WWW.THELEAVEN.COM NEWSPAPER OF THE ARCHDIOCESE OF KANSAS CITY IN KANSAS • VOL. 29, NO. 21 JANUARY 11, 2008 MARATHON MAN Remembering Msgr. Helidore Mejak, who at 98 was the oldest active priest in the archdiocese — and maybe the country STORY BY JOE BOLLIG | PHOTOS BY ELAINA GENERALLY

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us rid ourselves of every burden and sin that clings to us and persevere in running the race that lies before us.” Heb 12:1 (NAB)

ANSAS CITY, Kan. — Of the many things that can be said about the life of Msgr. Heliodore N. Mejak, this is true: His priestly vocation was a magnificent marathon. When he died on Christmas Eve, Msgr. Mejak ended a K priestly ministry of 72 years. Remarkably, he spent 63 of those at one parish — Holy Family in Kansas City, Kan. He served un - der seven popes and seven bishops. At the time of his death, he was reputed to be the oldest active Catholic priest in the United States — and some say the world. To many Catholics in the urban core of Kansas City, Kan., Msgr. Mejak was a guiding star and a sure landmark in the face of constant, and sometimes dis - turbing, change. “You never worried with Mejak around,” said Father Ron Livojevich, pas - tor of the Church of the Nativity in Leawood, who grew up in Holy Family Parish. “We always thought that he’d live forever.” When one considers that frequent moves for priests have been the norm for many years, Msgr. Mejak’s tenure at Holy Family is remarkable. Bernice Anzek, longtime parishioner and parish volunteer, says that Msgr. Mejak had several explanations for his long-term assignment. “I think they forgot about me, so I just stayed on,” he once said. Despite failing eyesight, trouble walking, and various other ailments that come with age, On another occasion, Anzek said, he explained: “The bishop didn’t ask me Msgr. Heliodore Mejak continued to celebrate Mass daily at his parish, Holy Family in to move, and I never asked the bishop to move.” Kansas City, Kan. Msgr. Mejak was pastor of Holy Family for 63 years. But still another explanation was simplest of all. “I like it here, and I want to stay here.”

See “Poor” on page 8 2 LOCAL NEWS THE LEAVEN • JANUARY 11, 2008 JANUARY 11, 2008 • THE LEAVEN SECOND FRONT PAGE 3

LIFE WILL BE VICTORIOUS Make way for the Word in your life this new year LET THERE BE LIGHT t has been two years since I began the preacher for the papal household is flect with regularity on God’s word, al - our faith, we can easily become con - writing these weekly columns for a reminder that we all need to hear the lowing its truths to inform the every - fused. Community bands together after ice storm knocks out all power I The Leaven. Gospel proclaimed regularly, no mat - day activities of our life. I am pleased With our three-year cycle of biblical By MARC and JULIE ANDERSON Many of you have expressed to me ter the level of our spiritual formation, that many of our parishes offer Bible readings for Sunday Mass, we are giv - Special to The Leaven your appreciation our education, our vo - study opportunities. The Leaven re - en the opportunity to reflect upon for these articles. I cation or our respon - cently published an article noting the most of the New Testament and a sig - NEMAHA COUNTY — How have found them a sibilities. We all need excellent participation in the Catholic nificant portion of the Old Testament. I many Catholics does it take to turn helpful tool in at - ARCHBISHOP to ponder with fre - Scripture Study now being offered at encourage every family to have its own on a light bulb? tempting to fulfill JOSEPH F. quent regularity the Queen of the Holy Rosary Parish in Bible study by reading and praying If you’re talking about Nemaha my apostolic respon - NAUMANN word of God, allow - Wea. over the Scripture texts before coming and Marshall counties, the answer is sibility as a teacher ing it to illuminate The School of Faith curriculum, de - to Sunday Mass. This practice will not “all of them.” of the faith. With what God’s will and veloped at the St. Lawrence Catholic only better prepare you for the cele - That’s because the job of getting God’s grace and your desire is for us in the Campus Center and now being offered bration of Sunday Mass, but it will pro - the power back on in these two prayers, I hope to be particular circum - at several of our parishes, is an excel - vide you with an opportunity to heavily Catholic counties after the able to continue communicating with stances of our life. lent presentation of our Catholic faith. strengthen the bonds that bind you as devastating Dec. 10 ice storm was a all of you through these weekly Being your archbishop has been The School of Faith participants review a family, reflecting together upon the community-wide effort. columns. very helpful for my prayer life, because the biblical foundations of our Catholic meaning of the word of God. Kathy Brinker, general manager By the time this edition of The I am constantly confronted with my faith as they walk through the Old and In the Mass at Dawn on Christmas of the Nemaha-Marshall Electric Leaven arrives at your home, I will own inadequacy in the face of the deci - New Testament. Day, as well as the Mass for the solem - Cooperative and a member of Sts. have returned from the annual retreat sions I have to make which will have Several of our parishes are now of - nity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Peter and Paul Parish in Seneca, for the bishops of Region IX (Kansas, significant consequences upon the life fering Christ Renews His Parish week - Mother of God (Jan. 1), we were pre - said approximately 3,000 customers Missouri, Nebraska and Iowa). This of the church in our Archdiocese. In a ends which have proven to be power - sented with St. Luke’s description of lost power as a result of the ice year’s retreat master was Father similar way, I have heard mothers or ful experiences awakening and deep - the Blessed Mother after the birth of storm. Some families contended Raniero Cantalamessa, who, during fathers speak about being driven to ening the faith in the hearts of many Jesus and the visit of the shepherds: with the cold and dark for only four the pontificates of the late John Paul II prayer because of the weight of their participants. “And Mary kept all these things, re - days; others for up to two weeks. and now Pope Benedict XVI, has responsibility as parents. Parenthood In our culture today, we are fre - flecting on them in her heart.” It could have been longer, how - served as the preacher for the papal has been aptly described as “just one quently being presented with chal - We need to be like Mary, prayerfully ever. household. long prayer.” lenges to our Catholic faith. If we are pondering the remarkable way in The repair crews, which had been The very existence of the ministry of All of us need to make time to re - not well-formed and well-educated in which God is acting in our lives. pulled together from several states, had to repair some 1,400 power poles. In one township alone, there were 97 poles down. When this PRISTINE , REMOTE ALASKA army of professionals arrived on the scene, they found an all-volunteer JUST GOT CLOSER army waiting to help them. Photos by Wade Talley July 18, 2008 7 night sailing Ice covers the fence (above) and weighs down the treetops (below) of a farm in rural Nemaha County. Approximately 3,000 customers in 701 N ORTH 94 TH STREET * K ANSAS CITY , K ANSAS 66112 * (913) 334-3366 Prices beginning at $1179.00* per person Nemaha and Marshall counties lost power — some for up to two weeks — as a result of the Dec. 10 ice storm. FUNERAL HOME * C EMETERY * C REMATION SERVICES ‘Never seen anything like it’ Call Trinity Travel 913-422-4141 According to Brinker, the logis - restored much sooner than was “Some of the linemen who usual - one of the linemen’s trucks got stuck tics of such a massive restoration ef - originally thought possible. ly serve in urban areas were thor - in a ditch, there was someone on Prices are per person, double occupancy for select departures including fort were challenging, to say the That was due in large part to the oughly amazed at what the resi - hand with a tractor to pull them out. non-discountable amounts. Taxes are additional. Lead fares shown may least. When 130 linemen rolled into fact that the Nemaha folks weren’t dents had done,” she added. “They Other residents frequented the not be combinable with upgrade offers. Certain restrictions apply. Offers the area from Colorado, Mississippi, content to sit and wait for the caval - said they’d never seen anything like cooperative’s office to find out what are capacity controlled and may be modified or withdrawn without prior Nebraska and Texas, the first ques - ry to arrive. it anywhere.” other electrical supplies needed to notice tion was: Where would the linemen Countless men and women fired But that was only the beginning. be picked up — then volunteered to stay? Next, came how they would be up their own tractors and trailers The women of St. Michael Parish drive to nearby Marysville or 60-70 fed, where supplies would be and started hauling poles to where in Axtell provided baked goods and miles to Topeka to pick them up, dropped, and how poles from they were needed. fruit for the linemen’s sack lunches then deliver them to where they Arkansas, Mississippi and “All the linemen had to do then — every day. were needed. was to put the pole in the ground Other county resi - As days turned into weeks and e have tthe newesstt and niiccesstt ffunerrall home iin Wyandotttte Countty,, rriightt accrrossss tthe ssttrreett Louisiana would make their W way to Nemaha County. and put the wire back on the pole it - dents made the many of the out-of-town linemen ffrrom Stt.. Pattrriicck’’ss Churrcch.. Perrssonalliizze a FFunerrall,, Cemetterry orr Memorriiall Serrviicce allll ffrrom one off -- As things turned out, self,” Brinker said. rounds alongside found themselves far from home at ficce,, iinssttead off drriiviing allll overr ttown makiing pllanss.. We even acccceptt many prre--arrrranged pllanss Brinker said, the the linemen, Christmas, many residents left ffrrom ottherr ffunerrall homess.. To rrecceiive a ffrree Perrssonall Pllanniing Guiide,, ccallll orr ssttop iin ttoday.. power so that was if See “Power” on page 5 KEATING Mud Jacking

