02 27 26 Vol. 47 No. 25

Serra Club vocations workshop to foster cultures of vocation in parishes

By Olivia Martin-Davies olivia.martin@theleaven.org

KANSAS CITY, Kan. — The archdiocesan office of vocations and area Serra Clubs are working together to bring the Serra IGNITE vocations workshop to Savior Pastoral Center here on March 28.

Each parish in the archdiocese is invited to send a team of three to five people to the IGNITE workshop, where they will learn how to form, maintain and sustain vocation ministries at the parish level.

“Vocations to priesthood and religious life are a very high priority for Archbishop McKnight,” said John Caton, a member of the Johnson County Serra Club and a Holy Trinity, Lenexa, parishioner.

“The influence of parish priests and parish involvement are among the most common ways young men begin to feel a call to a priestly vocation,” said Father Dan Morris, director of vocations, in a recent letter to pastors.

According to Georgetown University’s 2024 Center for Applied Research into the Apostolate (CARA) report, 75% of seminarians went to eucharistic adoration regularly, 71% served as altar servers regularly and 51% participated in parish youth groups before entering the seminary.

“The IGNITE program is simpler than most people realize,” said Caton. “That’s a positive because often people are hesitant to go to something because they have a lot on their plate.

“This is a simple thing that will make a big impact.”

The workshop is free and begins at 8:30 a.m. with Mass and concludes at 4:15 p.m. after a Holy Hour.

The workshop will be led by Greg Schwietz, former president of Serra Club International; Father Tim Skoch, incoming associate director of vocations and a group of trained Serrans from across the archdiocese.

And there’s a bonus: Parishes that attend the workshop will be paired with a Serran mentor for one year to help implement the parish’s plan to foster vocations.

To register: Contact your parish or scan the QR code.

ARCHBISHOP MCKNIGHT

Feb. 28

Benedictine College Scholarship Mass, dinner and ball —

Overland Park Convention Center

March 1

Confirmation Mass — St. Ann Parish, Prairie Village

Mass and dinner — University of Saint Mary, Leavenworth

March 3

Catholic Foundation of Northeast Kansas board meeting — Savior Pastoral Center

Confirmation Mass — Mother Teresa of Calcutta Parish, Topeka

March 4

Archdiocesan Finance Council meeting — chancery library

Confirmation Mass — Holy Spirit Parish, Overland Park

March 6

Archbishop’s Invitational High School Canvas and Quill Exhibit awards and reception — Savior Pastoral Center

March 7

Confirmation Mass — Christ the King Parish, Topeka

March 8

Pastoral visit and Mass — Sacred Heart-St. Joseph Parish, Topeka

Confirmation Mass — Most Pure Heart of Mary, Topeka

March 9

USCCB Committee on Laity, Marriage, Family Life and Youth — virtual meeting

ARCHBISHOP EMERITUS NAUMANN

Feb. 27 - March 2

Pilgrimage to Mexico

March 4

Pro-life committee meeting

Confirmation — Corpus Christi, Lawrence

March 5

RAAP leadership board meeting

Confirmation — Divine Mercy, Gardner

March 9

Confirmation — Holy Cross, Overland Park

March 10

Confirmation of Leavenworth parishes — Immaculate Conception, Leavenworth

LIFE-GIVING WOUNDS

Ministry helps adult children of divorced parents heal

By Jeanne Gorman

Special to The Leaven

KANSAS CITY, Kan. — Even as adults, children of divorced parents carry deep and unhealed wounds resulting from their parents’ divorce. Recognizing a need to provide spiritual ministry and support to such people, then-Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann reached out to Brad and Libby DuPont, consultants for the archdiocesan office of marriage and family life, and sought their assistance. In turn, about three-and-ahalf years ago, the DuPonts asked Deacon Steve Nguyen to lead this ministry as its chaplain.

Deacon Nguyen, a member of St. Ann Parish in Prairie Village, was ordained a permanent deacon and assigned to his home parish about eight years ago. When he began this ministry, called Life-Giving Wounds, Deacon Nguyen was unaware of the pain adult children of divorced parents carried with them into adulthood, regardless of their age when their parents divorced. The program had begun nationally but had not yet reached the archdiocese when Deacon Nguyen was called to be its chaplain and attend to the spiritual needs of this population. At the time, he had “no clue” what it was but “wanted to do something different” in his ministry.

Life-Giving Wounds meets in small groups biweekly, generally at Good Shepherd Parish in Shawnee or in individual homes. These are support groups in which participants share the wounds they are carrying, articulate what they are feeling and going through, and allow the Lord to work in this setting. Generally, six to 12 people attend a session.

All are welcome, and participants attend when they can. The program also includes study of a book called “Interior Freedom” by Father Jacques Philippe, designed to help participants learn that despite the circumstances of their life, developing their interior life — especially the virtue of hope — can help them reclaim their interior freedom.

Deacon Nguyen has discovered two main types of wounds carried by children of divorced parents that are addressed at the meetings:

1) Adult children blame themselves for their parents’ divorce. They believe it’s their fault their parents divorced. They feel worthless and not like a child of God.

2) Adult children carry deep anger. They are not at peace with themselves and need to understand that it is OK to feel that way and let the feelings go.

Each meeting begins and ends with prayer, provides time for eucharistic

parents were now ‘happy.’

THIS RETREAT WAS A TURNING POINT. I HAD NO IDEA I WAS STILL HOLDING ON TO SO MUCH PAIN FROM MY PARENTS’ DIVORCE ALL THESE YEARS LATER.

adoration and sometimes a Mass.

As the program’s chaplain, Deacon Nguyen represents the church in listening to the participants’ pain and “lets them know they are not alone or forgotten.” He is not a licensed counselor but is, instead, a spiritual guide. He believes people are comforted by the knowledge that the church hears them, and he reminds them the Lord is here with them.

Participants agree.

“The Life-Giving Wounds retreat was the first time I had openly discussed my parents’ divorce that had occurred 40 years previously,” said one participant in Life-Giving Wounds. “For 40 years, I held wounds of abandonment and depression that had been pushed aside because my

“I was the forgotten fallout, and it wasn’t until I found Life-Giving Wounds where I finally had a voice and experienced compassionate conversation within my small groups. [A] Life-Giving Wounds retreat was the start of allowing Christ into my wounds and experiencing true healing within my heart and soul.”

Unfortunately, Deacon Nguyen said, he is afraid many people are unaware of the program. Besides urging affected adults to consider participating in the program, he urges all clergy “to be aware of wounds [the children of divorced parents] carry [and to] be sensitive to their journey and to their needs.”

The program hosts an annual weekend retreat at Savior Pastoral Center in Kansas City, Kansas, which has been attended not only by folks from the archdiocese and the Greater Kansas City area, but also from places like New Mexico, Dallas, St. Louis and Wichita. Many find the retreat to be particularly beneficial.

“This retreat was a turning point,” said another participant. “I had no idea I was still holding on to so much pain from my parents’ divorce all these years later. Connecting with others who truly understand that

lifelong impact brought me a level of peace I didn’t think was possible. I’m finally beginning to unpack what I’ve spent decades pushing down, and I’m leaving feeling affirmed, heard and ready to heal.”

But the retreat is often just the start of the healing. It is the ongoing community support that can really fuel the healing.

“I am so incredibly blessed by Life-Giving Wounds,” said a third participant. “Since the 2023 retreat, this community has stayed by my side, providing the support I needed to finally address the impact of my parents’ divorce. Having a dedicated group to process things with as they come to the surface has been so healing. There is such a deep sense of peace in knowing that others truly understand my story. My life is so much richer for it.”

The next annual retreat will be held April 24-26 at Savior Pastoral Center. All programs and the retreat are conducted in strict confidence.

For more information about the program, to locate a schedule of group meetings, the annual retreat or other resources, go online to: life givingwounds.org and click on “Join Us” for a drop-down menu.

Apologist infuses lessons with art, music for viral impact

By Laurence Rossi Special to The Leaven

ATCHISON — Justin West is a husband, father, marketing professional and longtime OCIA instructor.

More recently, however, he’s gone viral in Catholic circles by posting catchy songs centered on apologetics under an account called Peter’s Barque.

Focused on providing concise, fun apologetics, West’s short-form videos took off almost immediately after he started posting them online last November. With nearly 30,000 followers across TikTok, X, YouTube, Facebook and Instagram, his account’s organic growth in just over two months has been impressive.

December, luckily for West, is not only a slow month for his business, but is also a vibrant month on the liturgical calendar. He was able to spend much of the Christmas season generating ideas, writing lyrics, arranging music and was able to put out a new song nearly every day. A timely video on the Immaculate Conception quickly rose to prominence. West attributes much of his rapid success to his prodigious output early on.

“Immediately, I had people reacting to them very, very positively,” he said.

His choice of the name Peter’s Barque has multiple layers. The primary inspiration is the Barque of St. Peter, a symbol of the church as a ship steered by St. Peter, depicted in several classical paintings. Secondarily, he liked the idea of a homophonic pun on “bark,” reflecting the snarky tone of his early songs.

And lastly, the name was unclaimed on every platform he posts on.

“It was just oddly fortuitous,” according to West, that such a thematic symbol of the church had not been picked up by any other online catechists.

While the artwork he uses for the backdrops of his videos is generated with AI, the rest is all him. West writes all the lyrics himself and personally arranges all his music digitally. He typically makes 10 to 20 versions of a song before he finds one that resonates with him enough to publish.

A catechist at heart

West describes himself first and foremost as a catechist and an apologist, not a musician or an influencer.

