Mud Jacking - The Leaven

WWW.THELEAVEN.COM | NEWSPAPER OF THE ARCHDIOCESE OF KANSAS CITY IN KANSAS | VOL. 32, NO. 21 JANUARY 7, 2011

2 ARCHBISHOP THE LEAVEN • JANUARY 7, 2011LIFE WILL BE VICTORIOUSStrengthen our nation by strengthening your family’s lifeThis past November,I participated in abreakfast commemoratingNational PhilanthropyDay. The principal motivationfor my attendancewas the event’s honorees— Bill and Jean Dunn.There were close to 400 in attendancethat morning, representingmany charities serving the metropolitanregion.When one of the speakers askedhow many charitable groups hadbenefited from Bill and Jean Dunn’sgenerosity, every hand in the room wasraised. This was no surprise. Whetherit is feeding the hungry, helpingthose in prison, supporting inner-cityschools, combating pornography, defendingthe unborn — if there is a goodand noble initiative in the community— you will find Bill and Jean in themiddle of it!I was inspired andencouraged by theaddress given by thefeatured speaker, Dr.Claire Guadiani, whobegan her talk by acknowledgingthe difficultand challengingtimes for charitableorganizations. Shedid not sugarcoat ourpresent circumstance. The seriousnessof the recession and the elusiveness ofthe economic recovery have createda double challenge for every charity— fewer and/or smaller donations torespond to an increased demand forassistance.Guadiani challenged us to knowour American history. She pointed outthat in our nation’s 225-plus years,Americans have faced many economicrecessions, including the Great Depression.She reminded us that our countryhad rebounded from each one of thesefinancial crises. Guadiani cautioned usfrom believing the prophets of doomand gloom who propose that America’sbest days are behind us and our childrenand grandchildren will necessarilyhave fewer opportunities for successand prosperity.Wagner’sMud-Jacking Co.Specializing in Foundation RepairsMud-jacking and Waterproofing.Serving Lawrence, Topekaand surrounding areas.Topeka (785) 233-3447Lawrence (785) 749-1696In business since 1963‘The Shepherd’s Voice’programming notesArchbishop Joseph F. Naumann’sradio program on KEXS 1090 AMairs at 10 a.m. on Sunday and isrepeated at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesdayand 3:30 p.m. on Thursday.She also reminded us that someexceptional charities were born inthe most difficult of economic times.One of her examples illustrating thispoint was the founding of the Marchof Dimes during the Great Depression.She reminded us how the effortsof an army primarily comprised ofconcerned mothers eventually ledto the discovery of the vaccine thateliminated one of the most dreaded ofchildhood diseases — polio.Guadiani exhorted us to reclaim thehope and creativity that have alwaysbeen part of the American experience.She challenged us not to deny the seriousnessof our current problems, butalso not to succumb to the fatalism thatwould make us believe that it is impossibleto overcome ourpresent adversities.I very much agreewith her convictionthat we should notresign ourselves tothe impossibility ofrecovering from ourcurrent economicwoes. Our forefathersand foremothersbattled through worse economic problems.A hallmark of the United Stateshas been the resourcefulness of theAmerican people to invent, to adaptand to overcome seemingly impossibleobstacles.However, in my mind the mostserious challenges facing our nationtoday are not economic. The real crisisconfronting America is moral, notfinancial. If family life is strong, nomatter the economic problems, we willfind the capacity to overcome them.What is most frightening to me is notthe unemployment numbers, the nationaldebt, or the number of foreclosures,but the number of divorces, thenumber of children born out of wedlock,and the number of cohabitatingcouples who are afraid to commit theirlives to each other.Strong marriages are the foundationof family life, and the family isthe foundation of culture and society.Without the firm foundation of thecommitment of husband and wife tolove and honor each other in goodtimes and in bad, in sickness and inhealth, all the days of their lives, ourfamilies are very fragile. Children aredeprived of the example of a fatherwho loves their mother more thanhimself and a mother who loves theirfather more than satisfying her owndesires. The social data is overwhelmingthat children who experience theconsistent love of both a father and amother are more likely to succeed inschool, less likely to become addictedto drugs, and have a greater capacity toform healthy friendships.This is not to say that children raisedby single parents are doomed to failure.I grew up in a single parent family.However, it is to say that children wholack the consistent love of a father anda mother face greater challenges.Underneath the moral crisis is acrisis of faith. Successful marriagesrequire heroic love. Vibrant marriagesare the fruit of husbands and wives notbeing so concerned (in psychologicaljargon) about getting their own needsmet, but about working for the happinessof their spouse.Where do we find this capacity tolove heroically? It is from our ownexperience of the unconditional loveof God for us revealed in his Son, JesusChrist. It is out of this experience ofGod’s love for us, while we were stillsinners, that we learn what Pope JohnPaul II called the “law of the gift.” Welearn that the secret of happiness islosing our life — in other words, givingour life for the good of those we love.The greatest challenges facingAmericans today are not our economicproblems, but rather a moral recessionthat is intimately linked to a diminishmentof faith. If you want to do somethingthat will strengthen our nation,then open your heart to the miracle ofGod’s love made present to us throughthe Eucharist. Having experienced inthis Blessed Sacrament the gift of God’slove for you, then strive to live the “lawof the gift” in your marriage and familylife.Pope John Paul II referred to thefamily as the “sanctuary of life” and asARCHBISHOP NAUMANN’SWEEKLY CALENDARJan. 1-3Quo Vadis retreat for young mendiscerning a vocationJan. 4-8Region IX bishops’ retreatJan. 9Gubernatorial inaugural ecumenicalprayer service — Mid-America NazareneCollegeJan. 11“The Shepherd’s Voice” recordingJan. 12Vespers and dinner for Bishop-electRice in St. LouisJan. 13Clergy day regarding deaconsOpen house at residence for priestsJan. 14Interview with Comcast “Newsmakers”— Independence, Mo.Jan. 156th anniversary as archbishop8 a.m. pro-life Mass and prayer atabortion clinic — Sts. Cyril & MethodiusChurch, Kansas City, Kan.Catholic Charities Snow Ball“the first school of virtue.” In his homilyat the Mass during his pastoral visitto St. Louis in 1999, Pope John Pauldeclared: “As the family goes, so goesthe nation.”If you wish to help renew America,then make a resolution this year to dowhatever it takes to strengthen yourmarriage and enrich the life of yourfamily. Reversing the moral recessionin our culture will provide us with theinner strength to make the necessarysacrifices to bring about an economicrecovery.Publication No. (ISSN0194-9799)PresidentMost Reverend Joseph F.NaumannBy Jill Ragar EsfeldSpecial to The LeavenLEAVENWORTH — With a passionthat goes beyond the game, ImmaculateConception parishioner Mary Wheatonhas run the CYO basketball league herefor five years.“I just think it’s a great program andthat’s why I’ve been [here] all theseyears,” she said.This year, Wheaton is not only runningthe league, but also coaching a5th/6th-grade team that includes herdaughter Audrey and her son Evin, bothstudents at Xavier Elementary School.The Leavenworth area league isn’tlarge enough to support separate boysand girls teams. But that’s fine by Wheaton.She likes the coed teams becausethey are noncompetitive.“They’re just out there learning howto play and having fun,” she said. “Thatdoesn’t happen very often nowadays.”As the Christmas season approached,Wheaton thought it would be a goodidea for her players to take the principlesembraced by CYO and put them towork off the court for a change.She asked her seven team membersif they would like to work together toraise money for charity.The idea was met with enthusiasmand, after talking it over, the playersdecided to set up a snack bar at the 3rd/4th-grade league games, which wereusually played right after their gameson Saturday afternoons.They then decided to use the moneyraised to buy gifts for the angel treeof Immaculate Conception-St. JosephChurch.Wheaton’s real purpose behind theproject was to build team spirit and camaraderie.“Five of [the players] go to Xavierand then we have a set of twins thatgo to the public school in Lansing,” shesaid. “So it was a way for them to get toknow each other a little bit.”Sacred Heart-St. Casimir parishionerLaszlo Tuborosi has played basketballsince kindergarten, but this was hisfirst year on a CYO team. His twin sisterMarci was new to the game, as well asthe team.But they were as enthusiastic as theveterans of the team.“We set up a stand after our gameand then we waited for the little kidsto play,” explained Marci. “And peoplecame and bought stuff.”“We made a speech at the beginningof the game and told the people it wasso we could buy gifts for the homelessand stuff,” added her brother.“Everybody helped a lot,” said EvinWheaton. “We were selling cheese andcrackers, water, fruit snacks, juice boxes,muffins, power bars and stuff like that.”Some of the players worked everyTHE LEAVEN • JANUARY 7, 2011 SECOND FRONT PAGEGAME ONLeavenworth team lives CYO spirit on and off courtPhoto by Rosie ScanlonImmaculate Conception CYO members Audrey Wheaton and Evin Wheaton deliver a box of hats, gloves, socks and undergarments to the church as partof a team effort to donate to a charity.“At first, I did it as a teambuildingthing so that theywould learn to work together.I think it’s been reallygood for them to realizethat these little kids [would]be happy to get a stockingcap and a pair of gloves forChristmas and not the iPodTouch that might be on theirChristmas list.””Mary Wheaton,CYO coach and organizerSaturday, while some were only ableto work one or two shifts. But they allhelped at some point to fill out the threeSaturday shifts.In-between shifts, the players spenttime building friendships.“It was fun,” said Marci. “Boys wentthe first half of the game and then thegirls went. So we switched off.”“When we weren’t working, wewould go up on the stage and watch theother games,” said Laszlo. “And we gotto talk to people and get to know them.”EditorReverend Mark Goldasich, stlfrmark@theleaven.comManaging EditorAnita McSorleyanita@theleaven.comSenior ReporterJoe Bolligjoe@theleaven.comProduction ManagerTodd Habigertodd@theleaven.comThe snack bar was a big hit with CYOfans, and Wheaton’s team found manyof their customers to be very generous.“Thank goodness for grandmas andgrandpas and parents who would givethem five or 10 dollars and not ask forchange,” said Wheaton.“Actually, there was this one ladywho gave us 10 dollars a game,” saidAudrey Wheaton. “That really helped.”“Some people just gave us theirchange, so we could have extra money,”added Lazslo.Rosie Scanlon, who is a basketballofficial for CYO, watched each week asthe players ran their snack stand. Shewas impressed by their devotion.“I was touched with the idea thatthey were willing to give up their Saturdaytime in order to make someoneelse’s Christmas a little brighter,” shesaid.And everyone was impressed withthe results.“They did really well,” said Scanlon.“I think $193 is what they ended upwith, so that’s not too bad.”“I was surprised!” said Audrey.The initial plan to buy gifts for theangel tree had to be amended, however.Although, Immaculate Conceptiontypically hosts an angel tree eachChristmas, this year the parish found agreater need.The economic hard times had leftmany families in the area desperate forAdvertising RepresentativeJennifer Siebesjennifer@theleaven.comReporterKara Hansenkara@theleaven.comPublished weekly Septemberthrough May, excepting the Friday theweek after Thanksgiving, and the Fridayafter Christmas; biweekly June throughAugust. Address communications to:The Leaven, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., KansasCity, KS 66109. Phone: (913) 721-1570; fax: (913) 721-5276; or e-mail at:sub@theleaven.com.Postmaster: Send address changesto The Leaven, 12615 Parallel Pkwy.,Kansas City, KS 66109. For change ofaddress, provide old and new addressand parish. Subscriptions $18/ year.Periodicals postage paid at KansasCity, KS 66109.3basic necessities this winter, and thechurch was asked by the LeavenworthAssistance Center to promote a “BabyJesus Shower.”The goal of the project was to provideneedy children in LeavenworthCounty with hats, gloves, socks and undergarments.The team had no problem with thechange in plans. At the conclusion oftheir fundraiser, they went as a teamto spend their $193. On the followingSunday, they wore their team jerseys todeliver the purchased items to ImmaculateConception, and then attendedMass and a church-sponsored breakfast.Wheaton was pleased with the successof the service project, and someof the lessons her children learnedfrom the experience were an extrabenefit.“At first, I did it as a team-buildingthing so that they would learn to worktogether,” she said. “But the more Igot to thinking about it and the moreI [saw] my kids’ Christmas lists, I thinkit’s been really good for them to realizethat these little kids [would] be happyto get a stocking cap and a pair ofgloves for Christmas and not the iPodTouch that might be on their Christmaslist.“I think it’s kind of eye-opening forthem to understand that, right here intheir hometown, are people in need.”