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Continued from page 3 TIME TO REGISTER FOR CAMP Christmas cards on the windshields of their trucks. “The people in the communities tru - By KARA HANSEN erty and only end with the closing prayer service. In an attempt to offer as many ses - ly wanted to make them feel wel - Leaven staff Opportunities for Mass and the sacrament of sions as possible to meet the growing come,” Brinker said simply. reconciliation, an introduction to a variety of demand, the first session of Camp WILLIAMSBURG — One of the summer’s Catholic prayer styles, and the integration of spiri - Kateri, the session for campers en - biggest draws for kids around the archdiocese will tuality into each camping activity are the basis of tering 5th or 6th grade, will open be able to accommodate even greater numbers what has become a model of a superior Catholic this year even before several Raised up right than in years past due to an expansion of housing camp experience for dioceses around the country. school districts end their here at Prairie Star Ranch, funded by the Kids for With so much to offer, it’s no surprise that each school year. Parents are That same spirit of cooperation, said Christ capital campaign. camp session fills up quickly. therefore encouraged to Corning mayor Dan Rempe, was evi - That means, said archdiocesan coordinator of “The Internet slots of several of our camp ses - double-check their school dent everywhere. evangelization and Catholic formation Dana sions fill within the first three hours,” said calendars first before He and his wife Marlene, parish - Nearmyer, that there will be room for 30 addition - Nearmyer, “and all the mail-in spots are full by the making camp registra - ioners of St. Patrick Parish in Corning, al campers each session of Camp Tekakwitha. end of the first day [that] registration is open.” tions. said their greatest challenge was keep - “The new housing will alleviate the tension in That’s why it’s so important for parents, he ing in touch with each of the town’s our sleeping space, which is huge,” said said, to mark the date of Jan. 31 on their calendars 170 residents — especially the elderly Nearmyer. “The demand for camp is always in - — the date registration begins for summer 2008 — and making sure they had every - creasing, but we’re hoping the additional room Camp Tekakwitha sessions for grades 7-12. thing they needed. helps.” Registration for 5th- and 6th-graders will begin “We made a lot of phone calls,” said Along with the additional housing, Camp Feb. 6. Registrations made by mail cannot be post - Marlene. “We let them know they Tekakwitha opens the ’08 camping season with its marked before its re - could come to the farmhouse because second accreditation from the American Camp spective date or they we had a generator there. Our main Association, an organization that certifies over will be returned. Online concern was making sure we didn’t for - 2,400 camps for some 300 different standards of registration begins at 9 get anyone.” health, safety and program quality. a.m. of each reg - Like the linemen, the mayor found All camp sessions offer challenging outdoor ac - istration day; himself with plenty of willing hands to tivities at graduated, age-appropriate levels. The the total help. 291-acre camp, about an hour’s drive south of number of “I thank God I had so many people Kansas City, offers horseback riding, a high-ropes slots avail - in town I could call on,” he said, “espe - challenge, canoeing, hiking, orienteering, rock able is al - cially if I was busy at that particular climbing, rappelling, basketball, soccer, swim - located be - time with the farm or someone else.” ming, group party games, archery, volleyball, tween the Though grateful, Dan was not sur - mountain biking, mountain boarding, outdoor online and prised. camping, softball, and other outdoor camp activi - mail-in registra - “It’s just the way we were brought up,” he said. “And it certainly makes Photo by Wade Talley ties. tions. Camp scholarship The Talley farm in Nemaha County shows the heavy damage done by the Dec. 10 ice storm. Community volunteers helped linesmen restore power by my job as mayor that much easier, More importantly, the traditional camping activ - applications are due in moving utility poles and picking up electrical supplies. ities are incorporated into a 24/7 spiritual experi - the youth office by Jan. knowing I have people I can trust to ence that starts when campers drive onto the prop - 20. help me.” Talley, meant eating a lot of sandwich - they went to bed downstairs.” was staying with his folks at the time In addition to the phone calls, Dan es and canned goods, cooking on a The St. Patrick parishioners were the storm hit. said he also made a lot of rounds grill, sleeping near the fireplace and also among the fortunate ones to have He’s run the gamut of emotions, he around the county, offering to hook up piling on extra blankets at night. a generator, so they were able to hook said, this past Advent and Christmas his generator for a few hours at a time Yet, through it all, the Talley family it up each day for a few hours at a time season, and believes the power outage CAMP KATERI CAMP TEKAKWITHA EXTREME CAMP for those who needed it to prevent maintained a positive attitude. to do a little light cooking. They were is responsible for his new appreciation (Entering grades 5 and 6) (Entering grades 7 and 8) (Entering grades 9-12) food in their refrigerators and freezers “You just did what had to be done,” also able to pump water from the well of his many blessings. July 28-Aug. 5 from spoiling. son Ross Talley said. “You dealt with the — to the house, for drinking and wash - “Christmas this year was much more Term 1: May 29-31 Term 1: June 9-14 Session: $430 One unusual house call he made frozen ice on the bales and with the ing dishes — and perhaps just as im - special,” said Ross. “There were so Term 2: June 16-18 Term 2: June 23-28 was to a woman with one leg who had branches falling all around you. A person portantly, to their cattle. many emotions running wild when we Term 3: June 19-June 21 Term 3: July 14-19 FAMILY CAMP no way to get out of her house. Along could’ve easily broke down and cried. They burned a lot of candles for did not have power. Having a sick Term 4: June 30-July 2 Term 4: July 21-26 (Ages 2 and up) with three other men, Dan created a “But I knew the Lord would give me light, explained Marceil, especially af - grandma . . . new babies . . . farm Term 5: July 7-9 Sessions: $370 July 11-13 sort of chair-sled by attaching a piece the strength to get through.” ter the kids returned to school and chores . . . trying to keep the food cold, Kateri Sessions - $230 Session: $125 of plastic to the bottom of a chair, That same positive attitude saw Bob needed to complete homework. etc. CAMP TEKAKWITHA which they used to slide the woman and Marceil Hasenkamp through, even The rustic circumstances prompted “To sit down and have dinner with (Entering grades 9-12) from her house to her car, in which though their challenge, with seven kids 8-year-old Josh to announce that “this our [extended] family — with heat, June 2-7 they were finally able to get her to a ranging in age from 8 to 22, was a little is like living in the ’90s!” with lights, with warm food on the Session: $380 warm place. different. table — it meant so much to us.” More information and registration forms can be found by visiting the archdiocesan youth Heat was certainly one of the main “We have a gas stove and so we The power outage, he concluded, office Web site at: http://true64.youthsite.org/index.cfm?PAGE_ID=107&EXPAND=107 concerns during the power outage, as were able to use that to keep the house A powerful lesson taught us all “to be thankful for what was food. warm,” said Marceil. “It stayed pretty we have.” Some 10 days without power, said warm upstairs, and the kids just piled All four of the Talleys’ grown chil - Corning residents Dennis and Louella on a lot of extra blankets whenever dren live in Nemaha County, but Ross Contact Lenses • Eye Glasses Elmer Rottinghaus TOUCH OF HEAV - FARMERS 6420 Parallel, KCK McBratney Optical Boutique EN INSURANCE Life • Home• Auto “Any funeral home can conduct a funeral. 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Leo and Gerry (Brunski) McGraw, mem - Sister Margarita Padilla, SCL Ladies of Charity to host ANNIVERSARIES bers of Christ LEAVENWORTH — Sister Margarita Padilla, 69, a Sister of Charity of Rita (Noll) and Richard Farmer, the King Parish, Leavenworth, died on Dec. 29 at the Sisters of Charity motherhouse here. Archbishop’s homily to members Kansas City, Josephine Padilla was born on April 17, 1938, in Topeka, the conference on Jan. 19 of St. Paul Kan., celebrat - sixth of nine children born to Joaquin and Paula Luna Padilla. She KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Ladies of Her areas of teaching and research begin annual appeal Parish, OBITUARIES ed their 50th graduated from Our Lady of Guadalupe Elementary School and Charity of Metropolitan Kansas City include gender and society, gender Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann Olathe, cel - wedding an - Hayden High School, Topeka. will host a conference, “What’s A and violence, family violence, and the has recorded a special homily to be ebrated niversary on Josephine entered the religious community of the Sisters of Charity of Woman to Do? Marginalized Women medicalization of women. presented at all Masses throughout their 50th Oct. 26, 2007. Leavenworth on Aug. 20, 1957, and, as Sister Margarita, made her profession of vows in Today’s Society,” on Jan. 19 at the A panel discussion will begin at the archdiocese on Jan. 12 and 13. FAITH wedding on Aug. 22, 1959. After profession, Sister Margarita taught in elementary schools in Richardson Science Center on the cam - 10:30 a.m. to discuss domestic vio - According to Lesle Knop, executive The couple was he adult disciple enjoys anniver - Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, and Wyoming. She received a bachelor’s degree in educa - pus of Rockhurst University here. The lence, human trafficking and women’s/ director of the archdiocesan office married at the fruits of the Spirit sary on Jan. 4. The couple was mar - tion from Saint Mary College, Leavenworth. keynote speaker will be Mary Stewart. family rights. Panelists are: Jeff Lanza of stewardship and development, Blessed Sacrament Church in Kansas which are “love, joy, ried on Jan. 4, 1958, at Corpus Christi In 1979, Sister Margarita followed the desire of her heart to work with Hispanic Stewart is currently the Martha from the Federal