THELEAVEN.ORG | VOL. 48, NO. 6 | SEPTEMBER 18, 2026
LEAVEN PHOTO BY TODD HABIGER
Msgr. Stuart Swetland, president of Donnelly College in Kansas City, Kansas, takes notes during the archdiocesan convocation on Sept. 12 at Savior Pastoral Center in Kansas City, Kansas.
LEAVEN PHOTO BY TODD HABIGER
Helen Osman, a member of the archdiocesan synodal team, breaks down the data that the team received from the Renewal from the Heartland listening session responses and survey.
LEAVEN PHOTO BY TODD HABIGER
Gates Brown, a member of St. Francis de Sales Parish in Lansing, shares with the convocation what the members of his small group discussed.
A SEASON OF RENEWAL
Archdiocesan pastoral planning moves to its second phase By Todd Habiger todd.habiger@theleaven.org
K
ANSAS CITY, Kan. — Parish leaders from all corners of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas gathered Sept. 12 at Savior Pastoral Center here for the Renewal from the Heartland convocation, which launched the pastoral planning process for the archdiocese. A Renewal from the Heartland began last year under the direction of Archbishop Shawn McKnight with listening sessions in each deanery of the archdiocese. The responses to those listening sessions and an online survey that followed were recorded and analyzed to determine the next phase of pastoral planning. “What we have seen, heard and shared under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit we now proclaim, as we begin the second year of Renewal from the Heartland, our archdiocesan response to the Holy Father’s call for us to become a more synodal church,” said Archbishop McKnight in his opening address, which came from his pastoral letter on synodality in the archdiocese (available at: archkck.org/renew al-heartland). “Synodal,” a term with Greek origins, loosely means “walking together.” According to Archbishop McKnight, becoming a more synodal church is not about creating more documents and programs in parishes, but rather renewing parish life. That starts by listening to the people. “Bishops, priests, deacons, consecrated persons and lay faithful are called to move beyond individualism and to build authentic communion through mutual listening, trust and shared responsibility,” the archbishop said. The listening sessions provided parishioners with the opportunity to speak from the heart about their own questions, hopes and fears in the local church. “I want to point out how the clergy,
LEAVEN PHOTO BY TODD HABIGER
Archbishop Shawn McKnight is all smiles as Father Michael Hawken, vicar general and moderator of the curia for the archdiocese, and chief communications officer Marissa Easter wrap up the convocation. religious and faithful of the archdiocese were given the opportunity from the very beginning to shape the pastoral planning process that is now to follow,” Archbishop McKnight said.
The data says Following the archbishop’s opening address, Helen Osman, a member of the archdiocesan synodal team, touched on the data and key points that came from the listening sessions and online survey. Approximately 1,000 people total participated in 32 listening sessions,
which were held in 17 parishes, two prisons, four high schools and seven community centers. Discussions took place in English, Spanish and American Sign Language (ASL). The Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate (CARA) analyzed the data and found that more than 97% of archdiocesan parishes were represented, 93% of respondents were lay people and 8% of respondents were Hispanic. According to Osman, Spanish-speaking Catholics were particularly vocal in their wants and needs. “Our Spanish-speaking brothers and sisters are really crying for help,” she said. “They want to be integrated
into parish life, and they need more resources. That came across loud and clear.” Osman also highlighted that 85% of respondents said they attend Mass at least weekly. “I think every one of us knows that is not typical of the general Catholic population, unless the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas is extremely unique,” she said. “Nationally, the numbers are somewhere between 25 and 32 percent of Catholics who are in the pews on any particular Sunday. So, these are people who are deeply com>> See “DEANERIES” on page 6
2 LOCAL NEWS
B
SEPTEMBER 18, 2026 | THELEAVEN.ORG
Called to walk together as disciples
y virtue of our baptism, we are all called to be missionary disciples of Christ sent forth into the world to spread the Good News. This missionary mandate is fundamental to our understanding of what it means to be Catholic. Made in the image and likeness of God, our very nature is designed to reflect the Holy Trinity — a community of Divine Persons in God. We are therefore naturally oriented to relationships, working together as the Body of Christ to accomplish his divine will in our specific time and place. Each one of us is an intentional creation, uniquely equipped by the Holy Spirit with talents, experiences and charisms. God places each of us exactly where we are needed to provide our community with every gift necessary to achieve his purposes. When we refuse to participate, the body suffers. We are spiritually impoverished whenever we withdraw from the great adventure he has planned for us — much like the servant who buried his talents in the ground. Every one of you is essential to the mission of the church — in northeast Kansas and beyond! You are salt of the earth and light for the world, called to walk together as disciples and engage the modern world by listening to one another, fostering co-responsibility in your parish community, and stepping outside the church walls to bring the charity and mercy of Jesus to those on the margins. I invite and implore you to join me on a journey of renewal in his vineyard, for our parishes, our deaneries and our archdiocese. As a roadmap for this journey, I am excited to share with you a new pastoral vision for our archdiocese: “Renewal from the Heartland: A Pastoral Letter on Synodality in the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas.” (Available online at: https://archkck.org/ renewal-heartland/ ). I am so grateful to all who have participated in the synodal process this past year. Whether you joined a small
THE PASTORAL PERSPECTIVE
ARCHBISHOP SHAWN MCKNIGHT group listening session or took the survey, facilitated discussions or compiled responses, with great effort and fortitude we have finally reached this milestone of our pastoral planning process — the beginning! Thanks to all of you, we have a path forward using the consistent themes that emerged from your sharing the voice of the Holy Spirit. This newly issued pastoral letter is a 15-pager, and as much as I’m sure you want to dive in all at once, I will be publishing it a section at a time in subsequent issues of The Leaven so that we may walk this path intentionally together. The goal of this process is to accomplish Pope Leo’s request that we implement the Synod on Synodality in our local church. This new model of pastoral planning, incorporating elements of synodality, will breathe renewed life into our church. The genesis of this renewal is the principle to “return to the source.” We are called to move forward by looking back to our foundational roots through three distinct reflections. First, our journey must begin as it did for the disciples in the Upper Room and on the road to Emmaus — with a personal encounter with the Risen Lord. Our goal as the Body of Christ is to help others encounter Jesus!
To accomplish this relational objective, the synod asks us to re-evaluate the way we operate in light of the early Christian community described in the Acts of the Apostles. Rather than relying on a top-down approach, St. Peter and the Apostles exercised their authority in a way to invite the whole church in their common mission, to pool their resources, and engage in intense prayer to the Holy Spirit. They walked, listened and discerned together, sharing co-responsibility between clergy and laity. Finally, the synod encourages us to recover the “freshness of the Gospel.” By rooting our mission in Christ’s mandate to make disciples of all nations, we can focus with fresh eyes, creating solutions to the present challenges we encounter in our parishes and communities, unburdened by outworn pastoral models. Pastoral planning is no longer a checklist of objectives created by a diocese or a calendar of events created by parish staff. Pope Francis explained that it’s a community using prayer to cultivate a “disposition of listening,” surrendering where God is already leading, and then using that information to move the church from where it is now to where it needs to be in order to better serve God and neighbor. Pastoral planning is not strategic planning. While pastoral planning involves our core mission and ministry,
strategic planning focuses on practical stewardship and the sustainability of our finances, facilities and staffing. Because our strategic choices flow directly from our pastoral vision, we must approach this discernment with great care. Jesus taught that where our treasure lies, there our hearts will be also. We must work so that our budgets mirror our pastoral priorities asking: How will this help someone know that Christ loves them? The unique aspect about the pastoral planning process to follow is that we will begin not at the archdiocesan level, nor at the parish level, but at the deanery level, that grouping of parishes in a particular region of the archdiocese. This is to structure our discernment in a way that avoids parochialism. By next spring, informed by listening sessions and online surveys, each deanery will present a pastoral plan tailored to its specific goals and challenges. The archdiocese will then develop its own pastoral plan that will leverage archdiocesan resources to help the deaneries achieve their goals. Similarly, each parish will discern how to implement their deanery’s pastoral plan according to the particularities of its mission, people and resources. The success of our endeavor will be measured by its fruits. Strengthening our communio (our bond with Christ and with one another) serves our missio (our mandate to “go out,” sharing the love of Jesus through the Gospel and service). Thank you for embarking on this journey of Renewal in the Heartland; may our hearts burn within us as we unpack all that God has in store for the church in northeast Kansas.
Guadalupe Home Plus
Guadalupe Home Plus is a new 6-bed senior care home in St. Mary’s, KS, now accepting residents! We offer personalized care, home-cooked meals, and a family atmosphere rooted in Catholic values. Under Our Lady’s mantle, we are all family. Visit guadalupehomeplus.com to learn more, call or stop by for a visit—we’d love to meet you!
ARCHBISHOP MCKNIGHT Sept. 18 St. John Vianney Center board meeting — virtual Sept. 18-21 Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem 2026 annual meeting — Kansas City Marriott Downtown Hotel, Kansas City, Missouri Sept. 21 C.O.R.E. (Celebrate Our Religious Enthusiastically) priest appreciation event dinner — St. Michael the Archangel Church, Leawood Sept. 22 An Evening of Art Event — Spiritual Life Center, Bel Aire Sept. 24 Beatification Mass of Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen — The Dome at America’s Center, St. Louis Sept. 25 Donnelly College SHINE 2026 Gala — Fiorella’s Event Space, Overland Park Sept. 26 EMBRACE the Harvest Moon Event — Fiorella’s Event Space Sept. 27 160th anniversary Mass and blessing of new tabernacle — Holy Angels Church, Basehor Sept. 18-Oct. 2 Priest Convocation — Augustine Institute, St. Louis Oct. 2 Bishop Advisory Committee – Catholic Prison Ministries — virtual Oct. 3 40th Bishop Carroll High School Reunion Mass — St. Francis of Assisi Church, Wichita Oct. 4 Red Mass and reception — St. John the Baptist Church, Kansas City, Kansas Oct. 5-6 Pontifical College Josephinum board meeting events — Columbus, Ohio
ARCHBISHOP EMERITUS NAUMANN Sept. 18 Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem (EOHSJ) annual meeting — Kansas City Marriott Downtown Hotel EOHSJ welcome Mass and dinner — Kansas City Marriott Downtown Sept. 21 EOHSJ travelers Mass — Kansas City Marriott Downtown C.O.R.E. priests appreciation day dinner — St. Michael the Archangel Church, Leawood Sept. 23 Beatification of Fulton Sheen — St. Louis Vespers and dinner for Fulton Sheen beatification —St. Louis Sept. 24 Beatification Mass of Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen —The Dome at America’s Center, St. Louis Sept. 25 Donnelly College SHINE 2026 Gala — Fiorella’s Event Space, Overland Park Sept. 28 Priest Convocation — Augustine Institute, St. Louis Oct. 1 RAAP leadership board meeting — virtual Oct. 3 Catholic Community Health Fall Ball — Fiorella’s Event Space, Overland Park
LOCAL NEWS 3
SEPTEMBER 18, 2026 | THELEAVEN.ORG
‘A remarkable facility’ St. Joseph breaks ground on new early education center
LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER
Archbishop Shawn McKnight addresses those gathered at the groundbreaking of the new St. Joseph Early Education Center building in Shawnee Sept. 9.