4 LOCAL NEWS THE LEAVEN • JANUARY 7, 2011The year of faith, hope and charityNo one trend dominated archdiocesan news, butthe three theological virtues did: faith, hopeand charity.Faith: Hundreds of people entered the churchat the Easter Vigil; young men were ordainedto the diaconate and priesthood; and a priestmade a pilgrimage of hundreds of miles.Hope: Several parishes celebrated building and renovationprojects; people gatheredto march and prayfor an end to abortion;and a parish picked upthe pieces after a burglaryand vandalism.Charity: Many donatedmoney and a fewvolunteered to be medicalrelief workers after a huge earthquake devastated Haiti; acouple donated $1 million to a parish they’d never seen; andfood pantry shelves were filled with the donations of manywho wanted to help the hungry.It is true that 2010 saw its share of desperation, tragedy,struggle and sadness, but there was joy and new birth, too.Archdiocesan Catholics took both the good and the bad, andresponded with faith, hope, and charity.So before the books are closed on 2010, let’s take one lastlook back at the events and people that affected our lives asthe church of northeast Kansas.January• Father Norbert Lickteig, 75, who served as a priest for 48 years, died on Jan. 7.• Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann addressed the topic of moral principles for Catholicsduring an archdiocesan pro-life forum on Jan. 17 at St. Joseph Parish in Shawnee.• The Little Sisters of the Communityof the Lamb began to raise fundsfor a new monastery in Kansas City,Kan.• Bob and Judy Vohs, members ofSt. Ann Parish in Prairie Village, werenamed honorary chairpersons forthe Archbishop’s annual Call to Sharecampaign.• Archdiocesan Catholics ralliedto raise relief funds and launch aidmissions after a 7.0 magnitude earthquakeravaged Haiti on Jan. 12.• More than $1.5 million was raisedfor Catholic Charities during its annualSnow Ball.• Archdiocesan Catholics gatheredwith thousands of others in Topekaand Washington, D.C., to mark the37th anniversary of the U.S. SupremeCourt’s 1973 Roe v. Wade and Doe v.Bolton abortion decisions.• The Men of Valor/Women of Virtueconferences were held on Jan. 29and 30 at Prince of Peace Parish andthe College Church of the Nazarene, inOlathe.Cardinal Christoph Schönborn, OP, speaks at BenedictineCollege, Atchison.• Cardinal Christoph Schönborn, OP, visited the Little Sisters of the Community of theLamb and Benedictine College, Atchison, on Jan. 30 and 31.February• The Serra Club of Kansas City, Kan., celebrated its 40th anniversary with a Mass onFeb. 10 at Queen of the Holy Rosary Church in Overland Park.• The new Holy Angels Church in Basehor was dedicated on Feb. 14 with a Mass celebratedby Archbishop Naumann.• Archbishop Naumann launched his own half-hour radio show, “The Shepherd’sVoice,” on Feb. 14.• Holy Angels Church in Garnett was burglarized and vandalized on Feb. 19. Someitems were later recovered.• More than 600 people indicated their intention to enter the Catholic Church whenthey signed the Book of the Elect during Rite of Election liturgies on Feb. 21 at St. Josephand Sacred Heart parishes in Shawnee, and on Feb. 28 at St. Matthew Parish in Topeka.• The Men Under Construction conference was held on Feb. 27 at St. James Academyin Lenexa.The Dooley Center caught the eye of U.S. News & World Report magazine, as it was named one ofthe nation’s 12 best.March• Sister Christa Marie Halligan, a Sister of St. Francis of the Martyr St. George, wasnamed the new president of St. James Academy on March 5.• It was announced on March 12 that Judy Warren would become the new principal ofBishop Ward High School in Kansas City, Kan., on July 1.• The Dooley Center at the Benedictine Sisters’ Mount St. Scholastica Monastery inAtchison was named one of the best 12 nursing homes in the nation by U.S. News &World Report magazine.April• The new St. James Churchin Wetmore was dedicated onApril 10 with a Mass celebratedby Archbishop Naumann.• On April 15, Kansas Gov.Mark Parkinson vetoed a billthat would have tightened restrictionson late-term abortionsin the state.• Father Ric Halvorson wasappointed director of the archdiocesanSociety for the Propagationof the Faith office, succeedingFather Norbert Lickteig,who had died in January.The new St. James Church in Wetmore was dedicatedon April 10.May• Archbishop Naumann and Bishop Robert Finn, of the Diocese of Kansas City-St.Joseph, led a rosary in front of an Overland Park abortion clinic on May 8.• John N. Blaha, Barry R. Clayton and Michael J. Peterson were ordained to the transitionaldiaconate on May 22 by Archbishop Naumann at Holy Spirit Parish in OverlandPark.• Father Scott Wallisch was ordained to the priesthood on May 29 by ArchbishopNaumann at the Cathedral of St. Peter in Kansas City, Kan.Father Scott Wallisch was the only priest ordained for the archdiocese in 2010.Archbishop Naumann participated in a eucharistic procession on the solemnity of Corpus Christi,June 6, at the Old St. Patrick Oratory in Kansas City, Mo.June• The Leaven won two first places, three second places, one third place, and an honorablemention at the annual Catholic Media Convention June 2-4 in New Orleans.• The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas and the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Josephco-hosted a eucharistic procession on the solemnity of Corpus Christi, June 6, at the OldSt. Patrick Oratory in Kansas City, Mo.• Archbishop Naumann and Bishop Robert Finn blessed the three Catholic Radiotransmitters, located in Excelsior Springs, Mo., upon their signal upgrade to 8420 wattson June 24.• Father Anthony Williams, pastor, was the main celebrant at the 125th anniversaryMass on June 27 of St. Joseph Parish in Olpe.• Archbishop Naumann blessed the new 3-D sonogram machine on June 29 at theWyandotte Pregnancy Clinic in Kansas City, Kan. The machine was a gift of the Knightsof Columbus.July• Representatives of theeighth-grade graduatingclass of Holy Spirit Schoolin Overland Park delivereddonated soccer balls, theirclass’ graduation gift, toarchdiocesan social justiceconsultant Bill Scholl for deliveryto youth in Haiti.• Sister Maureen Hall,SCL, became the new communitydirector of the Sistersof Charity of Leavenworthon July 19.The eighth-grade graduating class of Holy Spirit School in• Archbishop Naumann Overland Park donated soccer balls, the class’ graduation gift,threw out the first pitch on to Haiti.July 24 at the Kansas City T-Bones game at Community America Ballpark in Kansas City, Kan.The new St. Bernard Church in Wamego was dedicated on Aug. 22.August• Three priests and 26 seminarians went with Archbishop Naumann on retreat fromAug. 7 to 15 in Colorado, with pilgrimage stops in Kansas.• Sister JulieMarsh, PBVM, beganher ministry as thenew director of campusministry on Aug.15 at the University ofSaint Mary in Leavenworth.• Four membersof the male branchof the Apostles of theInterior Life were ordainedas deacons onAug. 21 by ArchbishopNaumann at theSt. Lawrence Catholic Campus Center in Lawrence.• The archdiocese undertook a feasibility study to determine the level of support foran all-parish capital campaign.• Peter Piscitello succeeded David Nick as director of the Johnson County and WyandotteCounty Catholic Youth Organization.• The new St. Bernard Church in Wamego was dedicated on Aug. 22 during a Masscelebrated by Archbishop Naumann.• Members of the Missionaries of Charity visited Atchison for the dedication on Aug.26 of the Mother Teresa Center for Nursing and Health, also Mother Teresa’s 100thbirthday.• The Holy Smokes Catholic Family Campout was held on Aug. 28 at Savior PastoralCenter in Kansas City, Kan.• Archbishop Naumann was the main celebrant and homilist at the 150th anniversaryMass on Aug. 29 of St. Augustine Parish in Fidelity.THE LEAVEN • JANUARY 7, 2011LOCAL NEWSSeptember• On Sept. 3, Father Michael Stubbs undertook a 451-mile pilgrimageto the tomb of St. James the Apostle at Santiago de Compostelain Spain.• The Southern Region began its pastoral planning process.• Archdiocesan parishes conducted the offertory enhancementprogram.• Monica King was appointed the new principal at Maur Hill-Mount Academy in Atchison.• St. Monica-St. Elizabeth Church in Blue Rapids was rededicatedon Sept. 25 during a Mass celebrated by Archbishop Naumann.• Rose Hammes became the new archdiocesan director of communicationsand planning on Sept. 27.OctoberGreg Bole (left), immigration clinic attorney for LaLuz Center for Immigration Legal Assistance, goesover paperwork with Father Pat Murphy, CS, animatorfor the archdiocesan Hispanic ministry program.November• Students, teachers and othervolunteers finished construction of a“hoophouse” greenhouse at SacredHeart Elementary School in Emporia.• Our Lady of Unity School in KansasCity, Kan., was named the CatholicEducation Foundation “School of Excellence.”• Don and Kathleen Damon, a retiredcouple from Great Bend, gave$1 million to help build the new St.Stanislaus Church in Rossville, despitenever having been to the church.5Father Michael Stubbswalked a 451-mile pilgrimagein Spain.• Catholic Charities opened the LaLuz Center for Immigration Legal Assistanceon Oct. 1 in Kansas City, Kan.• Father David Kemna, FSSP, was ordainedto the priesthood on Oct. 2 byArchbishop Emeritus James P. Keleherat St. Mary-St. Anthony Parish in KansasCity, Kan.• Tim Chik was appointed directorof Savior Pastoral Center, succeedingEileen Manza.• Archbishop Naumann led 43 membersof the Equestrian Order of theKnights and Ladies of the Holy Sepulcheron a pilgrimage to Rome and theHoly Land from Oct. 14 to Oct. 28.• The Catholic Campus Center atWashburn University celebrated its40th anniversary on Oct. 24.Archbishop Naumann visits Our Lady of UnitySchool in Kansas City, Kan., which was named theCEF “School of Excellence.”December• The first 17 North American graduates of the Maryvale catechesis program weregiven their certificates after a graduation Mass on Dec. 4 at Savior Pastoral Center inKansas City, Kan. Archbishop Naumann was the main celebrant. The Maryvale Instituteis an international Catholic distance learning college in Birmingham, UK.• The new St. Ann Church in Effingham was dedicated during a Mass on Dec. 5 celebratedby Archbishop Naumann.• Jayanne Angell, a member of Holy Cross Parish in Overland Park, was named CharitableVolunteer of the Year by the Knights of Malta at the annual Soup-er Bowl luncheonon Dec. 7 at the downtown Marriott in Kansas City, Mo.• The Leaven chose Dec. 15 as the day a dozen photographers would document activitiesat close to a hundred sites for a special issue recording a day in the life of thearchdiocesan church. The photos, all shot within the 24-hour period and across all nineregions of the archdiocese, appeared in the Dec. 24 issue of the paper.• Savior Pastoral Center presented its first art exhibit on Dec. 21.The Leaven documented a day in the archdiocese on Dec. 15. The above photo from St. Michaelthe Archangel Parish in Leawood is just one of the thousands of photos readers didn’t get to see.