“I’m very upfront about that — I am not a musician. I am a catechist at the end of the day,” he said. “I include that fact on every single song I do. I’m a catechist.”

West has served as an OCIA instructor at his local parish of St. Benedict in Atchison for over 20 years. So, he had been answering myriad theological questions long before he began making videos.

Moreover, he considers apologetics a lifelong hobby. In fact, apologetics are how he found himself reverting back to Catholicism as an agnostic teen.

“I came into my faith kicking and screaming,” West said with a smirk.

“I wanted to write Catholicism off,” he added. But out of academic honesty, he always researched Catholic responses to the common objections he found. “I’d find that the response was always better than the question.”

Over time, West found himself

SCREENSHOTS FROM FACEBOOK

Peter’s Barque, created by Justin West, features short-form videos with music and creative graphics. Peter’s Barque has accumulated nearly 30,000 followers across TikTok, X, YouTube, Facebook and Instagram.

actively defending Catholicism, and eventually realized, “I think I actually believe this.” His intellectual conversion was soon followed by a conversion of the heart.

Since then, he’s passionately engaged in apologetics online, including long-form videos on YouTube. However, he often found himself frustrated with what is known as “shotgun apologetics.” This is a tactic sometimes employed by Catholicism’s detractors and involves overwhelming the defendant with so many claims that responding to them all becomes exhausting.

“They can make a claim in one sentence, but it can take paragraphs to explain why that sentence is wrong,“ West said.

In an attempt to tackle one such barrage head-on, he ended up filming a two-hour video that nobody watched. It made him wonder if there might be a better way to do this.

“I wanted to try and present an argument as clearly as I could from as many

quick angles as possible, referencing Scripture, history, tradition and philosophy,” he said. “And I realized I could do that in song form.”

Peter’s Barque sprang from this realization.

“Now, instead of sitting in a forum and coming up with a 13-paragraph answer that 12 people will see, I can take that 13-paragraph answer and turn it into a song and tens of thousands of people see it,” he said.

Bearing fruits

West has received an outpouring of positive feedback for Peter’s Barque. His videos are being shared in OCIA programs, theology classes and even

Sunday school classes. Several people have even reached out to let him know that his music inspired them to return to church after years away.

Just as West did not expect his videos to spread so quickly, he has no particular goals, nor has he thought about what the end of the road might look like. What he does know, however, is he earnestly enjoys using his gifts in a way that he never expected to, and that this endeavor is bearing fruit for the faithful.

“As long as the ministry keeps bearing fruit,” he said, “I’m going to try and dedicate time to it.”

You can find Peter’s Barque on the following platforms: TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, X, Spotify and at: petersbarquemusic.com.

Weeklong retreat focuses on strengthening marriages

By Kathryn White Special to The Leaven

KANSAS CITY, Kan. — When the world was shopping for chocolates and flowers for St. Valentine’s Day, 45 couples from Blessed Sacrament and surrounding parishes here spent their week in folding chairs in a humble gym — all to focus on strengthening the foundation that their marriages are built on.

“Construyendo Sobre Roca” (“Building on Rock”) is a five-day retreat for Spanish-speaking married couples. It consists of personal testimonies, faith formation, mental health awareness and deep personal prayer.

Each evening built on the previous evening with presentations from the Fraternity the Poor of Jesus Christ on God’s plan for creation on the first night, and support from a mental health perspective from Dr. Sylvia Byer, of the Keeler Women’s Center in Kansas City, Kansas, on another.

The retreat has been held since 2019.

“We wanted to keep it simple,“ explained Father Nick Blaha, pastor of Blessed Sacrament Parish. “Focus on the most important part of marriage from a theological perspective, a focus on psychology and shared testimonies from other couples.”

Simple or not, the Holy Spirit showed up.

“Construyendo Sobre Roca” helped couples face challenges while glorifying God. It emphasized the importance of allowing God to fill their marriages. We wanted to help the couples be able to put words to God’s plan for their marriage, said Father Blaha, and then to “pay attention to the challenges that come from outside their home and how these struggles can make their marriages stronger.”

Deida Galvez and her husband Ignacio enjoyed the retreat and have been attending for years. They particularly like it because couples from the previous retreats become the leaders for the future ones.

“I love seeing the couples share their happiness after such a wonderful week,” said Deida. “All the beautiful information and tools [we] receive truly make a difference in [our] marriages.”

Anna and Juan Ponce have been attending the retreat since its inception.

While hearing the testimonies of the other couples was impactful, Anna was particularly moved during the evening of eucharistic adoration.

“I always pray for my kids, my family and my life,” she said. “During [eucharistic] adoration, I heard the Lord speak to me, to pray for my husband and my marriage, too. It was powerful.”

Other couples attended for the first time, like Deacon Ramiro Rocha and his wife Maria. It gave them time to reflect on their marriage.

“I liked listening to the testimonies of the other couples,” said Deacon Rocha. “It helped us reflect that while our family is not perfect, we do have a solid Christ-centered marriage, too.”

While lead couples shared their testimonies, there was also an emphasis on Catholic faith formation with presentations by Benedictine College professor Lucia Luzondo and her husband, Dr. Ricardo Luzondo. They focused on complementarity and authentic intimacy.

“The retreatants’ openness was evident by their thirst to know what the

“Many of us begin our journey not knowing much about our faith,” she said. “With time, guidance and God’s grace, we grow and learn. And as we grow, we pass on to our children the beautiful gift and importance of living a life rooted in faith.”

Finally, using the strategies learned on the retreat to communicate better is a takeaway for some — saying “yes” and “no” to different things in life.

“My ‘yes’ to my wife included many ‘noes’ to other things,” said Deacon Rocha.

On the final day of the retreat, the couples prayed together, attended Mass and renewed their promises as they prayed together.

Lord planned [for them]: to live a joyfilled marriage,” Lucia said. “Hispanics are, by nature, a people that deeply honor life, family and the Catholic

faith. It was a joy to see how they accepted the message with openness and without resistance.” Deida Galvez agreed.

For information about next year’s retreat, contact Blessed Sacrament Parish at (913) 321-1958. The leadership team is forming soon.

This Lent, why not consider joining the parade?

By Jaymie Stuart Wolfe OSV News

The thing about Mardi Gras in New Orleans is the scale of what happens here.

Several weekends ago, I went to eight parades. I saw 277 floats from four different artistic design and construction companies, carrying nearly 10,000 riders, throwing tens of thousands of trinkets to the crowds, flanked by dozens of marching bands and other costumed groups who dance, roller-skate or ride bicycles, motorcycles and even motorized recliners (I kid you not!) down the nearly 5-mile route.

Now add police, EMTs, power workers, media and street cleaners to the mix — and crowds north of a couple hundred thousand. It’s practically impossible to imagine if you’ve never seen it for yourself. And that wasn’t even the weekend before Mardi Gras!

The amount of time, effort, money and creativity required to put together a parade that lasts only three or four hours is breathtaking. Even more amazing is the fact that Mardi Gras is produced voluntarily by private citizens, organizations and clubs. There is no overarching steering committee coordinating everything that goes on here, nor are there any corporate or government sponsors footing the bill.

Each one of the almost 60 parades is

a unique and extravagant gift between neighbors in this vibrant community. And that’s why more than a million visitors come to see it.

There are a lot of life lessons to be learned from what happens here, but chief among them is this: The most wonderful things in the world don’t just happen on their own.

Everything we love, cherish and enjoy — the best and most meaningful experiences we remember all our lives — require people who are willing to spend their resources, share their talents and work their tails off

to make them happen.

That principle applies to everything, whether we’re talking about preparing a delicious meal, celebrating a birthday, decorating for Christmas, updating a bathroom, planting flowers or planning a vacation. It also applies to the church.

Beautiful liturgies don’t happen by accident or luck. Neither does parish hospitality, adult formation, catechesis, adoration or access to the sacraments. Somebody has to book the Lenten mission speaker and sing in the choir. Somebody has to make sure there’s enough coffee

and get to the hall early to wipe down the tables and set up the urn. Somebody has to teach fourth grade religious ed, repose the Most Blessed Sacrament, lead the Bible study, the rosary or the book club.

In most parishes, the same handful of people do everything. That is not how the church is supposed to work. Maybe that’s why it sometimes doesn’t. For every aspect of parish life we have — or wish we did — somebody must be willing to step up and do what’s necessary. The problem is that for too many Catholics, that “somebody” is

always somebody else. When we’re kids, good things simply appear like magic and out of thin air. There’s always a turkey dinner on Thanksgiving, presents from Santa under the tree and jellybeans hidden around the house in pastel plastic eggs.

Part of growing up is realizing that someone else has been orchestrating the special events in our lives all along. Grownups know that genuine gratitude means handing it all on — stepping up to give others what they themselves received, and even things they did not receive but wish they had.

And that’s what I think Lent is for. This penitential season gives us a chance to consider whether we’re people who show up and watch, or people who do what it takes to make things happen. It gives us an opportunity to consider how we might move from consumers to creators, from spectators to participants, from beneficiaries to benefactors.

The streets of New Orleans fill with crowds of people ready to watch a Mardi Gras parade only because an enormous number of other people have taken it upon themselves to produce the spectacle they come out for. Without them, there would be nothing to see. The culture that animates this city would quickly become a thing of the past. If everyday Catholics continue to sit back and wait for someone else to step up to the plate, to bear the burden, to spend themselves for the sake of others, I worry about what will remain in a generation or two. The truth is we ought to stop waiting for Father, Deacon, Sister and the parish “church lady” to do everything for us. It’s time for us to step up and do everything for each other.