By Moira Cullings moira.cullings@theleaven.org
S
HAWNEE — Equipped with yellow hard hats and miniature shovels, a handful of children at the St. Joseph Early Education Center (EEC) here helped break ground on a new building that will benefit them and their community for generations to come. “It’s good to be with you and with the little tykes over here helping us out,” exclaimed Archbishop Shawn McKnight to those gathered at the groundbreaking on Sept. 9. “I’m very grateful for your investment in your Catholic school,” he said. The archbishop blessed the grounds where the new and improved EEC will be constructed, with assistance from Father Keith Chadwick and Father Brent Stull. “This is a big moment for our parish and our community to be beginning this new stage of our campaign,” said Father Nathan Haverland, pastor of St. Joseph Parish. Former pastor Father Scott Wallisch echoed the excitement. “This ‘front porch’ of St. Joseph as we have called it — I’m very excited for it to be an avenue to bring families into this parish so that they can encounter Jesus Christ here,” he said.
Modern transformation St. Joseph’s EEC provides year-round care for infants as young as four months old up to preschool-aged students. It’s currently located in the former St. Joseph High School building, which was built in the 1950s, and is spread out with multiple entrances, exits and staircases. It will be transformed into an accessible, single-floor facility with the capacity to serve 172 children. The project will include 14,000 square feet of new construction and approximately 1,500 square feet of remodeled area. “This new early education center is going to be a remarkable facility — the only one in the archdiocese that will care for children on the scale that we’re building here at St. Joseph,” said Libby Knox of Knox Development, capital campaign consultant.
LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER
Some little helpers broke ground on the new St. Joseph Early Education Center building. They are, from left: Lucy Rottinghaus, Jolene Bichelmeyer, Kai Davila, Wyatt Murray and Connelly Pflumm. Assisting the children in back are, from left: Father Scott Wallisch, former pastor of St. Joseph Parish who is now pastor of Church of the Ascension in Overland Park; Father Mike Hawken, archdiocesan vicar general; Archbishop McKnight; Father Nathan Haverland, pastor of St. Joseph; and Father Brent Stull, associate pastor of St. Joseph.
WE’RE SETTING THAT FOUNDATION OF THEIR RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD AND INTRODUCING IT AT AN AGE-APPROPRIATE LEVEL. KRISTAN MORA ST. JOSEPH EEC DIRECTOR The parish’s preschool moved into the former high school in 1988, and it began offering infant and toddler care in the mid-1990s. As the center has expanded its offerings, its needs have also grown. “With aging infrastructure, failing mechanical equipment [and] accessibil-
ity issues for teachers, parents and students, the building needed significant improvements and modernization,” said Bob Bryon, chair of the St. Joseph Building Committee. The committee, which is overseeing the project, is comprised of parish volunteers with expertise in construction, engineering and childcare centers. Straub Construction is the general contractor. HTK Architects; Schlagel and Associates Civil Engineering; Bob D. Campbell & Co.; and Smith & Boucher are also providing services.
The new EEC is expected to be completed by next September and will include: • Classrooms with restrooms, handwashing stations and cot storage for young nappers • Sensory room • Mother’s nursing room • Added meeting space for teachers and staff • Multipurpose courtyard with a memorial prayer space and educational play areas • New elevator connecting the main gym, auxiliary gym and cafeteria • New playground and access to the St. Joseph Athletic Facility’s turf field
Meeting the need The demand for childcare in Shawnee is high. According to Kansas data reports, >> See “RENOVATION” on page 10
Publisher Most Rev. Shawn McKnight
Publication No. (ISSN0194-9799) Published biweekly January through December. Address communications to: The Leaven, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109. Phone: (913) 721-1570; or email Candi Scanlon at cscanlon@archkck.org. Postmaster: Send address changes to The Leaven, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109. For change of address, visit www.theleaven.org/subscribe. Subscriptions $27/year. Periodicals postage paid at Kansas City, KS 66109.
Renovation highlights
Interim Managing Editor Todd Habiger todd.habiger@theleaven.org
Editor-in-Chief Marissa Easter measter@archkck.org
Senior Reporter/Social Media Editor Moira Cullings moira.cullings@theleaven.org
Editorial Assistant Olivia Martin-Davies olivia.martin@theleaven.org
4 LOCAL NEWS
SEPTEMBER 18, 2026 | THELEAVEN.ORG
Building commission committee to guide parishes, archdiocese By Olivia Martin-Davies olivia.martin@theleaven.org
K
ANSAS CITY, Kan. — A parish needs a new roof. A school is running out of room. A growing Catholic community needs land for a future
church. All of these scenarios will fall under the purview of the newly formed Archdiocesan Building Commission. Archbishop Shawn McKnight formed the commission in July, and it will advise him on construction, property and other building needs across the archdiocese. “I look forward to receiving the advice of the very competent people on the Archdiocesan Building Commission whenever I am asked to approve major projects throughout the archdiocese,” Archbishop McKnight said. “Their wisdom and knowledge will be a great resource for me as we plan for the future.” The commission’s 13 members and areas of expertise are: Construction: Curt Koutelas, Darin Heyen and Pat McAnany; construction finance: Beth Soukup; real-estate: Pat Regan; development: Kurt Kuhlmann; and architecture: Matt Pauly, Tony Rohr and Mariah Scott. Kurt Heinen, archdiocesan director of real estate and construction, Father Michael Hawken, archdiocesan vicar general and moderator of the curia, Carla Mills, archdiocesan chief financial officer, and Lisa McKelvey, director of parish campaigns and archdiocesan appeals, round out the commission. The commission met for the first time on Aug. 5. “In our first meeting, I was absolutely amazed that there were so many Catholic experts in that room who were top of their fields,” said Pauly, a parishioner of St. John the Evangelist Parish in Lawrence. “The fact that we have this expertise on this commission that is available as a resource to parishes is really exciting,” he added. Pauly previously served on the Liturgical Art and Architecture Committee and the Liturgical Commission for the Diocese of Salt Lake City and has been a catechist for 15 years. He especially looks forward to being involved in renovations and new builds. “If we aren’t growing, we are not evangelizing. We are not living our faith,” said Pauly. “So I think anything new in the [arch]diocese gets me excited, even if it’s just as small as renovat-
LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER
Above, a welder works on a new chapel at Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in Shawnee, one of several projects under construction in the archdiocese. A newly formed archdiocesan building commission will be able to assist parishes in the future on building projects. Left, the entry way on the north side of the newly built St. Paul Church in Olathe gets a close measurement from construction workers finishing up the church. vide expertise and guidance to parishes as they embark on major projects,” McKelvey said.
A resource for parishes LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER
ing a confessional.” And there’s plenty of work already underway. Heinen said 34 capital campaigns are underway across the archdiocese. Eleven projects are also in some stage of construction. He explained that the commission’s purpose is two-fold: to address future needs of the archdiocese and building maintenance.
COPYRIGHT © BY CLIFF LEITCH, THE CHRISTIAN BIBLE REFERENCE SITE, WWW.CHRISTIANBIBLEREFERENCE.ORG. USED BY PERMISSION
“It’s going to be exciting to be able to see the detail of the buildings and the properties and have more eyes to look at [them] and bounce new ideas off,” Heinen said. McKelvey brings fundraising experience to that work. Most major building projects follow a capital campaign, and her office works directly with parishes and donors. “I am excited for this committee to pro-
ACROSS 1 Skewer 5 Sham 9 Phoenician god 13 El __ (Texas city) 14 Biblical weed 15 Perhaps 16 Twin brother of Jacob 17 Charity 18 Very fat 19 KJV word for love 21 Swerve 23 Pocket 24 Half a dozen 25 Napping 29 Tender loving care 30 It __ Upon a Midnight Clear... 32 Cutting tool 33 Permeate or influence 36 Knobby 37 Sticky black substance 38 Uncommon 39 Biblical weeds 40 Animal skin 41 Street abbr. 42 Biblical unit of length 43 Joy (KJV) 44 British drink 45 Too 46 Change hue
47 49 50 53 55 57 60 62 63 64 65 66 67 68
Endows Old Testament city Foot extension Despot Plan Panorama Pelt Lawyer (abbr.) Yellow pigment Contended Cut into pieces Stare Saul, later September (abbr.)
DOWN 1 Glasses 2 High ranking man- used formerly 3 Father of Jacob 4 Visit places 5 Type of electricity 6 Sepals of a flower 7 Build up 8 Disorder 9 Tower of __ 10 Popeye’s yes 11 Abdominal muscles (abbr.) 12 Downwind 15 Quiet
Pauly sees that local help as one of the commission’s main jobs. “Because not every parish has an architect or a lawyer who’s a parishioner, the Building Commission then provides a place in which different parishes can come for advice,” he said. Bolstering small and rural parishes’ resources is close to Pauly’s heart. “I grew up in a very small rural parish, at St. Mary’s in Purcell,” he said, “and so >> See “BUILDING” on page 6
20 22 26 27 28 29 30 31 33 34 35 36 39 40 42 43 46 48 49 50 51 52 54 56 57 58 59 61
Island Sacrificial animals Devourer Glorify W. Australian capital Day of the wk. Oddity A wager (2 wds.) Wrathful Expert Man shall not live by __ alone Takes Oklahoma city Dessert Roman title Asian starling Full skirted dress Speak Bye A tenth part Upon (2 wds.) Land of Pharaoh Please respond Western Athletic Conferences Volume (abbr.) Sorbet That girl Car brand Solution on page 5
LOCAL NEWS 5
SEPTEMBER 18, 2026 | THELEAVEN.ORG
OPENING THE DOORS OF FAITH
Why ASL interpreters matter in our Catholic churches By Jan Dixon Special to The Leaven
O
LATHE — The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas is home to one of the largest deaf communities in the nation. Yet an estimated 95-99% of deaf individuals are unaffiliated with a church because they lack access to the liturgy and resources. For deaf Catholics, access begins with language. When American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation is unavailable at Mass, deaf individuals are unable to participate fully in the liturgy. Hearing aids and cochlear implants are valuable tools, but they do not restore typical hearing or provide complete access to spoken language. Printed worship aids can help worshippers follow the prayers and readings, but they cannot replace understanding the homily, participating in the hymns or sharing in the moments that build parish community. David Westerman, a member of St. Paul Parish in Olathe, understands that experience firsthand. “After I got married, I would go to Mass with my wife and was able to follow the Mass by reading the missal until it was time for the homily,” he said. “Then, I was out!” Faith formation depends on communication. Without language access, it becomes difficult to grow in understanding of the Catholic faith. Katie Locus, deaf ministry specialist for the archdiocese, recalled a deaf teenager in religious education who once asked, “Why does everyone bow their heads when the priest lifts up the bread?” Although the teen attended Mass faithfully each week with her family, she had never been given full access to understand what was happening at the altar or the church’s teaching on the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist. Many deaf Catholics have even left the church over the years to worship in other Christian communities where ASL access is consistently available through signing pastors or ASL-fluent congregations. The Catholic Church is clear about its responsibility to its people. The “Gen-
LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER
Pat Richey, former consultant for the archdiocesan office of deaf ministry, provides sign language interpretation for the Stations of the Cross for adults with special needs in March, 2025. ASL at Mass and special events enables deaf Catholics to access the liturgy and church teachings.
