06 13 25 Vol. 46 No. 39

Catholic Charities welcomes new archbishop with ‘FRESH START’ food drive

By John Sorce john.sorce@theleaven.org

OVERLAND PARK — The name of the food drive that was held in the parking lot of Fiorella’s Event Space here the morning of May 31 couldn’t have been more fitting.

Archbishop Shawn McKnight partnered with Catholic Charities for the “Fresh Start” food drive, where community members showed their support by donating 3,086 pounds of food valued at nearly $6,000.

The name signals both the fresh start the archdiocese is making with a new archbishop, but also highlights the need for fresh food items at Catholic Charities’ various food pantry locations.

“We were hoping to use some of the buzz around our new archbishop and certainly be advocates for him getting to know the people of the archdiocese,” said Lauren Solidum, president and CEO of Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas. “We are very grateful to have this opportunity to leverage his passion and support of Catholic Charities.”

Archbishop McKnight said he reached out to Catholic Charities in hopes of setting up an event to engage with the public that would help their mission, while also giving him an opportunity to meet people in the community.

“I asked Lauren to help come up with an activity where I could show my care for Catholic Charities and recognizing its importance,” he said. “It’s been great to meet people from a variety of parishes. I also got to meet a lot of the board members of Catholic Charities and of the foundation, so this has been a great way to get a quick introduction to people.”

The location of Fiorella’s Event Space was chosen for its centralized location in Johnson County, as well as the strong support for Catholic Charities of the family that owns the facility.

The event was held in the parking lot and set up as a drive-thru. Community members were able to drop

off their donations before getting an opportunity to greet the archbishop one-on-one.

Catholic Charities has eight brickand-mortar food pantry locations across the archdiocese. The food drive will go a long way in making sure they have enough fresh produce to keep each of them stocked.

“We wanted to tie in the theme of being ‘fresh’ because our archbishop is ‘fresh’ to the archdiocese,” Solidum said. “But most importantly, there are times where our food pantries lack fresh foods like produce, meat, eggs and dairy, and they’re really important to a healthy family. We want to prioritize making sure those foods are available to everybody.”

“We want to feed the hungry as the Bible states that we should,” added Catholic Charities’ chief program officer Amelia Reyes. “Our clients check in and can shop through the pantry and we are lucky to have fresh produce and meats in addition to canned goods. Then, we have volunteers that help them bag their groceries and get them into the car.

“Our food pantries are a huge resource for families in the community and we’re always looking to get fresh food in there. This is a fresh start for the archdiocese and a fresh start for our pantry to get filled up.”

Archbishop McKnight said it was important for him to get involved early and show his support for Catholic

Charities to help those in need.

“Catholic Charities helps us globally as a church and locally as an archdiocese with being effective and efficient in our care and concern for those who are in need,” he said. “That’s part of our mission as a church and part of our obligation, so I want to draw more attention to that.”

In a time of a lot of change in the Catholic Church, both locally and globally, Solidum expressed her gratitude for those who came out to help their neighbors in this practical way.

“We’re very grateful to have this support,” Solidum said. “We’re just incredibly grateful to our archdiocese and our communities that continue to support the work of Catholic Charities.”

Statement by Archbishop McKnight regarding Bishop Miege High School

Archbishop Shawn McKnight has issued the following statement regarding the president of Roeland Park’s Bishop Miege High School, Phil Baniewicz:

“The executive committee of Bishop Miege High School’s (BMHS) board of trustees has placed Phil Baniewicz on administrative leave, effective June 5, 2025. I support this action of the executive committee for the well-being of the school. Due to recent reports concerning his ability to oversee a safe environment for BMHS, a thorough investigation has been initiated.

“The executive committee of the board of BMHS has appointed Joe Schramp as interim president. As this is a confidential personnel matter, no further information will be provided until the investigation is concluded.

“Our commitment is to make our schools and parishes places where every child feels safe, supported and

valued. This necessitates not only immediate action when concerns arise but also a continuous evaluation of our policies to ensure we are doing everything possible to prevent harm. Through our efforts of accountability and transparency, we aim to foster trust and to respect the dignity of every person.

“In keeping with our protocols, our office for protection and care is prepared and eager to listen to you, using a trauma-informed approach. Please call or text our hotline number at (913) 2768703 or visit: archkck.org/reportabuse.

“I ask you to join me in prayers for all involved in this situation: our students, their families, Mr. Baniewicz, our school community and our archdiocesan community.

“Thank you for your prayers and for your witness of faith. May Mary, Mother of the Church, protect us and guide us as we strive to follow her son, Jesus.”

CEF awards record $5 million in scholarships

By Amy Reinhardt Special to The Leaven

KANSAS CITY, Kan. —

Before the school year ended, students at St. Patrick School here welcomed a special group of visitors to celebrate a powerful investment in the future of Catholic education. Leaders from the Catholic Education Foundation (CEF) arrived with a check for $5 million in scholarships.

“This check represents the 1,900 scholarships awarded to students at Catholic schools throughout the archdiocese this year,” said Vincent Anch, CEF executive director. “But more importantly, it represents the hopes of parents who want their child to be part of a safe, faith-filled community and wouldn’t be able to afford to send them to a Catholic school without a scholarship.”

CEF board chair RJ Gildea, superintendent of archdiocesan Catholic schools Dr. Vincent Cascone and Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann joined the celebration. St. Patrick principal Cathy Fithian welcomed the group and expressed her gratitude for the support that makes Catholic education possible for so many of her students.

“I’ve been privileged to see the amount of work CEF has done over decades, and it’s a miracle,” said Fithian. “So many more students

June 14

Archbishop McKnight’s Calendar

Vocation’s Family Day Mass — Bishop Miege High School, Roeland Park

June 15

Bishops’ Special Assembly — San Diego

June 22

Chin Catholic Association of America Mass — St. Patrick, Kansas City, Kansas

June 29

Pallium Mass — Rome

June 15

Archbishop Emeritus Naumann’s Calendar

Bishops’ Special Assembly — San Diego

June 21

National Right to Life Conference Mass — Marriott, Overland Park

have been able to have a Catholic education.”

This is especially true for many students at St. Patrick, including a number who transferred following the closure of Christ the King School in Kansas City, Kansas, last year. Fithian, who previously served as the principal at Christ the King, welcomed nearly 80 of its students to St. Patrick. With help from CEF scholarships, she added classroom sections and helped most of the rising 8th grade class stay together to complete their middle school years.

In addition to helping students enroll, CEF scholarships — made possible by generous donors throughout the community — also help students succeed. This spring, CEF scholarship recipients achieved a 100% graduation rate, many with plans to be the first in their families to attend college.

During the visit, Archbishop Naumann spoke to students, reminding them that they are part of something special.

“Catholic schools form not only your minds, but your hearts and souls,” said Archbishop Naumann. “They help you grow in your relationship with Jesus Christ. So, thank God for CEF.”

To give more students the opportunity to receive a Catholic education, visit the website at: https:// www.cefks.org/give.

Ascension hosts

Amy Reinhardt Special to The Leaven

OVERLAND PARK — For the first time ever, Church of the Ascension here will host an all-night vigil starting June 27 at 9 p.m.

Entitled “Two Hearts - Night of Love,” the event is the brainchild of Terry Malnar, a longtime Ascension parishioner.

The idea came to Malnar after she began reading, meditating and journaling on the book “Night of Love” by John Haffert in October 2024.

“From the moment I started reading, it hit me,” she said.

She felt a strong call to organize a vigil to celebrate the solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and memorial of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

Haffert’s “Night of Love” speaks to the importance of all-night vigils and how they are powerful tools used to save lost souls.

Since Our Lady of Fatima’s wellknown apparition in 1917, Mary has pleaded for the conversion of sinners and reparation for sins.

In 1960, the bishop of Fatima encouraged bishops throughout the world to participate in an all-night vigil, either at Fatima or in their home dioceses.

St. John the Baptist, a parish in New York City, hosted its first vigil in 1969 and continued to do so monthly for the next 50 years. Its tradition inspired countless other churches.

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all-night vigil

Fasting is instrumental for conversion and a key part of the all-night vigil.

Laura Egan was at the movies with Malnar and a few others when she heard about the all-night vigil. Her response was immediate.

“It was so instantaneous. It didn’t occur to me to say anything but yes,” she said.

Malnar and Egan have become solid partners through the journey of planning and organizing this vigil.

Participants will have access to Mass, reconciliation, the Stations of the Cross, exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, and much more.

The rosary will play a significant role during the vigil. The rosary meditations will be followed by spoken reflections and silent prayer.

“We wanted time for personal reflection after meditating on the rosary. Time to sit and ponder,” said Egan. “You never know what’s going to speak to someone.”

There will be a variety of volunteers during the course of the 12-hour program. Egan and Malnar will each share a personal testimony.

There is still time to register. Send an email to: terrymalnar@gmail.com or lauracegan12@gmail.com. Attendees will receive a rosary from Medjugorje, while supplies last.

“Our goal is to glorify the 350th anniversary of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, honor the Immaculate Heart of Mary and answer Mary’s call to save souls,” said Malnar.

THE BISHOP’S CHAIR

Archbishop McKnight officially takes possession of the cathedra on June 1

By Karen Bonar

KANSAS CITY, Kan. —

Although Archbishop Shawn McKnight was installed as the archdiocese’s newest archbishop May 27, it was five days before he was welcomed to the Cathedral of St. Peter, Prince of the Apostles, during the cathedra Mass.

“As I stood at the doors of the cathedral and knocked with a golden hammer, I was deeply moved by what that act represents: Christ himself knocking at the door of his church, inviting us to open our hearts to his presence,” Archbishop McKnight wrote on a Facebook post later that day. “The faithful gathered in welcome reminded me that this community belongs not to any one person, but to Christ and his people.”

The archbishop knocked on the door of the cathedral, then was invited in by its rector, Father Anthony Saiki, at the 10 a.m. Mass June 1.

“It is my great joy and solemn privilege to welcome you to the Cathedral of St. Peter, Prince of the Apostles, your cathedral church,” said Father Saiki during the welcome address. “This cathedral, this mother church of the archdiocese, is your church. As the archbishop of this local church of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, this cathedral is the seat of your episcopal ministry, the visible sign of your teaching, sanctifying and governing authority in Christ.

“From this chair — the cathedra — you will proclaim the Gospel, preside over the Eucharist and shepherd us, the people of God, entrusted to your care.”

Archbishop McKnight incensed the altar before taking the cathedra.

“Taking my seat on the cathedra, the bishop’s chair, was a humbling experience,” he wrote. “It is a

symbol not of authority for its own sake, but of the bishop’s call to serve, teach and shepherd in communion with the people of God. From that

place, I commit myself to walk with you in faith — listening, guiding and striving always to reflect the mercy and truth of the Gospel.”