Jaymie Stuart Wolfe is a sinner, Catholic convert, freelance writer and editor, musician, speaker, pet-aholic, wife and mom of eight grown children, loving life in New Orleans.

Benedictine College recommended in The Newman Guide

The Cardinal Newman Society has released the 20252026 edition of The Newman Guide, which recommends elementary schools, secondary schools, colleges, and graduate programs that fulfill the vision of the newest Doctor of the Church and co-patron of Catholic education, St. John Henry Newman.

Among the institutions recommended in the 2025-2026 edition is Benedictine College in Atchison.

Pope Leo XIV recently declared Newman co-patron of Catholic education alongside St. Thomas Aquinas, recognizing Newman’s vision for education as the formation of the whole person — intellect, conscience, character, and faith — not merely the transmission of information. This vision is increasingly unique and comes at a critical time for Catholic families as schools and colleges are assailed by secularization, ideological pressure, and loss of Catholic identity.

For nearly two decades, Catholic families have relied on The Newman Guide to help navigate their college search and discover faithful colleges that begin with the truth of Christ in all subject matter and form the whole person for God as Newman envisioned.

To order The Newman Guide in print or request the free e-book version, visit: CardinalNewmanSociety.org/Guide.

Bishop Miege names Mike Riley new president

KANSAS CITY, Kan.

— Archbishop Shawn McKnight and the Board of Members have appointed Mike Riley as the new president of Bishop Miege High School in Roeland Park. Riley will officially begin his tenure on July 1.

Riley brings a wealth of school leadership and Catholic education experience of 13 years, serving in the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas and the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph. He returns home now to Bishop Miege High School, where he first taught social studies two decades ago. Riley and his family have lived in the Kansas City area for the past 22 years and are members of Curé of Ars Parish in Leawood.

“In recommending Mr. Riley, the board of trustees recognized in him a servant leader committed to fostering a school community where students are supported and formed in faith,” said Archbishop McKnight, archbishop of Kansas City in Kansas. “I am grateful to the search committee and thank them for their careful discernment. As president, Mr. Riley bears primary responsibility for preserving and strengthening Bishop Miege’s Catholic iden-

tity and values, while serving as a prudent steward of its resources.”

As president, Riley will work with the Board of Trustees in implementing the school’s Catholic mission and strategic vision. His responsibilities will include leadership of the school organization, strategic planning and governance, collaborating with diocesan leadership to preserve the school’s mission and identity, fundraising and development, financial and business management, and external relations.

Riley earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana, followed by his Master’s in Education, Secondary Education and Teaching from Notre Dame in 2003, and his Master of Arts in School Leadership from Benedictine College in 2012.

“Beyond his professional calling, Mr. Riley has demonstrated his commitment to building school communities where students are inspired and feel valued,” said Bridget Morris, Bishop Miege High School alumna and vice chair, board of trustees. “He is a transformational leader who is ready to collaborate with leadership and benefactors to continue and grow the Miege tradition of success.”

Larry and Sandy McKinney, members of the Church of the Nativity, Leawood, celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on Feb. 26. The couple was married at the Buechel Methodist Church, Louisville, Kentucky. They converted to Catholicism in 2001 at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Naples, Florida. They have two sons, Kevin of Phoenix and Jason of Overland Park. They also have six grandchildren.

ANNIVERSARY SUBMISSIONS

POLICY: The Leaven prints 50, 60, 65 and 70th anniversary notices.

DEADLINE: 10 days before the desired publication date.

INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING:

• The couple’s names

• their parish

• the date they were married

• church and city where they were married

• what they are doing to celebrate

• date of the celebration

• names of children (no spouses)

• number of grandchildren and great-grandchildren;

WHERE TO SUBMIT:

Email: todd.habiger@theleaven.org.

THE GOSPEL MESSAGE AT WORK

The life of the Catholic Church unfolds in countless moments, seen and unseen, throughout the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas. With Lent starting early this year, recent weeks have proved particularly busy.

New Knights video series explores ‘dignity of work’

By Katie Yoder OSV News

NEW HAVEN, Conn. (OSV News) — A new video series from the Knights of Columbus — the world’s largest Catholic fraternal service organization — delves into the dignity of work and its role in men’s lives and vocation.

“Men, in particular, are struggling to find their mission and meaning in life,” Supreme Knight Patrick Kelly told OSV News in emailed comments. “Our ‘Into the Breach: The Dignity of Work’ video series can help Catholic men understand God’s mission for them on Earth, and how work brings them closer to God and builds virtue.”

Released in February, “Into the Breach: The Dignity of Work” invites men to explore the Catholic vision of work in five 12- to 15-minute episodes. The episodes — available for free on the Knights’ website at: www.kofc.org — feature interviews with Catholic leaders and figures, including Kelly, as well as personal stories of Catholic working men. The videos tackle everything from the nature of work and its relationship with human dignity to the challenges work presents, including workaholism, the discernment of work-life balance and the rise of artificial intelligence.

“There is a crisis of masculinity in society today,” Kelly said, “and through this new ‘Into the Breach: The Dignity of Work’ series, we aim to show how work strengthens family life and improves society.”

In addition to Kelly, the series includes Catholic voices such as Andrew V. Abela, dean of the Busch School of Business at The Catholic University of America; Dr. Grazie Pozo Christie, writer and speaker; Tim Gray, president of the Augustine Institute; Kent J. Lasnoski, president of San Damiano College for the Trades; Katie Prejean

THERE IS A CRISIS OF MASCULINITY IN SOCIETY TODAY AND THROUGH THIS NEW . . . SERIES, WE AIM TO SHOW HOW WORK STRENGTHENS FAMILY LIFE AND IMPROVES SOCIETY.”

PATRICK KELLY SUPREME KNIGHT

McGrady, radio host and author; Stephen D. Minnis, president of Benedictine College; Mike Sweeney, former Major League Baseball All-Star; and David Michael Phelps, president of Harmel Academy of the Trades.

“Man is not for work; work is for man,” Phelps quotes St. John Paul II in the second episode. “We need to break outside of the narrow version of work — as we tend to understand it as modern people — and get back to

the essential core of what work is and how it contributes not only to God’s work and the creation, redemption of the world but in our own formation as human persons.”

As part of this effort, the Knights’ series introduces viewers to working husbands and fathers, including a Virginia farmer, an Air Force flight surgeon, a former construction contractor with two children diagnosed with autism, a California firefighter and a deacon who served in corporate leadership.

The five episodes center on different themes: “God’s Mission for Man,” “Work and Holiness,” “Work Life and Family Life,” “Work and the World” and “Putting Work in Its Place.” While the Knights currently offer the videos only in English, they plan to produce versions in Spanish and French in the future.

This series joins two previous productions from the Knights — “Into the Breach” and “Into the Breach: The Mission of the Family” — which have attracted over three million views. Each series seeks to support today’s Catholic men and families in leading lives of

faith and virtue, and the Knights encourage small groups of men to reflect on and discuss the content.

For this latest series, men can access a free study guide and a prayer card of St. Joseph the Worker at the Knights’ website.

“In the Book of Genesis, God gives man dominion over the Earth,” Kelly said of the series. “To paraphrase, God is saying, ‘I’m giving you this creation, but now, you need to exercise your authority over it.’”

“God’s incredible gift to us comes with a huge responsibility, which we achieve through work,” he added. “Work not only shapes our identity, but serves the common good, and becomes a path to holiness when centered on Christ.”

Kelly’s words echo the Catechism of the Catholic Church, which recognizes human work as a duty, an opportunity to honor God’s gifts and a means of sanctification.

“At the same time,” Kelly continued, “if a man feels trapped in a cycle of stress and overwork, we pray that this series helps him to refocus his life on Christ. We are all Christ’s apprentices.”

Drawing from his own career serving the Knights of Columbus, the military and public service, Kelly shared two pieces of advice for young men beginning their careers.

“First, I would encourage young men to remember that work is meant to serve the family, but not to compete with it,” Kelly said. “We can look to St. Joseph, a carpenter, as our guide. St. Joseph was a faithful worker, husband and father. He’s our model for integrating work and family with humility and trust in God.”

“Second, Christ teaches us that leisure is deeper than mere rest or entertainment,” he added. “Leisure is the space where we encounter truth, beauty and goodness. Ultimately, this is the time when we give God his due through prayer and worship.”

New Stations of the Cross unveiled at St. Peter’s for Lent

By Courtney Mares OSV News

VATICAN CITY (OSV News)

— St. Peter’s Basilica inaugurated a new Stations of the Cross Feb. 20, with paintings by a young Swiss artist who won the Vatican’s international art competition and said in an interview with OSV News that he was deeply moved by the experience of painting St. Veronica’s encounter with Christ.

The 14 stations, which were prayed in St. Peter’s Basilica for the first time on the first Friday of Lent, will be displayed temporarily until Easter as part of the many initiatives to mark the 400th anniversary of the basilica’s consecration.

Manuel Andreas Dürr, a 36-year-old artist and father of three, was chosen after a commission of art historians, liturgists and Vatican representatives unanimously selected his proposal from among more than a thousand submissions from 80 countries in the art competition that the Vatican opened in December 2023.

“To paint Jesus is very, very difficult because he is not someone I am introducing; he is someone that billions of people already have an idea of and have a relationship with,” Dürr said ahead of the inauguration in St. Peter’s Basilica Feb. 20.