WHEN AN INTERPRETER IS PRESENT, MY ACCESS BECOMES CLEARER. I AM ABLE TO FULLY UNDERSTAND THE PRIEST’S HOMILY. DAVID SCHEKALL ST. JOSEPH PARISH, SHAWNEE eral Instruction of the Roman Missal” teaches that the celebration of Mass should be planned so that the faithful may participate consciously, actively and fully according to their baptismal dignity. That vision includes ensuring that deaf Catholics have meaningful access to the liturgy. David Schekall, a member of St.
Joseph Parish in Shawnee, said having an interpreter transforms his experience of the Mass. “When an interpreter is not present, it is much harder to follow along with the communal prayers,” said Schekall. “I also cannot figure out what the music is to stay in tune with the rest of the congregation, and understanding the homily becomes a real battle. “When an interpreter is present, my access becomes clearer. I am able to fully understand the priest’s homily, follow along with the choir and gain a complete understanding of everything happening during the Mass.” The deaf Catholic community is alive and full of hope and continues to demonstrate a deep desire to grow in faith. “One member of our community is currently participating in diaconate formation — a beautiful witness that deaf Catholics are not only seeking to receive the faith but also to serve the church in leadership,” said Locus.
“We are a locally owned family funeral home. We are not restricted by out of town corporate policies. Our commitment is to the families we serve.”
At the same time, the dedicated group of ASL interpreters assembled by Sister Ann Albrecht in 1974 is dwindling as interpreters retire or relocate. The need for interpreters has never been greater. Father Michael Hermes, pastor of St. Paul, hopes more Catholics will consider serving. “We ask today, ‘How can deaf Catholics understand the Word of God unless someone interprets it to them?’ We need more ASL interpreters to help evangelize and proclaim the Good News to our brothers and sisters in the deaf community,” said Father Hermes. He urged those who are fluent or comfortable signing in ASL to consider serving as interpreters. Deaf ministry in the archdiocese provides formation, mentoring and ongoing support to interpreters and interpreters-in-training. To learn more about becoming an ASL interpreter, email Katie Locus at: deafministry@archkck.org.
SOLUTION
FUNERAL HOME • CREMATORY • MEMORIAL CHAPELS 10901 Johnson Drive Shawnee, Kansas 66203 Telephone 913-631-5566 Fax 913-631-2236 Gregg Amos
www.amosfamily.com
POST-ABORTION HEALING FOR MEN Call or text 913-621-2199
6 LOCAL NEWS
SEPTEMBER 18, 2026 | THELEAVEN.ORG
Deaneries will be the focus of the next step of Renewal >> Continued from page 1
mitted to their parish.” Osman said the archdiocese needs to look beyond committed Catholics and reach out to those who have not been heard from during this process.
Talking it out
A worker uses an aerial lift to place ceiling tiles inside the narthex of Prince of Peace Church in Olathe.
LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER
Building commission offers expertise >> Continued from page 4
I’m excited about anything that these rural parishes would bring to the [arch]diocese because there is still growth. “There are still wonderful opportunities in these rural regions of the [arch]diocese where the faith has been around since the start, over 150 years ago.” Scott, a parishioner of Holy Name Parish in Topeka, looks forward to helping parishes plan their renovation work. “I love to be able to see how a space is and be able to make it into something that is more relevant and useful to the people who need it, both now and in the future,” she said. “New church architecture is exciting, too, just from the perspective of how much meaning you can put and have in the architecture itself
that helps to draw people’s minds and hearts to Christ,” Scott added. Pauly wants to help the commission go beyond technical questions. Buildings, he said, should serve the reason a parish exists in the first place. “Everything about our built environment should enhance the mission of the church,” he said. Scott agreed. “Especially when you walk into that space and you can feel, in a sense, your own smallness compared to God,” she said, “but that he allows us to see and be part of that beauty every day. “It gives you that awe, which will help to draw people closer to him.”
Planning for what comes next While it’s still in its early days,
the commission may eventually form smaller groups based on the needs of each project. Heinen said one group could study future growth and land needs. Another could focus on new construction, remodeling and maintenance. “There’s a lot of opportunity,” Heinen said, “and not only growth, but repair of a lot of things we’re doing.” Scott applauded Archbishop McKnight’s foresight in creating the commission, and she hopes it is a benefit to the people of the archdiocese. “I think that it’s wise really to look at people who are in the field and doing those things on a regular basis and say, ‘I want to get input from [those] people,’” Scott said.
Following Osman’s presentation and a panel discussion from priests and laity about how synodality has worked in their parishes and ministries, attendees broke into small groups to discuss the results of the listening sessions and survey, as well as what resonates in their parishes. Larry Koster from the Lawrence Deanery said his group expressed concern about the church losing young Catholics and the need to keep them engaged in the faith. In the Atchison Deanery, Kate Werring and her small group focused on the concept of belonging. “Hospitality is important” in helping parishioners feel included, she said, “but not just one little stab at hospitality.” Gates Brown from the Leavenworth Deanery joined a group representing the Southern Deanery. They discussed ways to reach out to those who feel alienated from the church and how to deal with tensions that arise with different liturgical preferences. “‘Never forbid what the church allows, never allow what the church forbids’ is a good way to balance the tensions that can come up,” said Brown.
Next steps Moving forward, each deanery will host three listening sessions with clergy and laity to determine its pastoral priorities. Father Michael Hawken, vicar general and moderator of the curia, said each deanery will create a pastoral plan specific to their needs. “For example, if a deanery plan includes creating an OCIA program that will serve more than one parish, then those parishes grouped in that program would prioritize the success of that new OCIA program within their parish,” he said. Each of the 21 counties in the archdiocese has its own gifts and challenges, said Archbishop McKnight, which should be considered in pastoral planning. “This vision will be discerned in each deanery according to the local realities there — the resources available, the cultures of the communities and the capacity among those who gather as leaders in the deanery,” he said. Each deanery will submit its report to the archdiocese, which will review the plans and adjust its overall pastoral plan accordingly. The results of that plan will be presented at the 2027 archdiocesan convocation.
LOCAL NEWS 7
SEPTEMBER 18, 2026 | THELEAVEN.ORG
Archbishop Emeritus to lead Mexico pilgrimage in 2027 By Moira Cullings moira.cullings@theleaven.org
M
EXICO CITY — Catholics in the archdiocese and beyond are invited to go on pilgrimage here with Archbishop Emeritus Joseph F. Naumann from March 5-8, 2027, through World Villages for Children: Sisters of Mary. “If you want to see the Gospel in action, go there,” said Father Nicholas Ashmore, pastor of Our Lady of Unity Parish in Kansas City, Kansas. “If you want to see how our Lord calls us to become one with the poor and live with the poor and how that can be transformative for the life of the whole region, go and visit,” he said. Father Ashmore and Father Brian Schieber, pastor of St. Michael the Archangel Parish in Leawood, will be attending the pilgrimage. They hope to have an additional priest or bishop sign up. A Spanish-speaker is a bonus. Pilgrims will visit the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe and the Sisters of Mary Girlstown in Chalco, where Father Ashmore spent time
COURTESY PHOTO
Archbishop Emeritus Joseph F. Naumann greets a group of girls at the Sisters of Mary Girlstown in Chalco, Mexico, earlier this year. He will lead a pilgrimage to Mexico from March 5-8, 2027, which will include visits to the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe and Girlstown. this summer. Archbishop Naumann visited Girlstown earlier this year and was inspired by the mission of the Sisters of Mary, who were founded in South Korea by missionary Msgr. Aloysius Schwartz. “It’s like walking into the acts of the apostles when you go into this Girlstown,” said Archbishop Naumann.
“It was an extraordinary experience to see the impact of these Sisters and the joy and the hope that these girls have,” he added. “It really changes their lives.” The Sisters act as mothers to more than 3,200 girls ages 12 to 17 living at Girlstown. “[The Sisters] go into the poorest of the poor communities and often save these kids
from all the various things that can occur — whether it’s human trafficking or the cartel or general neglect and abuse,” said Father Ashmore. Once at the school, the girls receive an education to set them up for economic success, as well as medical and dental care and counseling. Father Ashmore emphasized the spiritual benefits of a
pilgrimage like the one to Girlstown. “So many of the saints in the course of their lives had encounters with poverty that changed them,” he said. “That encounter with poverty is not something optional for us as Christians,” he continued. “We can’t turn our head. We can’t turn away. “We have to be able to have our heart broken by that in order for us to be able to truly have the compassionate hearts of Christ that he’s calling us to.” He hopes many will join him on the journey next March. “I would encourage anybody to go down,” said Father Ashmore, “because it will be an encounter with poverty, but it’ll be an encounter with the most joyous poverty that you’ve ever seen in your life. “It’ll challenge your own presuppositions. It’ll challenge your own sense of comfort. It will call you to become a more generous person. “And those are the ingredients for true joy.” To learn more and register for the pilgrimage, visit: worldvillages.org /events/nau mann-2027.
LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER
Mila Gauna from St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Overland Park jumps to keep the ball out of the hands of an Osawatomie receiver as teammate Finley Richlin provides help from behind.