6 LOCAL NEWS THE LEAVEN • JANUARY 7, 2011By Kara HansenLeaven staffOLATHE — Catholics and Protestantsmay not be able to find common ground inthe Eucharist and the proper place of Maryin theology.But they can agree on the need forsexual purity. Enter the Men of Valor andWomen of Virtue conference, an ecumenicalgathering of speakers and breakoutsessions designed to arm and inspire participantswith a vision for sexual purityvery different from the one held by popularculture.“It’s great to see our ecumenical comradesand the way we’re coming togetheron a common theme,” said Sam Meier,archdiocesan consultant for the My Houseoffice, a ministry supporting families dealingwith the influence of pornography.Last year, the Men of Valor conferencedrew 700 men and in its first year, the simultaneouslyoccurring Women of Virtueconference brought together 600 womenfrom both Catholic and Protestant backgrounds.The event is sponsored by theNational Coalition for the Protectionof Children and Familiesand is represented by 150churches.This year the conference— the largestConference focuses on sexual purityof its kind in the country — promises to bebigger and better, with a few new features.“With the oversexualized culture weJason Evert isone of the featuredspeakersat the Menof Valor andWomen ofVirtue conference.live in, it’s good to have a conference likethis to encourage families, couples andteens and [it’s] a way for them to gather informationon ways to protect themselves,”said Meier.The event opens Jan. 28 from 7-9 p.m.at Prince of Peace Parish in Olathe andcontinues on Jan. 29 from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.On Saturday, the men’s event will resumeat the College Church of the Nazarene,while the women will continue on at Princeof Peace.Noted speakers include Joe Kitna, DallasCowboys quarterback, and Eric Boles,former NFL player for the New York Jets.New this year is a youth track, calledYouth for Truth. Renowned Catholic chastityspeakers Jason Evert and Pam Stenzelare among those who will address theyouth with their messages.“If you are a parent and you have beenlooking for a way to talk to your teen aboutsexuality and issues of purity and modesty,you should definitely go to this conference,”said Bill Scholl, consultant for thearchdiocesan social justice office.Scholl is giving a talk at the conferenceentitled “Raising Kids in XXX Culture,” focusingon informing parents about the varietyof technology available to their kidsand providing them tools with which toensure their children’s safety while usingcomputers, iPods, cell phones and the like.Scholl said the topic was a particularlyimportant one for parents to be wellversedin when raising a teen.“Our teens are getting sexual messagesdelivered to them on a daily basis and rarelyare they the ones respecting the sacrednessand dignity of the person and the sexualact. Rarely are they the ones upholding ourCatholic faith,” said Scholl.Instead of parents coming on their ownfor the information, Scholl encouragedparents to attend with their teens if theythought it was appropriate.“We know that sometimes when wetalk to our teenagers, they tune us out,”said Scholl. “There is a strong advantageto having a third party sharing the informationand listening with your teen ratherthan talking to them.”Cost for early bird registration is: $25per person for a group of five or more; $30for an individual; or $50 for a married couple.Early bird registration is due by Jan.18. Students in junior high, high school, orcollege can attend for $10.“This is a chance to see and listen tosome premiere Catholic speakers for just$10,” said Meier. “That’s not going to happenvery often.For more information or to register, goto the Web sties at: www.kcmenofvalor.org or www.kcwomenofvirtue.org, or call(913) 839-1643.THE LEAVEN • JANUARY 7, 2011Sister of Charity delivers donations to UgandaBy Therese HorvatSpecial to The LeavenKANSAS CITY, Kan. — Sister PaulaRose Jauernig, a Sister of Charity ofLeavenworth, has made mission tripsin the past, but she had never been sodirectly involved in raising funds tohelp support a critical need as part ofthe journey. Thanks to the generosityof the Leavenworth Rotary Club thatdonated $3,500 and SCLs, associates,family, benefactors and friends, sheraised $9,000 to purchase insecticidetreatednets to ward off mosquitoesand to curb the incidence of malariain the Mawuuki and Bukalagi regionsof Uganda in East Africa.Sister Paula Rose traveled in UgandaOct. 27 to Nov. 8 with two goodfriends, Michael and Joyce Feder,who had introduced her to the workof Father Simon Peter Kyambadde inthe remote village of Mawuuki. Thegroup distributed 650 nets and blanketsto the children and staff at St.Joan of Arc School, and to pregnantwomen and mothers with children inthe Bukalagi clinic. They received excellentpricing on the nets (that havea five-year life) due to a partnershipthat involved the Rotary International,the Mubende Rotary in Ugandaand the Leavenworth Rotary.The team also provided donatededucational materials, medicationsand four hand-washing stations tothe school, and uniforms, medicalequipment, medications, and laborand delivery instruments to theclinic. Cushing Memorial Hospital inLeavenworth donated medications,and Providence Medical Center inKansas City, Kan., provided obstetricssupplies. Sister Paula Rose saidSister Sumtra, the clinic director, respondedas if it were Christmas whenshe received the donated items.At the clinic, Sister Paula Rose putSister of Charity Paula Rose Jauernig hands out insecticide-treated mosquito nets to childrenin Uganda. The nets will help curb malaria in the region.her nursing skills to use doing immunizationsfor infants, providing treatmentfor worms and malnutrition,and teaching the staff how to usesome of the donated medicines. Shesaid that workers in the clinic consideredTylenol and ibuprofen strongmedications and stored them awayfor use during deliveries.Sister Paula Rose had worked withthe Feders and their family in recentyears to raise funds to send to FatherKyambadde for his efforts. The familyhosts an annual neighborhood garagesale and an ongoing aluminumcan recycling program to benefit theschool and clinic. Recently, the Federsformed Gotta Have HOPE, Inc., anonprofit corporation through whichfunding can now be coordinated. Theacronym HOPE stands for Healthcare,Opportunity, Potential, Education.During their time in Uganda, SisterPaula Rose and the Feders alsoassessed other needs of the school,the clinic and the region. An inadequatewater supply is a problem atthe school. The clinic’s physical plantis in bad shape. The rural economyis poor, with most people workingas sustenance farmers with no products,businesses or markets in theirvillages.The U.S. citizens visited other programsthat have had success, includingan educational program in cropand dairy farming and the use of solarpower to pipe water into cisternsand then into buildings.“Our visit was charged with theoverwhelming spirit of hope presentin these people to do what they canto ‘make it,’” Sister Paula Rose said.“I am reminded of a wonderful signin the school yard — ‘Share the sharable’— and, indeed, they do.”LOCAL NEWSTom and Alberta (Schopper) Pyle,members ofHoly FamilyParish,Eudora, celebratedtheir60th weddinganniversary7with a Massof thanks-ANNIVERSARIESgiving on Jan. 1 with family and friends.The couple was married at Holy FamilyChurch by the bride’s uncle, Father HenryGrosdidier, on Dec. 30, 1950. The couple’schildren and their spouses are: Joe andAndrea Pyle, Eudora; Rose and DaveHouse, Eudora; Bernadette and RogerFulks, Eudora; Ed and Mary Pyle, Lenexa;Pat and Sandy Pyle, Olathe; Tom Pyle,Eudora; and Roberta and Dirk Lehmann,Eudora. They also have 34 grandchildrenand six great-grandchildren. Followingthe Mass, the couple celebrated witha family dinner. Cards may be sent to:Tom and Alberta Pyle, 1639 Elm Street,Eudora, KS 66025.Marcena (Keegan) and Lyle Stallbaumer,members ofSts. Peter andPaul Parish,Seneca, celebratedtheir50th weddinganniversaryon Jan. 2. Thecouple was married on Jan. 2, 1961, atSacred Heart Church in Baileyville. Theirchildren are: Lyla Bowser, of Wamego, andBrad Stallbaumer, Topeka.ANNIVERSARY POLICYThe Leaven only prints 50, 60,65 and 70th anniversary notices.Announcements are due by 5 p.m.eight days (Thursday) before thedesired publication date. Announcementsmust be typed. Send noticesto: The Leaven, 12615 ParallelPkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109, attn:anniversaries; or send an e-mail to:Todd@theleaven.com.We’ve been asked . . .“Why do people preferyour funeral home?”We pride ourselves in providing the highest standard of serviceand comforting surroundings. We offer conveniences rangingfrom wheelchair accessibility to a separate children’s room.The families we have served say it’s reassuring to know we are afull service resource that can help them deal with grief resultingfrom the loss of a loved one.800 SW Sixth AvenueTopeka, Kansas 66603Phone: 785.354.7706Fax: (785) 354-1236www.brennanmathenafh.com

