Archdiocesan year in review 2022

In the company of the student body and staff of St. James Academy in Lenexa, Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann joined Pope Francis and priests and bishops around the world as he consecrated Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary on March 25. Catholics in the archdiocese joined international efforts to provide humanitarian assistance to those affected by war in Ukraine by taking up a special collection. LEAVEN PHOTO BY KATHRYN WHITE

by Joe Bollig
joe.bollig@theleaven.org

KANSAS CITY, Kan. — Some stories are so big that, even though they occur outside the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, they become local.

Such was the case of the Russian invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022.

The plight of Ukrainian war refugees led Catholics across the archdiocese to support relief efforts in Poland, which sheltered the refugees.

And a big national story — the reversal on June 24 of the U.S. Supreme Court’s 1973 Roe v. Wade abortion decision — is speculated to have had a big local impact as well. Pro-life advocates believe that the defeat of the “Value Them Both” amendment to the Kansas Constitution in an Aug. 2 special election here was partially a reaction to that.

“Value Them Both” organizers get emotional during a watch party Aug. 2 after the amendment was defeated. LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER

The year 2022 was a busy one, with everyone perhaps trying to make up for time and opportunities lost to the pandemic.

Here in the archdiocese, important initiatives were continued, and one launched: Revival: Eucharistic Amazement, the local response to the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ national plan to promote Catholics’ belief in the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist.

Sadly, we mourned the deaths of Msgr. Gary Applegate, Father Joseph Cramer and Deacon Steve White.

Happily, we celebrated the ordinations to the transitional diaconate of Deacon Colm Larkin, Deacon George Rhodes and Deacon Timothy Skoch. And we celebrated the priestly ordinations of Father Andrew E. Gaffney and Father Sudeep Kodigandla.

Father Sudeep Kodigandla and Father Andrew Gaffney walk down the steps outside the Cathedral of St. Peter in Kansas City, Kansas, following their ordination to the priesthood. LEAVEN PHOTO BY KATHRYN WHITE

The rich, diverse and busy life of the Catholic Church in northeast Kansas could not be captured in its entirety in the pages of The Leaven; nevertheless, a glance through the issues reveals its remarkable vitality.

So, before we close the book on 2022, let’s take one last look at the people and events that made the news for Catholics in northeast Kansas.

January

• Carlos and Mireya Torres, members of St. Paul Parish in Olathe, were selected to be the honorary chairpersons of the Archbishop’s Call to Share campaign.

Carlos and Mireya Torres, pictured here with their two children, were selected to be the honorary chairpersons of the Archbishop’s Call to Share campaign.

• The archdiocesan vocation office made available for viewing its own, locally produced 16-minute video “I Will Give You Shepherds.”

• Pat Richey, former director of the archdiocesan office of deaf ministry from 2001-2015, received the Father David Walsh Pastoral Worker of the Year Award during the National Catholic Office for the Deaf annual conference Jan. 6-10 in Savannah, Georgia.

• Msgr. Gary Applegate, 70, a priest for 40 years, died on Jan. 15 at Villa St. Francis in Olathe.

• The 48th annual Snow Ball fundraiser for Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas, which raised $3.7 million, was held on Jan. 15 at the Overland Park Convention Center.

• Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann celebrated Mass for Catholic March for Life participants on Jan. 21 at St. Dominic Church in Washington, D.C. Later, he attended a brunch for a meet-and-greet with young adults from the archdiocese.

Women hold “I Regret My Abortion” signs at the March for Life in Washington, D.C. LEAVEN PHOTO BY KATHRYN WHITE

• Archbishop Naumann celebrated Mass on Jan. 22 in celebration of the 10th anniversary of the Fraternity the Poor of Jesus Christ in the archdiocese.

• Archbishop Naumann and the other bishops of Kansas celebrated a Red Mass in honor of those in law and government on Jan. 24 at Mater Dei Church in Topeka.

• Archdiocesan Catholics joined other Kansans in Topeka to participate in the annual state March For Life on Jan. 25. Archbishop Naumann celebrated the Kansas Mass for Life at the Topeka Performing Arts Center.