THE GIRLS OF FALL
KSHSAA sponsors girls flag football for the first time By John Sorce Special to The Leaven
Those experiences made him a natural fit to lead Miege’s program, and he was excited when approached by ANSAS CITY, Kan. — The athletic director Joe Schramp about gridiron is getting a new the opportunity. lineup. “They thought of me right away Now, high school girls and really didn’t have to get the in the state of Kansas will full sentence out before I said yes,” have the opportunity to participate Neenan said. “I think it’s a natural fit in flag football after the Kansas State with my background in the sport and High School Activities Association in being involved with girls’ flag foot(KSHSAA) voted to sanction the sport ball through CYO.” for the 2026-27 school year. Neenan coached a group of girls Four archdiocesan high schools last year through the Chiefs program. will field teams this year: Bishop But once the sport was officially sancMiege High School tioned by the state, in Roeland Park, he saw the desire Bishop Ward High to play climb, with IT’S A FUN SPORT AND THE about 50 girls exSchool in Kansas City, Kansas, St. pressing interest James Academy GIRLS LOVE IT. WE’RE HOPING at the end of the in Lenexa and St. last school year — THIS WILL HELP LAY THE Thomas Aquinas not including inHigh School in BRICKS FOR THE FOUNDATION. coming freshmen. Overland Park. “It’s a fun sport Three of the and the girls love KEVIN NEENAN schools previousit,” Neenan said. BISHOP MIEGE FLAG FOOTBALL COACH ly fielded club “They just haven’t teams through the had the opportuKansas City Chiefs nity. We’re hoping Flag Football program in partnership this will help lay the bricks for the with the National Football League. foundation.” Now, players will officially be able Neenan expects great things from to represent their school at the state the Lady Stags and hopes that fans level. will rally behind them. In anticipation of this groundbreak“These girls are good and they’re ing season, The Leaven spoke with fun to watch,” Neenan said. “We’re the coaches at the archdiocesan high going to put on a show, and we hope to schools that will field teams this year. have a lot of energy and support from not only the students but the [entire] Miege community.”
K
Bishop Miege
Kevin Neenan has an extensive history with both the game of football and Miege. His three sons graduated from the school, and he currently has a daughter enrolled there.
Bishop Ward Unlike Neenan, Jess Duff does not have a history with the game of football.
Kylie Quinn from St. James Academy in Lenexa saves her flags from the outstretched arms of Jo An English teacher and the debate coach at Bishop Ward, Duff stepped up to coach the Lady Cyclones when the opportunity to partner with the NFL presented itself. “I told our athletic director I would be interested in helping, and he reached out to me when we knew we would have the opportunity to partner with the NFL,” Duff said. In years past, girls would often ask if flag football was offered at Bishop Ward, Duff said. So, knowing the interest was there, the school jumped at the opportunity. Duff is quick to credit assistant coach Quinique Pike in helping her with the fundamentals of the game. “She is really the brains of the operation in terms of the actual football playing and has been a huge help to me in understanding what the rules are and what the game should look like,” Duff said. Duff feels fortunate to be a part of the school community and believes this sport will add to it. “One of the great things about Bishop Ward is we are able to do awesome things with our sports and extracurriculars despite being a smaller school,” Duff said. “I think adding flag football is going to help us be a school to watch out for,” she continued, “and it gives girls an opportunity to play a sport they want to while staying local to the Wyandotte County community.”
St. James Academy Matt Hightower was hired by St. James to build its girls flag football program from the ground up. But he’s no stranger to the school.
Natalie Valdez from Bishop Ward High School in K He has been active in the St. James community as a parent and was excited about the opportunity to lead the program when it opened. “The goal is to grow the sport and provide these young ladies with an opportunity to not only enjoy a new sport, but also be part of building the foundation at St. James for the teams that will follow them,” Hightower
osie Astor from Bishop Miege High School in Roeland Park.
LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER
LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER
Bishop Miege’s Anabella Crook pitches the ball to a teammate as the Stags move into scoring position. high school.” While the sport is entirely new for some of the girls at St. James, Hightower expects their athleticism from other sports to translate onto the gridiron. “We have a mix of girls who have played before and some who haven’t,” Hightower said. “But we have tremendous athletes that have proven their athletic ability in other sports at St. James, so you can expect us to have a lot of fun. “They’re super excited to be the foundational piece. Nobody will ever be able to take away that these girls helped build this, and there is no flag football program at St. James without them.”
St. Thomas Aquinas LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER
Kansas City, Kansas, eludes defenders from JC Harmon High School in a Sept. 9 matchup at Harmon. said. Hightower played football at Urbana University in Ohio. He redshirted one year while there, which gave him his first taste of coaching. That started a path that has led him to coach youth sports for over a decade, including girls flag football through CYO for the last four years. Hightower believes flag football
will continue to grow as more girls are exposed to the sport from a young age. “I think this freshman class is the tip of the iceberg of girls who played CYO and are now at the high school level,” he said. “I’ve seen flag football grow at the CYO level, and I think those girls will continue to pursue it now that the opportunity is there in
The Saints will be led by one of their own: Sam Paradise, who graduated from Aquinas in 2003 before heading to the University of West Florida to play basketball. That’s where she was introduced to flag football and played on a competitive club team for a few years. Paradise has been back at Aquinas since 2021 and serves as the director of community relations. But when the flag football announcement came, she didn’t think much of it. It took convincing from some students to get her involved. “I had some student interns who
wanted to get involved with flag football their senior year,” Paradise said. “They needed a moderator and knew my sports background, so they came to me and it took off from there.” Paradise credited the 30 Saints who will play this year with opening a door that future student-athletes will be able to walk through. “We’re going to be a gritty team that is relentless in the pursuit of excellence,” Paradise said. “They are trailblazers and are truly relentless in their pursuit of getting things done. That is what I am most proud of.” Paradise doesn’t have to look far to see the potential impact the sport can have on future generations. “I have a daughter who just started first grade who loves football,” she said, “but there has never been a true option for her. “This will open the door for young females to look up and admire some older mentors and help them see goals that they can reach and sustain.” Paradise hopes to see support not only for her own team, but for girls at high schools throughout Kansas who are paving the way for the sport’s future. “This is a great opportunity for female athletes and to show support for where it’s going,” she said. “I hope people will come out to support each of their school’s teams and make this first year something really special.”
10 LOCAL NEWS
SEPTEMBER 18, 2026 | THELEAVEN.ORG
New appointments announced
W
hereas for the good of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas stable appointments must be made to assist me as the undersigned archbishop in the good governance and administration of the archdiocese and of parishes; Having considered the needs within the archdiocese, the appointments necessary for the care of this local church, and having determined the qualified candidates to fill them, I hereby decree the following
Appointments • The Reverend Anthony J. Saiki, J.C.L., from Chancellor and Promoter of Justice to Adjutant Judicial Vicar (cf. Can. 1420 §3) and Ecclesiastical Notary (cf. Can 483 §1), while continuing as Director of Canonical Services and Rector of the Cathedral of St. Peter, Prince of the Apostle and Pastor of the Parish of St. Peter, Prince of the Apostles in Kansas City, KS, effective 8 September 2026; • Mr Andrew Bartell, J.D., J.C.L., from service outside the Archdiocese to Chancellor (cf. Can. 482, §1), promoter of Justice (cf. Can. 1430) and Chief Operating Officer of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, effective 8 September 2026; • Rev. David McEvoy, O.Carm, in consultation with his religious superior, from parochial administrator of St. Boniface Catholic Parish in Scipio, KS and St. Therese Catholic Parish in Richmond, KS to pastor of those parishes, effective immediately. These appointments are to be published on the website of the archdiocese and the next edition of The Leaven. Given at the chancery in Kansas City, KS on the 26th day of August in the year of Our Lord 2026. The Most Reverend Shawn McKnight, S.Th.D Archbishop of Kansas City in Kansas Rev. Anthony Saiki, J.C.L. Chancellor
Renovation ‘is a big moment for our parish’ >> Continued from page 3
only 55% of the need is being met. Susan Brown, assistant director of the EEC, said its location makes St. Joseph the perfect place for an early education center. “We’re located in between those corridors of 35 and 435 [interstates],” she said, “so it’s a place where we can spread outside [and serve the wider] community.” EEC director Kristan Mora emphasized the added benefits of having a Catholic childcare center in the city. “A lot of parents are thinking [that] developmentally and physically and academically we’re preparing them for each next step,” she said. “But a lot of times, too, we’re preparing them spiritually. “We’re setting that foundation of their relationship with God and introducing it at an age-appropriate level.” Even children who don’t go on to attend St. Joseph School will be set up for success, said Mora. “They have that foundation that they started here, building that relationship with God,” she said, “and they can foster it wherever they go.” Mora is excited for the next chapter at St. Joseph. “With the new building, we’re going to be able to continue the mission and
Support Catholic early education in Shawnee The Generations Growing Together campaign is funding both the EEC renovation and the new St. Joseph Athletic Facility, which was blessed by Archbishop Shawn McKnight during a ribbon cutting ceremony on Sept. 9. The EEC project was awarded Kansas Community Service Program Tax Credits from the Kansas Department of Commerce. “This is one of two generous tax credit programs available to donors who support the St. Joseph EEC project in 2026 and 2027,” said Libby Knox, campaign consultant. To learn more and donate, visit: generationscampaign.org.
keep serving the families and hopefully welcome new families to start bringing in different generations,” she said. The renovation is expected to be completed by next September, and Brown, who has been at the EEC for 31 years, can’t wait. “The payoff is going to be so worth it with this,” she said.
