & exterior repairs: painting, roofing, siding, wood replacement and window glazing. Free estimates. Call (913) 579-1835. Email: smokeycabin@hotmail.com. Member of Holy Trinity, Lenexa. Local handyman - Painting int. and ext., wood rot, power washing, staining, masonry (chimney repair, patio’s) gutter cleaning, water heaters, junk removal, lawn mowing, window cleaning, honey - do list and more!! Member of Holy Angels Parish, Basehor. Call Billy at (913) 927-4118. Rusty Dandy Painting, Inc. – We have been coloring your world for 40 years. Your home will be treated as if it were our own. Old cabinets will be made to look like new. Dingy walls and ceilings will be made beautiful. Woodwork will glow. Lead-certified and insured. Call (913) 341-9125. Popcorn texture removal specialist. Renew your walls with a fresh coat of quality paint! Sheetrock and plaster repair Fully insured, serving Kansas for 27 years Call or text Jerry at (913) 206-1144. Concrete construction - Tear out and replace amped, stained or colored patios and drives. Retaining walls, footings, poured-in-place safe rooms, excavation and hauling. Asphalt drives and lots. Fully insured; references. Call Dan at (913) 207-4371 or send an email to: dandeeconst@aol.com. Painting - Diamond Painting, (913) 648-4933, Residential/Commercial, Exterior/interior, Free Estimate, Affordable, Decks, DiamondPaintKc.com, Kcmo/Overland Park Metropolitan area. DRC Construction We’ll get the job done right the first time. Windows - Doors - Decks - Siding Repair or replace, we will work with you to solve your problems. Choose us for any window, door, siding or deck project and be glad you did. Everything is guaranteed 100% (913) 461-4052 www.windowservicesoverlandpark.com drcconswindows@gmail.com The Drywall Doctor, Inc. – A unique solution to your drywall problems! We fix all types of ceiling and wall damage — from water stains and stress cracks to texture repairs and skim coating. We provide professional, timely repairs and leave the job site clean! Lead-certified and insured! Serving the metro since 1997. Call (913) 768-6655.

SERVICES Handyman - Furloughed railroader trying to keep the bills paid for my family. I advertised here as Father and Son Home Exteriors and Remodeling for 13 years previously. I can do carpentry, windows, doors, trim, siding and decks. Also paint, sheetrock and tiling. No project too big or too small. Give me a call and ask for Josh at (913) 709-7230. Speedy Guzman Moving and delivery Licensed and insured Anytime (816) 935-0176 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. Garage Door Repair New Garage Doors Platinum Amarr dealer, Elite Home Advisor top rating. Call Joe, mention The Leaven discount. A Total Door (913) 236-6440. Custom countertops - Laminates installed within five days. Cambria, granite and solid surface. Competitive prices, dependable work. Call the Top Shop, Inc., at (913) 962-5058. Members of St. Joseph, Shawnee.

8 to Your IdealWeight Get Real, Get Healthy, Get Empowered Take back your power and release weight, fatigue and joint pain without hunger or cravings! Call or text Kathi at (816) 809-7739 Email: imagewellness2@gmail.com Tutor - Available for K - 12 in various subjects and test preps. Tutor has 17 years of experience teaching and tutoring. Call Kathleen at (913) 206-2151 or email: Klmamuric@ yahoo.com. Online sessions available.

Cleaning lady - Reasonable rates; references provided. Call (913) 940-2959. 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. Masonry work - Quality new or repair work. Brick, block and chimney/fireplace repair. Insured; second-generation bricklayer. Member of St. Paul Parish, Olathe. Call (913) 829-4336. Faith-based counseling to cope with life concerns - Kansas City area. Call Mary Vorsten, licensed clinical professional counselor, at (913) 909-2002. House cleaning - A range of services provided — from housecleaning to organizing closets, rooms and garages, move-in and move-out cleaning, as well as hoarder projects. 15 years’ experience. Professional, energetic and dependable. Call Joni at (913) 206-4403. Bankruptcy consultation - If debts are overwhelming you, seek hope and help from compassionate, experienced Catholic attorney, Teresa Kidd. For a free consultation, call (913) 422-0610; send an email to: tkidd@ kc.rr.com; or visit the website at: www.teresakiddlawyer. com. Please do not wait until life seems hopeless before getting good quality legal advice that may solve your financial stress.