BestRestof theMAULEDI love the emotion in this photo, taken atOur Lady of Unity School in Kansas City,Kan. Father Kent O’Connor had just comeinto the room when a group of studentsstarted showering him with hugs. Thisphoto, I believe, captures the love thateach of those students feels for their pastor.And Father O’Connor enjoyed everyminute of it. Photo by Lori Wood HabigerEvery year The Leaven takes tens of thousands ofphotos — yet only a fraction of them are seen byeyes other than my own. These are just a few ofthose that have never seen print, yet something aboutthem captured my eye and I set them aside to hopefullyuse sometime in the future. Well, the future is now.— Todd Habiger, Leaven production managerTHE BIG GUYThe Leaven sees Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann celebrateso many Masses and perform so many officialfunctions that it’s refreshing to catch him in a morecasual setting like this informal visit with campers atPrairie Star Ranch. Photo by Elaina CochranAT PRAYERPrairie Star Ranch near Williamsburg is afun place. With its horseback riding, wallclimbing, archery, canoeing, mountainboarding and many, many other activities,it’s sometimes easy to forget it’s also a holyplace. I like this photo because of the lightingand the serene look on the participants’faces. It’s enough to make you believe thatmiracles can happen here. Photo by ElainaCochranTHE LONG WALKFather Mike Stubbs and I had it all figured out. While he was on his 451-mile pilgrimage to Santiago deCompostela in Spain, he would blog, write a few articles and send me some pictures to accompany thiscopy. Unfortunately, technology let us down and the photos never came through. Now, months afterthe end of his journey, you finally get to see what we originally intended you to.SILHOUETTEI love it when a photographer looks at anevent in a different way. Here, when mosteyes were on the archbishop during the processionat St. Thomas Aquinas High Schoolin Overland Park, the photographer founda spectacular image among something thatcould have been very ordinary. Photo by SusanMcSpaddenA QUIET MOMENTThere were so many great photos that went unused from The Leaven’s Day in the Archdiocese issuethat I could fill another whole issue if I had to. This was one that really hurt me to cut. Sierra VanSickel, a fourth-grader at Mater Dei School in Topeka, listens to Father Jon Hullinger (unseen) duringher confession at a penance service at Mater Dei Church. Photo by Lori Wood HabigerADORATIONJoe Bollig has never claimed to be agreat technical photographer, but heconsistently brings back great images.I just love the composition of this phototaken on April 15 at St. Patrick Parish inKansas City, Kan., during Benediction.Photo by Joe Bollig

10 NATION THE LEAVEN • JANUARY 7, 2011By Dennis SadowskiCatholic News ServiceTHE LEAVEN • JANUARY 7, 2011WORLDQuake recovery slow as Haiti tackles growing cholera epidemic11A group of protesters gathers outside the U.S. Capitol in Washington in late March to demonstrate against the health care reform bill.Year brings health care law and a ‘wound to church’s unity’By Nancy Frazier O’BrienCatholic News ServiceWASHINGTON (CNS) — 2010 willbe known in many circles as the yearof health reform. Among Catholics, itmight also be known as the year thatcaused, as ChicagoCardi-Year in Reviewnal Francis E.George said in his final talk as presidentof the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops,a “wound to the church’s unity.”Leaders of the USCCB clashed withthe head of the Catholic Health Associationand the superiors of many U.S.orders of women religious over whetherthe Patient Protection and AffordableCare Act and the executive order signedby President Barack Obama would permitthe federal funding of abortion,force some people to pay for the abortionsof others through their health insuranceor violate the conscience rightsof Catholic health providers and institutions.Proponents of both views remainconvinced that their stand was the rightone.In a Nov. 15 address to his fellowbishops, Cardinal George said “developmentssince the passage of the legislation”have confirmed that “our analysisof what the law itself says was correctand our moral judgments are secure.”He did not specify what those developmentswere.In a Nov. 23 talk at the University ofSan Francisco, Sister Carol Keehan, aDaughter of Charity who is CHA presidentand CEO, said that although thehealth reform legislation was “not necessarilya perfect” law, she was convincedit would not fund abortion.Since Obama signed the health reformbill into law March 23, only a fewof its provisions have taken effect. Mostof these affect relatively small groups —adult children now allowed to remainon their parents’ health insurance untilage 26, retirees too young for Medicare,those with pre-existing conditions whochange health plans and Medicare recipientswith high prescription drugcosts, for example.Implementation of the legislation isto continue through 2014, as will debateon its likely effects.Health reform clearly played a role inthe results of the November elections,and some new members of Congresshave pledged to seek its repeal.The U.S. bishops — who have supportedsome kind of health reform forTo guarantee that taxpayersare never forced to pay forabortions and the innocentunborn are protected, wemust make the long-standingban on federal funding forabortion permanent andgovernmentwide.”CNS photo/Joshua Roberts”Rep. Dan Lipinski, D-Ill.decades — have not backed the repealcalls but have supported two pieces ofproposed legislation that they believecould fix some of the problems: the ProtectLife Act and the No Taxpayer Fundingfor Abortion Act.Introduced in April by Rep. Joe Pitts,R-Pa., and 125 cosponsors, the ProtectLife Act would amend the health reformlaw to stipulate that “no funds . . . maybe used to pay for any abortion or tocover any part of the costs of any healthplan that includes coverage of abortion,received credits or cost-sharing reductions.”It also would strengthen conscienceprotections for health providers,institutions and insurers.The latter legislation, introduced inJuly by Rep. Chris Smith, R-N.J., andRep. Dan Lipinski, D-Ill., with 185 cosponsors,would apply more broadlyto all federal funding. It states that “nofunds authorized or appropriated byfederal law, and none of the funds inany trust fund to which funds are authorizedor appropriated by federal law,shall be expended for any abortion.”Although neither bill is likely to receiveconsideration this year, Pitts,Smith and Lipinski were all re-electedto Congress, along with many moreHouse members who are consideredpro-life than there were in the 111thCongress.“The health care bill made it clearthat the current way we prevent taxpayerfunding of abortion through annualriders is dangerously fragile,” Lipinskisaid in introducing the No TaxpayerFunding for Abortion Act. “To guaranteethat taxpayers are never forced topay for abortions and the innocent unbornare protected, we must make thelong-standing ban on federal fundingfor abortion permanent and governmentwide.”WASHINGTON (CNS) — Not muchhas changed in the region around Portau-Prince,Haiti’s capital, since a magnitude7 earthquake leveled just aboutanything that was standing.In fact, it’s likely the 1.5 million Haitiansleft homeless by the earth’s movementwouldYear in Reviewsay thingshave gotten worse since the Jan. 12quake that killed 230,000 and injured300,000.Now, in addition to dealing with theaftermath of the most severe quake tohit the country in more than two centuries,the impoverished Caribbean nationhas been hit with a growing choleraoutbreak.Since cholera was first reported in Artibonitedepartment north of the quakezone Oct. 19, the water-borne diseasehas spread throughout the country of10 million. Through Dec. 4, the Ministryof Public Health and Population reported2,120 deaths among more than92,200 people who have been treatedfor the illness.The Pan American Health Organizationexpects 650,000 people to contractthe illness by mid-2011.Meanwhile, rubble continues to linepotholed streets in the city’s overcrowdedneighborhoods. Utility lines dangleprecariously in the wind. Multistorybuildings, looking like stacks of pancakes,still entomb the dead. More than1 million people remain in squalid tentcamps where violence lurks once thesun sets.The lack of progress in recovery hascharacterized life in Haiti for decades,said Scott Campbell, outgoing countryrepresentative in Haiti for Catholic ReliefServices, the U.S. bishops’ internationalrelief and development agency.“These disasters are magnified, intensified,because of the dysfunctioncaused by government uncertainty andinstability,” Campbell told CatholicNews Service Dec. 7.“It was a structural disaster beforethe earthquake — not having buildingcodes and not having buildings built tostandards — that crushed people andkilled people. Likewise, with the choleraepidemic, the source was the incorrectdumping of waste material into therivers. That’s an authority problem,” hesaid.As in the past, the world’s responseto Haiti’s disasters was immediate. InJanuary, emergency workers from Belgium,Italy, Israel, Mexico, Canada andthe United States rushed to the Caribbeanwithin hours. Catholic aid agencies,led by Caritas Haiti and CRS, havetwice called in a worldwide network ofCNS photo/St.-Felix Evens, ReutersA man suffering from cholera waits for help on a street in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Nov. 10. Since the cholera outbreak began Oct. 19, more than 2,000people have died and over 92,000 have been treated, the Haitian health minister said.TOUCH OF HEAVENCatholic Store119 SE 18th Topeka, KS(785) 232-2543Hrs. T-F - 10 a.m. 5:30; Sat. 9 a.m. to noondisaster response experts.The cholera epidemic has taxed aidworkers, who continue to deal with theaftermath of the disaster. Despite thechallenges, CRS continues to build temporaryshelters outside of the capital inan attempt to move people from vulnerablesettlements into safer housing.Given the overwhelming difficultiespeople face, aid workers have praisedHaitians for their perseverance and patience.Recovery efforts on other fronts havemoved at a snail’s pace. Although donornations pledged $9.9 billion through2014 for Haiti’s rebuilding, only $265million had been contributed as of Oct.26, the latest date for which informationwas available from the World Bank.Observers said the recovery has beenhampered by the weakness of the Haitiangovernment under outgoing PresidentRene Preval. His five-year termwas extended after the quake, but hehas rarely been seen in public. Occasionalprotests and graffiti around thecapital have called for his ouster.Haiti’s new president will be electedJan. 