NEED HELP HEALING FROM A PAST ABORTION? Call or text 913-621-2199
12 CLASSIFIEDS EMPLOYMENT Finance department accounting/purchasing administrative assistant - The Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth are hiring for a finance department accounting/purchasing administrative assistant. Enhance the finance office effectiveness by providing information management and accounting support consistent with the SCL mission while conducting accounting tasks and organizing administrative duties. Provides support for the purchasing office. Provides back up for accounts payable and account receivable when needed. Apply on our website at: https://www. scls.org/employees/. Executive director of mission - The Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth are hiring for an executive director of mission. The executive director of mission, in collaboration with the SCL leadership team and the executive directors of communal life and resources, will support the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth community as it focuses on sustaining its mission and charism into the future. Apply on our website at: https://www.scls.org/employees/. Power plant operator - The Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth are hiring for a power plant operator. Serves as a shift operator in the power plant which produces high-pressure steam and chilled water. Apply on our website at: https://www.scls.org/employees/. Administrative assistant - St. Joseph Early Education Center in Shawnee is seeking a full-time administrative assistant to provide essential administrative and front-office support for the Early Education Center. This position works closely with the center director, assistant director and teaching staff to help ensure a welcoming, organized, safe and faith-filled environment for children, families and staff. Responsibilities include family communication, enrollment and student records, scheduling, purchasing and other daily administrative functions. The ideal candidate is organized, dependable, professional, compassionate and committed to supporting the mission and values of the Catholic Church. Interested applicants should email Kristan Mora at: kmora@stjoeshawnee. org or call (913) 248-4589. Paraprofessional - Nativity Parish School in Leawood is seeking full-time paraprofessional(s) for immediate hire. This position will work with students, supporting across all grades, pre-K–5th. Applicants should email the office manager, Haley Day, at: haley.day@ kcnativity.org. Senior accountant - The business office of Benedictine College seeks a detail-oriented and highly skilled senior accountant to support the financial operations of the college. This role is responsible for maintaining accurate financial records, supporting budgeting and forecasting activities, ensuring compliance with institutional policies and applicable regulations and assisting with audit preparation and reporting requirements. The senior accountant will play a key role in establishing financial processes and internal controls for Benedictine College, ensuring fiscal integrity and operational efficiency in a growing academic environment. The ideal candidate has strong accounting experience, excellent analytical and communication skills and the ability to work independently in a fastpaced and developing organizational structure. For more information or to apply, please go to: benedic tine.edu/jobs. Outreach coordinator - Are you interested in building connections to create a positive impact on our community? Apply to be an outreach coordinator at Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas at our Overland Park administrative office. Responsibilities include developing and maintaining relationships with community partners, coordinating opportunities for volunteerism, internships, education, donations and other forms of engagement. To learn more or apply, visit: catholiccharitiesks.org and click on “Careers.” Saturday caregiver - Seeking private caregiver for in-home care of a lovely senior female in her Overland Park home. Provide safety, support, socialization and light housekeeping. Shifts: 3 Saturdays per month, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Call Barbara at (913) 708-4086. Grants manager - Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas is seeking a grants manager to join our grants team to help fuel the programs that serve families across our 21-county region. In this role, you’ll manage a portfolio of grants, including writing compelling narratives, tracking compliance and reporting deadlines, and partnering closely with programs staff to translate impact into funded work. We are looking for someone detail-oriented and mission-driven, with strong writing skills and the ability to manage multiple deadlines. We’d love to hear from you! To learn more or apply, visit: catholiccharitiesks.org and click on “Careers.” Motor coach chauffeur - Drive for Heartland Trailways. Compensation: $22-$28 per hour based on experience. Employment type: part-time. Experience level: mid-level. Requirements: Valid CDL class A or B with passenger endorsement; current DOT medical card; motor coach driving experience preferred. Ability to safely operate: 55-56 passenger motor coaches; 26-44 passenger mini coaches. Willingness to travel overnight. What we offer: Hourly or daily pay rates; per diem for travel. Seasonal bonus opportunities for qualifying drivers. If you’re ready to travel and be part of a great team, apply today! Submit your application online at: HeartlandTrailways.com or: http:// www.mydriverfiles.com/heartland-motor-coach-inc/ apply/.
SEPTEMBER 18, 2026 | THELEAVEN.ORG Administrative assistant to the general councilors - The Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth are hiring for an administrative assistant to the general councilors. Serves as administrative support for Sisters in leadership (up to three general councilors). This position acts in a manner that is reflective of the philosophy and mission of the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth (SCL). The administrative assistant to the general councilors must handle discreetly a wide variety of sensitive, confidential information concerning corporate and personnel affairs. Resume and cover letter required. Apply on our website at: https://www.scls. org/employees/. Facilities maintenance manager (FMM) - This role ensures that the buildings and grounds of St. Agnes Parish, Roeland Park, (including school, church, church offices, convent, two homes on property, playgrounds and athletic fields) are maintained in a manner that ensures a safe, welcoming and productive environment for parishioners, students, staff and visitors. All duties undertaken should be carried out in a manner that best protects the parish’s investment in buildings and equipment. The FMM will also be charged with the responsibility of assuring that the maintenance and care of these facilities are accomplished within the budget established by the parish finance council. This position reports to the director of operations. The FMM is expected to work no less than 40 hrs./week. For job requirements and to apply, please visit: stagneskc.org/employment. Chief financial officer - Exchange Bank & Trust is a $600M family-owned community bank located in N.E. Kansas and N.W. Missouri. Primary duties: preparation, analysis and presentation of financial results to management, board and regulatory authorities; management, preparation and presentation of annual budgeting process; management of relationships and process for annual third-party audit, tax preparation and 401-K audit; bank policy development and reviews; acquisition analysis and participate in setting the bank’s strategic direction. This is an in-person position. The CFO will be required to spend a significant amount of time at the Atchison, Kansas, headquarters. Please send resume to: bhawk@ebt.bank. Part-time/day concrete finisher - Work 1 to 2 days per week or as needed on concreting days. Jobs will already be formed and prepped. Applicant must be capable of understanding and performing all duties involved in placing and finishing concrete flatwork. Email Al at: al_wegener@amdgconstructionkc.com or call at (913) 232-6029. Part-time flooring installer - Fortress Floors KC is hiring a part-time crew member (20-40 hours/week, $18.50/hour) to help install polyurea/polyaspartic chip floor coatings. No experience required — we’ll teach you the trade. We’re looking for someone who shows up on time, works hard and is eager to learn. Great opportunity for someone looking for steady, hands-on work. Contact Kevin at (816) 694-3987 to apply. Director of stewardship and community - Prince of Peace Parish in Olathe, a vibrant parish of 2,600 families, is seeking a director of stewardship and community to lead parish stewardship and development efforts, build community through events and increase volunteerism. Candidates should be joyful, faithfilled, enthusiastic, proactive and organized, with skills in communication, fundraising and relationship-building. For more information, visit: popolathe. org/jobs. To apply, send resume and cover letter to April Bailey at: abailey@popolathe.org. Senior accountant - Church of the Nativity in Leawood is seeking a senior accountant. This position supports the comprehensive financial operations of the church and school through accounting, financial reporting, reconciliations, budgeting, HR/payroll, compliance and financial analysis. You will team with the director of operations (advanced accounting degree/experience to assist where needed) and bookkeeper (10+ years experience). Candidates should have a bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance or a related field and at least four years of relevant experience. Bring your strong Excel and accounting software (QuickBooks preferred) skills. We’re looking for strong attention to detail, analytic, organization, multi-tasking and collaboration skills. This position is open due to retirement with relocation; ample overlap is planned to ensure a smooth transition. You’ll be employed in a sound financial environment that’s enjoyed a consistent operating surplus since 2018. Your guidance and execution will help us sustain financial security while growing as a most welcoming parish. Request more info or apply at: jobapplication@kcnativity.org. Administrative assistant - The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas is seeking to hire an administrative assistant for the office of real estate and construction who will assist with matters related to real estate transactions, construction projects, property management and facility-related initiatives. The position is part-time, averaging 24 hours per week with work completed on-site at the chancery office. A high school diploma or equivalent is required. To apply, visit: archkck.org and click “Employment Opportunities.” Part-time nurse - Two Lines Pregnancy Clinic is looking for a part-time R.N. (8-24 hrs/week) to provide compassionate care, patient education and clinical support in a Christ-centered environment. If you’re passionate about walking alongside women during life-changing moments, this may be the opportunity you’ve been praying for. Apply today: andreac@two lineskc.com.
Director of faith formation - Good Shepherd Church in Shawnee is seeking a director of faith formation and sacramental preparation for a bilingual (English/ Spanish) program. This director must be a practicing Catholic in good standing with the church. He or she is a person of prayer, committed to the authentic teaching of the Catholic faith. A fully bilingual candidate is preferred, but at a minimum this candidate must have the skills, resources and enthusiasm to facilitate and to clearly communicate with English and Spanish speaking families. The director is a professional catechetical leader who assists children, adolescents and their families in their faith formation. The director will work with other staff members to foster and maintain a positive working environment where worship, prayer, hospitality and learning are the primary motivators. If interested or to learn more, please contact the parish manager at: mgomez@ gsshawnee.org. Transportation driver (PRN) - The Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth are seeking a PRN transportation driver. This individual will safely transport passengers, including those with mobility needs, to appointments and other destinations. This role offers handson experience in vehicle operation, maintenance and providing compassionate customer service. Must be 21 years of age or older. One to two years of driving, chauffeur, shuttle or related experience preferred, along with knowledge of vehicles, maintenance and diagnostic analysis. Flexible hours with advanced scheduling. No guaranteed hours are provided. For the full job description or to apply, visit our website at: www.scls.org/employees. Horse groom and groundskeeper - Looking for a part-time horse groom and groundskeeper on a small family farm just south of Spring Hill. Responsibilities include all areas of the farm: cleaning, mucking stalls, mowing, gardening, weed eating, horse care, moving hay, painting, digging, fencing, etc. It’s hot and dirty in the summer and cold and dirty in the winter. Prior experience is preferred but not required. Must be willing to work hard, be honest, reliable and coachable. Must be able to lift heavy loads like hay, grain, etc. No smoking, vaping or any tobacco products or alcohol are permitted on the premises, no exceptions. You must have your own transportation to and from work. Starting pay is $25 an hour. Mornings are preferred, but hours are flexible, ranging from 10 to 20 hours per week. Please call or text Brian at (913) 710-4428. Housekeeper (PRN) - The Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth are hiring a PRN housekeeper. This role focuses on the daily cleaning and upkeep of dining areas, common spaces, offices and restrooms, with occasional support for special events. We’re looking for someone reliable, independent and eager to make a difference. At least one year of prior cleaning experience and maintaining professional spaces a plus. This PRN position provides flexible, as-needed coverage for staffing shortages, vacations and employee absences. Hours are available Monday-Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., based on departmental needs. No guaranteed hours are provided. Ideal candidates will have flexible availability and be willing to pick up shifts to help maintain office operations during periods of increased workload or when regular staff members are away. Apply on our website: www.scls.org/employees. Donor systems specialists (part-time) - Two Lines Pregnancy Clinic in Overland Park is seeking a detail-oriented donor systems specialist to manage donor records, process contributions, maintain database accuracy and support donor communications. Strong computer and data entry skills required. Experience with donor database software preferred. Must support the Christian mission and life-affirming values of the clinic. To apply, send your resume and cover letter to: rbogard@twolineskc.com. In-home care assistant - We are looking for an engaging in-home caregiver for our son with special needs in western Shawnee. He loves music, interacting with others, reading books and is learning new life skills. Help needed on Mon., Wed. or Fri. evenings and on weekends. $20/hr. Please call (785) 393-1589. Small equipment cleaning/repair - a small locally-owned family business is currently seeking fulltime candidates to provide cleaning and repair services on microscopes. Expenses paid, work done in the field and each day is different! No previous experience necessary; on-the-job training provided. Needs to be a detail-oriented service team player with good time management and customer service skills. Some travel with the team is required. Please contact us at: techneeded23@gmail.com or call (913) 631-3000. Senior director of development - The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas has an immediate opening for a senior director of development. This role provides strategic leadership to advance the long-term sustainability and comprehensive development efforts of the archdiocese and its ministries while ensuring thoughtful planning and effective execution of development initiatives. Please visit “Employment Opportunities” at the bottom of the archkck.org home page for more information or to apply. Medical professionals - The Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth are hiring a certified nursing assistant, certified medication aide, licensed practical nurse and registered nurse. We are seeking compassionate, dependable healthcare professionals who are committed to providing exceptional resident care. Take the next step in your healthcare career today and apply at: www.scls.org/employees/.