New assignments announced

Father John A. Riley, Vicar General and Chancellor, announces the following appointments made by Archbishop Shawn McKnight, effective May 28, 2025, with terms of three months at which time they may be concluded or extended:

Father Joseph Arsenault, SSA, confirmed as Judicial Vicar; and continuing as Pastor of St. John the Baptist Parish, Kansas City, Kansas, and Holy Family Parish, Kansas City, Kansas.

Father Mark Mertes, to Moderator of Pastoral Life; and continuing as Pastor of St. Patrick Parish, Kansas City, Kansas.

Father John Riley to Vicar General; and continuing as Chancellor.

Father Anthony Saiki, to ViceChancellor and Director of Canonical Services; and continuing as Pastor of St. Peter, Prince of the Apostles, Parish and Rector of the Cathedral of St. Peter, Prince of the Apostles, Kansas City, Kansas.

Father Oswaldo Sandoval, to Episcopal Vicar for Hispanic Ministry; and continuing as Pastor of Our Lady of Unity Parish, Kansas City, Kansas.

Father Brian Schieber, to Episcopal Vicar for Priests; and continuing as Pastor of St. Michael the Archangel Parish, Leawood.

The following appointments were made by Archbishop Joseph Naumann on April 7, effective July 1, in consultation with Abbot James Albers, OSB:

Father Jeremy Heppler, OSB, from extra-parochial ministry, St. Benedict’s Abbey, Atchison, and Chaplain of Maur Hill-Mount Academy, Atchison, to Pastor of St. Benedict Parish, Atchison.

Father Luke Turner, OSB, from Pastor of St. Benedict Parish, Atchison, to parish ministry outside of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas.

Archbishop McKnight has also formed an interim cabinet as an advisory body to assist him in his transition to the archdiocese. The members of the interim cabinet are:

Mr. Chris Arth, General Counsel

Mrs. Marissa Easter, Director of Communications

Father Mark Mertes, Moderator of Pastoral Life

Ms. Carla Mills, Chief Financial Officer

Father John Riley, Vicar General

Father Anthony Saiki, ViceChancellor

Father Brian Schieber, Vicar for Priests

Mrs. Jenifer Valenti, Director of the Office for Protection and Care

Three ordained to the transitional diaconate

By John Sorce john.sorce@theleaven.org

KANSAS CITY, Kan. —

Through the laying on of hands, Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann ordained John Wesley Donart, Robert Gerard Rooney and William Donald Sutherland to the transitional diaconate on May 17 at the Cathedral of St. Peter here.

The three will continue their path toward priestly ordination next year.

The Election of the Candidates took place after the reading from the Gospel of John. The three men were called forward to stand before Archbishop Naumann and announce their presence to loud applause from the congregation.

In his homily, Archbishop Naumann talked about the three men he would ordain to the priesthood on May 24, who were in this same position a year ago.

“These eight days are special for the archdiocese,” he said. “It’s one of the special joys of being a bishop to be able to ordain them to the diaconate and priesthood. John, Bob and Will may be the last men that I ordain to the diaconate. Help me finish this ministry strong.”

He talked about each of the deacon’s parents — John and Lisa Donart, Donald and Marie Rooney and Dan and Mary Sutherland.

“I’m particularly grateful to the parents of Bob, Will and John,” the archbishop said. “Bob’s parent’s Donald and Marie Rooney are deceased, but I’m certain they are very much present with us today. They were a couple of deep and sincere faith, and they created an environment in their home where, with Bob’s ordination, three of their four sons embraced the call to the priesthood.”

Archbishop Naumann then discussed his own personal chalice that he was using for the Mass, which belonged to a priest from St. Louis. His family added a gold cross to the base of the chalice that contains the diamonds from his mother’s engagement ring.

It serves as a reminder of the fruits of the vocation of Christian marriage.

“It always reminds me that my vocation as a deacon, priest and now bishop is the fruit of my parents’ vocation of

Christian marriage,” Archbishop Naumann said. “We give thanks today for Bob’s, John’s and Will’s parents for your marriages and give thanks for one of the fruits of your vocation of Christian marriage — and that is your sons’ ordination today to the diaconate.”

After the homily, the trio came forward to stand before the archbishop and promised to fulfill the ministry of deacon. Next, each man went forward to kneel before the archbishop and promise obedience to him and his successors.

Then came the Litany of Supplication, when the three men lay prostrate next to the altar. Afterwards, they came to Archbishop Naumann, one by one, for ordination by the ancient rite of the laying on of hands.

Each deacon was then vested and received a Book of the Gospels from Archbishop Naumann, who commanded them to “believe what you read, teach

what you believe and practice what you teach.”

Deacon Donart was vested by Deacon Mike Wilson, from the Cathedral of St. Peter. Deacon Rooney was vested by Father Jerry Arano-Ponce, pastor of Queen of the Holy Rosary in Wea. Deacon Sutherland was vested by Father Nathan Haverland, pastor of Most Pure Heart of Mary in Topeka.

After this, the three deacons received a greeting from other deacons that were in attendance. They then joined the other clerics at the altar for the Liturgy of the Eucharist.

Archbishop Naumann praised the three men for choosing a lifestyle that many fear — namely, promising obedience to bishop, soon to be Archbishop Shawn McKnight – in a world that “fears commitment and exalts personal freedom.”

But the benefits of what they will gain far outweigh what they will lose,

he said.

“Your promises today close the possibility for some future opportunities for your life,” the archbishop said. “However, they open a path that offers incredible opportunities to enter the lives of God’s people in a beautiful, profound way.

“This entire congregation is praying for you to open your hearts and welcome the Holy Spirit, who desires to make you courageous witnesses of the Gospel of Jesus.”

Each will serve as deacons in archdiocesan parishes for the summer before returning for one more year of seminary studies in the fall. Deacon Donart will serve at Most Pure Heart of Mary in Topeka, Deacon Rooney will serve at Prince of Peace in Olathe and Deacon Sutherland will serve at Good

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Young adult author publishes Catholic fantasy novel

Amy Reinhardt Special to the Leaven

He is a husband, father of two, Spanish teacher, a doctoral candidate and now a published author; and he is only 26 years old. Meet Christopher J. Rziha.

Born and raised in Atchison, Rziha and his eight siblings had a strong Catholic upbringing. His father teaches theology at Benedictine College in Atchison, while his mother continues to home school their children.

Rziha grew up with a love of reading. He considers J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis to be two of his literary influences.

After graduating from Benedictine, Rziha got his master’s degree at Baylor University in Waco, Texas, and is now working on a Ph.D. at the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana, where he resides with his wife and children.

Rziha’s first novel, entitled “The Way of Lucherium,” is classified as Catholic fantasy. Here is a short synopsis:

“In a war-torn land where the line between the spiritual and the material is blurred, an ambitious bard named Geoffrey falls out of favor with his powerful superiors and falls into a life of grace, freedom and fulfillment when he joins the followers of an ancient Lord and embraces their paradoxical path of light and life.”

The story idea, said Rziha, came from a conversation he had with one of his professors at Baylor, who told him: “Tragedy is the most enduring form of literature, because it gets at the deepest elements of the human experience, which is loss.”

The devout student felt called to explore a storyline that showcased how the tragedy of life yields a greater triumph, according to Catholic belief.

If Christ’s death and resurrection teaches us anything, said Rziha, it’s that there is a deeper unity of life and love that undergirds our experiences

of sinfulness and brokenness.”

His studies on the intersection of Spanish mysticism and Spanish religious theater inspired the fantasy genre.

Lives of the saints — especially Spanish mystics like St. Teresa of Ávila and St. John of the Cross — heavily influenced the creation of the story’s heroes.

“Every name in the book has a deeper meaning that connects the character with a different virtue — or vice,

if it’s an evil character.”

It may come as a shock, but Rziha didn’t plan on writing a full book. He thought it would be a quick, short story.

God had other plans. In six months, Rziha had typed out a manuscript containing over 80,000 words.

He wore an editor’s cap for the next six months, fielding feedback to get the book ready for potential publishers.

Since few Catholic publishers deal in

fiction, three years passed before Rziha received the incredible news.

It was En Route Books and Media that added “The Way of Lucherium” to their collection of young adult fiction.

The big question now is whether the novel will become a series.

“Provided I have the time and inspiration of the Holy Spirit,” Rziha said, “I’m open to continuing this narrative for at least a couple more books.”

Meanwhile, Rziha promotes his novel with help from mentors like Angie Bittner, the rural youth ministry outreach coordinator for the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas.

Bittner met Rziha through a faith group for high school leaders called NEKRYC (Northeast Kansas Rural Youth Council).

“Christopher has found a creative way to share the beauty of our faith without preaching it directly,” Bittner said. “Rather, he’s offered an adventure for readers to discover or reinforce the truth themselves.”

“The Way of Lucherium” is a classic hero’s quest of redemption, conversion, loyalty and sacrifice. It’s also a dramatization of St. Thérèse of Lisieux’s “Little Way,” explained Rziha.

The small ways we cooperate with God’s grace allow us to gain virtue and be open to the movement of the Holy Spirit, he explained, and he hopes people contemplate how grace operates in their own lives after reading his book.

Rziha wrote his novel with a central question in mind: What if the realities of grace and sin were made explicitly visible in our bodies, souls and relationships?

“A greater awareness of God’s grace has helped me become a better teacher, student, father and husband,” he said.

To read more about “The Way of Lucherium” and Rziha, visit the website at: https://enroutebooksandmedia. com/lucherium.

Santa Marta Legacy of Faith retreat inspires grandparents

By Brandi Towns Special to The Leaven

OLATHE — For many grandparents, love for their grandchildren is instinctive. But knowing how to spiritually guide them in a changing world? That’s where faith — and intention — comes in.

Santa Marta, a Catholic-sponsored senior living community in Johnson County, recently welcomed Legacy of Faith founders Dan and Linda Spencer for a retreat focused on empowering grandparents to become intentional spiritual mentors. The sessions, held in the community’s chapel, marked the first time the retreat has been offered in a senior living setting.

Rooted in Catholic values but welcoming all faith backgrounds, the retreat encouraged residents to reflect on their influence — not just as grandparents, but as spiritual leaders within their families. Through Scripture, storytelling, and thoughtful discussion, residents explored how to pass down faith through prayer, presence and love.

“As a grandparent of 16 grandkids, I know how challenging it is to understand

our role in the spiritual lives of our grandkids,” said Dan. “We are facing an enormous exodus of young Catholics out of the faith and after researching the issue, Linda and I have discovered that grandparents can, if equipped and encouraged, be instrumental in keeping grandkids faithful to Christ and the church.

“In our seminars we share with grandparents why they are so important and how to engage with their grandkids with that goal in mind. Grandparents matter! Our goal is to help them recognize that and lean into it with confidence.”