REAL ESTATE Whole Estates Need to sell a home and everything in it? We buy it all at once in as-is condition. Call (816) 444-1950 or send an email to: www.wholeestates.com. We buy houses and whole estates - We are local and family owned, and will make you a fair cash offer. We buy houses in any condition. No fees or commissions and can close on the date of your choice. Selling your house as is never felt so good. Jon & Stacy Bichelmeyer (913) 599-5000. CASH FOR YOUR HOME (913) 980-4905 Any condition in the metro area Mark Edmondson - local parishioner http:/www.buykcproperty.com Rental properties - Getting into this kind of investment can be scary. How about if you could have access to a seasoned investor after the sale as a consultant? I am selling some of my investments that are in the KCMO area that you might be interested in. I am not a realtor, but I have owned these properties for a long time. Call (785) 883-2936, leave me your contact information and I will return your call within 24 hours.

FOR SALE Residential lifts - New and recycled. Stair lifts, porch lifts, ceiling lifts and elevators. St. Michael’s parishioners. KC Lift & Elevator at (913) 327-5557. (Formerly Silver Cross - KC) ??For sale - Double lawn crypt at Resurrection Cemetery in Lenexa; Garden of Hope section, double lawn crypt, lot 14A, space 4. Conveyance fee included. $6000. Call Joan at (913) 634-3366.

WANTED TO BUY Wanted to buy - Antique/vintage jewelry, paintings, pottery, sterling, etc. Single pieces or estate. Renee Maderak, (913) 475-7393. St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee. Will buy firearms and related accessories - One or a whole collection. Honest evaluation and top prices paid. Contact Tom at (913) 238-2473. Member of Sacred Heart Parish, Shawnee. Wanted to buy - Old cars or hot rods. Uncompleted project cars in any condition, with or without titles. Cash buyer. Call (913) 980-3559.

CAREGIVING Looking for assisted living at home? - Before you move, call us and explore our in-home care options. We specialize in helping families live safely at home while saving thousands of dollars per year. Call today for more information or to request a FREE home care planning guide. Benefits of Home - Senior Care, www.benefits ofhome.com or call (913) 422-1591. Caregiver - Looking for work. Available Monday - Friday. Call for more information. (913) 602-1289. Caregiving - We provide personal assistance, companionship, care management, and transportation for seniors in their home, assisted living or nursing facilities. We also provide respite care for main caregivers needing some personal time. Call Daughters & Company at (913) 3412500 and speak with Laurie, Pat or Gary.

JULY 17, 2020 | THELEAVEN.ORG

COMMENTARY SIXTEENTH WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME July 19 SIXTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME Wis 12: 13, 16-19 Ps 86: 5-6, 9-10, 15-16 Rom 8: 26-27 Mt 13: 24-43 July 20 Apollinaris, bishop, martyr Mi 6: 1-4, 6-8 Ps 50: 5-6, 8-9, 16bc-17, 21, 23 Mt 12: 38-42 July 21 Lawrence of Brindisi, priest, doctor of the church Mi 7: 14-15, 18-20 Ps 85: 2-8 Mt 12: 46-50 July 22 MARY MAGDALENE Sg 3: 1-4a Ps 63: 2-6, 8-9 Jn 20: 1-2, 11-18 July 23 Bridget, religious Jer 2: 1-3, 7-8, 12-13 Ps 36: 6-7b, 8-11 Mt 13: 10-17 July 24 Sharbel Makhluf, priest Jer 3: 14-17 (Ps) Jer 31: 10-13 Mt 13: 18-23 July 25 JAMES, APOSTLE 2 Cor 4: 7-15 Ps 126: 1b, 2-6 Mt 20: 20-28 SEVENTEENTH WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME July 26 SEVENTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME 1 Kgs 3: 5, 7-12 Ps 119: 57, 72, 76-77, 127-130 Rom 8: 28-30 Mt 13: 44-52 July 27 Monday Jer 13: 1-11 (Ps) Dt 32: 18-21 Mt 13: 31-35 July 28 Jer 14: 17-22 Ps 79: 8-9, 11, 13 Mt 13: 36-43 July 29 Martha Jer 15: 10, 16-21 Ps 59: 2-4, 10-11, 17-18 Jn 11: 19-27 July 30 Peter Chrysologus, bishop, doctor of the church Jer 18: 1-6 Ps 146: 1b-6b Mt 13: 47-53 July 31 Ignatius of Loyola, priest Jer 26: 1-9 Ps 69: 5, 8-10, 14 Mt 13: 54-58 Aug. 1 Alphonsus Liguori, bishop, doctor of the church Jer 26: 11-16, 24 Ps 69: 15-16, 30-31, 33-34 Mt 14: 1-12