Senior accountant - The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas has an immediate opening for a senior accountant. This position plays an important role in supporting the mission of the church by serving as a subject matter expert in all areas of accounting to directly assist parishes supported by our shared business services model. Please visit “Employment Opportunities” at the bottom of the archkck.org home page for more information or to apply. Purchasing manager - The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas has an immediate opening for a purchasing manager. Reporting to the CFO, the purchasing manager serves as the central point of contact for vendor evaluation, selection, and onboarding activities to ensure vendor partnerships reflect archdiocesan values and business needs. This role provides expertise in sourcing strategies, vendor relationships and procurement processes that strengthen operational capacity and cross-functional alignment. Please visit “Employment Opportunities” at the bottom of the archkck.org home page for more information or to apply. After-hours custodian - St. Joseph Church in Shawnee is seeking part-time janitorial service to maintain a clean, sanitary and welcoming environment for our students, families, faculty, staff and visitors. The selected candidate will provide routine custodial services Monday through Friday and monthly detail cleaning for classrooms, offices, common areas, restrooms, cafeteria, chapel and other designated spaces. Interested applicants should apply on the St. Joseph website — www.church.stjoeshawnee.org, or email Sam Petty at spetty@stjoeshawnee.org. Part-time kitchen aide - Sacred Heart of Jesus School in Shawnee is seeking a part-time kitchen aide to support the daily operation of our school lunch program. This position is ideal for someone who enjoys serving children, works well as part of a team, and takes pride in maintaining a clean, welcoming and faith-filled environment. The kitchen aide assists with meal preparation, serving lunches, maintaining food safety standards and keeping the kitchen and lunchroom clean and organized. The ideal candidate is a joyful servant who embraces our core values: unapologetically Catholic, joyful servants and grit. This is a school-year position, working two days per week, 9:30 a.m.–2 p.m. (5 hours per day). Please inquire and/or apply on our website: shoj.org/ employment-opportunities. Teachers - St. Joseph Early Education Center is looking for caring, passionate and dedicated teachers to join our preschool team. The ideal candidate should have experience working with early childhood, have an understanding of child development, and strive to support and model our Catholic faith within the classroom. Interested applicants should email Kristan Mora at: kmora@stjoeshawnee.org or call (913) 6310004. Part-time lunchroom coordinator - Sacred Heart of Jesus School in Shawnee is seeking a part-time lunchroom coordinator to oversee the daily operation of our student lunchroom. The position is responsible for coordinating lunchroom set-up and close-down, supervising operations, promoting positive student behavior, working collaboratively with kitchen staff and volunteers and ensuring the lunchroom operates efficiently each day. The ideal candidate is a joyful servant who embraces our core values: unapologetically Catholic, joyful servants and grit. This is a school-year position working approximately 15 hours per week (Monday–Friday, 10:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.). Interested applicants are encouraged to inquire or apply online at: shoj.org/employment-opportunities. Maintenance/custodial technician - St. Joseph Church is seeking a full-time maintenance/custodial staff member to support the care and upkeep of our campus in Shawnee. This position is responsible for maintaining a clean, safe and welcoming environment across our 20-acre campus, which includes seven buildings, a football field, a track and related facilities. Interested applicants should apply on St. Joseph’s website or email Sam Petty at spetty@stjoeshawnee.org. Caregivers needed - Daughters & Company is looking for compassionate caregivers to provide assistance to seniors in their home, assisted living or in a skilled nursing facility. We provide sitter services, light housekeeping and light meal preparation, organizational assistance, care management and occasional transportation for our clients. We need caregivers with reliable transportation and a cellphone for communication. We typically employ on a part-time basis, but will strive to match hours desired. Contact Gary or Laurie at (913) 341-2500 if you want to become part of an excellent caregiving team. Catholic financial planners - The Knights of Columbus Mahon Agency has openings throughout all of NE Kansas and western Missouri, including Kansas City, Topeka, Holton, Wamego, Lawrence, Gardner, Liberty and Chillicothe. We have much to offer professional, disciplined and determined men who would like to share needed life insurance, disability income, longterm care and annuity products with other Catholics. This is a full-time position with excellent, multi-tiered training and benefits, allowing the successful field agent to earn a professional level income. It’s an exciting career opportunity that may be the right fit at the right time for you, or someone you know. For more information, contact John Mahon at (785) 4088800, or john.mahon@kofc.org.
>> Continued on page 13
CALENDAR/CLASSIFIEDS 13
SEPTEMBER 18, 2026 | THELEAVEN.ORG
HEARTACHE TO HEALING Church of the Ascension (St. John Room) 9510 W. 127th St., Overland Park Sept. 21 at 6:30 p.m.
Join our social support group for men and women widowed early in life. We’ll mix and mingle ice-breaker-style at this first gathering of the year. Feel free to bring a snack or drink to share and come join the fun. Your emailed RSVP is appreciated, but not necessary, to Laura at: khaeus1@hot mail.com or Damon at: damon452@yahoo. com.
FALL CRAFT AND BAKE SALE 501 S. Willow Dr., Olathe Sept. 24 to 26 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Proceeds support pregnancy centers, Care Portal at Prince of Peace, The Little Sisters of the Poor nursing center and Starfish. Cash and checks only.
WIDOW AND WIDOWERS MEETING Most Pure Heart of Mary Church (Culhane Room) 3601 S.W. 17th St., Topeka Sept. 24 from 5 to 7 p.m.
This will be a potluck dinner. Bring a covered dish or dessert. Quarter bingo will be played after dinner. There is no cost to attend. For more information, text Gen Orozco at (785) 230-2473.
>> Continued from page 12 Music director - The position is at Mother Teresa of Calcutta Church in Topeka. Please see description at: mtcctopeka.org. To apply, please submit your resume to: office@mtcctopeka.org by Aug. 10. Call Lisa at (785) 286-2188 with questions.
HOME IMPROVEMENT 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 - Transform your space with affordable remodeling done right. Bathrooms, basements and everything in between-crafted with honesty and quality. Family-owned with free estimates. Haustohomekc.com | Cole (913) 544-7352.
SERVICES Popcorn ceiling texture removal Call Jerry at (913) 206-1144. 30 years’ experience. Interior painting specialist. Member St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee. Jack Harrison Heating & Air Conditioning - Proudly serving Johnson County, Kansas, parts of KCK and KCMO, we’re your trusted local experts in residential and light commercial HVAC. Whether you need a repair, seasonal tuneup or full system replacement, we’ve got you covered — with honest advice, quality work and friendly service. We’re a family-owned and operated company, rooted in the community as members of St. Paul Parish in Olathe. Call Jack Harrison Heating & Air today at (913) 308-3131 or visit: www. JackHarrisonAir.com to schedule online. Let our family take care of yours! Does your child struggle with reading? Targeted Support for Struggling Readers Real Progress • Real Results Janel Setter, Reading Specialist (M.S.) 785-304-9800 setterreading.com
FALL BAZAAR St. John Church (parish hall) 429 S. Prairie St., Greeley Sept. 26 from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Enjoy a traditional turkey and ham dinner, served with many sides and apple pie. Adults and takeout: $17. Kids: $6. There will be crafts and a raffle, too. Parish hall is handicap accessible.
SLOVENEFEST Holy Family Church (Msgr. Mejak Hall) 513 Ohio Ave., Kansas City, Kansas Sept. 26 at 5 p.m.
Traditional Slovenian dinner, mini-silent auction, raffle, games, cultural booth and souvenirs. Music and dancing featuring: Hrvatski Obicaj and The Brian McCarty Band. For more information, visit our website at: www.holyfamilychurchkck.org, find us on Facebook or contact the church office at (913) 413-0022. All proceeds to benefit Holy Family Church.
GERMANFEST St. Joseph Church 306 N. Broadway, Leavenworth Sept. 26 from 5 to 7:30 p.m.
The Germanfest will begin after 4 p.m. Mass, followed by a German meal. Paul Pawlush will play the accordion. Come join in the fun! $15 for an adult meal; $5 for a kid’s meal.
WINE AND CHEESE NIGHT Sacred Heart Church (parish center) 408 S. Cedar, Ottawa Sept. 26 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Join us for a night of fellowship, wine and cheese, and learn about the image of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Charcuterie, wine, beer and soda will be available. This event will only be for those 21 and older. Childcare will be provided.
MEXICAN SUPPER Sacred Heart School 102 Cottonwood St., Emporia Oct. 2 from 4:30 to 7 p.m.
Enjoy two tacos, rice, chips, salsa and a dessert. Advance donation: $12. At the door: $15. Dine-in, carry-out and drive-thru available. For tickets, call (620) 343-7394.
CATHOLIC COMMUNITY HEALTH BALL Fiorella’s Event Center 9000 W. 137th St., Overland Park Oct. 3 at 5:15 p.m.
Catholic Community Health will host its annual fall ball, supporting Catholic Community Health and Villa St. Francis. The St. Francis Service Medal will be presented to Archbishop Emeritus Joseph F. Naumann and Msgr. Stuart Swetland. Social hour starts at 5:15 p.m., followed by dinner and a program. Email: mnolan@catholiccommunity health.org for questions, or register online at: catholiccommunityhealth.org/fallball.
Bill Dean Mechanical LLC Electrical Plumbing American Standard Heating & Cooling Furnace, AC and Water Heater Install and Service Email: Wmdean14@hotmail.com Web site: billdeanmechanical.com Joco lic # 2026-0008446, Text or call 913-724-3294
Footprints Floors Family-owned and operated. St. Paul parishioners. Hardwood, tile, stone, vinyl and more Call for free estimate: (913) 372-3007 Footprintsfloors.com/kansas-city
DASH Fencing Wood Fencing Repair and Replacement Free Estimates - Senior Discounts Available Reliable Service You Can Trust (913) 420-0197 Ephesians 3:18-19
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.)