The two-day format allowed time for meaningful reflection and interaction. Topics included how to pray intentionally for grandchildren, share personal faith stories in age-appropriate ways and maintain a spiritual presence even when family members are distant — physically or emotionally — from the faith.

Residents engaged in small-group conversations, shared personal stories of joy and heartache, and supported one another in their hopes for the next generation. The retreat created a rare and sacred space to talk about the intersection of aging, family and faith.

Dan and Linda, who have led these

retreats across the nation, were deeply moved by their experience at Santa Marta.

“We were humbled by the wisdom, grace and openness we encountered here,” Linda said. “This community is full of faithful people who want to continue making a difference in the spiritual lives of their grandchildren. We are blessed to have engaged with them on that journey.”

Residents left the retreat with more than just new insights — they left with a renewed sense of purpose, encouragement and skills to pass on their faith with intention.

Santa Marta’s mission to care for the whole person — mind, body and spirit — made it a natural fit for this kind of faith-based program. The community offers regular spiritual enrichment, daily Mass and pastoral care for residents at all levels of living.

“Our Life Plan community is designed to create space for residents to grow in faith and purpose at every stage of life,” said Colleen Hollestelle, president and CEO at Santa Marta. “This retreat reminded us all that faith doesn’t retire — it continues, grows and is passed on.”

Archbishop welcomes new young Catholics

By Moira Cullings moira.cullings@theleaven.org

OVERLAND PARK —

While many young people are leaving the Catholic faith, students at St. Thomas Aquinas High School here are embracing it.

“In recent years, we’ve been very intentional about strengthening our Catholic mission and identity,” said Sarah Ikenberry, “and I believe we’re beginning to see the fruits of that effort.”

This past Easter Vigil, 10 Aquinas students and two alumni joined the Catholic Church.

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann was the main celebrant and homilist for a special Mass at the school on April 29. Father Colm Larkin, chaplain at Aquinas, concelebrated.

Ikenberry, a campus minister at Aquinas, said Father Larkin’s presence has been particularly impactful.

“Having Father Colm with us for the past two years has brought a wonderful sense of consistency,” said Ikenberry, “and his approachable, pastoral presence has made it easier for students to express their interest in joining the church.”

For Ikenberry, witnessing so many students enter the church has been moving.

“I think it speaks volumes about the kind of community we’re building,” she said. “At Aquinas, we strive

to meet students where they are and walk with them in love on their faith journey.

“Our goal is to create a space where everyone feels welcome and valued.”

Serra Club names essay contest winners

SHAWNEE — The Serra Club held its annual Sixth Grade Essay Contest on March 26 at St. Joseph Parish here. The purpose of the contest is to encourage students to think about their future and possibly consider a vocation to the priesthood or religious life.

This year’s essay topic was: “Why is it important for me to think about

my vocation in life?”

Each school was asked to submit what its teachers and administration considered to be the best boy and girl essays.

The judges looked at material organization, vocabulary and style, grammar, punctuation, spelling, neatness and adherence to the contest rules.

Ellie Pick from St. Joseph School

in Shawnee won first place in the girls division, and Gianna Peters from Holy Trinity School in Lenexa took second.

Benjamin McMains from Queen of the Holy Rosary School in Wea won first place in the boys division, and Roman Soldevilla from St. Joseph School took second.

Health care provider, Sister Marie Madeleine Shonka, SCL, dies

LEAVENWORTH — Sister Marie Madeleine Shonka, 99, a Sister of Charity of Leavenworth for 77 years, died on April 25.

Born Joan Clara Shonka on Dec. 30, 1925, in Chappell, Nebraska, she was the third of five children to Edward Frank and Clara Henrietta Shonka.

After earning her RN from Providence Hospital School of Nursing in 1947, she entered religious life on Feb. 11, 1948, taking the name Sister Marie Madeleine. She completed her bachelor’s in nursing education at Saint Mary College (1954) and master’s in hospital administration

Lfrom Saint Louis University (1968).

Sister Marie Madeleine’s 59-year health care ministry began as a nurse at St. Francis Hospital in Topeka. She later served as a nursing instructor in Kansas, Montana and Colorado, eventually becoming director of St. Joseph Hospital School of Nursing. In 1965, she transitioned to hospital administration, serving in Denver and, most significantly, at Saint John’s Hospital in Santa Monica, California (1968-2009).

As president/CEO of Saint John’s, she led the hospital through its most challenging period when the 1994 Northridge Earthquake severely

damaged the facility. Through her leadership, the hospital not only recovered but also modernized for the future of health care.

Her commitment to the marginalized extended beyond hospital walls. At Saint John’s, she deployed mental health professionals to homeless communities and provided free laboratory and X-ray services to Venice Family Clinic patients with financial needs.

After retiring from Saint John’s, she managed a food pantry at Seton Center in Kansas City, Missouri, for 10 years.

Throughout her career, Sister Marie Madeleine was known for her attentive care, kindness, and attention to both the physical and spiritual needs of patients.

Four Curé of Ars Boy Scouts earn the rank of Eagle

EAWOOD — Four members of Curé of Ars Boy Scout Troop 395 here have earned the rank of Eagle Scout.

Jonas Pepin planned, designed and led others to build and install two 9-foot crosses for St. Mary’s Home for Mothers in Liberty, Missouri, for his Eagle project. The crosses are installed in an outside garden area surrounded by the Ten Commandments.

Will Robertson designed, planned and led others to make and deliver over 300 Happy Kits to Children’s Mercy Hospital. Happy Kits are gifts to extended-stay patients. A kit includes items like toys, puzzles and books for children to provide enjoyment while they are in the hospital.

Zach Novotny designed, planned and led others to construct a 6-foot-tall fence around the playground at Holy Name School in Kansas City, Kansas. The 60-foot-long fence keeps balls, play equipment and students safe in the playground area.

Liam Conway designed and installed landscaping to divert water and protect facilities at Resurrection School in Kansas City, Kansas. He then donated the remaining $1,300 funds raised to benefit the school’s STREAM lab.

Sister Mary Kenneth Messina, SCL, longtime educator, dies

LEAVENWORTH — Sister Mary Kenneth Messina, 93, a Sister of Charity of Leavenworth for 72 years, died on April 9.

The youngest of the nine children of Dominick and Josephine Messina, she and her twin brother Donald were born in Independence, Missouri, on March 15, 1932. Her baptismal name was Elizabeth Ann.

She entered religious life on Aug. 20, 1953, and took the name Sister Mary Kenneth when she received her habit.

She graduated from William Chrisman High School in Independence, Missouri, and after graduation, worked for three years as an administrative assistant at the telephone company before entering the Sisters of Charity. She began her studies at Saint Mary College in Leavenworth upon entrance into the community, earning a bachelor’s degree in education.

From 1955 to 1984, Sister Mary Kenneth taught in schools across California, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, Montana and Wyoming.

One of her former students, Father Bill McEvoy, said of her, “I can’t help but smile about the impact she had on me and my classmates. She was strict and disciplined, but we could feel how much she wanted us to succeed. She wasn’t about letting us just coast along — she poured her being into making sure we really learned and grew, always pushing us to keep going forward.”

In 1984, she began a new ministry: pastoral care for the elderly. At St. Joseph Home in Kansas City, Kansas, she served first as the recreation director and then as the receptionist and switchboard operator. Following that, she lived and ministered at Villa St. Francis in Olathe.

In 2008, she retired to the motherhouse where she served as a volunteer at Ross Hall, the Sisters’ retirement facility. She was a cheerful presence, and many appreciated her visits and willingness to assist with any task.

Sister Mary Kenneth loved to bake and cook. She enjoyed traveling, hiking in the mountains, swimming, watching football and baseball, and listening to music.

ANSWERING THE CALL

Deacons Will Carey, Cesar Gomez and Dan Mauro ordained priests for the archdiocese on May 25

Story by Moira Cullings

Photos by Jay Soldner

LEAWOOD — “There is nothing that I would rather be doing — nothing more important that I could be doing — today,” said Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann.

On the 50th anniversary of his own ordination to the priesthood, Archbishop Naumann ordained three men to the priesthood for the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas.

It was the last major event in Archbishop Naumann’s ministry as the shepherd of northeast Kansas, as he officially retired two days later.

Momentous occasion

Deacons Will Carey, Cesar Gomez and Dan Mauro were ordained as priests on May 25 at Church of the Nativity in Leawood.

The church, chapel and overflow spaces were packed full of family, friends and supporters of the new priests.

Archbishop Shawn McKnight, who was installed as the archdiocese’s new archbishop at Nativity May 27, concelebrated the Mass with priests who traveled from near and far for the occasion.

In his homily, Archbishop Naumann said ordaining priests is the most significant thing a bishop can do.

“Because one fervent, zealous priest will touch thousands, most probably tens of thousands, of lives,” he said.

Archbishop Naumann thanked the parents of each of the new priests — Laura and Richard Carey, Bertha and Raphael Gomez, and Christy and Frank Mauro — for their marriages “and embracing the call to Christian parenthood.”

He also acknowledged the siblings, relatives and friends of the newly ordained.

“You have all played a significant role in helping them to become the men who today offer their lives to Jesus and the service of his church,” he said.

Winding journeys

Joseph D’Amato never expected to see Father Will Carey become a priest.

“It is an affirmation for me of the reality of God,” he said, “and that nothing is impossible for God.”

While studying at Johnson County Community College (JCCC) in Overland Park, Father Carey was in a car accident while drinking and driving, and that event changed the trajectory of his life.

He converted to the Catholic faith on April 6, 2015, after meeting D’Amato and other St. Paul’s Outreach missionaries at JCCC.

“It became apparent pretty quickly he was open and searching and he had

THE HOLY SPIRIT, ALWAYS VERY CREATIVE, DEVISED UNIQUE WAYS TO BRING THIS TRIO TO CHURCH OF THE NATIVITY IN LEAWOOD TO BE ORDAINED TO THE PRIESTHOOD OF JESUS CHRIST.

ARCHBISHOP NAUMANN

a lot of questions,” said D’Amato. “I’m just grateful I was there to be able to walk with him.”

D’Amato said it “felt like the world stopped” when Father Carey shared with him his desire to become a priest.

“It’s been an encouragement that prayers work,” said D’Amato, “that evangelization work of SPO and many other ministries out there is important [and] is really changing and enhancing people’s lives.”

It also taught him “to never doubt what can happen if you give someone a second chance,” said D’Amato.

The odds of Father Gomez becoming a priest for the archdiocese also seemed incredibly unlikely.

He grew up in Mexico but received permanent residence in the United States, arrived in the country in 2015 and became a citizen in 2023.

“Discerning the priesthood and answering the call is intimidating in one’s native land and speaking one’s native language,” said Father Anthony Saiki, rector of the Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle in Kansas City, Kansas, who has helped Father Gomez through the years.

Yet, Father Gomez did it all in a new country while learning English, said Father Saiki.