Bureau of this homily serves as the invitation T City, Kan. A reception was held on peace, patience, kindness, Church, Mooney Creek. They will re - people in a poor area where there were great needs. She was missioned to the Rio Jane Starr visiting distinguished pro - Investigation; Carrie Buchmann from to join in unity with other Catholics Nov. 10 at St. Agnes Church hall. It generosity, faithfulness, gentle - new their vows at the archdiocesan Grande Valley of Texas and served at St. Joan of Arc Parish, Weslaco, Texas; St. fessor at the University of Missouri - Hope House; Nancy Leazer of Jackson to help fulfill the mission of the was hosted by their children and their ness, self-control” (Gal 5:22- golden wedding anniversary Mass this Joseph the Worker Parish, San Carlos, Texas; St. Ignatius Parish, El Ranchito, Texas, Kansas City. She is a professor of soci - County Corrections; Susan Miller from church. spouses: Chris and Gerry McGraw, 23). Mature faith is open to coming June. Their children and their and its four missions; and San Martin de Porres Parish, Mission, Texas. ology at the University of Nevada - the Rose Brooks Center; Allison “Last year, many of our parishes and Deron McGraw. They also have the action and power of God’s spouses are: Mike and Julie Farmer, During her 18 years in the valley, Sister Margarita was a director of religious educa - Reno, director of women’s studies, and Basinger from Safehome; Scott experienced two successive weeks four grandsons. Spirit and cannot remain idle Stilwell; Dianne Hall, Overland Park; tion; worked in pastoral ministry, youth ministry, and in the Sanctuary Movement; or - has a master’s degree in gender, race Wasserman from Scott Wasserman and of inclement weather that prevent - or unproductive. Where the and Mark and Debra Farmer, Olathe. ganized base communities; and served as vicar for religious for the Diocese of and identity. She is the author of sever - Associates, Family Law; and Kristy ed many from hearing the archbish - Spirit is active, faith is fruitful. They also have five grandchildren, Brownsville, Texas. al books, most recently, “Ordinary Childs from Veronica’s Voice. op’s homily, which is a thoughtful one stepgranddaughter, and one In 1998, Sister Margarita was missioned to the motherhouse and volunteered as a Violence: Everyday Assaults Against Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. The reflection that helps guide us as we great-grandson. ANNIVERSARY POLICY translator with the “Care-A-Van,” a mobile medical van, at Duchesne Clinic in Kansas City, Women,” which provides an analysis cost is $12. Registration is requested contemplate our roles as Christian The Leaven only prints 50, 60, Kan., and at St. Vincent Clinic in Leavenworth. She retired to the motherhouse in 2006. of cultural, economic and social factors by Jan. 15. stewards,” Knop said. Jane and Dave Grant, members 65 and 70th anniversary no - that render violence against women To register, call Gayle Johnson at The 2008 Archbishop’s Call to of Holy tices. Announcements are due more ordinary than unusual. (913) 491-0523 Share homily will be available on Spirit Sister Jean Winkler, SCL by 5 p.m. eight days (Thursday) the Call to Share Web site at: www. Parish, LEAVENWORTH — Sister Jean Winkler, 80, a Sister of Charity of Leavenworth, before the desired publication calltoshare.org. Overland died on Dec. 31 at the Sisters of Charity motherhouse here. date. Announcements must be Park, will Mary Patricia Winkler was born in Joplin, Mo., on July 31, 1927, to James W. and Aquinas receives Governor’s Achievement Award celebrate typed or neatly printed. They Margaret A. McKiernan Winkler, and was raised in Wichita and Topeka, where she OVERLAND PARK — St. Thomas Aquinas said, “This award is a result of a their 50th are for parishioners of Catholic graduated from Capitol Catholic (now Hayden) High School in 1945. Mary Patricia Aquinas High School here has received dedicated, hard-working teaching staff A celebration of Christian Unity Week wedding parishes in the Archdiocese of entered the religious community of the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth on Sept. 16, the Governor’s Achievement Award for and students, as well as supportive par - SHAWNEE — All are invited to the and gospel music featuring Isaac Cates anniversary on Jan. 18. The couple Kansas City in Kansas, or those 1945, and, as Sister Mary Jean, made her profession of vows on Sept. 17, 1947. the second time. The award is present - ents who value quality education.” third in the “Prayers for Peace” series and Ordained. was married Jan. 18, 1958, at St. who had been parishioners in During her first 28 years as a Sister of Charity, Sister Jean taught children from ed to schools that achieve the standard St. Thomas Aquinas is one of only to be hosted by Shawnee Park The host church, Shawnee Park Patrick Church in Cedar Falls, Iowa. the archdiocese for a signifi - grades 1-8 in parish schools in Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, Montana, and Colorado. of excellence in reading and math, a five Johnson County high schools to re - Christian (Disciples of Christ) Church Christian, is located at 16500 Midland Family and friends will join the couple cant period of time. Please in - She received a bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Saint Mary, high graduation rate and a rank in the ceive the award, the only Catholic high and Good Shepherd Church here on Drive. for a Mass, blessing and luncheon on clude what parish the couple Leavenworth, and a master’s in religious education from the University of St. Thomas top five percent in both reading and school to do so, and one of only 19 Jan. 23 at 7 p.m. For more information, call Ed Jan. 19 at St. Agnes Church in belongs to. Send notices to: The in Houston. By 1975, new “needs of the times” called to Sister Jean. She heard, she math on the 2007 state assessments. high schools in the state honored in The celebration of Christian Unity Stephenson, pastor of Shawnee Park Roeland Park, where the Grants were Leaven, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., prepared, and she served for the next 30 years in Oklahoma, Nebraska, Montana, Bill Ford, president of St. Thomas this way. Week will feature prayers, reflections Christian Church, at (913) 218-6770. active members for more than 40 Kansas City, KS 66109, attn: Colorado, Missouri, and Kansas as a religion teacher and director of religious educa - years before moving to Holy Spirit anniversaries; or send an e-mail tion programs; as a pastoral associate or assistant in small parishes; as a hospital chap - Parish this past year. They have nine to: [email protected]. lain; as a visitor to the homebound and those in nursing homes; as a consultant in a children, 17 grandchildren, and one diocesan resource center; and as simply a caring person to those in need. She retired Hill great-grandchild. to the motherhouse in 2003. FARMERS Wagner’s INSURANCE GROUP Insurance Mud-Jacking Co. Symbol of Superior Service Specializing in Foundation Repairs Agency, LLC Mud-jacking and Waterproofing. Serving Lawrence, Topeka and surrounding areas. 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LET’S FACE IT. Our sex-saturated culture can often take us away from the pure life Christ calls us to as men, and endanger our marriages and our families. The Men of Valor conference brings Christian men to - gether to pray, to learn and to support one another in every man’s battle of Want to help someone heal from an abortion? self mastery. If you or someone you love wants to grow closer to Christ by growing in purity, be sure to attend this vital men’s conference. Call Toll Free 888-246-1504 Milestones in POOR IMMIGRANT BECOMES BELOVED PASTOR the life of Msgr. Mejak Continued from page 1

L Msgr. Heliodore Mejak shows off • 1909: Born on March one of the brass model trains he built. Stay he did. 17 to John and Juliana He constructed five trains in all. Each Msgr. Mejak was a priest of the part was painstakingly handcrafted. Badjura Mejak in Fiume, old school; the word “retire” was a seaport of the Austro- not in his concordance. His was ‘T’,” he said. “When he said ‘yes’, it Hungarian Empire (now still celebrating Mass at his parish Rijeka, Croatia). only three days before his death. was yes, and ‘no’ was no. He didn’t “He got to do what he loved to beat around the bush.” do all his life,” said Father Ron Despite his many talents, how - • 1912: Left Europe with Cornish, a native son of Holy ever, Msgr. Mejak was not entirely his mother and a sister to Family. “He would have died if he a man for all seasons. join their father, who had had to retire. He never wanted to He “couldn’t carry a tune in a emigrated earlier, to the retire. He wanted to die with his bucket,” confided Steven Bader. Quindaro neighborhood boots on.” And in a 2003 interview with The of Kansas City, Kan. Leaven, Msgr. Mejak himself ad - mitted to falling far short in anoth - Humble origins of er department. • 1916 - 1923: Attended a humble man “I’m a lousy preacher,” Msgr. Bancroft, Bryant, and Mejak stated bluntly. “But I’m a Blessed Sacrament Msgr. Mejak was born on good lover, so to speak. I love the schools. March 17, 1909, a citizen of the people here in the parish, and I multinational Austro-Hungarian think they love me. That makes up • 1927: Graduated from Empire, which was ruled by the for a lot of it.” Catholic High School Hapsburg dynasty. His hometown was the seaport of Fiume, now (now Bishop Ward). Rijeka, Croatia. Running the race “I can understand Slovenian, to the finish • 1927 – 1931: but I can’t speak a word of it,” said Attended St. Benedict’s Msgr. Mejak in a Feb. 7, 2003, in - Msgr. Mejak lived alone and College (now terview with The Leaven. “My was largely self-reliant almost to Benedictine) in Atchison. the day he died. As his infirmities mother was Bohemian [Czech]; Graduated valedictorian, grew over the years, he had to my father, Slovenian. But the offi - with a philosophy major. cial language in [Austria- make concessions and adapta - tions. He began to rely more on Hungary] was German, so we • 1935: Graduated from spoke German in the house.” parishioners to be his legs and Sulpician Seminary, and His father John immigrated to arms, although he was always in received a master’s of ed - the United States first and found control. work as a tailor; in 1912, the fu - For example, deteriorating ucation at Catholic ture monsignor, his mother eyesight caused