he Dunning-Kruger effect. Ever heard of it? The term was a new one on me. I’d read a reference to it recently when someone suggested many modern-day people suffer from it . . . and don’t even realize it. I thought that perhaps this might be something related to COVID-19, but I was wrong. The Dunning-Kruger effect is, according to Kendra Cherry on www. verywellmind.com, “a type of cognitive bias in which people believe that they are smarter and more capable than they really are. The combination of poor self-awareness and low cognitive ability leads them to overestimate their own capabilities.” This often leads people to “fail to recognize the genuine skill and expertise of other people.” If you want to see this effect in action, spend a little time reading through people’s comments on Facebook or listen for a bit to talk radio. You’ll encounter there many folks who can coach the Chiefs much better than Andy Reid. You’ll hear someone like “Rob,” who failed all of

Please stand by MARK MY WORDS

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

his high school science courses, explain why the pandemic directives of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are all wrong. And there’s no shortage of people who are convinced they’re more orthodox and better able to guide the church than Pope Francis. Thankfully, there is a “vaccine” for the Dunning-Kruger effect, but it’s in short supply apparently. It’s called humility. Author Karen Marie Moning says it succinctly: “There are three kinds of people in the world: those who don’t know and don’t know

they don’t know; those who don’t know and do know they don’t know; and those who know and know how much they still don’t know.” American preacher Daniel Grey Barnhouse used to tell this wonderful, supposedly true, story about the humility of Chief Justice Charles Evans Hughes: When Hughes moved to Washington to take up his duties as chief justice, he transferred his membership to a Baptist church in the area. It was a custom for all new members to come to the front of the sanctuary at the close of the worship service. The first to be called that morning was Ah Sing, a Chinese laundryman who had moved to the capital from the West Coast. He took his place at the far side of

the church. As the dozen or so other people were called forward, they stood at the opposite side of the church, leaving Sing standing alone. But when Chief Justice Hughes was called, he took his place beside the laundryman. Seeing this, the minister turned and said, “I do not want this congregation to miss this remarkable illustration of the fact that at the cross of Jesus Christ the ground is level.” Barnhouse added: “Mr. Hughes behaved like a true Christian. He took his place beside the laundryman and, by this act, prevented embarrassment to the humble Chinese man; he showed, too, the love of Christ — he had this gift of standing by.” (Story found in “Illustrations Unlimited,” edited by James S. Hewett.) What a powerful and humble image of Jesus that is: the gift of standing by. It seems that everywhere we look, there’s a drive to divide and alienate people. Everyone knows better than everyone else and insists that “it’s my way or the highway.” I’d propose that we Christians take that “high way,” the way of humility, the way of standing by. Let’s work to bring

people together by standing by those who promote the way of peace, unity and understanding. Let’s stand by all who pursue justice for those who have no voice or whose voices go unheard. Let’s stand by those who are hungry, poor or homeless — the overlooked and forgotten people in our society. Let’s stand by those who are sick — whether in body, mind or soul. Honestly, most of us have very little idea of how much it really means when we stand by another, especially someone who is hurting in some way. A card of condolence at the death of a loved one, a phone call to someone struggling during this pandemic, a nice tip to someone delivering your curbside order, a warm smile and encouraging word to a cashier or a grocery store stocker, some tomatoes or sweet corn left outside the door of a neighbor — all of these small actions help bring us together and make visible the love of Jesus. Just remember, though, if your “standing by” actually does happen in person, please wear a mask and keep social distancing. After all, you don’t want to spread the Dunning-Kruger effect!

The Spirit helps guide even our most tangled prayers

“W

e do not know how to pray as we ought,” St. Paul tells us in the second reading for this Sunday (Rom 8: 26-27). But where’s the problem? There are so many prayers — the Hail Mary, the Book of Psalms, novenas, countless prayer books and, most basic of all, the Lord’s Prayer. When we don’t know how to pray, we can use those. Established prayers, however, are not Paul’s solution to the problem of not knowing how to pray because, more literally, he is concerned with the problem of not knowing what to pray, and established prayers can’t solve this problem. How can I know which set prayer is best? Is now the moment for a psalm of rejoicing or a psalm crying out for help? What