Dürr is not Catholic, but describes himself as theologically “quite close to Catholic faith.” He is a member of the Jahu community, a Christian group with roots in the Reformed Church that he said is “very ecumenical and influenced by different traditions.” He had previously painted Stations of the Cross for his local church in Switzerland in past years. Now his Via Crucis hangs in one of the world’s most visited religious sites.

The experience of visiting the Vatican, he said, was the first time he understood the universal dimension of the Catholic Church.

“One thing that came as a bit of a shock, in a sense, was when I came to Rome, I suddenly realized that really this is a global church,” he said. “My own church at home feels

very provincial when I come here and I see people from all ages, from all continents, and from all income classes, are gathering around shared expressions of faith.”

Dürr spent eight months completing the paintings after winning the contest, which carried a cash prize of 120,000 euros, or about $131,000.

He had not sought out the competition himself. “I actually wasn’t aware of the competition,” he said. “A friend of mine suggested that I partake in it. Of course, I never dreamed that it would

actually happen, but somehow here we are, almost two years later. And I’m really, really humbled by having the honor to attempt such a thing.”

Among the 14 Stations, Dürr said one particularly moved him. “To my surprise, maybe, a little bit, Veronica was the most special station for me,” he told OSV News.

“She holds up a cloth which then has an imprint of the image of Christ. And I found basically that’s what I’m attempting to do. I’m painting on cloth in a small way. . . . And for me, this kind

of dignified, I think, what the painter is attempting to do which is . . . to provide a trace of something deeper to be experienced.”

The Crucifixion scene, he said, was both the first oil painting he began and the last he completed.

“This story has shaped Christian art and European culture . . . the world’s culture, like no other story has,” he said. “And how this cross, which was intended as a symbol of terror, instilling fear into the subjects of the Roman Empire, suddenly becomes something that we wear around our necks as a symbol of hope.”

Cardinal Mauro Gambetti, rector of St. Peter’s Basilica, presided over the inauguration at the Altar of the Chair in the basilica, where afterward the Way of the Cross was prayed with the new images for the first time.

Among those praying before the paintings that day was Hannah Kemper, a 27-year-old American who had no idea she was among the first to see the works on display. She had simply been visiting the basilica and felt drawn to pray the Stations of the Cross when she spotted them.

“How could you not feel close to Our Lord in this place?” she said, looking around the basilica. “My senses are so heightened to his glory and to contrast that to his suffering on the cross — it’s just so beautiful.”

EMPLOYMENT

Please note: The Leaven is no longer able to accept ad submissions over the phone. Please submit ads by email to: olivia.martin@theleaven.org.

Director of facilities - St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee, is seeking a full-time director of facilities to oversee and manage our parish campus. This leadership role is responsible for ensuring the effective operation, maintenance, and safety of our 20-acre campus, which includes seven buildings, a football field, a track, and related facilities. A successful candidate should be Catholic, with strong relationship skills and the ability to work in a collaborative setting. Interested applicants should submit a resume to: mthomas@ stjoeshawnee.org or call (913) 248-4562 for more information.

Preschool teacher - St. Joseph Catholic Early Education Center in Shawnee is seeking a full-time preschool teacher to provide a safe, nurturing and faith-filled classroom environment. The ideal candidate will support the spiritual, academic and social development of preschool-aged children while working collaboratively with staff and families. Interested applicants should submit a resume to: mthomas@ stjoeshawnee.org or call (913) 248-4562 for more information.

Administrative assistant - The Catholic Foundation of Northeast Kansas, a 501(c)3 organization affiliated with the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, is seeking an administrative assistant. This position provides administrative, clerical and operational support to CFNEK, working under the guidance and direction of the executive director and the management team to accomplish the mission of the foundation. This is a full-time, 40 hours per week, in-office position. May occasionally work evenings and weekends as needed. Please visit the Catholic Foundation of Northeast Kansas website for more information or to apply at: www.cfnek.org.

Director of justice, peace and integrity of creation - The Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth (SCL) seek a Director of Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation (JPIC) to provide strategic, mission-focused leadership for the congregation’s justice ministry. This full-time, onsite role leads long-term justice priorities, supervises the JPIC team, and represents the congregation in advocacy and partnership efforts. Resume and cover letter required. Qualified candidates will have a bachelor’s degree (master’s preferred), at least seven years of experience in justice ministry, advocacy, community organizing, or similar mission-driven work, and strong strategic leadership, communication and relationship-building skills. To apply and view full details, please visit: https://www. scls.org/employees/.

Executive director of resources - The Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth (SCL) seek an executive director of resources to provide strategic, mission-driven leadership for the congregation’s operational, financial and organizational resource management. This full-time, onsite position works closely with the SCL leadership team and collaborates with the executive directors of communal life and mission to steward the resources necessary to advance the SCL mission and implement the current chapter directional statement. Resume and cover letter required. The executive director oversees finance, facilities, campus operations, information technology, and selected human resources functions, ensuring operational excellence, regulatory compliance, and alignment with Catholic social teaching. Qualified candidates will have a bachelor’s degree (advanced degree strongly preferred), at least seven years of strategic leadership experience across operations or related disciplines, and a proven track record of team supervision and organizational management. To apply and view full details, please visit https://www. scls.org/employees.

Mission and development coordinator - Santa Marta, a premier Catholic life plan community in Olathe, is seeking a mission and development coordinator to advance our mission of service, compassion, and stewardship. This role leads meaningful service initiatives, volunteer engagement and fundraising efforts that strengthen connections among residents, families, associates and the wider community. Ideal candidates bring strong relationship-building skills, fundraising experience and a passion for serving older adults. Bachelor’s degree required; Catholic preferred. Visit: santamartaretirement.com, click “careers,” then “view job postings” for more information or to apply.

Catholic elementary school principal - Sacred Heart School in Emporia is seeking a dynamic and visionary leader with a passion for Catholic education. The principal will continue the school’s tradition of forming disciples, pursuing academic excellence and spiritual growth. The principal will lead by example and inspire a team of dedicated faculty and staff. Applicants must have or be eligible for Kansas licensure in educational leadership. Apply online at: archkckcs. org/apply. For more information, contact Vince Cascone at: vcascone@archkckcs.org.

Director of operations - Sacred Heart Church and School in Shawnee are hiring a director of operations! Are you wired with strategic and systems-level thinking? Are you a mission-driven leader with strong communication and relationship-building skills? Do you enjoy financial management, risk management and managing operational health? If so, please apply at: www.shoj.org or contact Jennifer Peavler at: jennifer.peavler@shoj.org. Applications accepted until Feb. 28.

Director of faith formation and youth ministry - St. Francis de Sales Church in Lansing is looking for a director of faith formation and youth ministry. This is a full-time position (some evening and weekend work required). This position reports directly to the pastor. Must be a practicing Catholic in good standing with strong knowledge of Catholic doctrine. Must have excellent communication, organizational, leadership and record-keeping skills. The candidate will invite students and families into a personal encounter with Jesus Christ, a deeper understanding of the Catholic Church and her teachings and participation in the mystical body of Christ. Provide leadership, training and supervision of all aspects of catechesis for youth in grades kindergarten through 12. Develop and conduct the ministry of catechesis, which fosters and enhances spiritual growth and formation for parish youth and families. Attend archdiocesan meetings and formation opportunities. Support broader parish efforts through participation in the pastoral council and regular staff meetings. Job description provided to candidates. If interested, call the parish office at (913) 727-3742 or email resume to: faithformation@ stfrancislansing.org.

Parish manager - Good Shepherd in Shawnee is looking to hire a full-time parish manager to work with the church and school. This position involves executive level responsibilities, which include but are not limited to fiscal management, human resources, including payroll and staff management along with operations oversight. Qualified candidates will also be responsible for development and donor relations (stewardship). Familiarity and competence with current technology is necessary. Strong interpersonal and communication skills required. Spanish language skills would be a plus. A demonstrated commitment to the Catholic faith and mission is essential, along with a desire to work in and support a positive, faith-oriented environment. This full-time position is eligible for archdiocesan benefits. Please send cover letter and resume to: frkent@gsshawnee.org. Resumes will be accepted until the position is filled. Social worker/care manager - Part time (24 hrs/wk). At Two Lines Pregnancy Clinic in Overland Park, we believe in unexpected care — the kind that shows up with compassion, insight and love when someone needs it most. If you’re someone who thrives in a busy, meaningful environment — the kind of work that makes a tangible difference — this may be the opportunity you’ve been praying for. We’re currently seeking LBSW or LMSW to join our team. In this role, you’ll provide direct psychosocial support, education and care coordination for patients navigating pregnancy- related decisions and life circumstances. Working within an environment rooted in excellence, dignity and compassion, you’ll walk alongside women and families with empathy, clarity and professionalism. You’ll play a vital role in ensuring each client receives accurate information, emotional support, appropriate referrals and individualized care planning, while collaborating closely with the clinical team to support holistic patient care. Your impact matters. Whether you’re meeting one-on-one with a client, facilitating education or coordinating resources, your presence will help create moments of hope, stability and empowerment — one meaningful interaction at a time. Key responsibilities: Determine the nature of client’s situation through interviews, observations, questionnaires and on-site visits assessing medical, psychological, emotional, familial and social needs. Educate clients on available resources, options and next steps. Coordinate referrals and community services to support client needs. Collaborate with medical and support staff to ensure integrated, compassionate care. Maintain a peaceful, professional and welcoming environment. Uphold the values and mission of Two Lines Pregnancy Clinic in every interaction. A bit about you: You’re an LBSW or LMSW in good standing. You’re organized, empathetic and steady in emotionally sensitive situations. You’re passionate about walking with women and families through tender, life-changing moments. You’re a person of faith who leads with humility, integrity and compassion. If you are interested in this position, please send resume and cover letter to: AndreaC@twolineskc.com.