him to rely on University of America, Juliana, and older sister Loretta, lighted magnifying goggles Washington, D. C. left to join him. After they arrived Leaven photo by Monte Mace when he celebrated Mass. When in New York, their meager posses - “And he said, ‘I had to. I can’t even these failed to bring the • 1935: Ordained a A traditionalist, read anymore.’” Lectionary and Sacramentary sions were stolen, so they arrived priest on June 8, 1935, into focus, he enlarged the in Kansas City, Kan., with just the but not a rebel by Bishop Francis Gospels and Mass prayers on a clothes on their backs — literally. Leaven photo by Elaina Generally Msgr. Mejak was a tradition - Wyandotte High School and not photocopying machine. Johannes at St. Peter’s Heliodore Mejak was only nine L Molly Devine’s hug brings a smile alist, but not a reactionary. He Little things mean a lot Catholic High in Kansas City. “I work that [photocopy] ma - Cathedral in Kansas City, years old when his father died. His to the face of Mrgr. Mejak on the oc - was slow to accept some, but not People who knew Msgr. Mejak When Heliodore replied that he chine to death,” he once said. Kan. mother supported Heliodore and casion of his 70th anniversary as a all, of the changes that came to remember the little things that couldn’t afford it, Msgr. Koch got He also relied heavily upon his four sisters as a seamstress. In a priest in 2005. the church after the Second made him so endearing. He loved him in for free. He was also instru - his memory. • 1935: Appointed asso - 2005 story in The Kansas City L Vatican Council. He always had jellybeans and he loved to cook mental in getting Heliodore into “I memorize the prayers and Kansan, Msgr. Mejak was quoted Despite needing a walker, Msgr. a reason for what he did — or (he made a great chili). He loved ciate pastor at St. Mary St. Benedict’s College, Atchison. the Gospel the day before,” he as saying that “no one was poorer Mejak remained an active pastor until didn’t do. opera and knew many librettos. Parish, Kansas City, Kan. Msgr. Mejak never forgot the said in a 2003 Leaven article. than us,” his mother earning $2 a the day he died. “I am old and traditional,” He liked model railroading and kindness that made it possible for “The Gospel is no problem after day. The family raised vegetables said Msgr. Mejak in a 2003 story made intricate miniature trains • 1936: Named pastor him to attend Catholic High. Years all these years, but sometimes and chickens in the backyard. Bishop Johannes sent him to The in The Leaven. “I believe in old- from scratch. of St. Monica Parish, later, he established a scholarship the prayers are difficult.” “[Heliodore] was the man of Catholic University of America, in fashioned things.” He loved to go to the parish so - Waterville. at Bishop Ward High School for Indeed, Msgr. Mejak had the the house,” said Steven Bader, a Washington, D.C., instead. Even though he was said to be cial hall whenever something was students who struggle financially. week’s prayers and Gospel read - member of Sacred Heart Parish in “You didn’t go to Catholic among the last priests, if not the going on. He loved to go on vaca - “Later, when Monsignor Koch ings all photocopied and ready • 1941: Named pastor, Gardner and a nephew of Msgr. University in the 1930s,” said last, to regularly celebrate the tions with his fellow priests — sad - thought [Heliodore] had a voca - to go for the week leading up to St. Leo Parish, Horton. Mejak. “I heard stories about the Father Livojevich, “unless you had Mass in Latin, he stopped more ly, fewer as the years passed. He tion,” recalled Fraeda Bader, “he New Year’s Day. As far as he was jobs he held outside of school. He stellar intellectual capabilities.” than 30 years ago. enjoyed playing cards with the came to my mother and told her concerned, he had plenty of race • 1944 – 2007: Served worked for a dental lab, making That, the young seminarian “He said it as long as the bish - more senior members of the pres - that if he went into the seminary, left in him. dentures, and he had other odd had. But, according to the story op allowed it as the norm,” said byterate. as pastor of Holy Family he would not be able to provide The Lord, however, had other jobs.” Father Livojevich was told, what Father Cornish. “Once Bishop And he loved to spend time at a Parish, Kansas City, Kan. for the family.” plans, and Msgr. Mejak was One of the stories passed down Heliodore didn’t have was a suit. Strecker said it had to stop being family-owned spot at Gardner Even so, she added, their moth - called home on the vigil of his fa - is that at one of his jobs, his em - As he was getting ready to the norm, he stopped. He was Lake. He loved birds, and made • 1960: Celebrated silver er consented. vorite feast day, Christmas. ployer saw Heliodore eating a leave for Catholic Univeristy, in not a rebel in the conservative sure his parish volunteers watered jubilee. At St. Benedict’s, Msgr. Mejak His parents, John and Juliana, cheese sandwich and asked him if fact, Msgr. Koch asked the young sense.” and fed them regularly. lived in what was then called and two sisters — Helen Mejak he was a Catholic. Heliodore said seminarian, “Heliodore, where’s He kept the altar rail and con - His pastoral approach was firm • 1985: Celebrated gold - Freshman Hall (now Ferrell Hall). and Lory McGowan — preceded yes, and was promptly fired. your suit?” tinued to distribute the Eucharist and no-nonsense, and marked by When Msgr. Mejak attended a Msgr. Mejak in death. He is sur - en jubilee. Msgr. Mejak displayed a preco - “I don’t have a suit,” the young as people knelt there, until his intelligence, care, and common priests’ retreat there in recent vived by his sisters Vera Clifford cious, inquisitive mind and skilled man replied. “I can’t afford one.” Leaven photo by Elaina Generally infirmities forced him to distrib - sense. years, a Benedictine freshman course of pastoral assignments. and electrician — to the growth buildings, and fixed whatever of Mission, and Frieda Bader of • 1995: Elevated to mon - hands from an early age. “Go see my tailor,” replied ute it to people standing in a “Fidelity, sturdiness, commit - tried to direct him to his room. Then, in 1944, he was as - of this parish community.” needed fixing. He answered his Prairie Village; nephews Steven signor. “I've always been very handy,” Msgr. Koch. Heliodore went on to line. He had no lay readers until ment — those qualities influenced “Young man,” he told the stu - signed to Holy Family Parish in own phone and door. He ordered Bader of Gardner and Father said Msgr. Mejak in a 2003 Leaven wear this one and only suit for four a few years ago, when failing the way he lived, as well as the way dent in his deep, sonorous voice, “I Kansas City, Kan., one of several all supplies. He typed the parish Denis McGowan, CP, Osaka, interview. “I remember wiring our years, ultimately wearing it out. Skilled and eyesight forced him to. He never he was as a priest,” said Mary Ann • 2007: Celebrated last was a student here residing in this “national” parishes in what was bulletin. Japan; a niece, Mary McGowan house when I was 16 years old. I The future priest was just shy of allowed female servers and ig - Grelinger, a member of the St. Mass on Dec. 24. room 75 years ago.” then the Diocese of self-sufficient Naturally, the pastor’s talent Wald, of Livonia, Mich.; and oth - could figure out everything. I was earning his doctorate at Catholic nored the shaking of hands at Rose Philippine Duchesne Latin Upon Heliodore’s graduation at Leavenworth, so-called because Msgr. Mullen was not exagger - and thrift saved a lot of money for er relatives. the first one to build my own radio University when Bishop Johannes the sign of peace. Mass Community of Kansas City, • 2007: Died at the top of his class, Bishop Francis they served specific ethnic com - ating. the parish. A funeral Mass was celebrated when they came out. I had the best called him home to Kansas City, “He was a traditionalist, but Kan., and the author of a biograph - Shawnee Mission Johannes wanted to send his bril - munities. Holy Family was the “Msgr. Mejak was the parish “He was always proud to tell his on Dec. 31 at Holy Family, fol - one in town.” Kan., for ordination to the priest - he always backed it up with in - ical article on Msgr. Mejak that was Medical Center, age 98. liant young prospect to study the - Slovenian parish. carpenter and plumber,” said fellow priests and parishioners lowed by burial at Mount hood and pastoral service. tellectual reasons,” said Father published in Homiletic & Pastoral ology in Rome. Despite the fact There, said Msgr. Michael Father Livojevich. “He designed that Holy Family did not have a Calvary Cemetery in Kansas City, Believed to be the longest- Livojevich. “He was sometimes Review magazine in 2006. Seeds of a that the young Mejak was an Mullen, pastor of St. Patrick the school and parish hall — actu - paid staff — all volunteers,” said Kan. The family asked that in - serving pastor in the painted as a die-hard traditional - “He was someone you could American citizen, however, he had A marathon of Parish in Kansas City, Kan., and ally did the blueprints.” Anzek. “We had no debt. We al - stead of flowers, contributions United States. Burial at priestly vocation ist, but he wasn’t like that, and rely on,” she noted. “He wasn’t go - been born in a city that had been homilist at Msgr. Mejak’s funeral, For many years, in fact, Msgr. ways had money in the bank to be made in the name of Msgr. Mount Calvary Cemetery, priestly ministry he bent to practicality. I kidded ing to lean, regardless of the direc - Frieda Bader, Msgr. Mejak’s taken over by fascist Italy. For fear “he devoted his many talents — Mejak was practically a one-man take care of problems, and he was Mejak to the scholarship fund he Kansas City, Kan. him once, saying, ‘Aren’t you get - tion [the wind was blowing].” younger sister, remembers Msgr. that the seminarian would have For nearly 10 years after ordi - not only as priest and teacher and show. He mowed the lawn, shov - always proud of that. He was very established at Bishop Ward High ting a little liberal? You’re letting Father Livojevich agreed. Herman J. Koch asking Heliodore been forced into the Italian Army nation, Msgr. Mejak’s priestly vo - counselor, but as carpenter and eled the snow, maintained the proud of that. All the bills were School in Kansas City, Kan. at one point why he attended the minute he stepped off the boat, cation followed the normal craftsman, watchmaker and chef paid on time.” women read.’ “He espoused the Gospel to a