“He has sacrificed so much and worked so hard to be able to serve our archdiocese,” he said.

Father Dan Mauro’s journey to the priesthood was less of a surprise but equally as inspiring as his fellow priests.

He grew up attending Holy Spirit School in Overland Park and was influenced by his time at Camp Tekakwitha at Prairie Star Ranch in Williamsburg and St. James Academy in Lenexa.

Deborah Nearmyer, codirector and cofounder of camp, and vice president of faith and mission at St. James, said walking with Father Mauro has been a privilege.

“Father Mauro as a high schooler was much like he is today: fun-loving, a seeker of truth and beauty, a person who saw others and accepted them just as they were,” said Nearmyer.

He was also a humble leader, good friend and involved in academics and

athletics at St. James, she added.

“He lived his faith out loud as a teenager,” said Nearmyer, “because he knew the love of the Lord and wanted others to know, too.”

As for three men with vastly different stories ending up with the same vocation, Archbishop Naumann wasn’t surprised.

“The Holy Spirit, always very creative, devised unique ways to bring this trio to Church of the Nativity in Leawood to be ordained to the priesthood of Jesus Christ,” he said.

Ready to serve

Father Mauro has multiple qualities that will serve him well in his priesthood, said Nearmyer.

“He is an intelligent, caring and faithful young man,” she said, “but I think it is his trust and love of the Lord along with his love for others that will serve him well.”

Father Saiki believes Father Gomez has every quality and skill one would want in a priest.

“Father Gomez is extraordinarily intelligent and a gifted communicator,” said Father Saiki. “He is very devout and has a great deal of piety. He is very personable.”

And it’s his wit, appreciation for life and personal witness that will resonate with those Father Carey encounters, said D’Amato.

“Having gone through his own journey, I think he will be well-equipped to help others with those similar struggles,” he said.

Archbishop Naumann expressed his gratitude to multiple people who played a part in forming each new priest, including Father Scott Wallisch, codirector of seminarians; Father Dan Morris, vocation director; Father Luke Doyle, who was the associate vocation director this past year; and Msgr. Michael Mullen, director emeritus of seminarians.

The archbishop left the new priests with words of encouragement.

“Will, Cesar and Dan, you are being ordained priests to be shepherds after the example of Jesus,” he said, “to be caring and loving fathers, to be servant leaders — foot washers for your parishioners.

“The Holy Spirit will come upon you today to empower you to wash the feet of the people of God.”

The new priests will begin their first assignments on July 1.

Father Carey will be the associate pastor at Christ the King Parish and chaplain at Hayden High School, both in Topeka.

Father Gomez will be the associate pastor at Our Lady of Unity Parish in Kansas City, Kansas.

Father Mauro will be the associate pastor at Holy Trinity Parish and chaplain of St. James Academy, both in Lenexa.

Yolanda (Aguilar) and Steve McGill , members of Holy Name of Jesus Parish, Kansas City, Kansas, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on May 24 with family and friends. The couple was married at St. Thomas Church in Kansas City, Kansas, on May 24, 1975. They have two children: Kevin McGill and Brian McGill, both of Kansas City, Kansas. They also have eight grandchildren.

Ann (Kettering) and Larry J. Klein, members of Church of the Nativity, Leawood, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on June 21 with a Mass at 5 p.m. followed by a family dinner. The couple was married on June 21, 1975, at St. Ann Church, Prairie Village. Their children are: Brian Klein, Ryan Klein and L.J. Klein. They also have nine grandchildren.

Claudia and John Caton, members of Holy Trinity Parish, Lenexa, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on June 13. The couple was married on June 13, 1975, at St. Ann Church, Prairie Village, by Father Larry Albertson. They celebrated their anniversary in December 2024 with a family vacation to Cancun, Mexico. Their children are: Megan Edwards, Overland Park; Molly Sloan, Overland Park; and David Caton, Shawnee. They also have six grandchildren.

Irene (VanGoethem) and Dean Kehoe, members of Prince of Peace Parish, Olathe, celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary May 14. The couple was married May 14, 1960, at Sacred Heart Church, Gardner, by Father Maurice Gardner. Their children are: Yvonne, Yvette, Peggy and Lawrence (deceased). They also have eight grandchildren.

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Harold and Mary Lou Fernau, members of Queen of the Holy Rosary Parish, Overland Park, will celebrate their 70th wedding anniversary on June 21 with a blessing at the 4 p.m. Mass at St. John Paul II Church, Olathe, followed by a family gathering. The couple was married on June 18, 1955 at Sts. Peter and Paul Church, Seneca. Their children are: Debbie Olson, Barbara Fernau (deceased), Lisa Cauthon and Mary Fernau. They also have six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Charlotte (Lee) and Ed Mehrer, members of St. Ann Parish, Prairie Village, will celebrate their 65th wedding anniversary with family. The couple was married on June 18, 1960, at St. Elizabeth Church in Kansas City, Missouri. Their children are: Stephen Mehrer, Kathleen Miller, Michael Mehrer, Mark Mehrer and Christine Schoenfeld. They also have 12 grandchildren.

Darrell Robert and Ann Kathleen (Martin) Bowman , members of Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, Emporia, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with a trip to Hawaii with their children and grandchildren as well as a surprise party with family and friends. The couple was married on May 31, 1975, at St. Edward Church, Belleville. Their children are: Jamie Jo, Brett Joseph and Bethany Jo. They also have four grandchildren.

David and Patricia Isabell, members of Holy Angels Parish, Basehor, celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on June 12. The couple was married on June 12, 1965, at St. St. Anthony Church in Kansas City, Kansas. The couple will celebrate with family. They have a son, Sean T. Isabell, and two granddaughters.

Mary and Michael Johnson, members of Sacred Heart Parish, Mound City, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with family in March at Table Rock Lake in Missouri. The couple was married on June 7, 1975, at Sacred Heart, Mound City. Their children are: Michaela Barrett, Marc Johnson, Matt Johnson, Myra Richard, Megan Harris, Marinda Ochs, Monica Thayer and Morgan Johnson. They also have 17 grandchildren.

Mary (Gudenkauf) and Henry Elder, members of Queen of the Holy Rosary Parish, Overland Park, celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary on May 21. The couple was married on May 21, 1955, at Sts. Peter and Paul Church, Seneca. Their children are: Cheryl, Michael, Donna, Laura, Gary and Kathleen. They also have 20 grandchildren, 41 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.

Gary Kevin and Donna Montague, members of Church of the Ascension, Overland Park, celebrated their 60th wedding

anniversary on May 15. The couple was married at Assumption Church in Topeka. They have six daughters: Kerry Beller, Erin O’Reilly, Tara Spiller, Shannon Mailliard, Katie Messer and Kylie Vaughn. They also have 13 grandchildren.

Peggy and Duane Tunink, members of St. Francis de Sales Parish, Lansing, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary with a family dinner party. The couple was married on June 7, 1975, at St. Joseph Church, Leavenworth. Their children are: Shawn and Christine (Tunink) Krier. They also have four grandchildren.

Glenn and Linda Osterhaus, members of Sts. Peter and Paul Parish, Seneca, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary with a family trip with their children and grandchildren later this summer. The couple was married on June 7, 1975, at St. Mary Church, St. Benedict. Their children are: Eric Osterhaus, Centralia; and Ryan Osterhaus, Topeka. They also have six grandchildren.

John and Bernadette Wilson, members of St. Gregory Parish, Marysville, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with a weekend trip with their children and grandchildren to the Kansas City area that included a couple of Royals games. The couple was married on June 14, 1975, at St Gregory. Their children are: Regina Wilson, Eric Wilson and Andrew Wilson. They also have three grandchildren.

Kerry (Anderson) and Lawrence Riffel , members of Holy Spirit Parish, Overland Park, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on June 1 with a trip to Hawaii with all their family. The couple was married on May 24, 1975, at Holy Cross Church, Overland Park, by Father James Ludwikoski. Their children are: Christopher, Kimberly Leary and David. They also have five grandchildren.

Judy and Bill Melcher, members of Good Shepherd Parish, Shawnee, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on June 14 with their family at a lake resort near Branson, Missouri. The couple was married on June 14, 1975, at St. Mary Church in Waucoma, Iowa. They have three daughters: Jennifer Galvin, Stephanie Ryerson and Katie Moorehead. They also have five grandchildren.

Rosemary and Larry Fahlstrom, members of St. Ann Parish, Prairie Village, celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on June 5. The couple was married on June 5, 1965, at St. Francis Xavier Church in Kansas City, Missouri. Their children are: Larry, Joe, Marie and Carol. They also have nine grandchildren.

Joyce and Dan Nolan, members of St. Benedict Parish, Atchison, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on June 7. The couple was married at Sacred Heart Church, Atchison, on June 7, 1975. They had a small celebration with their family during the weekend of their anniversary. Their children are: Riley, Spencer, Garin, Deke and Brady. They also have 11 grandchildren.

Colleen and Ed Burrichter, members of Corpus Christi Parish, Lawrence, will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary with a blessing at the 4:30 p.m. Mass on June 14 following a family luncheon. The couple was married on June 12, 1965, at St. Vincent de Paul Church, Onaga. They have two sons — Timothy and Michael — and four grandchildren.

Mark and Kathy Laws, members of Sacred Heart Parish, Ottawa, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on May 24. The couple was married on May 24, 1975, at Holy Family Church, Eudora. They have three daughters: Lynnette Laws, Overland Park; Melanie Laws, Ottawa; and Andrea Laws, Lawrence. They also have two grandsons.

Charlene (Honas) and Scott Wilson, members of Mother Teresa Parish, Topeka, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with a family vacation in May. The couple was married on June 21, 1975, along with Charlene’s twin sister Darlene and her husband Gerry Chaput at St. Mary Church, Ellis, by thenFather Charles Chaput — now, retired archbishop of Philadelphia. Their children are: Derek Wilson, North Kansas City, Missouri; and Jenny Unger, Overland Park. They also have five grandsons.

Ray and Kathy Rhoades, members of St. John Paul II Parish, Olathe, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on June 6. The couple was married on June 6, 1975, at Holy Trinity Church, Lenexa. Their children are: Amy Rhoades Hahn and Jonathan Rhoades. They also have six grandchildren.

Phil and Kathleen (Horan) Hirt, members of St. Joseph Parish Shawnee, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on June 14. The couple was married on June 14, 1975, at Holy Family Parish in Kansas City, Kansas, by Msgr. Heliodore Mejak. Their children are: Phillip, Eric, Kelly, Kristy, Kevin, Kaitlyn and Kyle. They also have seven grandchildren.