SPEAK TO ME, LORD

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

should I pray for? That Dan gets the job he’s applying for? That my friend Richard is healed — or that he die a peaceful death? I don’t know what to

have in mind when I pray a prayer. When I get to “thy will be done” in the Our Father, should I mean, “Heal Richard” or “Give him a painless death”? Paul has been speaking about the journey we are making through this life. In Christ, God is leading us from this present age into eternity with himself. We can have a sense of anticipation, because we know it will be good to arrive at our destination. But we cannot know

POPE FRANCIS Pope Francis praised the United Nations’ adoption of a global cease-fire resolution amid the coronavirus pandemic that has swept the world. “The request for a global and immediate ceasefire, which would allow that peace and security necessary to provide the needed humanitarian assistance, is commendable,” the pope said July 5, after pray-

“

ESTABLISHED PRAYERS . . . ARE NOT PAUL’S SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM OF NOT KNOWING HOW TO PRAY BECAUSE . . . HE IS CONCERNED WITH THE PROBLEM OF NOT KNOWING WHAT TO PRAY. the route. Only God knows that. Only he knows the blessings and sufferings by which he will bring us home to himself. So to a great extent, at any point along the way, we don’t know what to pray for. It makes sense to pray for what seems best to us — that Dan would get the job, that Richard would make a remarkable recovery. But how can our prayers fit in with what God has in mind? The answer, Paul indicates, is that God has

placed his Spirit in us — his Spirit, that knows his mind — so that his Spirit prays with us. The Spirit can guide our choice of prayers. Even more, he prays with us in our deepest longings that cannot be put into words. He makes our sighs and groanings into prayers. That is how close God has come to be with us. And in this way, the Spirit in us will pray us safely through the present troubled age and into the eternal kingdom.

ing the Angelus with pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s Square. “I hope that this decision will be implemented effectively and promptly for the good of the many people who are suffering. May this Security Council resolution become a courageous first step toward a peaceful future,” he said. The resolution, which was first proposed in late March by U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, was unanimously passed July 1 by the 15-member Security Council. — CNS

JULY 17, 2020 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

Art exhibit sheds light on human trafficking By Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org

EAWOOD — Human trafficking — the exploitation of vulnerable persons for prostitution or slave-like labor — thrives in the darkness of secrecy and indifference. But one artist is choosing to bring this evil to light through the medium of colorful works of art in glass. Internationally acclaimed artist Hasna Sal, now residing in Overland Park, has created 13 wall sculptures in glass now on display at St. Michael the Archangel Parish, 143rd Street and Nall, Leawood. The free art exhibit, “Into the Light: Stories of People of the Park,” is on display from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily until July 22 in the church’s lower narthex art gallery. The theme of the exhibit is: “Human Trafficking.” The sculptures are inspired by the stories of women and youth enslaved, bought and sold in the worldwide web of human trafficking. The works express universal stories of isolation, brokenness, desolation, hope and redemption, according to Kevin Vogt, director of sacred liturgy, music and art at St. Michael. To visit the gallery, go through the main doors of the church in the courtyard between the church and the school. From the narthex (main vestibule), take the stairs or the elevator to the lower level. The exhibition will close with a “Meet the Artist” reception from 6

Thirteen wall sculptures in glass by internationally acclaimed artist Hasna Sal are on display at St. Michael the Archangel Church in Leawood. The theme of the exhibit is: “Human Trafficking.” Clockwise from top are pieces titled “Mystique,” “Future” and “Wild and Free.” The exhibit will on be display from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily until July 22 in the church’s lower narthex art gallery.

to 9 p.m. on July 22, the feast of St. Mary Magdalene. Sal is the recent winner of the Doge International Award at the Venice Art Biennale in Italy, and was a featured artist at the Cannes Film Festival in France and New York Fashion Week. Habitat for Humanity of Kansas City, Missouri, is sponsoring a concurrent silent auction of the exhibited works to raise funds for a public art memorial for victims of human trafficking. The memorial will be placed in Lykins Square Park in Kansas City, Missouri. “Whereas the narrative of the park sculptures involves a story of redemption through faith — the

church going into the park — the current exhibit is inspired by the stories and experiences of those who have been brought low and broken,” said Vogt, “the stories of people of the park being brought to the church, who, like a loving mother, listens to the suffering of her children, and who — like the Lord — hears the cry of the poor.” To view the 13 works in the exhibit and to participate in the silent auction, go to the parish website at: stmichaelcp.org/gallery-exhibition.