16 in a runoff between former firstlady Mirlande Manigat and Jude Celestin,Preval’s protege. They emerged asthe top vote-getters in balloting Nov. 28that whittled down a field of 18 candidates.Violence broke out Dec. 7 after theresults were announced as supportersof popular carnival singer Michel“Sweet Micky” Martelly charged thecountry’s Provisional Electoral Councilwith fraud.The election was marred by incidentsof improperly maintained voterrolls, ballot stuffing and intimidation.Despite acknowledging some irregularitiesat the polls, the United Nationsand international observers cautiouslyendorsed the vote.However, shortly after the vote, theU.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince releaseda statement saying the resultswere “inconsistent with” observationsof domestic and international observers.At the same time, the Haitian CatholicChurch struggles to recover. Theearthquake destroyed 70 parishes, includingthe Cathedral of Our Lady ofthe Assumption in Port-au-Prince; dozensof schools; several convents; andthe national seminary.Three Port-au-Prince archdiocesanleaders — Archbishop Joseph SergeMiot, Msgr. Charles Benoit, vicar general,and Father Arnoux Chery, chancellor— were killed in the quake alongwith seven priests, 31 seminarians, and31 men and women religious.Archbishop Louis Kebreau of Cap-Haitien, president of the Haitian bishops’conference, has worked to rallychurch leadership to meet pastoralneeds. But Haiti’s overwhelming poverty,coupled with the needs of the peopleliving in makeshift shelters, has strangledthe church’s ability to respond adequately.A plan crafted largely by the U.S.Conference of Catholic Bishops andCRS was approved by the Haitian bishopsin a meeting in Miami in September.Called the Program for the Reconstructionof the Church in Haiti, the planConcrete WorkAny type of repair and new workDriveways, Walks, PatiosMember of Queen of the Holy Rosary ParishHarvey M. Kascht (913) 262-1555establishes a commission with Haitianand international members that willreview and approve parish projects andensure that building plans meet modernconstruction standards.An estimated $33 million contributedby American Catholics will be usedfor the reconstruction.Overall, Catholics around the worldcontributed more than $300 million forearthquake relief and reconstruction.Americans contributed nearly half thatamount through CRS and special collectionsin U.S. parishes.In the absence of key church leaders,Archbishop Bernardito Auza, papalnuncio to Haiti, has taken a leadingrole in the effort to stabilize the church.Working with Haitian church officials,Archbishop Auza has focused his efforton encouraging leaders and developinga 650-acre Catholic campus 10 milesnortheast of Port-au-Prince.The archbishop envisions a site thatwould include two seminaries for 350students, housing for men and womenreligious and students, a rebuilt Universityof Notre Dame of Haiti, a parishwith an elementary school and a largescalehousing development.Archbishop Auza told Catholic NewsService in a Dec. 7 e-mail that negotiationsto purchase the land were continuing.As the anniversary approached, Haitiancommunities in New York, Miamiand Boston were planning events toremember the disaster that has foreverchanged Haiti’s history. Details of memorialevents in Haiti were unknown inearly December.Contact Lenses • Eye GlassesMcBratney Optical BoutiqueFred McBratney - Owner7702 Parallel • Kansas City, Kan. • (913) 299-6001Villa St. Francis16600 W. 126th Street • Olathe, Kansas 66062Phone: (913) 829-5201 Fax: (913) 829-5399Daily Mass in the Chapel at 10 a.m.• Medicare and Kansas Medicaid certified • 24 - hour nursing care • Dementia/Alzheimer’s unit• Physical, occupational and speech therapist on staff/ Rapid recovery • Nutritious Home cooked meals• Private and Semi Private rooms • Beauty and Barber Shop • 24 hour snacksAffiliated with the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas

12 CLASSIFIEDS THE LEAVEN • JANUARY 7, 2011EmploymentSchool receptionist/administrative assistant- Bishop Miege High School is immediately seekingcandidates to fill this 10-month-per-year position. Applicantsmust have good personal communication andcomputer skills; experience in schools is preferred.Send letter and resume to Mariann Jaksa at: BishopMiege High School, 5041 Reinhardt Dr., Shawnee Mission,KS 66205.Substitute teacher - Bishop Ward High Schoolis seeking a long-term math substitute for the springof 2011. For information or to apply, contact Dr. JudyWarren, principal, at (913) 371-1201; send an e-mail to:jwarren@wardhigh.org; or write to: Bishop Ward HighSchool, 708 N. 18th St., Kansas City, KS 66102.Marketing/sales/community outreach - Formerhealth care executive is looking for opportunityto use three decades of experience to advance yourhealth services, hospice, or health benefits organization.Call Richard Gier at (913) 541-1299.Part-time care provider - To assist 2 - 3 femalementally retarded/developmentally disabled clientsin their Overland Park home. Position available immediately;15 - 20 hours per week; 3 - 8 p.m. on Mon.,Tues., Fri., and every other Thurs. Great for a collegestudent or if just looking to supplement your income!Clients prefer female staff. To apply, call Amy at (913)221-9158.Certified reading specialist - Bishop Ward HighSchool is taking applications for a reading specialist.Job duties include serving as a resource to teachersand working with students needing reading assistance.The qualified candidate will possess a validBachelor’s degree, a valid KS endorsement, be proficientin the use of technology and have effective interpersonalskills. Interested individuals should senda cover letter and résumé to Principal, Bishop WardHigh School, 708 N. 18 St., Kansas City, KS 66102.Chief financial officer - For Mother Teresa ofCalcutta Church, Topeka. This paid position is responsiblefor all financial and accounting operations. Applicantmust be proficient in Excel, QuickBooks andWord, and understand benefits and payroll processing.Applicant must be a practicing Catholic and havea basic understanding of nonprofit agencies. Mail resumeby Jan. 14, 2011, to: Mother Teresa Church, 2014N.W. 46th St., Topeka, KS 66618-5817.Financial representative - Due to the successand growth of the Knights of Columbus, we are addingfinancial representatives in the Kansas City andEmporia areas. This position is ideal for a determined,high-energy, high-expectation, professional, selfdisciplined,independent individual desiring to serveothers, yet earn a better-than-average income. Weprovide top-rated financial products to our membersand their families and will provide excellent benefitsand training. For information or an interview, contactJohn A. Mahon, 307 Dakota, Holton KS 66436; or call(785) 364-5450.ServicesPiano lessons - Now accepting new students.Help your child excel with a wonderful music educationand learn to play the piano. Positive, creative,motivating, and caring teacher makes lessons fun!Call Anita at (913) 338-3022.Computer repair and sales - Geeks on Guardwill help you setup a new computer, upgrade yourone, or build a new one. We will fix annoying issuessuch as: popups, viruses, and unwanted programs.Speed up your computer, backup your data, and recoverlost files. Call (877) 724-8727 or send an e-mailto: info@gogllc.com.Husband and wife cleaning team - Reasonablerates; references provided. Call (913) 940-2959.Machine quilting by Lyn - I also do T-shirt, photo,and memorial quilts. Official Hobbs distributor.Located in Overland Park. Call Lyn at (913) 492-8877.DeLeon FurnitureFurniture, upholstering and restoration1142 Minnesota Ave.Kansas City, Kan. 66102(913) 342-9446Faith-based counseling to cope with life concerns- Kansas City area. Call Mary Vorsten, LicensedClinical Professional Counselor, at (913) 909-2002.Counseling - TopekaMarriage and family, child, teen, personalShunga Creek Mental HealthCall Ken Zweig, LSCSW at (785) 969-5308.Bankruptcy - When debt becomes overwhelming,seek professional help. Experienced, compassionateCatholic attorney Teresa Kidd. For a confidential, noobligation consultation, call (913) 422-0610; or send ane-mail to: tkidd@kc.rr.com.Mortgage rates have never been lower!!!Considering a refinance or new home purchase?Call today to see how much money you can save.We make mortgage loans easy and hassle-free.Evening and weekend appointments available.Members of Holy Trinity Parish, Lenexa.Call Kurt or Angie at Approved Mortgage Inc.(913) 599-0004An equal housing lender.KS mortgage number MC0002252Semi-retired arborist - Available for tree andshrub trimming. Call Bob at (913) 231- 6460.Tree service - Pruning trees for optimal growthand beauty and removal of hazardous limbs or problemtrees. Free consultation and bid. Safe, insured,professional. Cristofer Estrada, Green Solutions of KC,(913) 378-5872. www.GreenSolutionsKC.com.Yard clean upGutters and leaf removalInsured and bonded.Local parishioner. Free estimates.Call (913) 620-6063.CaregivingDo you or your parents need help at home? -For as little as $60/week, Benefits of Home-SeniorCare can provide assistance with personal care, shoppingand many other daily needs. For details, visit ourWeb site at: benefitsofhome.com or call (913) 422-1591.Caregiving - We provide personal assistance, companionship,care management, and transportation tothe elderly and disabled in home, assisted living andnursing facilities. We also provide respite care for maincaregivers needing some personal time. Call Daughters& Company at (913) 341-2500 and speak withLaurie, Sara or Gary.Home ImprovementClutter getting you down? Organize, fix, assemble,clean . . . we do it all! For a free consultation, callyour professional organizing handyman, Kevin Hogan,M Ed, today at (913) 271-5055. Insured; references. Visitthe Web site at: www.KOATINDUSTRIES.com.Clutter problems? Embarrassing garage,basement, attic or any room? Let me help you getorganized! Items sorted, grouped, boxed and labeled;areas clean when finished. Great references and insured.Twenty years experience! Handyman repairsalso available. To view “before” and “after” pictures,visit my Web site at: WWW.SWALMS.COM. Tillar Swalm(913) 375-9115.Adept Home ImprovementsWhere quality still counts!Basement finishing,Kitchens and baths,Electrical and plumbing,Licensed and insured.