Leland and Carol (Brin) Fellhoelter, members of St. Paul Parish, Olathe, will celebrate their 65th wedding anniversary with a family brunch on June 29. The couple was married June 13, 1960, at Sacred Heart Church, Plainville. Their children are: Lance, Shawn and Kyle. They have 11 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Beth and Mike Jackson, members of Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, Emporia, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on June 21 with a reception from 1 to 4 p.m. with family and friends at the Didde Catholic Campus Center in Emporia. The couple was married on June 21, 1975, at the First Congregational Church, Emporia. Their children are: Shae Blanchard, Kevin Jackson and Erica Jackson.

EMPLOYMENT

Editorial assistant - The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas is seeking to hire an editorial assistant who is responsible for providing administrative and clerical support to the writers and editors of The Leaven, and undertake smaller writing assignments and research in support of reporters. This position is full time, benefits eligible, with a hybrid schedule available. For more details or to apply, please visit “Employment Opportunities” at: www.archkck.org.

Executive assistant to the archbishop - The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas is seeking to hire an executive assistant to the archbishop, which is responsible for supporting the mission of the office of the archbishop by providing administrative support by managing daily operations of the archbishop’s office. For more details or to apply, please visit “Employment Opportunities” at: www.archkck.org.

Director of special events - The Catholic Education Foundation has an immediate opening for a director of special events who is responsible for coordinating and fundraising for a gala that raises over $3 million and attracts over 1,300 guests. This position is full time, benefit eligible, with a hybrid schedule available. For more details or to apply, please visit “Employment Opportunities” at: www.archkck.org.

Associate director of music - The Church of the Nativity Parish and School in Leawood seek a full-time associate director of music to join our team. The associate director of music collaborates with the director of music and our pastor to oversee the liturgical life of the parish and lead our community in song at Masses, sacramental celebrations, and other liturgies and parish events. A deep love of Jesus Christ and an authentic desire to support our community’s full, conscious and active participation in the liturgy animate the ministry carried out by the associate director of music. Qualified candidates will possess strong organ and piano accompaniment ability, experience working with cantors and choirs, outstanding communication skills, a passion for excellence and a desire to collaborate with the director of music in all areas of the music ministry program. Competitive salary and benefits are offered commensurate with experience. For a full job description and application instructions, please visit: https://kcnativity.org/ employment-music-ministry.

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, multitiered 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.

Dining room server - Do you have a passion for providing top-notch hospitality and creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere? We’re looking for a dining room server who brings professionalism and heart to every meal. At our vibrant community, you’ll serve residents and guests with care, carrying out our signature “Living in Style” program. This role isn’t just about taking orders – it’s about making connections and creating memorable dining experiences. From greeting and seating residents and guests to ensuring food safety and cleanliness, you’ll be a key player in delivering service that exceeds expectations. You’ll also help keep the dining room sparkling and assist in training new team members. If you’re ready to combine hospitality, quality service, and a touch of elegance – all while supporting our mission and values – we’d love to have you on our team!” Go to: https://recruiting. paylocity.com/recruiting/jobs/Details/2403135/ Santa-Marta-Retirement/Healthcare-Server.

Chief Operating Officer (COO) - The St. Lawrence Catholic Campus Center in Lawrence, Kansas, is seeking to hire a full-time COO under the supervision of the director and chaplain. Responsibilities include overseeing fundraising strategy, financial management, facilities and non-ministerial staff while fostering a culture of excellence, trust and collaboration. This role requires strong administrative skills, a heart for the church and the ability to inspire benefactors and team members alike in advancing the center’s vision for growth and impact. For more information, go online to: https://kucatholic.org/jobs. To apply, send your resume, cover letter and three references to Father Luke Doyle at: frluke@kucatholic.org.

Outreach coordinator – Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas - Do you have a passion for educating and advocating on social justice issues? Catholic Charities is seeking a compassionate, joy-filled and motivated individual to serve as an outreach coordinator. Primary responsibilities include collaborating with parishes, school and community organizations in the 21 counties of the archdiocese to educate on the social mission of the church and invite others to live out the Gospel call to love and serve our neighbors. To learn more or apply, visit: https://catholiccharitiesks.org/careers.

Fifth grade teacher - Nativity Parish School in Leawood is seeking a fifth grade teacher for the 2025-26 school year. Applicants should email principal Luke Jennison at: luke.jennison@kcnativity.org.

Director of youth ministry - Curé of Ars in Leawood is seeking a full-time director of youth ministry who will lead the youth closer to Christ. This position will be dedicated to forming 5th-8th grade and high school students with the good news of Jesus Christ. For more information about this position, please see the job posting on the church website: www. cureofars.com/careers. Résumés can be sent to Bernadette Myers, director of parish faith formation, at: bernadettemyers@cureofars.com.

Liturgy coordinator - St. Michael the Archangel Church in Leawood seeks a full-time liturgy coordinator to prepare liturgical ministers, spaces and artifacts for church activities and liturgies. The successful candidate will be a practicing Catholic in good standing and familiar with the Roman Catholic liturgical tradition. The position requires strong organizational, administrative, interpersonal and communications skills, and ability to work on Sundays. Send cover letter and résumé to: kevin.vogt@stmichaelcp.org.

Preschool paraprofessional - Holy Rosary-Wea School in Bucyrus is seeking a full-time and a parttime paraprofessional for the 2025-26 school year. Applicants should email Nick Antista, principal, at: nick@qhrwea.org.

Middle school ELA teacher - Nativity Parish School in Leawood is seeking a middle school religion teacher for the 2025-26 school year. Applicants should email principal Luke Jennison at: luke.jennison@kcnativity. org.

Campus minister - St. Lawrence Catholic Campus Center in Lawrence is seeking to hire a full-time campus minister under the supervision of the director of ministry and mission. Responsibilities include one-onone meetings with students for structured mentorship; leading Good Company, the evangelization and outreach arm of the center, hosting belonging events for students; recruiting students; planning the welcome back BBQ; and administrative tasks. For more information, go to: https://kucatholic.org/jobs. To apply, send your resume, cover letter, and three references to Alli Petty: apetty@kucatholic.org.

Part-time assistant director - Holy Trinity’s Sacramental & Faith Formation Office is looking for a parttime assistant director. In this role, you will have the opportunity to collaborate in the development and implementation of sacrament formation and various parish programs. We are looking for someone who is excited to work with families and has a passion for helping families understand the sacraments. Hours can be flexible, but some evenings and weekends are required. A full job description can be found at: https://htlenexa. org/job-openings. If interested, please send a cover letter and resume to Elyssa Bradfield at: ebradfield@ htlenexa.org or call (913) 895-0673 with questions.

Preschool teacher - St. John Paul II Academy in Olathe is seeking a lead pre-K teacher for the 2025-26 school year. Join us for our inaugural year as we open a pre-K - 8 liberal arts school in the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas. The ideal candidate will have a background in early childhood education and at least one year of experience in the classroom. Montessori formation and experience are preferred. Hours are Monday - Friday from 7:30 - 11:30 a.m. Please direct all inquiries and submit cover letter and resume to: jennykropf@stjpii. org.

Staff job openings - Donnelly College in Kansas City, Kansas, a Catholic college offering higher education for those who may not otherwise be served. Job openings: English literacy instructor - P.A.S.S. (Preparing Academically Successful Students) - part time. Find job descriptions and details at: www.donnelly.edu/careers.

Faculty and adjunct faculty job openings - Donnelly College in Kansas City, Kansas, is a Catholic college offering higher education for those who may not otherwise be served Faculty job openings - Nursing faculty, full-time evenings; nursing faculty, full-time M - F. Adjunct faculty job openings - Adjunct instructor nursing; Adjunct instructor Accounting; clinical adjunct instructor - nursing; - P.A.S.S. (Preparing Academically Successful Students) - part time. Adjunct faculty Lansing Correctional Campus - Adjunct instructor - math; adjunct instructor - accounting; clinical adjunct instructor - Find job descriptions and details at: www.donnelly. edu/careers.

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. We also prefer that the candidate be fluent in both Spanish and English. Apply online at: archkckcs.org/apply. For more information, contact Father John Torrez at: jtorrez@archkck.org.

Caregivers needed - Daughter & 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.

HOME IMPROVEMENT

Shepaint Cabinets - Looking for a stunning, high-quality cabinet transformation? Shepaint Cabinets is a women-owned and operated business. I bring precision, passion and a personal touch to every project. Detail-driven service with a personal touch, reliable, efficient and customer-focused. Your dream kitchen is just a coat of paint away! Call/text (816) 806-4375 for a free quote. Let’s create something beautiful together!

J Heller Construction - A licensed and insured Class

A general contractor. Residential and commercial projects. New build, basement finishing, kitchen and bath remodeling, decks, docks, outbuildings and commercial build-outs. Call Jake at (913) 433-6042. Member of St. Joseph, Shawnee.

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

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.

Haus To Home Remodeling - Let’s give that room a nice face-lift! Specializing in affordable room remodeling. From small projects to bathrooms and basements. Tile, paint, carpentry, wood rot, decks, drywall, etc. Free estimates. Call Cole at (913) 544-7352.

SERVICES

Painting, carpentry and tile Quality work at a reasonable price. (913) 206-4524

Tutoring - Summer tutoring available from experienced teacher and tutor. Tutor teaches in a fun and meaningful context. For more information, please call/text Kathleen at (913) 206-2151 or email: Klmamuric@yahoo.com.

Cleaning, organizing - We are a mother/daughter team with 20-plus years’ experience! We do cleaning, organization, decluttering, etc. Call Joan Patterson at (913) 206-4403.

Pre-owned car sales - If you or someone you know is in need of a quality pre-owned car or needs an appraisal on one, I can help. Please reach out to Bill@ CarMax at (913) 437-6667 and I’ll guide you through the process. We are happy to support Call to Share; thank you for supporting us.

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

Catholic end-of-life doula, grief coach and spiritual director - Feeling overwhelmed by grief, caring for aging parents, supporting a loved one at life’s end or just need a quiet space to notice where God is active in you life? I am Rhonda, a Catholic end-of-life doula, grief coach and spiritual director. I offer heartfelt guidance and prayerful companionship during difficult times. You don’t have to do this alone. Call me at (913) 954-8574, or visit: www.this-one-life.com.

Double A’s Lawn Service

Lawn mowing, Mulching, Gutters, Leaf Removal Brush Removal & Hedge Trimming Free Estimates & Insured Alex Spoerre (913) 488-5195

Masonry work - Quality new or repair work. Brick, block and chimney/fireplace repair. Insured, second-generation bricklayer. Member of St. Paul Parish, Olathe. Call (913) 271-0362.

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

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.

Concrete construction - Tear out and replace stamped, stained or colored patios and drives. Retaining walls, footing, poured-in-place safe rooms, excavation and hauling. Asphalt drives and lots. Fully insured, references. Call Dan at (913) 207-4371 or send an email to: dandeeconst@aol.com.

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! Bookings done before June 1 will receive 20% off. Call John at (402) 763-7244.

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.