Rios Painting - Transforming your home one paint coat at a time. Over 20 years of residential and commercial interior and exterior painting. Reliable, professional, and affordable. Insured. Call or text Ramiro today for a free estimate! (913) 579-5016. Double A’s Lawn Service Mowing, Mulch, Gutters, Leaf Cleanup, Debris Removal & Brush Trimming Free Estimates & Insured Alex Spoerre (913) 488-5195 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. Joe’s Decks & More Deck and fence repair, mowing and handyman services Member of St. Joseph in Shawnee (913) 449-9848 Sacred Heart Counseling - Are you looking for counseling from an authentic Catholic perspective? We have offices in Olathe, Leawood, Lenexa, Shawnee & Atchison. Book online at SacredHeartCounselingKC. com, in person or telehealth. MIKE HAMMER MOVING - A full-service mover. Local and long-distance moving. Packing, pianos, rental truck load/unload, storage container load/unload. In-home moving and office moves. No job too small. Serving the KC metro since 1987. St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee, parishioner. Call the office at (913) 927-4347 or email: mike@mikehammermoving.com. GARAGE DOOR REPAIR EXPERTS New Garage Doors & Openers A Total Door, Inc. Since ’83. Leaven Discount buffy@atotaldoor.com or (913) 236-6440 www.atotaldoor.com
Board-Certified Nurse Practitioner Personalized aesthetic & wellness care Dysport • Dermal Fillers • Microneedling • Medical Weight Management Natural, confidence-enhancing results with a personalized approach to every patient. Aesthetics & Wellness by Tanairi, WHNP-BC Call or text (913) 972-5097.
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.
K-12 tutoring - Tutor has classroom experience and has taught for 19 years. Tutor teaches in a fun and meaningful context. For more info please call/text Kathleen (913) 206-2151 or email: klmamuric@yahoo. com.
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.
FOR SALE
For sale - 4 burial pots in Mount Calvary Cemetery KC KS, section MC-11, lot 68 1,2,3,4. Price $2,000 each. Contact Tammy Cahill (816) 738-4543. Atchison multigen home - 4-bed/3.5-bath newer build completed late 2021 near Benedictine College. Features 2 kitchens, 2 laundries, separate living quarters, 5 covered parking spots, workshop w/ 1/2 bath, fenced yard & newer hot tub included. Rate buydown concessions offered. $515,000. Call agent/ owner Hailey: (706) 718-1925. Keller Williams One Legacy Partners, LLC. For sale - One cemetery plot. Shawnee Mission Memory Gardens. Garden of Valor. Lot 65, block A, space 1, sect. 3. Containing one double-depth interment space. Asking price is $3,500. Email: nlloyd2278@ gmail.com or call (682) 471-1735. For sale - Cemetery plot for sale at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens in Kansas City, Kansas. Space: Disciples H115 (double depth). Vaults: lawn crypts already there. Marker: classic pine 16x24 on 20x28 granite. Two openings and closings. $7,500. Call (913) 4888634. For sale - Two cemetery plots. Shawnee Mission Memory Gardens. Garden of Valor. Lot #37. Section D. Spaces 4A and 4B. Containing two interment spaces. Asking price is $4,500. Email: klhall_1964@yahoo. com or call (913) 370-1776.
FALL FESTIVAL Divine Mercy Church 555 W Main St., Gardner Oct. 4 from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Come and enjoy a fried chicken dinner, brats, hot dogs — bierocks and tamales to go. There is entertainment for young and old alike. Join the fun and fellowship. Tickets can be purchased at: divinemercyks.org.
FALL BAZAAR St. Theresa Church 203 E. 3rd St., Perry Oct. 4 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Ham and cheesy potatoes, plus pies/ cakes, will be available in the parish hall. Carry out meals will be available also. The cost is $15 for adults and $5 for kids age 10 and under. Outdoor activities are open until 3 p.m. and include games for kids, silent auction, bingo, cake walk, country store, baked goods, beer garden, raffles and more.
FALL BAZAAR St. Boniface Church (Carmel Hall) 32292 N.E. Norton Rd., Garnett Oct. 4 from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Roast beef, potatoes, gravy, chicken and noodles, sauerkraut, green beans, salad, homemade bread and pie. Adults: $18; children 5 to 10: $5. Carry-out available until 1 p.m. There will be bingo, bake sale, craft sale and kids games, too.
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.
WANTED TO BUY BUYING OIL & GAS ROYALTIES Simplify your life. Paying 48 times average last 6 months income. Call Dan (913) 980-0946. $$Paying Cash$$ - Antique Furniture, crocks, tin and cast iron toys, old tools, glassware, American coins, jewelry. Most anything old. Please call Patricia at (913) 515-2950. A member of Holy Trinity Parish, Lenexa. WANTED TO BUY - PAYING CASH Antiques & Collectibles: jewelry, military items, railroad items, sterling, OLD holiday/toys & more. Renee Maderak (913) 475-7393 St. Joseph, Shawnee. Will buy firearms and related accessories - One or a whole collection. Honest evaluation and top prices paid. Contact Tom at (913) 238-2473. Member of Sacred Heart Parish, Shawnee 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. CASH PAID FOR COIN COLLECTIONS! Silver dollar coins, half-dollars, quarters, dimes, old pennies. Cash in hand. Also paying cash for old paper currency. Cash in that old dusty box of coins! Call Kirk (913) 213-9843. Member of Holy Trinity Parish. Please sell to local people.
REAL ESTATE
For sale - 2 plots in the Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Topeka, KS. Side by side in the Trumpeter addition. $2,000 each. Call (512) 947-0977.
Paul O’Toole – Real Estate Agent (KS & MO) Weichert Realtors – Welch & Company (913) 489-1229 (mobile) | (913) 647-5700 (office)
PILGRIMAGE
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.
Pilgrimages to Medjugorje - Sept. 30–Oct. 7, 2026. and Dec. 26-Jan. 4, 2027. Hosted by visionary Mirjana Soldo. For more information, email Grace Legaspi at: mgracelegaspi@gmail.com or go to: www. fiattravel.com.
CAREGIVING
Classified Advertising
Prestige Home Care of Kansas - Catholic owned and operated. We have been in business for 19 years. We provide the full range of non-skilled care to help seniors and those with disabilities to remain in their residence. We specialize in assisting veterans. Visit our website at: www.ksprestigehomecare.com or call us at (913) 680-0493.
The Leaven reaches approximately 47,000 subscribers. Cost is $20 for the first five lines, $1.50 per line thereafter. For how to place a classified ad, visit www.theleaven.org/advertise
14 COLUMNISTS DAILY READINGS TWENTY-FIFTH WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME Sept. 20 TWENTY-FIFTH SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIME Is 55: 6-9 Ps 145: 2-3, 8-9, 17-18 Phil 1: 20c-24, 27a Mt 20: 1-16a Sept. 21 MATTHEW, APOSTLE AND EVANGELIST Eph 4: 1-7, 11-13 Ps 19: 2-5 Mt 9: 9-13 Sept. 22 Tuesday Prv 21: 1-6, 10-13 Ps 119: 1, 27, 30, 34-35, 44 Lk 8: 19-21 Sept. 23 Pius of Pietrelcina, priest Ps 119: 29, 72, 89, 101, 104, 163 Lk 9: 1-6 Sept. 24 Thursday Eccl 1: 2-11 Ps 90: 3-6, 12-14, 17bc Lk 9: 7-9 Sept. 25 Friday Eccl 3: 1-11 Ps 114: 1b, 2abc, 3-4 Lk 9: 18-22 Sept. 26 Cosmas and Damian, martyrs Eccl 11: 9 — 12: 8 Ps 90: 3-6, 12-14, 17 Lk 9: 43b-45
F
SEPTEMBER 18, 2026 | THELEAVEN.ORG
Freediving and eucharistic longing
or many years, I have tried to return to my home country, the Philippines, at least once a year. These visits let me reconnect with family, especially as my parents grow older, and take a much-needed break from ministry before burnout sets in. I specially make time for the ocean, which I deeply miss while living in landlocked Kansas. During my last two visits, I moved from snorkeling — my previous favorite hobby — to something more challenging: freediving. At first, freediving seemed like a simple adventure — a way to enjoy the sea and the beauty of creation. But the more I practiced it, the more it felt like a retreat. It requires silence, patience, trust and attention to one’s breath. It asks me to slow down, release unnecessary tension and notice what is happening
TWENTY-SIXTH WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME Sept. 27 TWENTY-SIXTH SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIME Ez 18: 25-28 Ps 25: 4-9 Phil 2: 1-11 Mt 21: 28-32 Sept. 28 Wenceslaus, martry; Lawrence Ruit and companions, martyrs Jb 1: 6-22 Ps 17: 1b-3, 6-7 Lk 9: 46-50 Sept. 29 MICHAEL, GABRIEL AND RAPHAEL, ARCHANGELS Dn 7: 9-10, 13-14 Ps 138: 1-5 Jn 1: 47-51 Sept. 30 Jerome, priest, doctor of the church Jb 9: 1-12, 14-16 Ps 88: 10b-15 Lk 9: 57-62 Oct. 1 Thérèse of the Child Jesus, virgin, doctor of the church Jb 19: 21-27 Ps 27: 7-9c, 13-14 Lk 10: 1-12 Oct. 2 The Holy Guardian Angels Jb 38: 1, 12-21; 40: 3-5 Ps 139: 1-3: 1-3, 7-10, 13-14b Mt 18: 1-5, 10 Oct. 3 Saturday Jb 42: 1-3, 5-6, 12-17 Ps 119: 66, 71, 75, 91, 125, 130 Lk 10: 17-24
D
orothy Day thought that this parable from Matthew’s Gospel, which we hear this Sunday, justified a Catholic’s support for the idea of a living wage. She wrote, “He spoke of the living wage, not equal pay for equal work, in the parable of those who came at the first and the eleventh hour.” Now aside from this specific suggestive interpretation, her general point was that, by our accounting, God is often inexplicably gracious, and further that God’s graciousness should make us gracious too. And in all things, even in matters economic. Which is the fundamental truth, what Jesus Christ revealed in both word and deed, that God is a relentless giver of grace, that he is per-
ALONG THE WAY
FATHER JONATHAN DIZON Father Jonathan Dizon is the pastor of St. Dominic Parish in Holton and St. Francis Xavier Parish in Mayetta.
beneath the surface. It became a kind of prayerful descent, reminding me that the spiritual life also requires surrender, stillness and courage to go deeper with God. Unexpectedly, this quiet lesson from beneath the sea would lead me to deeper gratitude at the altar. During a recent trip to the Philippines, I joined a freediving
expedition to a remote government-protected island. Since the trip extended through the weekend, I told the organizers that I would celebrate Mass and that the other divers were welcome to attend. They asked if the park rangers could also join. Their work had kept them far from the regular rhythms of parish life, and some had not been able to attend Mass in months. Surrounded by the beauty of creation, yet separated from the ordinary availability of the sacraments, their longing for the Eucharist became painfully
clear. Hearing this saddened me and led me to ask: Do we, as Catholics, sometimes take for granted our ability to go to Mass regularly? In many places, we are blessed with weekly or even daily access to the Eucharist. Yet that very availability can dull our wonder. The Mass is not simply part of a Catholic routine; it is a gift many people long for, sacrifice for and sometimes go without for months. For some Catholics, missing Mass is the unfortunate consequence of another obligation or an unavoidable scheduling conflict. For these rangers, however, the absence of the Eucharist was not indifference but a painful reality shaped by distance, duty and circumstance. How often do we speak of Mass as an obligation before we speak of it as a gift? How often do we forget that what is easily
available to us may be something others hunger for? Those of us with regular access to the Eucharist can become familiar in a way that is no longer grateful. As a priest, this realization struck me deeply. I am not only a presider at Mass; I am also a servant of the eucharistic hunger of God’s people. And those who cannot come regularly to the altar still belong to the church’s prayer. Their absence should not be invisible to me, and their longing should fuel my pastoral zeal. This trip renewed my gratitude for every altar, every congregation, every opportunity to make Christ present and for every soul waiting faithfully to be nourished by him. Freediving taught me to venture beneath the surface; that island Mass reminded me to go deeper . . . into gratitude for the Eucharist and into service of those who hunger for it.