12 CLASSIFIEDS THE LEAVEN • JANUARY 11, 2007 JANUARY 11, 2008 • THE LEAVEN CALENDAR 13

Husband and wife cleaning team Wedding decorations - Relax, I deco - For rent – 1 BR apartment near Oak EMPLOYMENT - Reasonable rates; references provided. rate for church, receptions, anniversaries Park Mall in Overland Park. Garage, large The Catholic Charities Auxiliary will Burak Room. The topic will be “Looking Were you injured while on active duty Call (913) 940-2959. and parties. Includes cleanup. Free consulta - storage area, washer and dryer hookup, Social host a nostalgia white wedding tea Ahead to the New Year.” For information, in the military? Do you have combat St. James Academy, Lenexa - The tion. References. Ggreater KC area. Call dishwasher, deck, new paint and carpet and fashion show of wedding apparel call (913) 649-2026. related nightmares or are you bothered by newest high school in the Archdiocese of New Year’s resolution — update Twila at Elegant Wedding Decor at (913) throughout. Call (913) 859-0471. A singles dance will be held from through the ages by Carolyn Miller on Jan. remembrances of combat? A ‘veterans Kansas City in Kansas will be hiring for a va - your will! Don’t procrastinate. If you have 724-1408. 7:30 -11:30 p.m. on Jan. 19 in the cafe - 20 from 2 - 4 p.m. at Prince of Peace Father Matthew Habiger will celebrate helping veterans’ support group is riety of positions for the 2008 - 09 school children in the home, name a legal guardian Snowbirds take flight! - First-floor teria at Curé of Ars School, 9400 Church , 16000 W. 143rd. St., Olathe . the archdiocesan monthly pro-life forming in this area. If you are in need of year. We are looking for practicing in case both parents die. For others, it is im - Granite, Cambria and Silestone condo in gated community on 18th fairway Mission Rd., Leawood. The cost of $15, Instrumental music will be provided by Jim Mass that will be held at 8 a.m. on Jan. help, or are available to help, call John at Catholics who have a passion for sharing portant to state your intentions legally for countertops - See our new showroom at in Estero, Florida. Near Naples, beaches payable at the door, includes beer, wine, and Susan Swain. A suggested donation 19 at Sts. Cyril & Methodius Church, (913) 909-3368. their faith with young people and becoming them to be carried out, especially naming a 5820 Barton, in the heart of beautiful down - and shops. 2 BR, 2 BA, 1-car garage. Avail. pop and snacks. The theme will be sports of $10 is appreciated. For tickets or infor - 44 N. Mill, Kansas City, Kan., fol - part of a dynamic, growing school communi - charity as a beneficiary. For a free Catholic town Shawnee. Call The Top Shop, Inc., at March and May. Owner (913) 927-5817. teams, so wear your favorite team apparel. mation, call Mary Jo at (913) 782-4270, lowed by a rosary procession to an Individual and family counseling ty. Applicants for teaching positions must will planning kit, contact the Catholic (816) 898-8685 or (913) 962-5058. or Sue at (913) 764-3190. abortion clinic four blocks away. is available at the Keeler Women’s hold a valid Kansas teaching license. Foundation of Northeast Kansas at (913) Ski cabin in Winter Park, Colo. – 2 The Knights of Columbus, Council Eucharistic adoration is available for Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas Interested applicants should apply via the 647-0365. Johnson County only - Custom-made BR, 1 BA, on free ski shuttle route. No. 2332, Shawnee, will host a pol - The annual Support Our those not processing, with Benediction City, Kan . Counseling is offered in part - Web site at: www.sjakeepingfaith.org. overlay stained-glass windows or door-side $110/night. Call (913) 642-3027. For pic - ka dance on Jan. 19 in their hall, located Seminarians dinner and auction will concluding services at 10 a.m. nership with Catholic Charities ; the fee Bankruptcy - When debt becomes window panels. Adds privacy, beauty and tures, visit the Web site at: www.cabin. at 11221 Johnson Drive in Shawnee. be held on Jan. 25 at the Marriott Allis is based on a sliding scale and is very af - Teachers needed - Prince of Peace overwhelming, seek professional help. insulation. Call Ed at (913) 648-0099. forcadeassociates.com. The Brian McCarty combo will begin play - Plaza Hotel in Kansas City, Mo. Come share in a peaceful, prayerful wit - fordable. Free child care provided during Early Education Center, Olathe, is seeking Experienced, compassionate Catholic attor - Reasonable. ing at 6:30 p.m. The cost of $10 includes Tickets cost $150. Cocktails begin at 5:30 ness to the unborn on the anniversary of some time periods. To schedule an ap - afternoon teachers from 2 - 6 p.m. to work ney Teresa Kidd. For a confidential, no Ski vacation - Winter Park, Colo. 2 BR, beverages, and sauerkraut and sausage p.m., with dinner following at 7 p.m. the Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision pointment, call (913) 906-8990. with 4 year olds. Experience preferred. Must obligation consultation, call (913) 422- Menagerie Auction & Estate Sales 1BA, sleeps 6. Fully furnished, fireplace, rec. sandwiches served at 9 p.m. For informa - Proceeds will benefit the education fund for legalizing abortion. A candlelight vigil be 18 years or older. Contact Amanda 0610; or send an e-mail to: tkidd@ - Consignment auction at 6 p.m. on the first center with pool & hot tub. $125/night; tion, call Dan Nicks at (913) 631-4633. archdiocesan seminarians. For reservations will be held from 7 - 8 p.m. on Jan. 22 in There is freedom from pornography! Khemraj at (913) 829-2728. kc.rr.com. Thurs. of each month at 135th and Locust, $750/week. Call Joe Frederick at (913) or information, call Martha Hodes at (913) front of the abortion clinic at 7th and The My House Men’s Group provides Martin City, Mo. Call Dennis Higgins, auc - 385-5589. The Singles of Nativity will host a 649-9013, or send an e-mail to her at: Central Ave. in Kansas City, Kan. prayer and accountability in the battle for Preschool teachers - The new U.S.A. Heating and Air tioneer/ owner at (913) 285-3399, or Stacy bowling night from 7 - 9 p.m. on Jan. [email protected]. purity. Four confidential meetings are Goddard School, 21820 W. 115th Terr. in Conditioning - Licensed, insured and Glisson Jr. at (913) 406-3083. 19 at College Lane Bowling Center, available in the archdiocese. Men who Olathe, is now open and we are looking for bonded. Residential, commercial, and indus - MISC . 10201 College Blvd., Overland Park. Dr. Richard Johnson, Ph.D., will speak Retreats fight together have a better chance of long- qualified lead teachers, assistant teachers trial. Free estimates. Pipe fitter with 30 years Custom-kitchen countertops - The cost of $12 includes shoe rental and on “The Six Essentials of a Happy, term victory and freedom. For information, and substitutes for children 6 weeks to 6 experience. Parishioner of Sacred Heart, Laminate tops manufactured and installed Great fundraising idea! - Host a two hours of bowling. For information or to Healthy and Holy Relationship” The annual Cursillo day retreat will visit the Web site at: www.archkck. years old. Candidates should be prepared to Shawnee. Call (913) 422-7185, or send an within 5 days. Competitive prices, depend - Vegas night for your next event. Professional RSVP by Jan. 15, send an e-mail to from 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. on Jan. 26 at be held from 8 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. on Jan. org/myhouse; send an e-mail to: mhmg@ plan and facilitate lessons and communicate e-mail to: [email protected]. able work. St. Joseph Parish member. Call tables, cards, chips and decorations for rent. Rosanna Scaglia or Rita Statham at: social the Marillac Center, 4200 S. 4th St., 19 at Sanctuary of Hope, 2601 Ridge archkck.org; or call (913) 647-0378. effectively with children, families, co-workers The Top Shop, Inc., at (816) 898-8685 or Call Fred at (913) 314--8794, or send an e- @son-ministry.org. An accurate count is Leavenworth. Registration by Jan. 14 Ave., Kansas City, Kan. A suggested and administrators. Both full- and part-time Tim the Handyman - Insured; free es - (913) 962-5058. mail to him at: [email protected]. needed to reserve the lanes. is required. For information, call (913) donation of $36 will be appreciated. For positions are available. Lead teachers should timates. Carpentry: new and repair deck, 758-6552, or visit the Web site at: information or to register, call Audra Education have a degree in early childhood education doors, windows, siding, screens. Plumbing: OME MPROVEMENT www.MarillacCenter.org. Donahue at (913) 908-3801. or a related field with ECE emphasis, or a faucet, garbage disposals, toilets. Electrical: H I CHILDCARE Miscellaneous A course in the sympto-thermal CDA. Prior experience in a childcare setting switches, outlets, ceiling fans, light fixtures. The members of the Greater Kansas Sister Constance Krstolic, OSB, will pre - Method of natural family planning is preferred. E-mail resumes to: Goddard Light landscape: trimming, fill dirt, planting, Adept Home Improvements Child-care provider needed - Fun, Sacred Heart Parish, Tonganoxie, City American Guild of Organists will host sent “Prayer in a World of Chaos” will begin at 7 p.m. on Jan. 18 at St. [email protected]. Owners are parish - mulch. Serving Johnson County. Call Tim at Where quality still counts! energetic, and responsible. 3 - 4 hrs./day; 3 will sponsor a bingo fundraiser to sup - a pipe organ discovery day including from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. on Jan. 31 at the Paul Parish, 900 S. Honeysuckle Dr., demonstrations and hands-on playing op - ioners of Ascension Parish. (913) 859-0471. Basement finishing - 5 times/week. Reliable transportation a port its youth program on Jan. 12 at the Sophia Center, 751 S. 8th St., Olathe. A reasonable course fee is portunities aimed at introducing young Kitchens and baths must. Need asap. Call (816) 668-4297. parish center, Highway 24/40 and Atchison. The cost is $40. Registration by charged. For information or to register, call LPNs - Full and part time; evenings and Contractor - Commercial and residen - Electrical and plumbing Washington St. Food will be served at people to the organ. The program will be Jan. 24 is requested. For information or to held from 8:30 a.m. - noon on Jan. 26 in Christine or Dave Downey at (913) 837- overnights. Would you like to make a posi - tial work — painting and renovating. Free Licensed and insured Childcare needed - For infant in the 5:45 p.m.; bingo starts at 7 p.m. The cost register, call (913) 360-6165. 