Archbishop Naumann is joined by fellow bishops and priests during the consecration at the Kansas Mass for Life on Jan. 25. LEAVEN PHOTO BY MARC ANDERSON

• Deacon Steve White, ordained in 2017 and assigned to Curé of Ars Parish, Leawood, died on Jan. 28.

February

• On Feb. 5, Archbishop Naumann blessed the new Nativity House KC near Providence Medical Center in Kansas City, Kansas.

Kelly Werkowitch, Nativity House KC executive director, is pictured leading Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann through the new Nativity House KC facility in Kansas City, Kansas, on Feb. 5. Nativity House KC is a nonprofit residential maternity home that serves adult women ages 21 and older who are pregnant and homeless or are on the verge of being homeless because of their pregnancy. LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER

• The Hot Lunch Services (formerly known as St. Mary’s Food Kitchen) at the Wilhelmina Gill Multi-Service Center in Kansas City, Kansas, celebrated the 40th anniversary of serving its first meal on Feb. 11, 1982.

Adrian Miller and Sheila Hernandez, eighth graders at Holy Name School in Kansas City, Kansas, are pictured measuring out fruit cups to be served with lunch at St. Mary’s Food Kitchen. The kitchen celebrated its 40th year of operation in 2022. LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER

• Medical professionals and workers were honored at a White Mass celebrated by Archbishop Naumann on Feb. 12 at Our Lady of Good Counsel in Kansas City, Missouri.

• The archdiocese celebrated World Marriage Day with a Mass celebrated by Archbishop Naumann on Feb. 13 at the Church of the Ascension in Overland Park.

A couple prays during a blessing by Archbishop Naumann at the World Marriage Day Mass on Feb. 13. LEAVEN PHOTO BY KATHRYN WHITE

• The annual F.I.R.E. retreat for men was held Feb. 12-13 at Prairie Star Ranch in Williamsburg.

• Noted Catholic actor Jim Caviezel spoke at the Kansans For Life annual Valentine’s Day banquet Feb. 15 in Overland Park.

• Pastors and parish representatives listened to J.P. DeGance, founder of the nonprofit Communio and co-author of the book “Endgame,” present a game plan for parishes to support marriages and families during a marriage workshop on Feb. 26 at Savior Pastoral Center in Kansas City, Kansas.

• The 50th annual Benedictine Scholarship Ball was held on Feb. 26 at the Overland Park Convention Center. The event raised $2.1 million, and the Order of St. Benedict was given to Lene Westerman and Larry and Janet Munro Wilcox.

The 50th annual Benedictine College Scholarship Ball honored three people with the Cross of the Order of St. Benedict. They are, from left, Larry and Janet Munro Wilcox and Lené Westerman. Joining the honorees are Amy and Steven Minnis. PHOTO BY ANGELICA NELSON

• The 40th annual Baileyville Benefit was held Feb. 26-27 at Nemaha Central High School in Seneca.

• The archdiocese sponsored a junior high youth rally on Feb. 27 at Prairie Star Ranch in Williamsburg.

• Camp Tekakwitha at Prairie Star Ranch celebrated its 25th anniversary beginning this month.

Camp Tekakwitha celebrated its 25th anniversary on July 22 at Prairie Star Ranch in Williamsburg. The camp offers a wide range of activities from bike riding, high ropes, archery and swimming all within the context of a faith-building experience. In addition to sessions for kids, Prairie Star now hosts camps for families, Spanish-speakers and people with special needs. LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER

• The Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth elected new leadership during their 19th community chapter.

March

• On March 1, the archdiocese broke ground to begin construction of the new $5.2 million priests’ retirement residence near Santa Marta in Olathe.

From left, Msgr. Ray Burger, Father Al Rockers and Msgr. Michael Mullen take a break at the groundbreaking event for the new archdiocesan residence for retired priests. LEAVEN PHOTO BY KATHRYN WHITE

• The Kansas City Pregnancy Center held its banquet on March 1 at Children’s Mercy Park in Kansas City, Kansas.

Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker and his wife Isabelle chat with Archbishop Naumann at the Kansas City Kansas Pregnancy Clinic fundraiser March 1 at Children’s Mercy Park in Kansas City, Kansas. LEAVEN PHOTO BY MARC ANDERSON

•The archdiocese began its “soft launch” locally of a national campaign for eucharistic revival, Revival: Eucharistic Amazement, at the start of Lent on March 2.

• The Catholic Foundation of Northeast Kansas held its annual Archbishop’s High School Art Invitational awards reception on March 4 at Savior Pastoral Center in Kansas City, Kansas.

Abigail Rhodus, a senior at St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Overland Park, pauses for a photo with, from left, Bill Maloney, executive director of the Catholic Foundation of Northeast Kansas; Vince Cascone, superintendent of Catholic schools; and Archbishop Naumann. LEAVEN PHOTO BY MOIRA CULLINGS

• The annual men’s retreat, Men Under Construction, was held on March 5 at the Church of the Ascension in Overland Park.

• Rites of Election were held on March 6 at Most Pure Heart of Mary Parish in Topeka and at Prince of Peace Parish in Olathe.

• Archbishop Naumann presided over a blessing and wall-breaking ceremony on March 24 at St. James Academy in Lenexa, the start of a $1 million conversion of the school’s former media center.

Archbishop Naumann blesses the wall of the former media center of St. James Academy, Lenexa, on March 24 only to then take a few enthusiastic whacks at it with a sledgehammer. LEAVEN PHOTO BY JOE BOLLIG

• The first Praise & Graze recognition and awards celebration for Catholic Youth Organization coaches, officials and others was held on March 26 at the Church of the Nativity School gym in Leawood.

• The annual Rural Catholic Youth Conference, sponsored by the Northeast Kansas Youth Council, was held March 25-27 at Prairie Star Ranch in Williamsburg.

• Maur Hill-Mount Academy, Atchison, named its baseball field after Coach Phil Baniewicz on March 29 for his service as school president and coach.

Maur Hill-Mount Academy head baseball coach Phil Baniewicz gets ready for the Ravens’ opening game of the season March 17 at home in Atchison. LEAVEN PHOTO BY JD BENNING

• Three new marriage-strengthening initiatives were launched in the archdiocese thanks to a $50,000 matching grant given to implement the national pastoral framework for marriage and family life ministry.

• Catholics in the archdiocese joined international efforts to provide humanitarian assistance to those affected by war in Ukraine by taking up a special collection.

• John C. Clark, a teacher at Bishop Miege High School, Roeland Park, was named Archdiocesan Teacher of the Year by the Kansas Association of Independent and Religious Schools.

Miege teacher John C. Clark, center, stands with archdiocesan associate superintendent Allison Carney and superintendent Vince Cascone. Clark was awarded Archdiocesan Teacher of the Year by the Kansas Association of Independent and Religious Schools. PHOTO BY SOPHIA ANDERSON

• A coalition of pro-life organizations — Kansas Family Voice, Kansans for Life and the Kansas Catholic Conference — mobilized to promote the “Value Them Both” amendment to the Kansas Constitution for the Aug. 2 primary election.

Nancy Weber prepares to go door-to-door to inform Kansans about the “Value Them Both” amendment. LEAVEN PHOTO BY MARC ANDERSON

April

• St. Paul Parish in Olathe teamed up with Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in Otwock, Poland, to aid refugees from Ukraine fleeing the Russian invasion.

Helena Anderson, left, her colleague Anna Karasinska and Father Michael Hermes, pastor of St. Paul Parish in Olathe, research a map of Otwock, Poland, where they helped Father Jan Golembiewski in his efforts to shelter Ukrainian refugees. LEAVEN PHOTO BY MOIRA CULLINGS

• Prairie Star Ranch in Williamsburg held its first Emmaus Eucharistic Amazement retreat for second-, third- and fourth-grade students.

• The annual Scouting Awards Mass was held on April 3 at the Cathedral of St. Peter.

• Donnelly College in Kansas City, Kansas, celebrated, blessed and dedicated its new campus transformation, including the new academic building, on April 22.