Junk Hunters, LLC - “You Call It, We Haul It!” Looking to get rid of unwanted junk? Let Junk Hunters, LLC, handle the heavy lifting! We’re a local, reliable junk removal service proudly serving Johnson County and surrounding areas.

• Fast, friendly service

• Free estimates

• Competitive pricing

• Residential & commercial jobs

• Call or text: (913) 594-2600

• Email: junkhuntershsq@gmail.com

Let us clear the clutter — you call it, we haul it! www.junkhuntersllc.com

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.

Faith-based counseling to cope with life concerns - Kansas City area. Call Mary Vorsten, licensed clinical professional counselor, at (913) 909-2002.

FOR SALE

For sale - Two plots at Mount Calvary Cemetery in Lansing. Located in section 15, row 5, lot 14x, spaces 3 and 4. Traditional ground space. The original price is $2595 for each plot ($2257 plus $338 for perpetual care), asking $2200 each. Contact Ralph at (913)3064024 or email: grassman177@gmail.com or call (913) 306-6619.

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 - Aluminum wheelchair ramps. Sales and installation customized to your needs. Serving all of northeast Kansas. Call McCourt Construction at (785) 224-4961.

For sale - Trappist monk casket; rectangular, premium-shaped walnut with brass hardware. Stored at Resurrection Cemetery. Purchased January of 2010. Asking $4200; originally $5120 from Iowa monks. Email Jerry Novacek at: jerrynovacek1@gmail.com or call (913) 915-1598.

For sale - Mausoleum space for sale at Mt. Calvary Cemetery at 38th and State, Kansas City, Kansas. Located in the Mausoleum True Companion, corridor C, tier A, crypt 38. Includes perpetual care as well as opening and closing. For more information, call Jerry Novacek at (816) 532-4072.

For sale - Two cemetery plots in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery at 6115 Quivira Rd. Located in section G-1, space 7-A, and space 8-A. Asking $5000. If interested, send email to: jobralke@gmail.com.

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.

Looking to buy or sell a home? - Buy or sell a home with someone who understands your values. We are a Catholic-owned, faith-driven team of Realtors, dedicated to helping fellow Catholics buy or sell homes in our community. We bring integrity, compassion and a commitment to your needs. Let us be part of your journey. Call Kevin Holmes (owner) at (913) 553-0539.

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.

CAREGIVING

Need caregiving at home? Don’t want to move?For nearly 20 years, we have helped seniors stay in their home with personal care, med management and household assistance. We also specialize in dementia care with free dementia training for families, all at reasonable rates and terms. Call Benefits of Home Senior Care at (913) 422-1591.

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

Caregiver - 40 years of experience — a.m., p.m. and evening sessions available. Call Ophelia at (913) 5797276 or Rhonda at (913) 279-1281.

Are you looking for in-home care for your loved one? - Experienced nurse with 30+ years’ experience. References available. Call (913) 645-3779/leave message.

>> Continued on page 13

WOMENS COMMUNITY LUNCHEON

Divine Mercy Parish (CFC Hall)

555 W. Main St., Gardner

June 14 at 11:30 a.m.

All women are invited to a luncheon. The theme of the luncheon is: “Be patient” (from s 4:31-32). Emily Lopez from the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas’ office of evangelization will be the guest speaker. Doors open at 11 a.m. and the luncheon begins at 11:30 a.m. There is no cost for the lunch. Please RSVP by calling the parish office at (913) 856-7781.

ETHNIC FESTIVAL

SUMMER FUNDRAISER

St. Mary - St. Anthony Parish (Bishop Forst Hall)

615 N. 7th St., Kansas City, Kansas

June 14 from 4 - 8:30 p.m.

Father Peter Jaramillo, SSA, will celebrate Mass at 4 p.m. with the festival to follow in the parish hall. Our goal is to raise $25,000 for general repairs on the church building and parish grounds. The festival will feature food celebrating our diverse cultural heritages: Irish, German, Latino and American items. There will also be a raffle with cash prizes, a 50/50 pot, a silent auction, a variety of games and wheels, including the always popular salami, beer and povitica wheel. New this year will be a grocery and gas gift cards wheel and farm fresh eggs wheel, a DJ, a bounce house and a candy wheel for the kids.

ROSARY RALLY

St. Pius X Parish

5500 Woodson Ave., Mission

June 15 from 3 - 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 of the rosary followed by Benediction and the opportunity for attendees to enroll in the brown scapular. For driving instructions or future dates for the Kansas City monthly rosary rallies, visit the website at: www.rosaryrallieskc.org.

SOCCER CAMPS

St. Joseph School

11505 Johnson Drive, Shawnee

June 16-19

8:15 a.m. - 9:15 am. (ages 3 - 6)

9:30 a.m. - noon (ages 7 - 12)

The soccer camps will be coached primarily by Benedictine College players and coaches. For more information or to sign up, call (913) 360-0394 or send an email to: ggsoccercamps@gmail.com.

WIDOWED WOMEN OF FAITH

Perkins Restaurant

1720 S.W. Wanamaker Rd., Topeka

June 17 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Join other “Widowed Women of Faith” for lunch and companionship. No RSVP needed, just come. Questions? Send an email to: WidowedWomenofFaith@gmail. com or call Julie at (913) 558-0191.

‘CANTATE DOMINO’

Holy Angels Parish

15408 Leavenworth Rd., Basehor

June 21 at 6:30 p.m.

Holy Angels Parish will host the St. Hildegard of Bingen Choir, directed by Dr. Iván László Csanaky, from St. Rose Philippine Duchesne Parish in Westwood, for a concert/meditation in honor of the solemnity of Corpus Christi. The evening will conclude with Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. Admission is free; a freewill offering will be accepted.

BAKED CHICKEN DINNER

Divine Mercy Parish

555 W. Main St., Gardner

June 21 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

The dinner will include baked chicken, baked potato, green beans, coleslaw, roll and cookie. Join us for great fun and fellowship.

The cost is $13 for those over the age of 10 and free for ages 9 and under. Proceeds are used for charitable works, such as scholarships and other giving throughout the year.

POPCORN WITH THE POPE

St. Pius X Church (Glowacki Room)

5500 Woodson, Mission

June 22 from 2 - 4 p.m.

The movie will be “Song of Bernadette.”

DAUGHTERS OF ISABELLALITTLE FLOWER CIRCLE MEETING

Christ the King Parish (Yadrich Hall)

5973 S.W. 25th St., Topeka

June 22 at 12:40 p.m.

It’s our Summer Bash (hamburgers and hot dogs provided); bring a side dish. We will play bingo (bring items for prizes) and have a baby shower for Mary’s Choices (bring items). If anyone is in need of the circle’s prayers, call Shirley Gustafson at (785) 554-3028 or chancellor Gen Orozco at (785) 230-2473.

CORPUS CHRISTI PROCESSION

Sacred Heart Church

408 S. Cedar, Ottawa

June 22 following 11 a.m. Mass

All are invited to make a Jubilee pilgrimage to Sacred Heart Church, Ottawa, for a Corpus Christi procession. First communicants are invited to wear their Communion clothes and participate in carrying baskets of flower petals to prepare a pathway for our eucharistic Lord. Please RSVP to Barbara at (913) 481-1745 to register your child for a flower basket.

ENCOUNTER SUMMER INTENSIVE

Holy Trinity Parish (Quigley Center)

9150 Pflumm Rd., Lenexa

June 23 - 26 from 6 - 9 p.m. nightly

Eager to encounter the transforming power of Jesus alive and active today?

Join us for the Encounter Summer Intensive as we prepare and activate you to more fully participate in the supernatural lifestyle of Jesus Christ and further bring about the kingdom of God here on earth. The summer intensive is a four-evening experience that provides a taste of the lifestyle Jesus has available for every Christian disciple. The topics of each night reflect the teachings offered in the first four quarters of the Encounter School of Ministry: Identity & Transformation, Hearing God & The Prophetic Gifts, Power & Physical Healing, and Inner Healing & Freedom. For more information, go online to: Encounterschool.org/kansas-city.

SALAD POTLUCK

Most Pure Heart of Mary (Culhane Room) 3601 S.W. 17th St., Topeka

June 26 from 5 -7 p.m.

The Christian Widow and Widowers Organization will host the salad potluck dinner. There is no cost to attend. For more information, text Gen Orozco at (785) 2302473.

PRAYER VIGIL FOR THE SOLEMNITY OF THE SACRED HEART

St. Joseph Parish 11311 Johnson Dr., Shawnee

June 26 at 7 p.m.

The prayer vigil will include vespers, the Act of Reparation, the Litany of the Sacred Heart and the chaplet of the Sacred Heart.

‘A HEART AFLAME: IMMACULATE HEART MARIAN CONSECRATION’ Christ’s Peace House of Prayer 22131 Meagher Rd., Easton

June 27 to June 29

Join us for a transformative retreat focusing on key aspects of Marian devotion. We will reflect on the Immaculate Heart of Mary, exploring her pure love for God, her deep maternal love for Jesus and her perfect faithfulness to God’s will. The retreat

will include a special Marian consecration ceremony, offering you a chance to entrust your life to Mary’s care, inviting her to lead you closer to Christ. Cabins/courtyard rooms are: $180 single/$270 couple or single guest rooms: $110 (meals included). To attend, fill out the individual retreat form online at: ChristsPeace.com or call (913) 773-8255.

TWO HEARTS - NIGHT OF LOVE

ALL NIGHT VIGIL

Church of the Ascension

9510 W. 127th St., Overland Park

June 27, 9 p.m. to June 28, 9:15 a.m.

Join us on the solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus into the memorial of the Immaculate Heart of Mary for the 350th anniversary of the Sacred Heart devotion. Vigil will include Masses, Benediction, processions, rosaries, reflections, confessions and more. For more information, send an email to: lauracegan12@gmail.com. Register online at: signupgenius.com or send an email to: terrymalnar@gmail.com.

WOMEN’S DAY OF REFLECTION

June 28 at 8 a.m.

Holy Trinity Church (Gast Social Room) 13615 W. 92nd St, Lenexa

Join the Daughters of Isabella for a peaceful and inspiring day of reflection. The day begins at 8 a.m. with Mass, followed by breakfast and a special talk by Sister Bernadette Proctor of the Sisters, Servants of Mary. Come renew your spirit and reflect in community. The event concludes at noon. Register online at: htlenexa.org/daughters-of-isabella.

FIESTA 5K-RUN / WALK

Oakland Community Center

801 N.E. Poplar, Topeka

June 28 at 8 a.m.

Join us for the 48th annual Fiesta 5K Run/Walk. Register online at: RunSignUp. com. Medals and awards will be given by age, starting with age 11 and in five-year increments in both male and female categories. The master group is for ages 70 and above. Children 10 and under are FREE! Please register children online at: RunSign Up.com to receive a treat bag!