3182, the Couple-to-Couple League of tive impact on the lives of individuals with de - estimates; insured; 20 yrs. experience. Call (913) 599-7998 Overland Park or Lenexa area. August - for one bingo card is $10. For more infor - three different locations. Students in grades Faith Lutheran Kansas City at (913) 894-3558, or visit velopmental disabilities? We currently have (913) 206-4524. June, Mon. - Fri., from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Call mation, call Shari at (913) 369-8697 or 2 - 5 may attend at Sister Sheila Carroll, OSF, will present Church, 4805 W. 67th St., Prairie the Web site at: www.cclkc.org. openings for one evening and one overnight STA (Sure Thing Always) Home (913) 302-0553. send an e-mail to: sacredheartcenter@ “A Journey with Thomas Merton” Village; junior high students in grades 6 - LPN. Must have current license. IV-certified a Electrician - Free estimates; reasonable Repair - Basement finish, bathrooms and sunflower.com. from 9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. on Feb. 2 at the plus. Some of the benefits we offer include: rates. JoCo and southern KC metro area. kitchens; interior & exterior repairs: painting, Childcare – Loving nanny looking for a 8, at St. Michael and All Angels Sophia Center, 751 S. 8th St., The Keeler Women’s Center, a Episcopal Church, 6630 Nall Ave., ministry of the Benedictine Sisters locat - paid time off, shift differential, pension plan, Call Pat at (913) 963-9896. roofing, siding, wood replacement and win - good family. Prefer infants and toddlers. The Knights of Columbus, Our Atchison. The cost is $50. Registration by Mission ; and high school students in ed at 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, and health insurance. Apply in person at dow glazing. Call for free estimates. Cell: Days, Mon. – Fri., Johnson county area. Lady of Fatima Council No. 3146, at Jan. 26 is requested. For information or to grades 9 - 12, at Southminster Kan., will offer the following classes: Bethesda Faith Village, 14150 W. 113th Caregiver - Compassionate, profession - (913) 579-1835; phone: (913) 491-5837; Excellent references available. Call (913) Holy Angels Parish, Basehor, will register, call (913) 360-6165. Presbyterian Church, 6306 Roe Ave., • Free stress-relieving half-hour St., Shawnee Mission. Fax resume to (913) al, licensed. I have 6 years experience with e-mail: smokeycabin@ hotmail.com. Member 449-9852. sponsor a basketball free throw con - Prairie Village. This program is free and massages will be offered on Jan. 14, 469-5566; send it via e-mail to: hrcentral the elderly. I will provide 12 hrs. of care per of Holy Trinity Church, Lenexa. test for all 10- to 14-year-old boys and A Cursillo weekend is a personal open to all interested students. For informa - [email protected]; call (913) 906-5050; or day, M - F. References available upon re - Childcare - Mom of 4 — ages 10, 5, 5 girls at 12:30 p.m. on Jan. 13 at the encounter with Christ that helps you experi - Feb. 4 and 18. Call to schedule an ap - tion or to register, call Sister Claudette visit the Web site at: www.blhs.org. EOE quest. Call (913) 281-3662 or (913) 999- EL SOL Y LA TIERRA and 8-months (plus one pug dog) — has Basehor Sixth Grade Center gym, ence your Catholic faith in a whole new pointment. Schiratti at (913) 530-0960, or send her 4340. * COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL room for 1 or 2 more children. Full or part 155th St. and Leavenworth Rd. For infor - way. This 3-day weekend will provide the • A weekly support and education an e-mail at: [email protected]. Direct care provider - Looking for a * LAWN RENOVATION time. Fun, safe, loving, nonsmoking environ - mation, call Tony Hauschild at (913) 721- means for you to sustain and grow your re - group for women dealing with addic - mature individual that is motivated to teach Need help caring for Mom or * MOWING ment. Call Ann at (913) 754-6320. Nativity 2381 or Ed Hoffman at (913) 724-1924. lationship with God. The men’s spring tions or domestic violence will meet and interact with two adult men with devel - Dad? We provide in-home support with a * CLEAN-UP AND HAULING parishioner. weekend will be held from Feb. 21 -24; from 10 a.m. - noon beginning Jan. 15. opmental disabilities. Duties include house - variety of personal care and household func - * DIRT GRADING/INSTALLATION The PTO at Xavier Elementary Religious events the women’s spring weekend will be held • “Dating 101: Haven’t We hold chores, transportation, and social activi - tions to keep seniors safe and active at * LANDSCAPE DESIGN FOR SALE School, Leavenworth, will host a Chris from April 3 - 6. Both events will be held at Dated Before?” (dating patterns and Singles of Nativity, ties such as bowling, sports, dining out, bin - home. For as little as $50 per week, we can * FREE ESTIMATES Cakes pancake breakfast from 9 a.m. The for all sin - Savior Pastoral Center, 12601 Parallel family systems) from 6 - 8 p.m. on Jan. 15. gles 35 and better, welcome newcomers to go, etc. Requirements include a high school provide extra support for your loved ones, or HABLAMOS Y ESCRIBIMOS - noon on Jan. 13 in Kinzler Hall at St. Pkwy., Kansas City, Kan. For information • EXCEL for Ex-Offenders, a five- their weekly Bible study on Sundays at 9 diploma or equivalent, a good driving help you get a “night off” from your daily INGLES!! For sale - Single mausoleum crypt at Joseph Church, 306 N. Broadway, or to register, call David Wooldridge at part workshop for women focusing on self- record, and good communication skills. caregiving responsibilities. Call Benefits of Call Lupe at (816) 252-3376. Ressurrection Cemetery, Lenexa. Price in - a.m. in the Nativity conference room, (913) 544-1280, or visit the Web site at: Leavenworth. The cost is $6 for adults; esteem, relationships, communication, bud - Flexible hours, some weekends and Home - Senior Care at (913) 422-1591. cludes opening and closing. $4465. Call 119th & Mission Rd., Leawood, followed www.kccursillo.org. $4 for children. gets and preparing for work, from 1 - 2 overnights. Contact Bunny Higgins at (913) Get great savings now! We have re - Anne Riley at (913) 927-2107. by 10:30 a.m. Mass. For more information 285-4191 or (913) 649-5700. Caregiving - We provide personal as - organized to meet everyone’s needs. All con - or questions, send an e-mail to Tom or p.m. on Wednesdays, beginning Jan. 16. The Singles of Nativity will host a • “Counseling 101: Do you sistance, companionship, care management, tacts will be responded to. Mention this ad Pre-owned church items - For sale presentation on Jan. 15 in the lower lev - Mike at: [email protected]. Support Groups Direct support professionals - and transportation to the elderly and dis - and receive 10% off any project or repair or consignment. Altars, statues, pews, and need it? Are you ready for it? el of the Church of the Nativity , 119th How to get the most out of it” from Bethesda Lutheran Homes & Services, a not- abled in home, assisted living and nursing over $300. Great prices on all of your more. Excellent opportunity for a growing and Mission Rd., Leawood, by Janet Father Peter Jaramillo will preside at a for-profit agency providing support for adults facilities. We also provide respite care for needs. Roofing, fencing, siding, additions, church. Guaranteed placement. Now buying Benediction and Divine Mercy Holy The bereavement support group 10:30 - 11:30 a.m. on Jan. 18. Beverly and Carl Barber entitled from the Church of the Ascension, • “Financial Fitness - Financial with MR/DD, has openings for full- and part- main caregivers needing some personal kitchens, baths, basements, and all your con - Catholic books. Call Brendan at (913) 383- “Change: The Vital Ingredient for Hour to celebrate the feast of the Baptism 9510 W. 127th St, Overland Park, will Literacy for Women Under the Age time direct support professionals. CNAs are time. Call Daughters & Company at struction or remodeling needs. Licensed and 8978, or visit our Web site at: www.fynders Personal and Spiritual Growth.” of the Lord at 3 p.m. on Jan. 13 at St. Joseph Church, gather for Mass at 8:30 a.m. on Jan. 12, of 35,” welcome to apply. $9.95 to $10.45 per hr., (913) 341-2500 and speak with Andrea, insured. Experienced and quality minded. keepers.com. They will explore how change and transi - Third and Van Buren, from 6 - 8 p.m. on Jan. 22. paid time off, shift differential, full benefits, Sara or Gary. In-Land Construction Services (913) Topeka. Fellowship will follow. For infor - followed by a meeting from 9 - 10:30 Classes are offered free of charge; how - tion are a part of God’s design for your a.m. in a lower-level classroom. The guest pension plan. Apply in person at Bethesda 393-3052. Cafeteria tables - 13 like-new lunch - mation, call (785) 246-1338. ever, space is limited and advance regis - life. The cost of $5 includes a light dinner speaker will be Therese McKechnie, Faith Village, 14150 W. 113th St., Retired nurse seeking employ - room tables. 16 seats per table; folding, with served at 6:30 p.m., followed by the pre - tration is required. For information or to healing Mass, arch - MSW, LSCSW, who will speak on “The Shawnee Mission. Fax resume to (913) 469- ment - Home companion/nursing/hospice wheels for easy storage and cleaning. $400 sentation at 7 p.m. To RSVP, call Karen A sponsored by register, call (913) 906-8990, or visit the REAL ESTATE diocesan charismatic prayer Four Tasks of Mourning.” Light re - 5566; send it via e-mail to: hrcentral region care. Recent employment with the elderly each or $4600 for all. Call the Church of the Turner at (913) 338-5679, or send an e- Web site at: www.mountosb.org. groups, freshments will be served. For information, @blhs.org; call (913) 906-5050; or visit the and disabled. Will consider child care. Nativity at (913) 491-5017. mail to her at: [email protected]. will be held at 7:30 p.m. on Jan. Web site at: www.blhs.org. EOE Excellent recent references available. Salary Overland Park townhome - 17 at Curé of Ars Church, 9401 call Jean Hinman at (913) 681-3348. Leawood. negotiable. (913) 579-5276. Spacious and updated in a maint-free com - Seasoned mixed firewood - 1/2 The Knights of Columbus from Mission Rd., Father Terry Carpet cleaning technician - Join munity with above-average services. 