(913) 599-7998Tile and painting - Complete tile and paintrepairs and renovation. Ceramic, porcelain, certifiedlimestone tile master. Complete interior paintservices and drywall texture finishes. Over 20 yearsexperience. Fully licensed. Service 7 days a week.Contact Mike at (913) 488-4930. Member of Churchof the Ascension Parish, Overland Park.Elmer Rottinghaus6420 Parallel, KCKLife • Home• AutoCommercial334-2222Woodbright - A very affordable alternative torefinishing, refacing or replacing stained cabinets andwoodwork. The average kitchen only costs $500. 18years experience. Call Woodbright at (913) 940-3020.Brack Home Repair - Call Dan when you need itdone! Carpentry, drywall, plumbing, electrical, painting,tile, wood-rot and much more. No project too bigor small. For free estimate, call (913) 219-5388 or visitthe Web site at: brackhomerepair.com. Insured; seniordiscount available. Philippians 4:13.Electrician - Free estimates; reasonable rates.JoCo and southern KC metro area. Call Pat at (913) 963-9896.Custom countertops - Laminates installed within5 days. Cambria, granite, and solid surface. Competitiveprices, dependable work. Call the Top Shop, Inc., at(913) 962-5058. Members of St. Joseph, Shawnee.STA (Sure Thing Always) Home Repair - Basementfinish, bathrooms and kitchens; interior & exteriorrepairs: painting, roofing, siding, wood replacementand window glazing. Call for free estimates. Cell:(913) 579-1835; phone: (913) 491-5837; e-mail: smokeycabin@hotmail.com. Member of Holy Trinity, Lenexa.Thank you to all my customers for a greatsummer and fall! We’re looking for indoor work. Wecan do bathroom, kitchen, and basement remodeling.Includes floors, cabinets, doors, windows, sheetrock,painting, and wood rot. You name it – we can do it;just ask. We’re reasonably priced and fully insured.Call Josh at (913) 709-7230.Interior and exterior painting and wallpaperremoval - 30-plus years experience. Quality work;excellent references; reasonable rates. Senior discount.Member of St. Ann Parish, Prairie Village. CallJoe at (913) 620-5776.Painting, exterior and interior, drywallprojects, powerwashing, rotted window sills repaired- Quality products. 20 years experience. References.Call (913) 341-7584.Carpet direct – We cut out the middle man andbring the showroom to you! The best place to seeyour flooring is in your own home or office. Save 40- 80% on carpet and hard surfaces. Residential andcommercial. For a free estimate, call Amanda at (913)742-4003.The Drywall Doctor, Inc. - A unique solution toyour drywall problems! We fix all types of ceiling andwall damage — from water stains and stress cracksto texture repairs and skim coating. We provide professional,timely repairs and leave the job site clean!Lead-certified and insured! Serving the metro since1997. Call (913) 768-6655.EL SOL Y LA TIERRA*Commercial & residential* Lawn renovation* Mowing* Clean-up and hauling* Dirt grading/installation* Landscape design* Free estimatesHablamos y escribimos Ingles!!Call Lupe at (816) 252-3376Real EstateLarge townhome - Well-maintained and managedOakshire Townhomes in Overland Park. Nearshopping; great highway access; in Holy Spirit Parish.3 BR, 3 BA, two-car garage, partially finished lowerlevel. First-floor master. Living and dining room is almost40 feet long. Fenced patio with pergola. Neutraldecor, move-in condition. Call Rosemary Connors,Reece and Nichols Realtors, at (913) 669-1229.Prairie Village split-level home - Kenilworthsubdivision. 5 large BR, 3 BA; one-half mile west ofCuré of Ars Parish, Leawood. Two-car garage, hardwoodfloors, remodeled kitchen and dining rooms,new concrete driveway, automatic lawn sprinklers,finished bsmt. with wet bar, and much more.$325,000. Call (913) 383-2743.Want to help someone healfrom an abortion?Call Toll Free 888-246-1504Olathe home - Very large 5 BR, 4-1/2 BA homein excellent condition! Largest lot on quiet cul-de-sacin Prince of Peace Parish. Perfect for a large family.Two-story hardwood entry with French door openingto formal dining and versatile fifth bedroom (orschoolroom) with full bath. Large kitchen and familyroom open at back of home with rear staircase. Newlyfinished basement with natural sunlight. Huge, fencedyard with play equipment. Walk-in closets in largebedrooms. Separate laundry room with utility sink onmain level. For information, call Janet Fournier, RE/MAX First, at (913) 338-8482.Three-acre building lots - Located just 15 minutessouth of Olathe on I-35 at exit 198. Shawnee Estatessubdivision, just south of the Wellsville exit. Twolots available. $26,000 each or possible trade. Ownerfinancing possible. Call (913) 980-3559.VacationHawaii vacation condo(s) - Spend two weeksthis winter (Feb. 11 - 25) basking in the tropical sun onthe beautiful island of Kauai. Two condos available –each sleeps 4. Walking distance to the beach. $1200 aweek per condo. Possible trade. Private, local owner.Call (913) 980-3559.Ski cabin in Winter Park, Colo. – 2 BR, 1 BA, onfree ski shuttle route. $110/night. Call (913) 642-3027.For pictures, visit the Web site at: cabin.forcadeassociates.com.Colorado ski vacation - Winter Park. 2 BR,sleeps 6. Fully furnished, fireplace, rec. center withpool & hot tub. Bus to ski area. $125/night; $700/week. Call Joe Frederick at (913) 385-5589.Lake of the Ozarks rental - Osage Beach; million-dollarview; fully furnished; 2 BR, 2 BA; sleepssix. No smoking, no pets. For special rates or pictures,call Steve or Sheryl Roederer at (913) 244-2022.Misc.Donate a vehicle. Make a difference. Donateyour vehicle to Catholic Charities to support those inneed. Your tax-deductible donation of a vehicle helpschildren and families served by Catholic Charities andis an environmentally responsible way to recycle yourvehicle. Cars for KC Kids is a partnership between CatholicCharities of Northeast Kansas and Catholic Charitiesof Kansas City - St. Joseph. Call 1 (866) 430-9499 orvisit the Web site at: www.cars4kckids.com.Wanted to buyCemetery lots - Interested in purchasing two lotsat Resurrection Cemetery, Lenexa. Call (913) 492-7617.Antique/Vintage Costume Jewelry***Wanted to Buy*** *Member St. Joseph ParishRenee Maderak (913) 631-7179Will buy firearms and related accessories -One or a whole collection. Honest evaluation and topprices paid. Contact Tom at (913) 238-2473. Member ofSacred Heart Parish, Shawnee.***WANTED***I buy coins, older watches,silverware, slot machines,old rifles and shotguns,stoneware crocks and jugs,old furniture from basement or attic.Call Chris at (913) 593-7507 or (913) 642-8269For SaleResidential lifts - Buy/sell/trade. Stair lifts, porchlifts, ceiling lifts and elevators. Recycled and newequipment. Member of St. Michael the Archangel Parish,Leawood. Call Silver Cross KC at (913) 393-2042.To purchase a classified ad:Send an e-mail to: jennifer@theleaven.com,or call (913) 647-0327. The cost is $16 per columninch, five lines or less. Each additional lineis $1.50.Jan.8 Sacred Heart Parish’s 10th annualbingo fundraiser to benefit theyouth of the parish will be held Jan. 8at the parish center, Hwy 24/40 & WestWashington St., in Tonganoxie. Chili, hotdogs and baked potatoes will be for salestarting at 5:45; bingo will start at 7 p.m.10 Advice and Aid PregnancyCenters, Inc., is seeking volunteers.There will be a volunteer informationalmeeting from 7 - 9 p.m. on Jan. 10 at11031 W. 75th Terr., Shawnee. For informationor to RSVP, call Mary Newcomerat (913) 962-0200 or send an e-mail toher at: volunteer@adviceandaid.com.14 The Shawnee Knights of Columbuswill host a polka dance at 6:30p.m. on Jan. 14 in their hall, located at11221 Johnson Dr. The cost of $10 includesbeverages and sausage sandwiches.For information or to reservea table, contact Dan Nicks at (913) 631-4633.15 A memorial liturgy for deceasedloved ones will be held at 8 a.m.on Jan. 15 at Curé of Ars Church, 9401Mission Rd., Leawood. The bereavementministry will have its monthly meetingfollowing Mass in the Father BurakRoom. The topic will be: “Moving Aheadin the New Year.” For information, call(913) 649-2026.Want to help someone healfrom an abortion?Call Toll Free 888-246-1504Don & Kathy MayerYour Catholic connectionto residential real estate.The Shawnee Knights of Columbuswill host their annual basketball freethrow contest for boys and girls ages10 - 14 on Jan. 15 in the St. Joseph Parishsmaller gym located at 11525 Johnson Dr.Contestants should arrive by 8:30 a.m.and bring a birth certificate and parentalpermission. There is no entry fee. Highschool athletes are advised to check withtheir coaches regarding eligibility. Forinformation, contact Robin Mika at (913)268-9934.16 The Shawnee Knights of Columbuswill host a pancakes-and-morebreakfast from 7:30 a.m. - noon on Jan.16 in their hall, located at 11221 JohnsonDr. Freewill offerings will be accepted.For information, contact Mike Reichmeierat (913) 492-3356.18 Sophia Center, 751 S. 8th St.,Atchison, will host “Lectio Divina,” a onedayretreat presented by Sister CeciliaOlson, OSB, from 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.on Jan. 18. Come learn to practice “lectiodivina,” the ancient art of prayerfulreading. The day will include reflection,solitude and