PROJECT RACHEL RETREAT

June 28 from 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Location given after registration Have you been putting off dealing with an abortion in your past? Come away to a Project Rachel retreat, a safe space to share the heaviness on your heart in a compassionate, nonjudgmental environment. Contact Ann Marie by email at: projectrachelkc@ archkck.org or call/text (913) 621-2199.

FATHER MICHAEL KANTANKA’S 30TH ANNIVERSARY AS A PRIEST

St. Leo Parish

1340 First Ave. E., Horton

June 29 at 10 a.m.

Father Michael Kantanka will celebrate his 30th anniversary as a priest. The African Men’s Choir will perform at Mass. A meal will follow at noon. Please RSVP online to: smslchurch@rainbowtel.net or call (785) 486-3971.

ST. AUGUSTINE CHURCH PICNIC

St. Augustine Church

1948 Acorn Rd., Sabetha

July 13 from 4:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Join St. Augustine Parish in celebrating 165 years. The picnic will include buffet-style smoked chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans, coleslaw, rolls and homemade dessert. The cost is: $12 for adults; $6 for kids 4-10; and free for ages 3 and under. There will be card games, bingo, a dish throw, kids games, a bounce house, football throw, chance stand, quilt raffle and a cakewalk. Entertainment will be provided by the Hutfles Family Band from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.

EXPERIENCE A COMMUNITY WITH HEART

Santa Marta Retirement Community 13800 W. 116th St., Olathe Wednesdays from 1 - 2:30 p.m.

Join us and enjoy a small sample of what life is like at our community. On Walkin Wednesdays, learn about the Santa Marta community. To RSVP or find a complete list of our upcoming events, call (913) 489-2683 or visit the website at: Santa MartaRetirement.com/Events.

ST. THOMAS AQUINAS GRADE SCHOOL SUMMER CAMPS

St. Thomas Aquinas High School 11411 Pflumm Rd., Overland Park May through early August

Our summer camps give students entering grades K - 8th the chance to discover their potential in both sports and other activities like STEM camp, baking, cheer, crafting and more! Camps fill up fast, so register today online at: www.stasaints. net/athletics/summer-camps. We look for ward to providing a positive camp experience for your camper! For questions, call the student life office at (913) 319-2416 or send an email to: btriggs@stasaints.net.

SEASONS OF HOPE

Sts Peter and Paul Parish 411 Pioneer, Seneca Sunday’s at 5 p.m.

Seasons of Hope is a Christ-centered support group that is a nurturing link to the church, the almighty and anyone of faith who are mourning. Anyone mourning a lost ins invited to come and bring a guest. For more information, call or text: Julie Strathman, (785) 294-8360, Roger Becker, (785) 364-6393 or Janet Hermesch, (785) 294-0779.

>> Continued from page 12

WANTED TO BUY

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.

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.

$$Paying Cash$$ - Antique Furniture, crocks, tin and cast iron toys, old tools, glassware, American coins, jewelry. Most anything old. Please call Patricia at (913) 515-2950.

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

PILGRIMAGE

MEXICO PILGRIMAGE - Feb. 9-14, 2026. A spiritual journey to the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe and other sacred sites rich in Catholic faith and history. Experience daily Mass, prayer and inspiring visits to beautiful churches and holy places. Strengthen your faith and be renewed in a land alive with devotion. Contact Father Bill McEvoy at: Fr.Wm.McEvoy@gmail. com for details.

DONATION NEEDED

Pickup truck - As they are building a home for Archbishop Emeritus Naumann, the Little Brothers of the Lamb in Kansas City, Kansas, are looking for a small and compact pickup truck (single cab, bed length: 5 to 6 feet; payload capacity: Up to 1,500 pounds) that could be lent to them for 10 months or donated. Please contact Little Brother Francis at (913) 9986644 or lightofmary@communityofthelamb.org.

Classified Advertising

The Leaven reaches approximately 50,000 subscribers.

Cost is $20 for the first five lines, $1.50 per line thereafter.

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

DAILY READINGS

ELEVENTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

June 15

THE MOST HOLY TRINITY

Prv 8: 22-31

Ps 8: 4-9

Rom 5: 1-5

Jn 16: 12-15

June 16

Monday

2 Cor 6: 1-10

Ps 98: 1-4

Mt 5: 38-42

June 17

Tuesday

2 Cor 8: 1-9

Ps 146: 2, 5-9a

Mt 5: 43-48

June 18

Wednesday

2 Cor 9: 6-11

Ps 112: 1b-4, 9

Mt 6: 1-6, 16-18

June 19

Romuald, abbot

2 Cor 11: 1-11

Ps 111: 1b-4, 7-8

Mt 6: 7-15

June 20

Friday

2 Cor 11: 18, 21-30

Ps 34: 2-7

Mt 6: 19-23

June 21

Aloysius Gonzaga, religious

2 Cor 12: 1-10

Ps 34: 8-13

Mt 6: 24-34

TWELFTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

June 22

THE MOST HOLY BODY AND BLOOD OF CHRIST (Corpus Christi)

Gn 14: 18-20

Ps 110: 1-4

1 Cor 11: 23-26

Lk 9: 11b-17

June 23

Monday

Gn 12: 1-9

Ps 33: 12-13, 18-20, 22

Mt 7: 1-5

June 24

THE NATIVITY OF JOHN

THE BAPTIST

Is 49: 1-6

Ps 139: 1b-3, 13-15

Acts 13: 22-26

Lk 1: 57-66, 80

June 25

Wednesday

Gn 15: 1-12, 17-18

Ps 105: 1-4, 6-9

Mt 7: 15-20

June 26

Thursday

Gn 16: 1-2, 15-16

Ps 106: 1b-5

Mt 7: 21-29

June 27

THE MOST SACRED

HEART OF JESUS

Ez 34: 11-16

Ps 23: 1-6

Rom 5: 5b-11

Lk 15: 3-7

June 28

The Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary; Irenaeus, bishop, martyr, doctor of the church

(Ps)

Gn 18: 1-15

Lk 1: 46-50, 53-55

Mt 8: 5-17

Well, shoot! My bright idea got shot down. Such is the life of a columnist. Originally, I was going to invite Leaven readers to celebrate National Columnists’ Day on the fourth Tuesday of June. This holiday was the brainchild of Jim Six, a columnist (of course) for the Gloucester County Times in Woodbury, New Jersey. It began in 1987. Why a Tuesday? “Well, my column appears on Tuesdays,” explained Six, “so I wanted it to always fall on a day my column is in the paper — nothing more arcane than that.” Sadly, I just discovered that years later, the National Society of Newspaper Columnists “stole” Six’s idea, called it National Columnists (no apostrophe) Day and moved its celebration to April 18, the birthday of Ernie Pyle, the famous war correspondent. Six hung on to his June celebration date for nearly three decades and then

FATHER MARK GOLDASICH

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

conceded defeat.

So, in honor of Six’s original date — and because I have no other idea for this column — I’m marking National Columnists’ Day on the fourth Tuesday of this month and ask you to do the same (for this year anyway).

MARK MY WORDS

48,000 households each issue. I’m conscious of the power of words as expressed in this story from Ralph Washington Sockman, a United Methodist pastor:

meranian king’s name is forgotten — at least by me.

“But on the day of my visit, tourist buses were lined up for blocks as they are every day, bringing visitors to that spot. Why? Because one William Shakespeare chose Elsinore as the locale of his drama ‘Hamlet.’ The power of the pen outlasts the power of the sword.” (Story found in “Illustrations Unlimited,” edited by James S. Hewett.)

When my mom was alive, I knew that she was “obligated” to read my column. To know that people willingly choose to read it still blows my mind! Honestly, every time I hear from readers — whether verbally or in writing — is National Columnists’ Day: a time of celebration that warms my heart and stirs up a great sense of gratitude. Hey, now that I think about it, missing the official National Columnists Day on April 18 is quite appropriate for me since this column is always “late” — that is, the very last thing to be turned in on deadline day! Oh, how blessed to have such a forgiving staff. Please

Although challenging to write a column, it is creatively fulfilling . . . and scary as well, knowing that my words are going out to some

“A few years ago, I visited the castle of Elsinore of Denmark. The guide reminded us that around A.D. 1200, the king of Pomerania built Elsinore Castle and another fortified castle across the Skagerrak Channel in what is now Sweden. He thought that with these two bastions, one on each side of the channel, he could control entrance to the heart of Europe. The castle at Elsinore is in decay, the one in Sweden is gone, the Po-

So, what words are the most powerful, the most expressive in English? When asked that question, dictionary publisher Dr. Wilfred Funk came up with these 10: the most bitter word — alone; the most tragic — death; the most revered — mother; the most beautiful — love; the most cruel — revenge; the most peaceful — tranquil; the saddest — forgotten; the warmest — friendship; the coldest — no; and the most comforting — faith. (Found in “Illustrations Unlimited.”)

Being a columnist is

incredibly humbling. The other day, a woman came up and said, “Oh, my gosh! I never thought that I’d have a chance to meet you!” I looked around to see who she was talking about. She then shook my hand and said, “Why, you’re ‘Mark My Words’!”

The Trinity is at the center of our understanding of God

“Remember you’re speaking as a Catholic,” St. Augustine thundered once in a sermon.

But he wasn’t talking about the sacraments. He wasn’t talking about bishops or morality or vestments either, nothing like that. Remember you’re Catholics! What he was talking about was the Trinity, our “most orthodox faith, that the Father, Son and Holy Spirit are one inseparable trinity; one God, not three gods.”

Without such belief, there is no Catholic faith; that’s what St. Augustine was implying.

The simple point I want to make, borrowing St. Augustine’s homiletic zeal, is that the Trinity matters,

hold the Catholic faith. . . . And the Catholic faith is this, that we worship one God in Trinity and Trinity in Unity.”

Exactly 1700 years ago, the fathers of Nicea approved the word “homoousios” to try to articulate the relationship between the Son and the Father. “Consubstantial” is how that word is translated, and we recite it every Sunday, professing our faith that, yes, Jesus is of the same substance as God the Father, “true God from true God.”

that your belief in the Trinity matters — eternally, in fact.

As the old Athanasian Creed begins: “Whosoever will be saved, before all things it is necessary that he

Yet our knowledge of the Trinity comes first from our experience of the Trinity; or to be more precise, it comes first from our experience of Christ in Trinity.

As St. Augustine said, our trinitarian faith is

a “summary of biblical testimonies.” That is, the Nicene Creed is a concise and orthodox articulation of the whole of biblical teaching.

But the creed also articulates our biblically authentic experience of Christ. That is, when we encounter the biblical Christ, we encounter him as one of the Trinity.

Take this Sunday’s reading (Rom 5:1-5).

It’s describing the Christian experience.

Having faith in Christ, the Spirit is given (just as Jesus repeatedly promised in John’s Gospel) to the believer, which establishes for that believer peace with God.