3 BR, 3 cord; $100 delivered. Tons of references. Bruce, pastor of St. Elizabeth Parish, Divorced? Widowed? The Beginning Calendar items must be received nine Christ the King Parish, 53rd and Experience Weekend helps people one of the most respected, exciting and pro - Mountain Movers Inc. - Big or small, BA, with addl. 1/2 BA in bsmt. Living/ Call Charlotte at (816) 726-7518. Leavenworth Rd., Kansas City, Kan., Kansas City, Mo., will preside; fellowship days (Wednesday) before the publica - gressive service companies in the area. Earn we move it all. Insured movers specializing dining rm. area 40 ft. in length; eat-in follows. move through the loss of their spouse from tion date. Items will be edited for length. will host a Salisbury steak dinner from divorce or death. The next Beginning top industry pay – $10/hour, $40K-plus po - in antiques. Call Dennis Higgins, owner, at kitchen. Location a plus, close to Oak Park 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. on Jan. 20. The cost is $6 No telephone submissions will be taken. tential. No exp. necessary. Bock’s Steam (913) 285-3399, or Stacy Glisson Jr., opera - Mall, hwys, library. A great replacement for WANTED TO BUY A memorial liturgy for deceased Experience Weekend in the Kansas City E-mail submissions are preferred; send for adults; children eat free. Carryouts will area will be Feb 22 - 24. For information Star (913) 438-7767. tions manager, at (913) 406-3083. your home. Call R. Connors, Reece & be available. All proceeds will benefit loved ones will be held at 8 a.m. on Jan. to: jennifer@t he leaven.com; fax to: Curé of Ars Church, or registration materials, call John at (913) (913) 721-5276; or mail to: 12615 Nichols Realty, at (913) 669-1229. $$$ I’M BUYING $$$ archdiocesan seminarians. For informa - 19 at 9401 Leawood. bereave - 219-3465 in Kansas City; Jerry at (785) Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109. Organizing & handyman services Antiques & collectibles - Items from tion, call George Sims at (913) 721-1371. Mission Rd., The SERVICES -Basements, garages, attics and shop spaces Open house - 6525 Craig, Merriam. your house, attic, basement and garage. ment ministry will have its monthly 843-2079 in Lawrence; or visit the Web organized! Your items sorted, boxed & la - Open Jan. 13 from 2 - 4 p.m. This home Coca-Cola, slot machines, signs, .22-rifles, meeting following Mass in the Father site at: www.beginningexperience.org. Bookkeeping services - Specializing beled; areas cleaned when finished! Wall was lovingly built 52 years ago by the cur - pocket knives, cigarette lighters, postcards, in small business and churches. Experience repair, interior painting, tile work, handicap rent owners. All new fresh paint and carpet - coins & watches. Chris (913) 642-8269 or in QuickBooks, Peachtree, Excel and other bars and ramps. Great references and in - ing. Very large 3 BR with great family room, (913) 593-7507. programs. Dependable, efficient and reason - sured. For pictures of current projects, view 7-yr-old roof, and HVAC just 5 yrs old. able. Call Ann at (913) 901-0452. my Web site at: www.swalms.com. Call Enormous treed yard. What a deal at Villa St. Francis Tillar Swalm at (913) 375-9115. $169,950. ReMax First -Tholen Hill Team, ENTERTAINMENT 16600 W. 126th Street • Olathe, Kansas 66062 Accountant - Mom seeking part-time Call (913) 205-6500, or visit the Web site Phone: (913) 829-5201 Fax: (913) 829- accounting/bookkeeping work to be done Planning a wedding or special at: www.tholenhill.com. Disc jockey - For your wedding, kolos, 5399 from home. BA in accounting, plus 10 yrs ex - event? Let SJH Design help! We offer excit - nightclubs, corporate parties, teenage cele - perience. Call Jolie at (913) 685-7535, or ing unique or traditional event decor and flo - Overland Park home for rent - brations, holiday parties, sock-hops, ethnic, Skilled Nursing Facility e-mail her at: [email protected]. ral design. We’ll help you sort through the 147th and Metcalf. 2 BR, 3 BA, new paint birthdays, holiday parties, hip-hop/rap, • 24 - hour nursing care • Special care unit vast options to capture your personality on and appliances. Fireplace, deck, yard, golden oldies. Member of St. Therese Parish, • Physical, occupational and speech therapist on staff Housecleaning - 8 yrs experience, your special day. To set up your free consul - maint. free, garage. Quiet neighborhood KCMO. Call Zepster’s A to Z Party DJ’s at tons of references, very thorough, college tation, call (913) 909-0819, or send an e- near shops and St. Michael Parish. Call (816) 741-4777. • Private Pay • Daily Mass in the chapel • Medicare and Medicaid certified graduate. Call JoAnn at (816) 786-9208. mail to: [email protected]. (913) 568-8472. M-F 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sat. 10 a.m. to 3 Affiliated with the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas 14 COMMENTARY THE LEAVEN • JANUARY 11, 2008 JANUARY 11, 2008 • THE LEAVEN COMMENTARY 15

MARK MY WORDS BUILDING THE CULTURE OF LIFE

President MOST REVEREND JOSEPH F. NAUMANN Shred yourself thin this year Make pro-life cause your new year’s resolution anuary is a good month for us to called contraceptives, the total number pressing appeal addressed to each and tend the April 12 KC pro-life conven - Editor o, earning a little extra money on plastic tray and stack the poker chips on the offending “beaten” object was then consider what we can do to make of babies killed, in the United States every person, in the name of God: tion; join and support the efforts of REVEREND MARK GOLDASICH, STL the side?” the tabletop as I plow through the day’s tossed into a waiting garbage truck. this a better world. Reflecting alone, is estimated by one source to be Respect, protect, love and serve life, various pro-life organizations, such as [email protected] That comment, made by a re - mail or papers. Each piece of paper that I The general feelings of those in Times J “S upon two commemorations, in particu - 500 million. (See www.prolifekc.com every human life!” Kansans for Life (www.kfl.org) and cent visitor to my office at The Leaven, move on to its next destination, recycle Square were reported to be liberation Associate Editor lar, will help us identi - for details.) This is close There are many ways for you to par - Cures Without Cloning (www.cures puzzled me. Seeing the confused look on or shred, means one poker chip goes and relief. ANITA M cSORLEY fy what God is asking to twice the current pop - ticipate in this cultural revolution, de - withoutcloning.com); sign up for e- my face, he smiled and pointed at some - back in the tray. When I reach 100 and I can attest to that. It’s awfully hard to [email protected] of each of us. ulation of our country. pending on your state in life. Allow me alerts from the Kansas Catholic thing on the table in fill up the tray (which begin a new year fresh, when our minds RON First, on Jan. 1, we The sheer enormity of to identify some possibilities: Conference (www. kscathconf.org); front of me. I looked takes much less time and lives are weighed down with past re - Senior Reporter celebrated the solem - KELSEY this assault on defense - Participate in specific spiritual activities, participate in prayerful, peaceful wit - and understood. than you’d guess), I put grets, hurts and stressors. JOE BOLLIG FATHER nity of Mary, the less innocent life is hard such as the archdiocesan monthly pro- ness at local abortion clinics; join and One of the nice fea - a check mark on a Since New Year’s Day, I’ve been tack - [email protected] Mother of God. Mary’s to comprehend. life Mass held on the third Saturday of help Truth Illuminated, a new teens- tures of my office is a MARK whiteboard and start ling those seemingly never diminishing predominant role is to At the same time, it each month; support the efforts of the for-life group sponsored by both Kansas large table, which I use GOLDASICH the process all over piles that surround me. I’ve tossed maga - Production Manager bring us life. We clearly identifies the ur - Wyandotte Pregnancy Clinic and other City dioceses; stay informed by faithful - TODD HABIGER for many tasks, proof - again. zines that I intended to read “sometime” should ask ourselves what Mary, our gent need for each of us to identify area pregnancy centers; support Project ly reading The Leaven; spend an hour in [email protected] reading being chief For each check mark, into recycling bins. I cleared out files of Mother, is asking us to do to help her what God expects us to do in this bat - Rachel — our post-abortion ministry; eucharistic adoration, as recently re - among them. The table I treat myself to a book “Web sites to visit” (that I’d never taken bring life to others. tle. Nothing less than a cultural revolu - stay educated by subscribing to the quested by Archbishop Naumann. Advertising Representative lets me spread out all of the reference or a magazine or a half hour of some - the time to actually do). I’ve reduced my Then, on Jan. 22, we will commem - tion is required to eliminate this archdiocesan pro-life e-newsletter and Remember, whatever you do to de - JENNIFER SIEBES books I regularly consult — the dictio - thing relaxing. This system provides a “Wouldn’t it be nice to do these things?” orate the 35th anniversary of Roe v. scourge of humanity. None of us e-briefs, available at the pro-life office fend life, you do for life. Mother Mary, [email protected] nary, Bible, AP Style Guide, CNS double reward: Not only does it keep list. I’ve plowed into e-mail folders to Wade, the Supreme Court decision le - should lightly dismiss our individual Web site mentioned above; join in the help us! Stylebook, etc. — as I check over each things flowing through my office — purge old jokes and catalog offers or pur - galizing abortion. Since 1973, we have responsibility. Pope John Paul II iden - archdiocesan spiritual bouquet for life Reporter week’s Leaven pages. The table, howev - slowly, but surely, at times — but clear - chases that expired long ago. I found a surgically aborted close to 50 million tified this responsibility in his Gospel at the same Web site; get involved with Ron Kelsey is the archdiocesan consul - KARA HANSEN er, is also a staging area where I read the ing out the old helps me to see and ap - couple (dozen) less-than-even-mildly- babies and, through the use of so- of