Business manager - St. Francis de Sales Church in Lansing is looking for a business manager. This is a full-time position that reports directly to the pastor (some evening and weekend work required). The business manager is an administrator in support of the pastor’s responsibilities to the parish. They are a steward of the physical, financial and personnel resources. The ideal candidate should have a college degree and/or equivalent business experience. Must have a working knowledge of QuickBooks and Microsoft Office applications. Must be able to work independently with minimal supervision, and with other staff/volunteers. Applicant must be a practicing Catholic. Benefits available, including 401(k) and health insurance. Full job description provided to candidates. For more information, email: businessmanager@ stfrancislansing.org or call the office at (913) 7273742.

Catholic elementary school principal - Holy Spirit in Overland Park stands at an exciting inflection point in its history. Energized by a growing hunger for greater depth, intellectual richness and a stronger metaphysical foundation rooted in the church’s tradition, the faculty is ready to carry this renewal into the bloodstream of the school. The momentum is real; what is needed now is a leader with the experience and vision to cultivate joyful intellectual rigor in both staff and students, translating formation into pedagogy and classroom culture. To learn more, see the full job description at: https://arcadiaed.com/careers or reach out to: edenton@arcadiaed.com with questions or interest.

Administrative assistant - The Catholic Foundation of Northeast Kansas (CFNEK) is seeking to hire an administrative assistant. This position will provide administrative, clerical and operational support to CFNEK, working under the guidance and direction of the executive director to accomplish the mission of the foundation. The position is full time, 40 hours per week on-site and requires some evening and weekend hours. Please visit the Catholic Foundation of Northeast Kansas website for more information or to apply at: https://www.cfnek.org/employment.

Executive director of communal life - The Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth seek an executive director of communal life to lead community life and support the well-being of Sisters across multiple residential settings. This role directs and oversees all functions, activities and staff involved in ongoing formation, communal well-being and individual health for Sisters living in neighborhood residences and on the main campus, including independent, assisted and skilled nursing care. Resume and cover letter required. Qualifications: Must be a member of the Roman Catholic Church in good standing. Bachelor’s degree or higher in social work, spirituality, theology or related field. Minimum five (5) years of experience in a faith-based setting. 1-3 years supervisory experience. Apply and view the full job ad at: https://www. scls.org/employees/.

Building attendant - The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas is the Catholic Church in northeast Kansas: growing as disciples of Jesus; making disciples for Jesus. The Savior Pastoral Center is seeking to hire a part-time, live-in building attendant. This position provides hospitality, security, maintenance and custodial services at the Savior Pastoral Center. This position will average 18-20 hours per week; includes a fully paid, spacious one-bedroom apartment; and requires the ability to work evenings, weekends as needed and every other Saturday at the front desk. For more details or to apply, please visit “Employment Opportunities” at: www.archkck.org.

Catholic financial planners - The Knights of Columbus Mahon Agency has openings throughout all of NE Kansas and western Missouri, including Kansas City, Topeka, Holton, Wamego, Lawrence, Gardner, Liberty and Chillicothe. We have much to offer professional, disciplined and determined men who would like to share needed life insurance, disability income, longterm care and annuity products with other Catholics. This is a full-time position with excellent, multi-tiered training and benefits, allowing the successful field agent to earn a professional level income. It’s an exciting career opportunity that may be the right fit at the right time for you, or someone you know. For more information, contact John Mahon at (785) 4088800, or john.mahon@kofc.org.

Manager assistant - Help St. Mary’s Food Kitchen serve the hungry in Kansas City, Kansas, as a manager assistant. St. Mary’s provides a lunch to the needy each day of the year. The manager assistant will support the volunteer crews, ensure policies and procedures are followed, supervise the cleaning of the kitchen and dining room, fill in for the manager when absent, fulfill other duties as assigned and treat each guest and volunteer with respect and compassion. This position is part-time, generally two days per week, but other days as needed but assigned through conversation and agreement with the manager. Hours are 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., but occasionally 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Please contact David Alvey at: stmfoodkitchen@gmail.com. $20 per hour. Holidays time and a half.

Client relations coordinator - Part time (16 hr/wk). Two Lines Pregnancy Clinic in Overland Park. At Two Lines Pregnancy Clinic, we believe in unexpected care — the kind that shows up with compassion, insight and love when someone needs it most. We’re a faith-driven organization committed to serving women and families with dignity, excellence and hope. We’re currently seeking a client relations coordinator to join our team. If you thrive in a fast-paced, meaningful environment where your work makes a tangible difference, this may be the opportunity you’ve been praying for. In this role, you’ll be at the heart of our client’s education experience, supporting every woman and family in an environment rooted in excellence, dignity and care. Your impact matters. Whether you’re meeting with moms one-on-one or in a group setting, you’ll be creating a holistic learning experience—one small moment at a time. Key responsibilities: Create and maintain relationships with moms in Connections, our parenting education program. Maintain a peaceful, professional and welcoming environment. Collaborate with team members to ensure seamless education services. Uphold the values and mission of Two Lines Pregnancy Clinic in every interaction. A bit about you: Strong interpersonal and communication skills. Compassionate, calm, and confident under pressure. Experience in client services, ministry, or administrative roles is a plus. Bilingual a plus. A heart for serving others and a commitment to our faith-based mission. If you’re passionate about making a difference and want to be part of a team that shows up with love every day, we’d love to hear from you. To apply for this position, send resume and cover letter to: AndreaC@twolineskc.com.

Part-time kitchen assistant - Nativity School in Leawood is seeking a part-time kitchen assistant, 8 to 15 hours a week. Duties will include prepping food, serving food, setting up/breaking down food service line and garden bar, cleaning and washing dishes. Any candidate hired will need to pass a criminal background check and attend Virtus training as conditions of employment. Applicants should email principal Luke Jennison at: luke.jennison@kcnativity.org.

Caregivers needed - Daughters & Company is looking for compassionate caregivers to provide assistance to seniors in their home, assisted living or in a skilled nursing facility. We provide sitter services, light housekeeping and light meal preparation, organizational assistance, care management and occasional transportation for our clients. We need caregivers with reliable transportation and a cellphone for communication. We typically employ on a part-time basis, but will strive to match hours desired. Contact Gary or Laurie at (913) 341-2500 if you want to become part of an excellent caregiving team.

Catholic elementary school principal - St. Matthew School in Topeka is seeking a dynamic and visionary leader with a passion for Catholic education. The principal will continue the school’s tradition of forming disciples, pursuing academic excellence and spiritual growth. The principal will lead by example and inspire a team of dedicated faculty and staff. Applicants must have or be eligible for Kansas licensure in educational leadership. Apply online at: archkckcs. org/apply. For more information, contact Vince Cascone at: vcascone@archkckcs.org.

Small equipment cleaning/repair - A locally owned family business is currently seeking part-time candidates to provide cleaning and repair services on microscopes. Expenses paid, work done in the field and each day is different! No previous experience necessary, on-the-job training provided. Needs to be detail-oriented team player, with good time management and customer service skills. Some travel with the team is required. Please contact us at: techneeded23@gmail.com or call (913) 631-3000.

Teachers - Nativity Parish School (Leawood) is seeking full-time teachers for the 2026-27 school year: Kindergarten-5th grade, Spanish, P.E., middle school math, middle school science and STREAM Interested applicants should email principal Luke Jennison at: luke.jennison@kcnativity.org.

Part-time commercial cleaner - Now hiring! You will clean commercial offices. Evening work. Legends and Edwardsville area. (913) 414-7136 for info.

SERVICES

A and X Cleaning Service - Keeping local businesses clean and healthy. Eco-friendly green cleaning products are used. Our hands-on approach ensures reliable service, consistent quality and attention to detail in every space we clean. Contact us for a free consultation at: anxcleaningllc@gmail.com.

Rios Painting - Transforming your home one paint coat at a time. Over 20 years of residential and commercial interior and exterior painting. Reliable, professional, and affordable. Insured. Call or text Ramiro today for a free estimate! (913) 579-5016.

Joe’s Decks & More Deck and fence repair, mowing and handyman services Member of St. Joseph in Shawnee (913) 449-9848

MIKE HAMMER MOVING - A full-service mover. Local and long-distance moving. Packing, pianos, rental truck load/unload, storage container load/unload. In-home moving and office moves. No job too small. Serving the KC metro since 1987. St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee, parishioner. Call the office at (913) 927-4347 or email: mike@mikehammermoving.com.

GARAGE DOOR REPAIR EXPERTS New Garage Doors & Openers A Total Door, Inc. Since ’83. Leaven Discount buffy@atotaldoor.com or (913) 236-6440 www.atotaldoor.com

Double A’s Lawn Service

Mowing, Mulch, Gutters, Leaf Cleanup, Debris Removal & Brush Trimming Free Estimates & Insured Alex Spoerre (913) 488-5195

Two men and a brush - Refresh, repaint, renew your home with painting you can trust! Call for a free estimate on your house, deck or fence! Call John at (402) 763-7244. 15% discount for bookings made before March 15.