sharing. The cost is $50. Forinformation or to register, call (913) 360-6151 or visit the Web site at: www.mountosb.org/sophia.html.23 The Boy Scout Troop of St.Ann Parish, 7231 Mission Rd., Prairie Village,will host its annual all-you-can-eatpancake breakfast from 7:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m. on Jan. 23 in the parish hall.Tickets will be available at the door.The Daughters of Isabella, LittleFlower Circle No. 503, will meet on Jan.ERA Manning & Associates, Inc.9870 Quivira Rd.Lenexa, KS 66215Office: (913) 754-3106Residence: (913) 492-8649E-Mail: don@dkmayerteam.comWeb Site: www.dkmayerteam.comMULTIPLE LISTING SERVICEMLSEach ERA® Office is Independently Owned and OperatedTHE LEAVEN • JANUARY 7, 2011 CALENDAR 1323 at Rossiter Hall, 204 S.W. 8th, Topeka.A covered dish luncheon will begin atnoon, followed by a meeting at 1 p.m.St. Bede Parish, Kelly, will host aspaghetti luncheon from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.on Jan. 23. A freewill offering will be collected.The Knights of Columbus of St. Johnthe Evangelist Church, 2910 Strong Ave.,Kansas City, Kan., will host an Internationalbreakfast from 8 - 11 a.m. on Jan.23 in the parish hall. The cost is $7 perperson; there is no charge for childrenunder age 5.29 The Ignatian Spirituality Centerof Kansas City, located at the FinucaneCenter on the campus of RockhurstUniversity, will host a one-day prayerworkshop from 8:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. on Jan.29. Begin practicing personal reflection, afoundation stone of Ignatian prayer. Thecost is $40; scholarships are available.Reservations are required. To RSVP, byJan. 24, send an e-mail to: info@ignatiancenterkc.orgor call (816) 523-5115, ext.212, and leave a message.Feb.18-20 Rediscover your marriage!The Retrouvaille program offersthe opportunity to rediscover yourself,your spouse, and a loving relationship.The next Retrouvaille weekend is Feb.18 - 20. For confidential information or toregister, call 1 (800) 470-2230 or visit theWeb site at: www.retrouvaille.org.Misc.A support group for women dealingwith any type of addiction, at anystage of recovery, will meet from 6 - 7p.m. on Tuesday evenings at the KeelerWomen’s Center, 2220 Central Ave.,Kansas City, Kan. For information or toregister, call (913) 906-8990 or visit theWeb site at: www.mountosb.org/kwc.El Centro, Inc., will offer classes in financialliteracy, home improvement, andhome buyer education. The classes arefree and open to the public. All classesare held at 650 Minnesota Ave., KansasCity, Kan. Participants are asked to preregister.For dates and times of classes,call (913) 677-0100.Do you or your loved one need supportto break free from pornography,infidelity, or lust? The My House Men’sGroup provides prayer and accountabilityfor sexual integrity. Sam Meier, MA,LPC, is available for men’s groups andcounseling; call him at (913) 647-0378,or send an e-mail to him at: smeier@archkck.org. The My House Women’sGroup provides hope and healing forwomen who are dealing with their lovedone’s struggles. Contact Beth Meier at(913) 647-0379, or send an e-mail to herat: bmeier@archkck.org.Calendar items must be receivednine days before the publicationdate. E-mail submissions are preferred;send to: jennifer@theleaven.com.unplanned pregnancy? decisions to make?Replace pressure and panic with thoughtful,and rational reflection. A confidential, caringfriend is waiting for your call.Topeka- (785) 234-0701Lawrence- (785) 843-4821Leavenworth- (913) 682-2700Kansas City-(816)444-7090Emporia- (620) 342-8600or call 24 hrs.toll freeIRTHRIGHT 1-800-550-4900

14 COMMENTARY THE LEAVEN • JANUARY 7, 2011THE LEAVEN • JANUARY 7, 2011COLUMNISTS15MARK MY WORDSFAMILY MATTERSCatholic Press AssociationAward Winner1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998,1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004,2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010QUOTE OF THEWEEK“I was touched withthe idea that they werewilling to give up theirSaturday time in orderto make someone else’sChristmas a little brighter,”she said.Rosie Scanlon,a basketball official for CYOSee story on page 3THE FIRST WEEK OF ORDINARY TIMEJan. 9THE BAPTISM OF THE LORDIs 42: 1-4, 6-7; Ps 29: 1-2, 3-4, 9-10;Acts 10: 34-38; Mt 3: 13-17Jan. 10MondayHeb 1: 1-6; Ps 97: 1, 2b, 6, 7c, 9; Mk 1: 14-20Jan. 11TuesdayHeb 2: 5-12; Ps 8: 2ab, 5-9; Mk 1: 21-28Jan. 12WednesdayHeb 2: 14-18; Ps 105: 1-4, 6-9; Mk 1: 29-39Jan. 13Hilary, bishop, doctor of the churchHeb 3: 7-14; Ps 95: 6-11; Mk 1: 40-45Jan. 14FridayHeb 4: 1-5, 11; Ps 78: 3, 4bc, 6c-8; Mk 2: 1-12Jan. 15SaturdayHeb 4: 12-16; Ps 19: 8-10, 15; Mk 2: 13-17They say that confessionis good for thesoul. Well, to get this newyear off to a good start, I’dbetter unburden myself.A few weeks ago — in the Dec. 17issue of The Leaven, to be exact — theWord to Life column (the one that appearson this page below my article)grabbed my attention. It was writtenby Jeff Hensley, the editor of the NorthTexas Catholic.In that column, Jeff tells of tworemarkable instances of God speaking“directly to our hearts.” One story wasabout his wife who found a Scripturepassage popping up on her smart phonein times of great anger, even thoughshe’d not tapped into her Scripture app.Jeff himself also had a Scripture passagepop up, seemingly on its own, in thesearch engine on his computer during atime of temptation.Honestly — and here’s my confession— I rolled my eyes a bit after readingJeff’s words. I thought that maybe he’dhad a little too much “eggnog” and itwas coloring his perception. After I finishedproofreading that page, I thoughtnothing more about it.A little newspaper background: Althoughyou didn’t see Jeff’s column untilDec. 17, I had to proofread it on Mon.,Dec. 13. I’d picked up a bug of somesort on Sun., Dec. 12, and, after limpingthrough my Masses, I spent most of therest of that day and a good portion ofMonday resting in bed.I knew that I had to come into TheLeaven on Tuesday, Dec. 14, because itwas deadline day for that Dec. 17 issue. IThe readings for thisweekend are all aboutpower, gentleness andpeace.Seemingly contradictory images flowthrough the Scriptures. Isaiah’s image inchapter 42 is of the Suffering Servanton whom God has put his spirit to“bring forth justice to the nations, notcrying out, not shouting, not makinghis voice heardTHE BAPTISM OFTHE LORDMt 3: 13-17in the street.” Yetthe Scriptures sayof him, he willestablish “justiceon the earth.”OK, OK! Message receivedtook it easy that morning and was headinginto the paper around noon. I wasfeeling better, but not yet 100 percent.As I drove down the highway, I askedGod to give me a more settled stomachto face the challenges of the day. Acouple of minutes later, I noticed a grayminivan in my rearview mirror, comingup fast in the left-hand lane. When it gotright next to me, I glanced over . . . andalmost drove off the road!There, drawn on the side of the minivan,was a smiley face accompanied bythe following words: “Get Well!” Now,I’ve seen a lot of things written on thesides of vehicles — “Wash Me,” “JoanieLoves Chachi,” “Go Team,” “HappyBirthday” — but never, ever, “Get Well,”especially when I was feeling poorly.I couldn’t help myself: I started laughingat what I think is God’s delightfulsense of humor. He knew of my skepticismafter reading Jeff’s article on divinemessages and decided to, well, send mea message!So, I’m eating crow and begging Jeffand his wife to pardon my doubts.During the Christmas season, wewere reminded again of that specialname for Jesus — Emmanuel, whichmeans “God is with us.” That’s notmeant to be just a nice sentiment; it’s thetruth. And if God is with us, a personalGod, then it makes sense that he’s goingWORD TO LIFEThe responsorial psalm, Psalm 29,presents images of the glory and powerof God, contrasting with the repeatedphrase of the response: “The Lord willbless his people with peace.”The baptism of Jesus in Matthew 3speaks of him coming out of the waterand “the Spirit of God descending like adove and coming upon him,” as a voicefrom the heavens says, “This is my belovedSon, with whom I am well pleased.”My wife works with some extraordinarypeople teaching English as a SecondLanguage to high school students. Twoof her fellow teachers, in particular, haveendured some personal and family hardshipsthat would have flattened lesserfolk. One is white, the other is black.One currently takes care of herbrother’s children while he and his wiferecover from an auto accident. This is inaddition to her daily occupation, providingtender care while teaching refugeesfrom war-torn countries around theworld, ranging from Rwanda to Burma.The other teacher recently had abreakthrough with a troubled studentto speak to us in some way.One of the churches in Tonganoxiehas a sign that proclaims: “Accept Miracles.”I certainly agree with that, butI’d take it a step further. I’d propose thatwe “expect miracles” in our lives. Thosemiracles, however, those blessings,those messages from God, usually comein simple and often unnoticed ways.Someone once said that a blessedperson finds “joy in the mundane.”Things like being able to get up in themorning and walk, take a hot shower,eat breakfast, brush your teeth and havea job to go to might not seem like much.But there are plenty of people whowould love to be able to do those things.Reading is a mundane thing that one billionadults in the world can’t do. Havingsight, hearing and speech are mundanethings that many do not possess. Often,through the mundane, God speaks amessage of blessing to us.And to those who lack these mundanethings, God also sends a message.The message is that we who have,must share — our good fortune, ourcompassion, our time and talents. Inother words, the blessed are to actuallybecome messengers of God’s care andconcern.In 2011, don’t be a doubter like me. (Ithink I even embarrassed St. Thomas.)Pray for the gift of insight to notice themany ways that God is speaking to younow and will speak to you. A good placeto start is by appreciating somethingmundane — a beautiful sunset, a warmsmile