In heaven as it isn’t on earth
FATHER JOSHUA J. WHITFIELD Father Joshua J. Whitfield is pastor of St. Rita Catholic Community in Dallas and author of “The Crisis of Bad Preaching” and other books.
fectly gracious. And in all things, not just in matters economic. At the end of this parable in Matthew, Jesus says, “the last will be first, and the first will be last” (Mt 20:16). He is not talking about wages here but about
Israel, the covenants, the kingdom of God and who is welcome. Jesus is saying that when it is all said and done, we are going to be surprised by who we see in the kingdom. Because it won’t just be those who are conventionally good or conventionally religious or righteous; the kingdom will also include sinners and tax collectors, those with faith and the penitent, whomever they are. Even if they played the game wrong all their lives, or didn’t play at all, still it’s possible that they just might win in the end. For such is God’s generosity. And not just included, such people might even find themselves “first” in the kingdom of heaven. It’s best not to be too clear what being first may pre-
cisely mean; St. Paul wrote that “star differs from star” in glory, and it’s probably better to leave it at that (1 Cor 15:41). But nonetheless we will likely be very surprised by who is in heaven and how it’s all arranged. How differently does God see things? How differently does he see others? And if he sees others differently — say, if he loves them — then why do we hold on to our prejudices and petty hatreds? Wouldn’t it be sensible, spiritually and morally speaking, to change how we see things and see other people? Wouldn’t it be sensible to try to see the way God sees? For that is what would truly make us gracious. And here we come back to what Dorothy Day was saying about this parable and
a living wage. What she was suggesting is that sometimes one’s spiritual sense should override one’s economic sense, that sometimes, often in fact, one should not just be fair but gracious. For that’s exactly how God is; that’s exactly what he does. “Graciousness is an old-fashioned word but it has a beautiful religious tradition,” Day once wrote. It’s to participate in divine life. So, this parable invites us to look at everything differently. It invites us to see everything from God’s perspective, to see everything in terms of grace and graciousness. Which is, admittedly, to see things strangely. But it’s also to see a better world and maybe the beginning of heaven, too.
JEROME
c. 342–347 Born in what is now Croatia, Jerome studied in Rome from the age of 12 and was baptized at 19. He learned theology in Germany, Greek and Hebrew in Syria and was ordained at Antioch, though he never celebrated Mass. He became secretary to Pope Damasus I, who asked him to revise the Latin New Testament. This ascetic scholar, an early Christian theologian, moved permanently in 385 to Bethlehem, where he founded a monastery and boys’ school and wrote. His greatest achievement was the Latin Vulgate Bible.
LOCAL NEWS 16
SEPTEMBER 18, 2026 | THELEAVEN.ORG Ed and Sally Henry, members of Sacred Heart Parish, Ottawa, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on July 19 at the annual Henry reunion in Seneca. Father Jim Shaughnessy blessed the marriage. The couple was married on Oct. 2, 1976, at Sts. Peter and Paul Church, Seneca. Their children are: Andrew, Luke, Brian, Eric and Thomas. They also have 15 grandchildren. Douglas and Laurie Schmidt, members of St. Joseph Parish, Olpe, will celebrate their 50th we d d i n g anniversary with a cruise and family celebration. The couple was married on Sept. 25, 1976, at St. Joseph Church, Olpe. Their children are: Ryan, Tyler and Jessica. They also have seven grandchildren. Mary Jo and John Beary, members of Holy Spirit Parish, Overland Park, will celebrate their 70th wedding anniversary on Sept. 26 with a family celebration. The couple was married on Sept. 29, 1956, at St. Mary Church, Weller, Iowa. Their children are: Pam Hurt, Greg Beary, Anne Uhlig and Karen Dunsmore. The also have 11 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. Ray and Shirleen (Flinn) Augustine, members of Annunciation Parish, Baldwin City, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on Oct. 16. The couple was married Oct. 16, 1976, at St. Mary Church, Ellis. The couple invites family and friends to a reception on Oct. 11, from 2 to 4 p.m., at the Golf Course Clubhouse, 1102 Main St., Baldwin City. In June, the couple celebrated with a Golden Getaway to Tennessee with their children: Rachelle Broadwell, Danielle Balsman, and Grady Augustine, their spouses, and two granddaughters. Bev and Tom Schuler, members of St. Aloysius Parish, Meriden, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with a family trip to Grand Lake, Oklahoma, in July. The couple was married on Sept. 18, 1976, at St. Joseph Church, Nortonville. Their children are: Scott, Kevin and Janelle. They also have five grandchildren.
Ken and Janice Wash, members of St. Paul Parish, Olathe, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary with family. The couple was married on Sept. 25, 1976, at Holy Family Church, Grand Forks, North Dakota. Their children are: Jacqueline Brown, Christine Kovarik, and Jordan Wash. They also have six grandchildren. Christy (Zeller) and Dan Freeman, members of Sacred Heart Parish, Emporia, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on Sept. 18. The couple was married on Sept. 18, 1976, at St. Joseph Church, Olpe, by Father Curt Lanzrath. Their children are: Henry (deceased), Luke and Dana. They also have five grandchildren. Linus Cornelius and Mary Elaine (Broxterman) Holthaus, members of St. Patrick Church in Corning, will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary on Oct. 19 with a Mass at St. Patrick followed by an open house. The couple was married on Sept. 17, 1966, at St. Joseph Church, Lillis. Their children are: Roger Holthaus, Laurie Kramer, Bill Holthaus, Trish McNally, Benji Holthaus, Cindy Flentie and Nickie Haverkamp. They also have 27 grandchildren (one deceased) and 23 great-grandchildren. C. Armando, Sr. and Mary Perez, members of Immaculate Conception Parish, Louisburg, will celebrate t h e i r 50th wedding anniversary on Sept. 18. The couple was married at St. Joseph Church, Shawnee. They will celebrate with family and friends and later travel to Colorado Springs in the fall. Their children are: C. Armando, Jr., C. Alejandro Perez and Marisa Mellies. They also have nine grandchildren. David and Ruth (Thielen) Theis, members of Holy Angels Parish, Garnett, celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary with a private family gathering on Sept. 6. The couple was married on Sept. 17, 1966, at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church, Kansas City, Missouri. Their children are: Chris and Audra. They also have two grandchildren and one great-grandson.
Gary and Adrienne Liebergen, members of Holy Spirit Parish, Overland Park, will celebrate their 50th we d d i n g a n n i versary on Sept. 19 with a family and friends dinner. The couple was married at Mary Queen of Heaven Church, West Allis, Wisconsin, on Sept. 18, 1976. Their children are: Adam, Justin and Stephanie. They also have five grandchildren. Carolyn (Leavitt) and John Martin, members of Sacred H e a r t Parish, To n g a n oxie, will celebrate their 65th we d d i n g anniversary on Sept. 30. The couple was married on Sept. 30, 1961, at Sacred Heart. They have three children: Julie, Joan and Jill. They also have three grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Lonnie
and
Anita (Ireland) Lemmon, members of Holy Cross Parish, Overland Park, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on Oct. 1. The couple was married on Oct. 1, 1976, at St. Joseph Church, Shawnee. Their children, Dan Lemmon, Bonnie Lemmon, Stefanie Bridges, and Brett Lemmon, will host an open house in their honor. They also have 15 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. John and Lois Schreiner, members of Annunciation Parish, Frankfort, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on Aug. 21. An open house was held on Aug. 29 with family and friends. The couple was married on Aug. 21, 1976, at St. Malachy Church, Beattie. Their children are: John Schreiner, Scott Schreiner, Jarrod Schreiner, Adam Schreiner and Ellen Lauer. They also have 17 grandchildren. Jeanine and Mike Cindrich, members of Holy Spirit Parish, Overland Park, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on Sept. 11. The couple was married on Sept. 11, 1976, at Curé of Ars Church, Leawood. Celebrants were Father Francis Broderick, OSB, and Father Thomas Dolezal. Their children are: Paul (deceased), Matt, Ben and Laura Foote. They also have nine grandchildren.
Jerry and Judy Osterhaus, member of St. Mary Parish, St. Benedict, celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on Sept. 10. The couple has four children, 14 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. Linda and Robert Feldkamp, members of Mater Dei Parish, Topeka, will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary on Oct. 1. The couple was married Oct. 1, 1966, at St. Patrick Church, Corning. They have three daughters: Sherri Scott, Lori Cohee and Terri Godbout. They also have two grandsons. Ruth and Roger Roe, members of St. Patrick Parish, O s a g e City, will celebrate their 65th we d d i n g anniversary on Sept. 30. The couple was married on Sept. 30 in Densmore. Their children are Douglas Roe, Mark Roe and Gregory Roe. They also have eight grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
ANNIVERSARY SUBMISSIONS POLICY: The Leaven prints 50, 60, 65 and 70th anniversary notices. DEADLINE: 10 days before the desired publication date. INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING: • The couple’s names • their parish • the date they were married • church and city where they were married • what they are doing to celebrate • date of the celebration • names of children (no spouses) • number of grandchildren and great-grandchildren; WHERE TO SUBMIT: Email: todd.habiger@theleaven.org.
NEED HELP HEALING FROM A PAST ABORTION?
Call or text 913-621-2199 Compassionate, Confidential, Free