TOTAL HOME REPAIR All aspects of interior home repairs. Retired master plumber. Professional interior painting, general repairs, tile work. Handyman services. Lifetime of experience. Army veteran. Ascension parishioner. (913) 488-4930

Pro Force Property Cleanout Services - Full home and property cleanouts: furniture, appliances, trash. Yard cleanup including trees or any debris. We do eviction or foreclosure cleanouts, move in, move out. Cleanouts throughout the Greater Kansas City area. Call Michael at (913) 565-5206 or email: MichaelMcMahan012@gmail.com.

Pure Touch Cleaning KC - Bringing warmth and comfort back into your home this winter! Locally owned • Women-led • Family-based care you can trust. Deep cleans • Regular maintenance • Move-in/out • Holiday prep. Call/text: Owner Nicole (913) 999-6267. Let us make your home feel fresh, cozy and ready for the season.

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ST. JOSEPH TABLE

St. Joseph Church (McDevitt Hall) 11311 Johnson Dr., Shawnee

March 1 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

The table blessing is at 8:30 a.m.; pasta dinner from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Donations are appreciated and will benefit those in need in our parish and community. Questions? Call Christine at (913) 706-8860.

ST. MARY ANNUAL DINNER

Hartford Community Building 117 Commercial St., Hartford March 1 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

There will be six varieties of soups served, along with sides and desserts, for a freewill donation. Raffle tickets are $1 each. Visit the website at: stmary shartford.org for more details.

INTRO TO IGNATIAN SPIRITUALITY

St. Pius X Church

5500 Woodson Dr., Mission March 3 and March 10

Join the Ignatian Spirituality Center of KC as we offer two guided evenings introducing the heart of Ignatian spirituality, a centuries-old Catholic tradition that helps people pray more deeply, listen more honestly to their interior lives and discern God’s presence in everyday experience. For more information and to register, go to: www.ignatian centerkc.org/events/2026.

WILLS AND TRUSTS WORKSHOP

St. Agnes Church 5250 Mission Rd., Roeland Park March 4 from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

The speaker will be Casey Connealy, of Gaughan & Connealy. Refreshments and a social precede the presentation. Register online at: www.cfnek.org/events or contact Greg at (913) 647-0365 or by email at: galejos@archkck.org.

CHARITABLE GIVING SEMINAR

Elizabeth’s Special Events

121 N. 5th St., Atchison

March 5 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Make the most of your charitable giving while making a lasting difference! Join the Catholic Education Foundation (CEF) and the Catholic Foundation of Northeast Kansas (CFNEK) for a luncheon and seminar on tax-advantaged charitable giving strategies. Register at: www.cfnek.org/events or by contacting Michela Marquez at: mmarquez@arch kck.org.

WOMEN’S LENTEN RETREAT

Cathedral of St. Peter

409 N. 15th St., Kansas City, Kansas

March 7 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Join other women of faith as we hit pause and listen to God’s voice. The day begins with Mass in the chapel at 9 a.m., followed by breakfast and retreat in the parish center. The cost is $25. Register online at: cathedralkck. org/2026-womens-lenten- retreat, or call (913) 371-0840.

CENTENNIAL BAROQUE CONCERT

Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church 2203 Parallel Ave., Kansas City, Kansas

March 7 from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Local professional musicians will offer a benefit concert in celebration of Blessed Sacrament’s 100th anniversary of construction. The program for harpsichord, violin and cello includes Bach’s 2nd Sonata and Handel’s Sonata in F Major. The concert follows the Saturday evening Spanish vigil Mass. Freewill donations are accepted. For questions, please call the parish at (913) 321-1958.

IRISH DINNER

Immaculate Conception Church

(Miege Hall)

711 N. 5th St., Leavenworth

March 8 from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Cost is $15 for a corned beef dinner; $10 for Irish stew; $5 for hot dog, chips and dessert. There will be a silent auction and a raffle for cash prizes.

BREAKFAST WITH THE KNIGHTS

Divine Mercy Church

555 W. Main St., Gardner

March 8 from 8:30 to 10 a.m.

The breakfast will include eggs, sausage, biscuits and gravy, pancakes, waffles and drinks. Join us for great fellowship. The cost is $6 for those over the age of 13; free for ages 12 and under. Proceeds are used for charitable works.

LENTEN RETREAT

St. John the Baptist Church

708 N. 4th St., Kansas City, Kansas March 12 from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Father Kevin Cullen, SJ, program director of the Marillac Retreat and Spirituality Center in Leavenworth, will lead a retreat on Pope Leo XIV’s encyclical “Dilexi Te: I Have Loved You.” The retreat will include Mass, rosary, breakfast, reflection, discussion, reconciliation and lunch. All are welcome. Freewill offering. RSVP by March 8 to: sjbaltarsociety@ gmail.com or  (913) 371-0627.

BINGO AND DINNER

Holy Family Church

513 Ohio St., Kansas City, Kansas March 14 at 5 p.m.

Join us for bingo, dinner and fun! Each ticket includes one bingo card, sausage sandwich, side and dessert. Reserve in advance for $20 by calling (913) 413-0022. Doors open at 5 p.m. with dinner served until 6:15 p.m. Bingo starts at 6:30 p.m. Drinks available to purchase from the Holy Family Social Club. 21+ only.

FORGIVENESS 101 CLASS

Church of the Ascension

(St. Mark’s Room)

9510 W. 127th St., Overland Park

March 14 and 21 from 9 a.m. to noon

Are you struggling to forgive someone who has really hurt you? This Lent, make strides toward forgiveness! Forgiveness 101 offers a safe and supportive healing experience for anyone suffering from unresolved conflict and past trauma. Forgiveness isn’t about forgetting or excusing the abuse. Come learn through stories, videos, Scripture, prayer and Q&A. Sponsored by the Forgiveness Institute KC; register at: yeabut.org/events.

ROSARY RALLY

Church of the Holy Cross  8311 W. 93rd St., Overland Park

March 15 from 3 to 4:15 p.m.

Please join us to honor our Blessed Mother and our Lady of Fatima. We will pray the joyful, sorrowful and glorious mysteries; Benediction and the opportunity to enroll in the brown scapular follow. For more, go to: rosaryrallieskc.org.

ST. PATRICK’S DAY DINNER

St. Patrick’s Church 33721 N.W. Crawford Rd., Emerald & Williamsburg

March 15 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Live music by Larry Lintner of Ottawa. Serving a traditional Irish meal of corned beef and cabbage with all the fixings, Irish soda bread, homemade pies and more. Suggested donation $20. Raffle tickets $2 each, $5 for 3.

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Bill Dean Mechanical LLC Heating, Cooling, Electrical, and Plumbing Furnace, AC and Water Heater Install and Service wmdean14@hotmail.com, billdeanmechanical.com JoCo lic. # 2026-0008446, text or call (913) 724-3294

Landscaping Design or Renovate! Light tree trimming/gutters Fall cleanup/leaf removal Free estimates; local parishioners. Call Charles or Emily (913) 605-8145.

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

Jack Harrison Heating & Air Conditioning - Proudly serving Johnson County, Kansas, parts of KCK and KCMO, we’re your trusted local experts in residential and light commercial HVAC. Whether you need a repair, seasonal tuneup or full system replacement, we’ve got you covered — with honest advice, quality work and friendly service. We’re a family-owned and operated company, rooted in the community as members of St. Paul Parish in Olathe. Call Jack Harrison Heating & Air today at (913) 308-3131 or visit: www.JackHarrisonAir.com to schedule online. Let our family take care of yours!

Sacred Heart Counseling - Are you looking for counseling from an authentic Catholic perspective? We have offices in Olathe, Leawood and Atchison; openings days, evenings and weekends. Book online at: Sacred HeartCounselingKC.com, in-person or telehealth.

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

Popcorn ceiling texture removal Call Jerry at (913) 206-1144. 30 years’ experience. Interior painting specialist. Member St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee.

FOR SALE

For sale - Looking for something special for First Communion? Selling handmade First Communion outfits for 18” or American Girl dolls. Includes dress, veil, tights, shoes and cross necklace for $40. Taking orders now. Email Patty at: Wwelch4@kc.rr.com or text (913) 620-4581. Home phone: (913) 345-9498. Please say when the First Communion will take place.

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 - 2 casket crypt for sale: St. John’s Corridor mausoleum at Gate of Heaven. Tier A, crypt 6, valued $15,885. Asking $11,000 (includes transfer fee). Contact Kristen (913) 645-3428.

WANTED TO BUY

BUYING OIL & GAS ROYALTIES

Simplify your life. Paying 48 times average last 6 months income. Call Dan (913) 980-0946.

$$Paying Cash$$ - Antique Furniture, crocks, tin and cast iron toys, old tools, glassware, American coins, jewelry. Most anything old. Please call Patricia at (913) 5152950. A member of Holy Trinity Parish, Lenexa.

Wanted to buy

Do you have a spare car or truck that you need to get rid of? If you do, CALL ME! I’m a cash buyer. We’re Holy Trinity parishioners. My name is Mark. (913) 980-4905.

WANTED TO BUY - PAYING CASH

Antiques & Collectibles: jewelry, military items, railroad items, sterling, OLD holiday/toys & more. Renee Maderak (913) 475-7393 St. Joseph, 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.

CASH PAID FOR COIN COLLECTIONS! Silver dollar coins, half-dollars, quarters, dimes, old pennies. Cash in hand. Also paying cash for old paper currency. Cash in that old dusty box of coins! Call Kirk (913) 213-9843. Member of Holy Trinity Parish. Please sell to local people.