or a loving family.And pray for the courage as well toproclaim God’s message, even if it’sfound on the side of a gray minivan.Readings speak of the power of gentleness“I formed you, and set you as acovenant of the people, a lightfor the nations.”Is 42:6who had beeninvolved ingangs andcould not summona belief inher own intelligenceand capabilities— untilthis teacher investedin her a good deal of oneon-oneattention andinstruction.These women share,in common with my wife,a deep and abiding faith inthe one who came up from the water thatday, full of the power of the Holy Spirit.It is faith in him, and a portion of thatsame Spirit that they share, that allowsthem, day in and day out, to do as theActs of the Apostles (10:38) says of Jesus:going “about doing good,” for God is withthem. In their actions, we witness powerand gentleness, God’s power clothed inhuman weakness.Are you, like Patrick, ‘excited to tell the story’?Between his home andparish church, babyPatrick began his friendshipwith Jesus.He learned to blow a kiss to Jesus onthe cross that hung in the living roomof his home. That sign of love thenextended to the kiss he blew to Jesuson the cross at church, as his parentscarried him up to Communion.In his home, as he grew into a toddler,the cross would often come offthe wall and would rest in Patrick’shands as he talked to Jesus about manyareas of his life, such as his teddy bear,his cars, and various accomplishments,like learning to do a somersault orcounting to 40.So, as Christmas drew near, hisThis is the second of atwo-article series on“angels.” I know each ofyou have been waiting forthis writing with batedbreath. I appreciate youdoing just that. Pleasestart breathing properly!daddy and “MomMom” excitedlytold him that they were all going on ajourney to Bethlehem to see Jesus. Anearby local church was presenting anoutside Christmas pageant.Patrick’s first sighting was of thedonkey carrying Mary, with Josephwalking at her side. Joseph invited thefamilies to journey with them to Bethlehem.As the night drew near, Josephbegan looking for housing in the inn.The families stopped with Mary andCEF CENTEREDJoseph at many inns and were told bythe innkeepers that there was no roomfor them.They came at last to a stable. Thefamilies watched as Mary and Josephentered the stable and prepared a mangerfilled with straw that would holdthe child sent by God. The animalsgathered around and the warmness oftheir breath and bodies helped to keepthe stable warm.Soon a bright star from above shedbrilliant light on the stable. Little Patrickwatched as the angels appearedand sang, “Glory to God in the highestand peace to his people on earth.” Theshepherds came with their sheep fromthe fields and gave glory and praiseto God. In the distance, the Wise Mencould be seen following the star, whichwould lead them to the stable.Catholic Education Foundation“angels” turned out in legions this pastOctober at the annual Gaudeamusdinner — 1,033 to be exact. It was arecord crowd and record donations forour schools and our kids.Many of you have asked, “How doyou top that one?” The answer is: Wehave 10 months to figure it out and Iam confident that our “angels” will assistus with that opportunity.As a part of our Gaudeamus Catholiceducation celebration, we heardfrom Susan and Ernie Straub, our 2010“Angels Among Us” honorees. In aneloquent way, the Straubs helped usfurther understand the importanceof our faith and raised the questions:When I go to bed each night, I ask myself,“Did I do enough that day to helpothers? Could I have done more? Howcan I do more?”I encourage you to ask yourself thesame questions. These are the $10 millionquestions that only you and I cananswer. By the way, once you answerthe questions, can the Catholic EducationFoundation have the $10 million?Last year, CEF assisted 1,138 kidswith a Catholic education. These arechildren that otherwise could not affordthis faith-filled educational experience.CEF “angels” are responsible formaking these kids’ lives better. If wehad the resources, we could help twiceas many kids. In no uncertain terms,the need is there!The evangelist St. Mark said it best:“And Jesus took a child, and put himin the midst of them. Taking him inhis arms, he said to them, “Whoeverreceives one such child in my namereceives me; and whoever receives me,receives not me but the One who sentme” (Mk 9:36-37).So, how can we help? How can youand I be put into the “angel” category?Now at age two-and-a-half, Patrick’sexperience at the Christmas pageanthas left him excited to tell the story.While his story of Jesus is very simple,it is also very beautiful. His friendshipwith Jesus has taken on a new dimension,and it will guide him through hislife’s journey.Each of us is on a journey throughlife. Each of us is in search of God’s loveand mercy. Each of us longs to see theface of God.“For a child is born to us, a son is givenus; upon his shoulder dominion rests.They name him Wonder-Counselor, God-Hero, Father-Forever, Prince of Peace”(Is 9:5).Jacki Corrigan is the archdiocesan consultantfor the office of family life.Looking for an investment whose return can be ‘heavenly’?! " # $ % & '!"#$%&'()*+!"#$%&'()*(+,&-,-(!%&."(/012FOUNDATION REPAIRCracked • Bowed • Settled Wall Repair! Wall Bracing! Waterproofing!"Steel UnderpinningMUD JACKINGRaise & Level! Patios! Drives! Garage Floors!"Slab HousesLocally Owned& OperatedFREE ESTIMATESPiers Driven to Load-BearingStrata or BedrockKansas City Lawrence Topeka(913) 262-9352 (785) 865-0006 (785) 246-0128We LOVE Referrals!Be nice — I know some of you are saying,“Dream on, Morrisey! There is noway that is happening for you.” OK, Iknow I need to work on it, but it is assimple as just spreading your wings.Spread your wings and figure out away to help others.In CEF terms, providing money fora scholarship can touch future generations,because a Catholic schooleducation can be the springboard tohigher education and the best way tobreak the cycle of poverty. An investmentin the CEF is an investment in ourchildren’s future. This return on investmentcan be heavenly!For more information on ways to becomea CEF “angel,” go to the Web site at:www.cefks.org, or call (913) 647-0344.Michael Morrisey is the executive directorof the Catholic Education Foundation. Youcan reach him at (913) 647-0383 or send ane-mail to him at: mmorrisey@archkck.org.The Blaufuss Team“We want to help you and your family with real estate”Re/max Realty Suburban, Inc.12701 W. 87th Pkwy.Lenexa, KS 66215Contact Jim: 913-226-7442Contact Julie & Marilyn: 913-647-7118Office Line: 913-647-7132jimblaufuss@aol.com | www.BlaufussTeam.com

16 LOCAL NEWS THE LEAVEN • JANUARY 7, 2011Leaven photo by Elaina CochranFather Mark Mertes, pastor of Blessed Sacrament, Our Lady and St. Rose, and Christ the King parishes in Kansas City, Kan., and Stephanie Pino-Dressman, a parishioner of Holy Cross Parish in OverlandPark, members of the Mama and the Padres band, play at an event held at Holy Cross Catholic School on Nov. 12 to benefit the Johnson County Interfaith Hospitality Network.Their eclectic is electricBy Kara HansenLeaven staffKANSAS CITY, Kan. —Nearly every successful musicalgroup has a definable“sound.”For example, Glenn Milleris big band; Run-D.M.C. is hiphop; and Shania Twain is country.And the Mama and the Padres?That one’s easy: eclectic.The band is comprised ofseveral Priest Band veterans —Fathers Kent O’Connor, MarkMertes and John Reynolds —and a new addition: StephaniePino-Dressman, a parishionerat Holy Cross Parish in OverlandPark.“Stephanie and I had donesome singing together in thepast and the three of us got togetherand gave it a try,” saidFather Mertes, now pastor ofBlessed Sacrament, Our Ladyand St. Rose, and Christ theKing parishes in Kansas City,Kan. “We tried different thingsto see what we sound goodsinging.”They discovered that theywere best at “eclectic” — somethingof almost everything.But don’t take that as a badthing.“We have a pretty goodrange,” said Father O’Connor.“We do folk rock pretty well,some Indigo Girls, some Peter,Leaven photo by Elaina CochranFather Kent O’Connor sings and plays the mandolin, keyboard, harmonica and guitar for the Mama and the Padres.Paul and Mary, and some Crosby,Stills and Nash.”Father O’Connor sings andplays the mandolin, keyboard,harmonica, and guitar. Pino-Dressman plays percussionand the guitar, while FatherMertes plays guitar and lendsvocals. Father Reynolds roundsout the band on bass guitar.“It’s been fun, because wehad to build our sound fromscratch and figure out whatsounds good singing and playingtogether,” said FatherO’Connor.The four draw from a varietyof musical styles and influencesto create the sound behindtheir band.“The band members are intheir 30s, 40s and 50s, so it’sinteresting to be a part of agroup that has over three decadesof music running aroundtheir heads,” said Pino-Dressman.The Mama and the Padresmeets regularly for practice astheir schedules allow, which isalways a challenge.“In order to have a decentpractice, we need to practiceon our own before coming together,”said Pino-Dressman,who is a campus minister atNotre Dame de Sion HighSchool in Kansas City, Mo.“That’s probably the biggestchallenge, since all of us are infull-time ministry positions.”Since all members are employedin rather unpredictableand busy ministry work, theband is limited on what gigs itcan take on — although membersdo expect to play at someparish events and the like.Still, the focus is on the processas much as the product, asthe group gathers to work togethercreatively.“It’s definitely a hobby,” saidFather Mertes. “I do it becauseI like to sing and enjoy singing.Making music is always a goodthing that lifts me up and elevatesmy mood.”But it’s more than just themusic, believes Father Reynoldswho enjoys the camaraderie.“They are all talented musicians,fun people to be with,and friends of mine,” he said.Pino-Dressman agreed.“All of these men are wonderfulmusicians, have amazingvoices, a wonderful senseof humor, and so I’m blessed tobe able to play, sing and havea great time with them,” shesaid.