Some found Facebook Masses a ‘lifeline’ during lockdown >> Continued from page 4 “One thing I’ve done is I’ve shared [Archbishop Naumann’s] daily Masses through Facebook Share on my Facebook page,” she said. “And I’ve felt that’s one way to minister to other people who don’t know about the faith. “You’d be surprised. Several of my friends have joined in the Mass, and they’re not even Catholic.” Kathy Blasco has always wanted to go to daily Mass but found it impossible because of time and distance. She’s a resident of Lenexa but is a member of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in the Diocese of Kansas City, Missouri. During the second week of Lent, a notification about Archbishop Naumann’s Masses showed up on her Facebook page. Viewing his Masses “became a way of life,” for Blasco. “This works for me,” she said. “I feel the day wouldn’t be complete without starting it with Archbishop Naumann and his Mass. He’s very respectful of the time constraints. He keeps his ‘homilettes’ not much longer than five minutes. He makes everything very interesting. “There are some days [it seemed] like he knew the words to speak that I needed to hear for that day, without even knowing. I feel my day has started off on the right foot by starting with his Mass. I feel so much gratitude for him.” Blasco described Archbishop Naumann’s Facebook Masses as “a lifeline”

during the lockdown months when all public Masses were canceled, and churches were closed. Unlike the many public Masses Archbishop Naumann has celebrated, his home chapel Masses were simple and quiet — no organist, no cantor, no readers, no master of ceremonies, no acolytes, no concelebrants — just him. During these Masses, he had a very “pastoral” vibe, according to Beth Blankenship, a member of St. Pius X Parish in Mission and advertising manager for The Leaven. “[The Masses] are really personal,” said Blankenship. “It seems like he’s talking straight to you. They’re very relaxed — everything’s very proper — but relaxed at the same time. He explains a lot of things — like one time he told about his chalice.” For example, she said, “his mom’s diamonds from her engagement and wedding rings are embedded in the chalice. It means a lot to him.” She even found his voice “soothing,” said Blankenship, at a time when it seemed that all the news was bad. Mary Sanderson Harsh, a parishioner of Sacred Heart Parish in Tonganoxie, can seldom go to Mass because of her physical disabilities. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, she had to get up very early to catch a televised Mass. But this past March, she read in The Leaven about the archbishop’s weekday and Sunday Masses on Facebook. These Masses gave her focus, and

“spiritual tools” to work with, she said. They put her in a faith-oriented frame of mind. “It was a breath of fresh air to have Mass every day,” said Harsh. “It starts my morning every day. It has really been a joy.” During Lent and before Easter, it seemed to Harsh that she would miss out on the holiest time of the Christian year. That didn’t happen. “This year’s Lent, I was almost dreading it because I knew all the churches were closed down and all the usual things Catholics do during Lent would be missed,” she said. “But when they opened up online Masses, it opened things up for me to live my faith a little stronger,” she added. “I had one of the best Easters I’ve ever had. I really did draw closer to God.” Archbishop Naumann stopped celebrating daily Mass on Facebook on July 4. After a Mass on July 2, he explained that he needed to resume a more normal schedule and wouldn’t always be available. Instead, daily Mass will be streamed at 9 a.m. via Facebook by Father Andrew Strobl, pastor of St. John Paul II Parish in Olathe. Archbishop Naumann will, however, continue to offer daily scriptural reflections. Both the Masses and reflections can be found on the Facebook pages of Archbishop Naumann, the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas and St. John Paul II Parish.

Sister Lucille Harrington, SCL

EAVENWORTH — Sister Lucille Harrington, 88, a Sister of Charity of Leavenworth, died on June 20 at the motherhouse here. She celebrated her 70th anniversary as a Sister of Charity in 2019. She entered the religious community soon after high school and served as a longtime educator, missionary and parish minister. She had a caring spirit and strove to be worthy of the Sisters of Charity calling to serve where needed. This she did in places like Bolivia, Peru and Ecuador, where she trained and educated South Americans on the meaning and content of their faith. Lucille Annette was born on July 17, 1931, in Leavenworth, one of six daughters of John F. and Mary (Schlonga) Harrington. She attended Sacred Heart Grade School and Saint Mary Academy High School in Leavenworth, before pursuing an elementary education degree at Saint Mary College, Leavenworth. She entered the Sisters of Charity community on Aug. 18, 1949. She professed vows as Sister John Francis on Aug. 15, 1951, but eventually resumed her baptismal name. Sister Lucille taught in parochial schools for 14 years in Kansas, Missouri, Colorado, Montana and Wyoming. In 1964, she completed her bachelor’s degree and periodically continued coursework toward a graduate degree. In 1965, she started language preparation for work in South America. In 1966, she went to Bolivia, where she served for 20 years as a parish administrator, religious educator and pastoral minister. She was instrumental in the building of a new parish church in the town of Coripata, Bolivia. She returned to the United States only for brief visits and continuing education opportunities. In her last dozen years of full-time service, she continued to work in pastoral ministry and religious education while moving back and forth between Peru, Ecuador and the United States. She returned to the U.S. for good in 2000 to work at the Child Migrant Center in Palisade, Colorado. In her retirement years, she worked to help Mexican-Americans at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Topeka.