HOME IMPROVEMENT

Haus to Home Remodeling - Transform your space with affordable remodeling done right. Bathrooms, basements and everything in between — crafted with honesty and quality. Family-owned with free estimates. Haustohomekc.com | Cole (913) 544-7352. Father and Son Home Remodeling - We specialize in kitchen/bathroom and basement remodeling, from start to finish. We also do decks, covered decks, porches, sun-rooms and room additions! If you’re not sure we do it, just call. From my family to yours, thank you for supporting my small business. To contact me, call (913) 709-7230 and ask for Josh.

CAREGIVING

Caregiving - Homecare CNA with 15 years’ experience. Monday-Friday. Call (913) 526-0797.

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

REAL ESTATE

We are local people who can buy your house - Big companies from all over the nation come here buying houses, but that’s not us. We are parishioners of Holy Trinity Parish and we enjoy giving you personalized service. We can offer you a fair price and are flexible to your needs. If I can help, call me, Mark Edmondson, at (913) 980-4905. Paul O’Toole – Real Estate Agent (KS & MO) Weichert Realtors – Welch & Company (913) 489-1229 (mobile) | (913) 647-5700 (office)

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

PILGRIMAGE

European pilgrimage - June 22-30. Join Father Willliam Carey, Deacon Tom Doyle and Grace Legaspi on a pilgrimage to Medjugorje and Zadar. Traverse the steps of millions who’ve climbed Apparition Hill. Meet one of the visionaries who continues to allegedly see Our Lady yearly. Celebrate Mass at the tomb of St. Simeon of the Presentation of Our Lord in Zadar. Email Grace at: mgracelegaspi@gmail.com for details.

Peru Pilgrimage: Evangelization of the Ancient Incas – July 19-30, 2026. Join us for an unforgettable 11-day journey from Lima to the Sacred Valley, exploring Machu Picchu, Cusco and the lives of saints like St. Rose of Lima. Experience the dramatic encounter between the ancient Incas and the flourishing Catholic baroque of Peru. Space is limited! Early bird pricing until Feb. 19. For details, email: olivia.stear@viaheritagetravel.com.

DAILY READINGS

SECOND WEEK OF LENT

March 1

SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT

Gn 12: 1-4a

Ps 33: 4-5, 18-20, 22

2 Tm 1: 8b-10

Mt 17: 1-9

March 2

Monday

Dn 9: 4b-10

Ps 79: 8-9, 11, 13

Lk 6: 36-38

March 3

Katharine Drexel, virgin

Is 1: 10, 16-20

Ps 50: 8-9, 16bc-17, 21, 23

Mt 23: 1-12

March 4

Casimir

Jer 18: 18-20

Ps 31: 5-6, 14-16

Mt 20: 17-28

March 5

Thursday

Jer 17: 5-10

Ps 1: 1-4, 6 Lk 16: 19-31

March 6

Friday

Gn 37: 3-4, 12-13a, 17b-28a

Ps 105: 16-21

Mt 21: 33-43, 45-46

March 7

Perpetua and Felicity, martyrs

Mi 7: 14-15, 18-20

Ps 103: 1-4, 9-12

Lk 15: 1-3, 11-32

MARGUERITE BOURGEOYS

1620-1700

Growing up in Troyes, France, Marguerite formed a special relationship with Our Lady. She was turned away by two religious communities, but met the founder of Montreal, Canada, when he returned to France to visit his sister. He invited Marguerite to open a school in the New World; she went, despite misgivings, after praying to Mary. From that first school in an abandoned stable, her ministry grew to include teaching women crafts and founding the Sisters of the Congregation of Notre Dame. She managed to keep her Sisters uncloistered, despite opposition from the bishop, and served as superior for many years. When Pope John Paul II canonized her in 1982, she became Canada’s first woman saint.

If you want to get through airport security quickly, leave me at home. I have a special knack for setting off the alarm. It happened most recently at MCI as I was leaving for the Los Angeles Religious Education Congress the day after Ash Wednesday. I had high hopes. I’d set off the alarm a couple of weeks before when leaving for Rome, but this time I was sure I’d get through without incident. Dutifully, I put my Kindle and a phone battery in a separate bin, removed my watch, belt and jacket, and emptied everything from my pockets. I stepped into the body scanner . . . and set it off. There was some “anomaly” near my right hip. The TSA agent had me step aside, asked if there was anything in my pockets, did a thorough pat down, then surprisingly had me take off my shoes. (What that had to do with the anomaly on my hip is

PTake a little walk in my shoes

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.

anyone’s guess.) So, the shoes had to go on their own, without a bin, through the X-ray scanner. Finding nothing nefarious, I was allowed to pass. Jennifer and Nancy, my religious ed directors at the parish and travel companions, looked on with great amusement. (I don’t even want to think about all the germs adhering to my stockinged feet as I retrieved my shoes to put them back on.)

But it’s the congress that I want to write about. It was my first time attending and the experience was magnificent. Though “people-y” with thousands and thousands of attendees from 49 states, folks were courteous and hospitable. It was the 70th year of the congress and I was amazed at the caliber of speakers. The overriding theme was: “Wrapped in Mercy, Hope Renewed.”

From the opening ceremony on Friday morning to the closing Mass on Sunday afternoon, it was an inspirational celebration of what being a Catholic means. Three languages were heard throughout the con-

gress: English, Spanish and Vietnamese. It was an honor to experience what a slice of the global church feels like.

Here are some snippets of my congress experience:

• I finally got to meet — in person — one of my favorite authors, Jesuit Father Jim Martin. Although we’ve been friends for years by email and phone, and he’s done several Zoom sessions at Sacred Heart in Tonganoxie, this was the first time we saw each other face to face. He was an inspirational speaker and a humble, welcoming person.

• I’ve been wearing a Homeboy Industries stocking cap for three years, a gift from Jennifer and Nancy’s previous visit to the congress. It was therefore a special honor to hear Jesuit Father Greg Boyle speak of his incredible ministry at Homeboy with gang members in Los Angeles. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed his books that have opened my mind and heart to the “stories behind the stories”

of gangs.

• Although I’d never heard of him, it’s certain that I’ll never forget this Black Creole priest. Father Tony Ricard is from the Archdiocese of New Orleans and the most animated speaker I’ve ever seen. His presentation on helping the faithful find hope was what I imagine a revival meeting looks like. He had the audience laughing, crying and ultimately on fire to walk together, trusting that, after we do our part, God will take care of the rest. He said, “We don’t know what the future holds, but God holds our future.” I’m still digesting all the congress’ input and will sprinkle some future columns with it. But I’ll leave you with two final snippets:

• The temperature in Anaheim was a sunny 75 degrees last Sunday.

• I did set off the alarm at LAX coming home and (sigh) off came my shoes again.

Story about Samaritan woman is about us as well

reaching on this story from John’s Gospel, I like how St. Augustine put it. Describing the dialogue between Jesus and the Samaritan woman, he said that the Lord was “little by little finding a way into her heart.”

Layered, veiled, critical and pointed at times, what the Lord was ultimately doing in his conversation with this woman on the margins was drawing her close to him. Carried by his words and her interest and desire, Jesus draws her to him “in spirit and truth” and then says to her “I am he” (Jn 4:24-26).

The conversation, you see, is mystical;

DEACON GREG KANDRA

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

it’s revelatory. I also like how St. Augustine said that we should “recognize

ourselves in her.” That makes this story from John’s Gospel also about us. That means these words may little by little find their way into our hearts, too. Indeed, that’s how the church has long read this story of Jesus and the Samaritan woman: as a story that is also about us. For centuries, this passage has been read during Lent in association with the ancient practice of the scrutinies.

Jesus talks to her about her five husbands and how she worships what she does not know (Jn 4:16-22). The Lord’s words here, open to various interpretations, are nonetheless

morally and theologically convicting. Their conversation now is penitential; she must be brought to the point where she renounces her past sin and ignorance. Only then may she hear the words, “I am he” (Jn 4:26).

It’s a story about conversion. It’s a story that teaches us that conversion is about desiring the living water of God. That water is the water that flows from the heart of Christ; it’s the water of baptism (Jn 7:37-38; 1 Cor 12:13). Nothing like any water we’ve ever known, which has never really satisfied us, this water we can only desire, beg for it.

We must also

renounce whatever keeps us from drinking this new living water, whether it be our past sins or past error. Desire and purification, that’s what this story is about. By this story, Mother Church whispers in the womb to her unborn children, to those soon to be born in baptism. Here are but the final few steps. Is your desire for God this deep? But, of course, these are questions fit not only for those not yet baptized but also for the rest of us. Do we desire Christ like she did? Like that Samaritan woman so like ourselves?

Pope Leo XIV tells priests not to use AI to write homilies

VATICAN CITY (OSV News) —

Pope Leo XIV has urged priests not to use artificial intelligence to write their homilies or to seek “likes” on social media platforms like TikTok.

In a Q&A session with clergy from the Diocese of Rome, the pope said priests should resist “the temptation to prepare homilies with artificial intelligence.”

“Like all the muscles in the body,

if we do not use them, if we do not move them, they die. The brain needs to be used, so our intelligence must also be exercised a little so as not to lose this capacity,” Pope Leo said in the closed door meeting, according to a report by Vatican News on Feb. 20. “To give a true homily is to share faith,” and artificial intelligence “will never be able to share faith,” the pope added.

Pope Leo has expressed interest in the topic of artificial intelligence and the dignity of work since the first week of his pontificate, telling the College of Cardinals shortly after his election last May that he took his name in honor of Pope Leo XIII, who wrote the social encyclical “Rerum Novarum” in the context of the first industrial revolution.