Life encyclical when he made “a your parish’s pro-life committee; at - tant for the pro-life office. [email protected] mail, process bills, and skim through preciate the new. It’s surprisingly uplift - flattering photos of myself that are now magazines and books. ing to my spirit and mood. history. I even printed out a few hurtful Circulation My visitor’s attention that day was fo - Perhaps that’s what was behind a re - (mostly anonymous) e-mails, just for the [email protected] cused on something unusual on said cent gathering in New York City. Dubbed pleasure of hearing the shredder eat up INSIDE CATHOLIC CHARITIES table. The items are such a part of my “Good Riddance Day,” people were invit - those negative words. Intern daily routine that I don’t even notice ed to come down to Times Square on So far, I’ve emptied and refilled my Seán T.D. Kane them anymore. But their sitting promi - Dec. 28 and bring items that caused poker chip tray nine times . . . and I’m nently on a table in a newspaper office them bad memories, stress or regrets. not done yet. Happily, though, the re - Catholic Charities changes its name but not its mission does invite curiosity. Set up there that day was an industrial- wards are immediate: It’s already helped Catholic Press Association Award Winner or over 50 years, Catholic review the agency’s organizational In December, a new board of direc - throughout our service area to develop The “items” are poker chips. I have a sized shredder, ready to consume all begin this new year on a pleasant, opti - 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, Charities, Archdiocese of Kansas structure. It quickly became clear that tors for the agency was installed in a the financial resources needed to meet 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006 small plastic tray with 100 of them — these hurtful items. mistic note. City in Kansas, has been providing operating under two separate identities special service at Savior Pastoral the ever-growing needs of the people Archbishop Edward O’Meara Award Winner blue, white, red, green and black — right One man shredded his finally paid-off If you’re looking for a fresh start in F care to the people of northeast Kansas was adding to the complexity of an al - Center in Kansas City, Kan. During the we serve. In addition to overseeing 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2001, 2002, 2003 in the middle of the table. My visitor mortgage, a girl tossed in photos of an 2008, break out a shredder and send at through a variety of ser - ready complex organiza - service, the new board was charged such activities as annual fundraising wondered if folks from the church offices ex-boyfriend, another shredded a poor least some sad memories and burdens Publication No. (ISSN0194-9799) vices and ministries. At tion. In addition, the dual with carrying out the church’s impor - events and appeals, the foundation is headed down to my office after hours for grade from a CPA exam, yet another out your door. Don’t let past regrets in - various times throughout names created confusion tant mission of charity — the vital task also being charged with developing as - Published weekly September through May, excepting the Friday the some high stakes card playing. tossed in a collage about a “mean and fect your heart, mind and soul and poi - our history we have been with our donors, clients of reaching out in the name of Christ to sets that can meet the agency’s needs week after Thanksgiving, and the Friday after Christmas; biweekly Let me reassure you right off the bat miserable” principal that she formerly son the new year that is unfolding. JAN known as Catholic and volunteers. Many serve those in need. At its first official well into the future through the estab - June through August. Address communications to: The Leaven, that no gambling problem intervention is worked for. For those who didn’t bring Resolve to make ’08 truly great, a year Charities, Catholic Social LEWIS times the question would meeting this coming February, the new lishment of planned giving and en - 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109. Phone: (913) needed. In fact, I don’t even enjoy play - anything along, a local business provid - to clear a huge space in your heart, Services, the Community be asked, “Are you board will begin the important work of dowed funds. 721-1570; fax: (913) 721-5276; or e-mail at: ing cards. ed stationery for them to write down which can then be filled to overflowing Service Center and Charities or Services?” assessing current and future needs While there are many changes un - [email protected]. So, what are those poker chips doing their gripes, which were subsequently with gratitude for God’s blessings, re - Catholic Community Services. While At the agency’s annual meeting this across the agency’s 21-county service derway at Catholic Charities of on the table? The answer is not very ex - chewed up by the machine. For those newed hope, and a sunnier, uncluttered our name has changed over the years, past October, a resolution was passed area and then set the direction for Northeast Kansas, the most important POSTMASTER : Send address changes to The Leaven, 12615 citing: I use them as “counters.” with items that couldn’t safely be shred - disposition. our mission has been consistent — to that puts to bed the question of who we Catholic Charities’ staff and volunteers thing remains unchanged: our mission. Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109. For change of address, pro - As often as necessary, I empty the ded, a sledgehammer was provided, and vide old and new address and parish. Subscriptions $18/ year. serve those in need with compassion are. We are now Catholic Charities of to follow as they work each day to re - One name, one mission — serving the Periodicals postage paid at Kansas City, KS 66109. and competence. Northeast Kansas. We will no longer des - spond to those needs. one Lord and God of all. Most recently, the agency has operat - ignate ourselves as Kansas City, Topeka, To support the work of the agency, ed as Catholic Charities, Archdiocese of Emporia, Leavenworth, Lawrence or the Catholic Charities Foundation of Jan Lewis is the executive director of THE GOSPEL TRUTH Kansas City in Kansas, and as Catholic Olathe. We are one organization, pursu - Northeast Kansas has been established. Catholic Charities. Community Services. In the fall of ing one mission, which is to serve people This organization will be responsible SCRIPTURE 2006, the board of directors began to in need across northeast Kansas. for working with communities READINGS Jesus is baptized by John for us THE BAPTISM OF THE LORD All three synoptic Gospels provide ent twist on the words spoken by the FIRST WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME Mt 3: 13-17 an account of Jesus’ baptism by John. voice from heaven. In both Mark’s and But Matthew’s Gospel takes a different Luke’s Gospels, the words are spoken Jan. 13 arents present their babies for approach to Jesus’ baptism than the directly to Jesus: “You are my beloved THE BAPTISM OF THE LORD baptism for a variety of reasons. Gospels of Mark and Luke. Son.” It is not even clear that the Is 42: 1-4, 6-7; Ps 29: 1-4, 3, 9-10; Acts 10: 34-38; P Hopefully, it is because they This Sunday, as we celebrate the crowd hears the words at all. Perhaps Mt 3: 13-17 want their babies to share feast of the Baptism they are audible to Jesus only. in the Catholic faith, to of the Lord, the On the other hand, in Matthew’s Jan. 14 become practicing mem - Gospel reading will Gospel, the words are spoken about Monday bers of the church. FATHER use the account from Jesus, not to him: “This is my beloved 1 Sm 1: 1-8; Ps 116: 12-19; Mk 1: 14-20 On the other hand, MIKE Matthew’s Gospel, Son.” That suggests that the crowd can there are other motives STUBBS 3:13-17. Matthew hear the words — in fact, that the Jan. 15 at work. Sometimes the emphasizes that words are being spoken for the crowd’s Tuesday parents primarily want to Jesus’ baptism takes benefit. They are not telling Jesus any - 1 Sm 1: 9-20; (Ps) 1 Sm 2: 1, 4-8; Mk 1: 21-28 please the grandparents. place primarily for thing new. He does not need to hear Or maybe the parents look upon bap - the benefit of others — ultimately, for them, just as he does not need to be We are grateful to have served this community since Jan. 16 tism as a good luck charm for infants, a the entire human race — and not to baptized. It is all for the sake of the 1929 and we are proud to continue the Skradski Family Wednesday blessing for them at the beginning of benefit him personally. crowd; ultimately, for our sake as well. Tradition of compassion and caring. 1 Sm 3: 1-10, 19-20; Ps 40: 2, 5, 7-10; Mk 1: 29-39 their lives. That is why Matthew’s Gospel alone That is Jesus’ mission. Two thousand years ago, when John includes the dialogue between Jesus Jesus did not need to be baptized, Helen Skradski Jan. 17 the Baptist was performing baptisms in and John the Baptist, in which Jesus but we do. Jesus did not need to be Funeral Director Anthony, abbot the Jordan River, people undoubtedly insists that he be baptized: “Allow it told that he was the Son of God, but also approached him about baptism for now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill we need to be told that God claims us 1 Sm 4: 1-11; Ps 44: 10-11, 14-15, 24-25; Mk 1: 40-45 various reasons. Some individuals hon - all righteousness.” In other words, go as sons and daughters. That is what estly wished to repent from sin and saw along with it, so that we can fulfill happens when we are baptized. And Jan. 18 their baptism as a sign of that repen - God’s plan. that is why Jesus was baptized — to Friday tance. Others were hypocrites and only Even though baptism will not bene - set an example for us. 1 Sm 8: 4-7, 10-22a; Ps 89: 16-19; Mk 2: 1-12 wanted to go through the ceremony for fit Jesus personally, it will benefit the show, to impress other people. crowd that witnesses it. It will benefit Jan. 19 But Jesus approaches John for bap - those who will learn about it through Father Stubbs is the pastor of SKRADSKI FUNERAL HOME Saturday tism with a completely different pur - the Gospels. It will benefit us. St. Francis de Sales Parish, Lansing. 340 N. 6th • Kansas City, Kan. 66101 • (913) 371-1404 1 Sm 9: 1-4, 17-19; 10: 1a; Ps 21: 2-7; Mk 2: 13-17 pose in mind. Matthew’s Gospel also puts a differ - www.centerstagephotos.net • [email protected] • 913.271.0703