Blood drive set for July 27 SHAWNEE — St. Joseph Church here will host a Community Blood Center drive on July 27 from 1 to 7 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus Hall, located at 11221 Johnson Drive. Appointments are preferred; walk-ins welcome if space is available. To make an appointment, contact Virginia Wiede by email at: vrwiedel@sbcglobal.net, or call (913) 268-3874. Wear a face mask when donating blood. If you do not have one, you will be provided with one upon your arrival.

Free CNA and CMA classes offered by Villa OLATHE — Villa St. Francis here is offering free certified nursing assistant and certified medication aide certification classes beginning in August. CNA and CMA classes are 90-96 hours of classroom time. To enroll, call (913) 406-6344.

JULY 17, 2020 | THELEAVEN.ORG

LOCAL NEWS

AND THE WINNER IS . . .

The Leaven takes home 11 Catholic Press Association awards at this year’s virtual Catholic Media Conference SECOND PLACE

FIRST PLACE Best reporting on vocations ‘But the Greatest of These is Love’ By Joe Bollig This story dealt with the archdiocesan seminarian pilgrimage to visit the poor of Mexico City. Judges’ comments: The language of the author allowed the reader to really connect with the vocation and its mission. Layout and visuals only enhanced a great piece.

Best layout of article Striking a Blow for Kids By Todd Habiger Judges’ comments: There is fluid, clean design throughout, with ample white space on the first page to allow the large, anchoring photo to take hold of the reader.

Best multiple picture package - feature

Best Analysis

It’s Your Move By Lori Wood Habiger

Death Be Not Proud By Marc and Julie Anderson

This photo package followed a chess tournament featuring Wyandotte County Catholic school students.

The complex issue of euthanasia is covered thoroughly in this article.

Judges’ comments: Beautiful photos that show a range of emotions, often through technical skills: precise framing and depth of field and point of view.

Judges’ comments: The article is well-written with multiple sources and points of view on the controversial issue.

Best multiple picture package - sports

Best Reporting on a Special Age Group

Pitching for Priests By Jay Soldner The annual Pitching for Priests game was a hit with the judges.

This article details how a historic church was remade into a community center.

Children and Teens Younger than 18

Striking a Blow for Kids By Jill Ragar Esfeld

Judges’ comments: The photographer takes on unique subject matter in this package, not just game action, but surrounding atmosphere that is just as important to give a sense of the whole picture for the viewer.

Judges’ comments: This is an all-around engaging piece of work. I really like all the quotations to engage readers.

THIRD PLACE

HONORABLE MENTION Best reporting on a special age group Senior citizens

100 for 100 By Moira Cullings A profile on centenarian Melba Mills and how she helped the Kansas City Chiefs celebrate 100 years of the NFL.

Best reporting on a sacrament

Best personality profile

Best photograph — portrait

Boys to Men By Todd Habiger Longtime Benedictine football coach Larry Wilcox is the subject of this personality profile.

Ministry of Music By Jay Soldner Shaun Whisler, music director at Corpus Christi Parish in Lawrence, shines in this portrait.

Judges’ comments: The author seems to perfectly depict the subject’s core purpose and selflessness.

Judges’ comments: Energy conveyed through a quality photograph. Inspirational power of music beams through.

Juvenile prisoners prepare to confess to Pope Francis By Olivia Martin A touching story about how juvenile prisoners in Panama had their confession heard by Pope Francis at World Youth Day.

Best reporting of social justice issues

One pickup truck at a time By Jill Ragar Esfeld This story deals with one man’s experience with payday loans and how Catholic Charities helped him get out of debt.