We transform culture by starting with charity, mercy

What does “evangelization” look like in our synodal, contemporary church — a church that must listen yet also boldly speak?

I thought I might offer five principles for our reflection:

(1) Conviction. The first Christians were immersed in the word of God. They spoke with “bold assurance” — not of their own creation or “toeing the party line,” but through the power of the Holy Spirit. As we see from modern-day examples such as Mother Teresa or Carlo Acutis, such conviction is not “arrogance,”

TDEACON LEON SUPRENANT

Deacon Leon Suprenant is the co-director of the office of the permanent diaconate. He may be reached at: leons@archkck.org.

but the fruit of lives turned over to Christ. (2) Engagement.

ORDAINED TO SERVE

Luke’s sequel is called the Acts of the Apostles and not the Good Intentions of the Apostles or the Pastoral Plan of the Apostles. It’s time for the church to stop focusing on internal issues and instead actively engage other people in carrying out its mission for

the life of the world. That typically begins with a willingness to accompany, to walk alongside others.

(3) Bridge-building. We must be approachable bridges and not obstacles for meeting Christ. As channels of Christ’s peace, we must actively listen to those around us and adapt to their needs. A good New Testament role model is Barnabas, the “son of encouragement” (Acts 4:36), who made it possible for St. Paul to become the great “Apostle to the Gentiles.” Do I make it possible for others to shine, or is it about “me” or “my ministry”?

(4) Remember the

poor. We hear talk of “transforming the culture” and sometimes it seems very abstract. But it means making works of charity and mercy a greater part of who we are as church. It’s not rocket science — helping people who need material or spiritual help is the basic building block of renewal.

(5) If necessary, use words. A “tsunami of secularism” is battering our society. We’re kidding ourselves if we believe that our culture is even neutral when it comes to the Christian faith. Sadly, even within the church, there are some who go through the motions without a

close, personal relationship with the Lord. Do we need to pray and set a good Christian example? Of course! Do we listen to and accompany our contemporaries? Assuredly! But we still have to talk to people about Jesus. After all, the church exists to evangelize, to call everyone to salvation in Christ through the forgiveness of sins.

That’s our story, and today all priests, deacons, religious and laity must take up the perennial challenge to lovingly invite others to a life-changing relationship with Christ and his church.

Is God calling you to give the gift of yourself this Lent?

he Catechism of the Catholic Church reminds us that almsgiving is an essential pillar of Lenten practice and a “work of justice pleasing to God” (CCC 2447, 2462). While financial contributions are an important and meaningful expression of almsgiving, the church also calls us to offer our time, talents and personal service to those in need.

This Lent, I invite you to prayerfully consider how you might give not only from your financial resources, but from yourself. One meaningful opportunity is the

LEARNING TO LOVE LIKE HIM

Joshua Ruoff is the lead consultant for the archdiocesan special-needs ministry. He can be reached by email at: jruoff@ archkck.org.

BREATHE Respite Care Program offered through the archdiocesan special-needs

ministry. BREATHE provides three hours of monthly respite for caregivers of individuals with special needs and their siblings. During this time, caregivers are able to attend to responsibilities and personal needs that are often set aside — whether

spending time with a spouse, completing household tasks, grocery shopping or simply resting.

Prior to the 2020 pandemic, BREATHE served approximately 50 individuals each month with the support of nearly 80 dedicated volunteers. When the program resumed in 2023, we were grateful to begin rebuilding this ministry. In 2025, participation has averaged four individuals and 11 volunteers per month.

Several factors have influenced these numbers, including the presence of additional respite opportunities

in the broader community, such as the iCare community. Additionally, since resuming, our focus has been to serve families within our Catholic parishes in the archdiocese, whereas previously we served a wider population.

We remain confident, however, that there are families within our parishes who could greatly benefit from this ministry but may not yet be aware of it. I encourage you to consider one person or family who might benefit from respite care, or one young person (age 14 or older) who may be seeking service hours or a meaningful

volunteer opportunity. BREATHE takes place at Bishop Miege High School in Roeland Park, with the hope of expanding to additional locations throughout the archdiocese as interest grows.

While ministry is never solely about numbers, we are called to steward our gifts so that we may serve as many families as possible with excellence and compassion. If you would like more information about participating in or supporting the BREATHE Respite Care ministry, contact our office.

Know of our prayers for you during this Lenten season.

Expecting? Join us for a special Mass and blessing March 24

Last weekend, my husband and I experienced one of those rare family days when everyone is together. With five youngadult children, schedules are difficult to align, but this day they did and it was fun.

We went to bed counting our blessings, specifically each of our children, our son-in-law, granddaughter and the new grandbaby due this summer.

Children, even grown ones, are a blessing.

As we wrap up February, National Marriage Month, the church reminds us that children should

LIFE MATTERS

DEBRA NIESEN

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

be celebrated as living fruits of marital love stories. Marriage is the foundation of the culture of life because love is multiplied

through children who are a source of joy and life for grandparents, neighbors, friends and the wider community.

In March, the church offers more opportunities to celebrate the gift of life. March 25 is the solemnity of the Annunciation when Mary’s consent to become the

mother of Our Lord gives us the example of how life should be welcomed and cared for.

In celebration of the solemnity of the Annunciation, all expectant parents are invited to receive a special blessing for their unborn children by Archbishop Emeritus Joseph F. Naumann at the 5:30 p.m. Mass at Holy Spirit Church in Overland Park on March 24. Help us spread the word!

While we should always celebrate the gift of new life, we also must recognize that many who desire that gift are suffering through infertility, a miscarriage, a poor fetal diagnosis or

marriage struggles.

The Annunciation message also gives hope for these situations. Pope St. John Paul II highlights the angel’s announcement to Mary, which “is framed by these reassuring words: ‘Do not be afraid, Mary’ and ‘with God nothing will be impossible’ (Lk 1:30, 37). Mary also endured much suffering in motherhood so we can look to her to entrust the cause of life to her tender care and intercession. We can also invoke the intercession of St. Joseph, husband of Mary and foster father of Jesus, for the protection of the family through fertility or

marriage challenges. His feast day is March 19. Those on the path of adoption can sign up for the St. Joseph Novena that begins on March 10 (respectlife. org/adoption-novenaresources). If you or someone you love has experienced the pain of a miscarriage or infertility, there is hope and help. Visit the website at: archkck.org/prolife then “Find Support” for helpful resources and to learn more about NaPro Technology, a moral and effective alternative to IVF. You do not have to suffer alone.

Let’s continue to turn to Our Lady and St. Joseph, both in gratitude and for support.

Kids’ Kids’

CHRONICLE CHRONICLE

Jesus offers a Samaritan woman living water

By Jennifer Ficcaglia Catholic Courier

ne day, Jesus and the apostles traveled to the town of Sychar in Samaria.

Around noontime, the apostles went into town to buy food, and Jesus sat by a well.

As Jesus rested, a woman of Samaria came to the well to draw some water.

“Give me a drink,” Jesus said to the woman.

The woman looked at Jesus in surprise.

“How can you, a Jew, ask me, a Samaritan woman, for a drink?” she said, knowing that Jews use nothing in common with Samaritans.

“If you knew the gift of God and who is saying to you, ‘Give me a drink,’ you would have asked him and he would have given you living water,” Jesus replied.

“Sir, you do not even have a bucket and the cistern is deep; where then can you get this living water?” the woman asked.

“Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again; but whoever drinks the water I shall give will never thirst; the water I shall give will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life,” Jesus said.

The woman said she wanted the water Jesus was offering. He told her to get her husband and come back with him.

“I do not have a husband,” she replied.

“What you have said is true,” Jesus said, noting that she had had five husbands and was not married to the man she was currently with.

“Sir, I can see that you are a prophet,” the woman said. “Our ancestors worshiped on this mountain; but you people say that the place to worship is in Jerusalem.”

“Believe me, woman, the hour is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. . . . But the hour is coming, and is now here, when true worshipers will worship the Father in Spirit and truth; and indeed the Father seeks such people to worship him.”

“I know that the Messiah is coming, the one called the Christ; when he comes, he will tell us everything,” the woman said.

“I am he, the one speaking with you,” Jesus told her.

The woman left her water jar, returned to town and told everyone about Jesus.

Many Samaritans came to believe in Jesus based on the woman’s word, but even more so after speaking to him.

Bible accent

n the Old Testament, we can read how a lack of water caused a serious problem for Moses.

In Exodus 17:3, we read that the Israelites were traveling around the desert after God freed them from slavery in Egypt.

The people were thirsty, and they began to grumble against Moses, who was leading them on their journey.

“Why did you ever make us leave Egypt?” the Israelites complained. “Was it just to have us die here of thirst with our children and our livestock?”

As the Israelites continued to complain against Moses and God, Moses cried out to the Lord.

“What shall I do with this people? A little more and they will stone me!” he exclaimed.

God offered Moses a solution.

“Go over there in front of the people, along with some of the elders of Israel, holding in your hand, as you go, the staff with which you struck the river,” God said. “I will be standing there in front of you on the rock in Horeb. Strike the rock, and the water will flow from it for the people to drink.”

Moses did as God said in the presence of the elders of Israel.

The place was called Massah and Meribah, because the Israelites quarreled there and tested the Lord, saying, “Is the Lord in our midst or not?”

The bishop wanted to educate young people, especially young women. Lucy helped him form the Institute of the Maestre Pie and founded and maintained girls’ schools around Italy. The institute became known as the Religious Teachers Filippini. Lucy died in 1732, and we remember her on March 25.