That is the key to understanding these passages from John’s Gospel, this passage particularly wherein

Jesus says that when the “Spirit of truth” comes, that Spirit will lead believers into “all truth,” speaking only what he hears, and that he will be glorified by this Spirit just as he glorifies the Father (Jn 16:13-15; 17:4).

It’s also key to understanding passages like the one from the Book of Proverbs, how we Christians have always thought such talk about wisdom was also talk about Christ, the Word through whom all things were made and who at the end of all things says, “Behold, I make all things new” (Prv 8:22-31; Jn 1:3; Rv 21:5).

The mystery is mysterious, but the takehome point is simple. The Trinity matters; it really does.

Pope wants peace, not a role in negotiations, Cardinal Parolin says

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Leo XIV’s offer to host peace talks between Russia and Ukraine — an offer Russia has turned down — was motivated by a conviction that the two sides must start negotiating and stop the killing, the Vatican sec-

retary of state said.

“First and foremost, a truce is needed to end the devastation, the destroyed cities, the civilians losing their lives. Then, it is urgent to reach a stable, just and lasting peace, one accepted and agreed upon by both sides,” Cardinal Pietro Parolin told Vatican News May 27.

Where Russia and Ukraine finally decide to meet “is not important,” the cardinal said. “What truly matters is that these negotiations finally begin, because it is urgent to stop the war.” The new pope was not trying to make the Vatican the focus of attention, the cardinal said, but simply trying to promote peace and fraternity.

Rest your body — not your spirituality — this summer

Recently, I had the privilege of attending a beautiful confirmation ceremony in our archdiocese, where more than 100 young people received the sacrament and were renewed in the Holy Spirit. It was a powerful experience — one that stirred something in my own heart and memory.

One moment that particularly moved me was a conversation I had with a 14-year-old confirmand. His words opened my eyes to the gift I myself received at my own confirmation. As he shared what he was experiencing in those moments leading

AT THE HEART OF HOSPITALITY

GREG MIES

Greg Mies is the director of Savior Pastoral and Retreat Center. He can be reached by email at: gmies@archkck.org.

up to the sacrament, he described feeling a warmth on his skin — a physical manifestation, he said, of the Holy

Spirit’s presence and anticipation. It wasn’t just nervous energy; it was something deeper, something holy.

His simple, sincere reflection reminded me that the Holy Spirit is alive and active — not just in the pages of Scripture, but in the lives of our young

people today. The Spirit is not a distant idea or a past event, but a living, breathing presence that stirs in our hearts, calls us to mission and reminds us that we are never alone.

During the ceremony, Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann spoke directly to this. He reminded us that confirmation is not just a personal milestone or a rite of passage — it’s a commissioning. When we receive the Holy Spirit, we are made missionaries. We are called not to keep our faith private or tucked away for special occasions, but to carry it with us and to share it wherever we go.

As we enter the summer months — a season often associated with rest, travel and a break from routine — it’s easy to also drift into a kind of “spiritual vacation.” Church attendance becomes more sporadic. Prayer gets put on hold. We convince ourselves we’ll “get back into it” in the fall.

But the Holy Spirit does not take the summer off. And neither should we.

This summer, I invite you to truly rest your body — but not your spirituality. Make time for prayer even while on vacation. Attend Mass wherever you are. Bring God into

your road trips, your family cookouts, your quiet evenings. The warmth that that 14-year-old felt — that holy presence—is available to all of us, every day. We just need to stay open.

So as you pack your bags and plan your breaks, don’t forget to pack your faith. Because the world needs missionaries — not just in classrooms and parishes, but on beaches, in campgrounds, around fire pits and across dinner tables. May your summer be restful. May it be joyful. And may it be deeply rooted in the presence of the Holy Spirit.

Pro-life director lauds former archbishop’s kindness, leadership

Ihave heard Archbishop Emeritus Joseph F. Naumann say many times to various audiences, “I wish everyone could come along with me for just one day to see all the good happening around the archdiocese.”

He said it again recently while meeting with a group of us at the chancery, and this time, the archbishop’s emotion was palpable.

At that moment, I felt especially privileged to have this inside view of the genuine care and love our shepherd of 21 years has for his flock and hoped everyone in the archdiocese had the opportunity to experience it firsthand. As the archbishop enters

LIFE MATTERS

DEBRA NIESEN

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

retirement, I reflect with profound gratitude on the inspiring pro-life leader and gift he has been to so many in this ministry. I echo his

words but with a slight twist — I wish everyone could know all the good the archbishop has done through his love of life. When I was hired in 2018, I couldn’t have known what I would be blessed to witness: from the significant impact he made on the national stage as the USCCB chairman of the pro-life

committee, to leading the effort to protect life in our state through a Kansas constitutional amendment. However, it is the more personal examples that arguably bore more fruit. Here’s just a few:

• His love and respect for his own mother, who was widowed when pregnant with him, no doubt influenced his development of the national Walking With Moms in Need parish initiative, helping women facing challenging pregnancies receive support they deserve.

• A woman who shared her deep pain after experiencing an abortion impacted the archbishop deeply many years ago. Ever

since, he’s had a tender spot in his heart for the Project Rachel abortion healing ministry.

• Every year, the archbishop walks in the D.C. March for Life and is stopped countless times for a conversation, hugs, blessings or photos and says “yes” to every request. He is respected and loved across the country.

• “My dear young people . . .” Archbishop loves our youth and desires the best for them. They love his hearty laugh, quick wit and fatherly wisdom.

• The archbishop asked us to start one of the only diocesan Foster Care Ministries in the country, saying, “If we are truly pro-life, we

must ensure children have an environment to not just survive, but thrive.”

• The archbishop and his ethics council spent many a late night thoroughly dissecting and discussing important life challenges, often regarding end-of-life issues, desiring to protect his people from harm.

• Listening lunches with pregnancy resource centers, sidewalk prayers, racing to console his flock in Seneca and so much more. Thank you, Archbishop Naumann, for your joyful and powerful example of living the “Gospel of Life.” Life will be victorious!

HIGHER LEARNING

Wrongly incarcerated man promotes education, donates $100,000 to Aquinas

By John Sorce john.sorce@theleaven.org

OVERLAND PARK — God can make good out of what seems to be the worst of times.

Just ask Richard Phillips, one of the longest serving exonerees in U. S. history.

Phillips was arrested in 1971 for murder and armed robbery and was sentenced to prison the next year — when he was 26 years old. He was incarcerated for 46 years and not released until 2018 when he was 72.

One year into his freedom, he received $1.5 million from the state of Michigan attorney general for the time he wrongly lost.

Phillips was at St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Overland Park on April 29 to speak to the students and introduce the Richard Phillips Pursuit of Knowledge Scholarship after he donated $100,000 to the school.

Phillips dropped out of high school as a sophomore but has been an avid reader for much of his life. He said that reading opened his eyes to a lot of things that he missed out on after high school and he is continuing to learn today.

His message to the students was to always continue learning and be grateful for the sacrifices others have made for their education.

“The educational advantages at St. Thomas [Aquinas] High School will make you better human beings and will fill in gaps in your life,” Phillips said. “The opportunities here will make you more empathetic towards others and better serve God and the good of others.

“So, recognize the golden opportunity you have here at Aquinas. People have made sacrifices for you to be here that want to see you be the best human

RECOGNIZE THE GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY YOU HAVE HERE AT AQUINAS. PEOPLE HAVE MADE SACRIFICES FOR YOU TO BE HERE THAT WANT TO SEE YOU BE THE BEST HUMAN BEING THAT YOU CAN BE.

RICHARD PHILLIPS

being that you can be.”

An acquaintance becomes a friend

Phillips’ involvement with Aquinas came through theology teacher Leo Brown, who is an avid Detroit Tigers fan and has been going to games at Comerica Park for about 20 years.

Brown’s friend Tim Higgins is the campus minister at the Sheil Catholic Center at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois.

About nine years ago, Higgins asked Brown if he wanted to chaperone a mission trip to Detroit with some of his college students. They have been making that trip every year since, and in 2019, Brown saw Phillips’ story on CBS.

He wanted to find a way to get Phillips to share his story with the college students.

“I called Tim and asked if we could get this guy to speak to the college students,” Brown said. “I called Richard’s lawyer, who was mentioned in the CBS story, and said we were trying to help

college kids and wanted to know if Mr. Phillips would be open to speaking to the group.”

Brown and Phillips first met in January 2020, and he said the relationship has grown from an acquaintanceship into a genuine friendship.

When he was in Detroit last summer, Phillips mentioned to Brown about visiting Kansas City to take in a Chiefs game. He came for the team’s Thursday night game against the Baltimore Ravens in September and ended up staying for Aquinas’ football game the following night.

He visited the high school that Friday and spoke with some students and faculty members. He then told Brown about a week later that the school’s community left such a lasting impact on him that he wanted to donate $100,000 to establish a scholarship.

“It still blows me away today,” Brown said. “It’s not necessarily the amount as much as it is how this guy has taken decades of suffering and injustice and has turned it into something that is concretely beneficial for our students.”

The scholarship will be given to four students a year over a 10-year period, with each student receiving $2,500.

A part of American history

The scholarship recipients for this year were sophomore Nadia Wacker, freshman Nathaniel Eckerberg, sophomore Thomas Costello and freshman Brendan Borchert.

Students were required to read two books and handwrite an essay on what they learned.

Wacker initially heard of Phillips’ story when she was in grade school. She recalled her fifth grade teacher

showcasing a newspaper article about his story in her classroom.

“When he came to our Mass, it was a full-circle moment because I realized that was the same guy,” Wacker said. “It was beautiful to see how everything he’s gone through has led him to find his purpose and how God has been working in his life.”

Wacker read “Their Eyes Were Watching God” by Zora Neale Hurston and “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” by Maya Angelou.

“Those were impactful for me because they are centered around a woman and self-discovery, and that really spoke to me being where I am in my life,” she said. “‘Their Eyes Were Watching God’ is now my favorite book of all time.”

Eckerberg first heard about the story after Brown came to him one day after prayer club, and suggested he apply. He chose to read “The Death of Ivan Ilyich” by Leo Tolstoy and the Book of Job from the Bible.

“Mr. Brown keeps saying this guy is part of American history, and he really is,” Eckerberg said. “He considers us his kids now and is really invested in all of us. He has deep faith in God and is a very nice man.

“I’m really honored that he chose me and the other three students. When we were talking, he kept bringing up our futures and what we want to aspire to. I’m just honored by it and blessed, and I thank Jesus for it.”

When Brown was driving Phillips back to the airport, the two joked about whether Phillips ever thought he would be friends with someone in Kansas City and involved with a high school in Overland Park.

Neither one of them could believe it. But as Brown put it, “It shows that the smallest interactions can end up bearing great fruit.”