Msgr. Stuart Swetland, Donnelly College president, speaks to those gathered for the dedication of the new Blessed Francis Xavier Seelos Chapel on the campus of the college in Kansas City, Kansas. LEAVEN PHOTO BY KATHRYN WHITE

• The annual Abbot’s Table banquet was held on April 23 at the Overland Park Convention Center.

• Archbishop Naumann designated April 27 to be observed in all archdiocesan parishes as a Day of Prayer in Atonement of and for the Healing of All Those Harmed by Sexual Abuse.

• Ascension School in Overland Park held its 25th anniversary celebration on April 29.

Church of the Ascension pastor Father Gary Pennings delivers a homily during the Mass celebrating Ascension School’s 25th anniversary. LEAVEN PHOTO BY JOE BOLLIG

• The archdiocesan-wide Camp Tekakwitha Women’s Retreat was held April 29-May 1.

• Seventeen juniors at Bishop Ward High School in Kansas City, Kansas, were awarded college scholarships on April 29 by KC Scholars.

Marlyn Sandoval Cortez (middle) and Alexandra Robles share a moment with Emily Saatcioglu, academic dean at Bishop Ward (left), after learning they had both received KC Scholars scholarships. LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER

• The annual state Knights of Columbus convention was held April 30-May 1 at the Capital Plaza Hotel in Topeka.

• Amy Stork became the new victim care advocate for the archdiocesan office for protection and care.

• The St. Lawrence Catholic Campus Center at the University of Kansas bade farewell to the Apostles of the Interior Life after 19 years of ministry.

After nearly 20 years, the Apostles of the Interior Life left the archdiocese to consolidate their community. The order provided spiritual direction serving students at the University of Kansas. From left are: Sister Elena Morcelli, Sister Raffaella Cavallin and Sister Ruth Kuefler. COURTESY PHOTO

May

• Archbishop Naumann blessed a veterans memorial on May 5 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in Topeka.

Members of the U.S. military were on hand for the blessing of the new veterans memorial in Topeka. Pictured from left are: Chris Hernandez, Roger Wilson, Robert Romero and Chris Ortega. LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER

• Nearly 90 parish and ministry leaders from 44 parishes received training for the Franciscan University of Steubenville’s Catechetical Institute online learning platform on May 5 and 7 at Savior Pastoral Center in Kansas City, Kansas.

•The Catholic Youth Organization of Johnson and Wyandotte Counties held its annual City Championships on May 7 at Bishop Miege High School in Roeland Park.

Girls from various schools race during the CYO City Championships on May 7. LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER

• Archbishop Naumann blessed a replica of Michelangelo’s Pieta on May 7 at Savior Pastoral Center in Kansas City, Kansas.

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann — assisted by Michael Rebout — blesses a replica of Michelangelo’s Pietà on May 7 at Savior Pastoral Center in Kansas City, Kansas. LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER

•The Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas Golf Classic luncheon was held on May 9 at Lake Quivira Country Club in Johnson County.

• Bishop Robert Barron, auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, received the Prize for Excellence in Theology and the Arts on May 13 at Benedictine College in Atchison.

Bishop Robert Barron, auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles and founder of Word on Fire Catholic Ministries, was the recipient of the inaugural Prize for Excellence in Theology and the Arts at Benedictine College in Atchison on May 13. Pictured from left are: Benedictine College president Stephen Minnis, Archbishop Naumann, Bishop Barron and Dr. Denis McNamara, director of the Center for Beauty and Culture. PHOTO BY TODD NUGENT/BENEDICTINE COLLEGE

• Hispanic Catholics from across the archdiocese participated in a eucharistic conference on May 14 at the Cathedral of St. Peter in Kansas City, Kansas. Father Javier Olivera Ravasi, from Argentina, gave two talks.

• Sister Jennifer Halling, OSB, took her perpetual vows on May 15 at Mount St. Scholastica in Atchison.

• A Mass for farmers was celebrated on May 15, the feast of St. Isidore, at Christ’s Peace House of Prayer in Easton.

Archbishop Naumann blesses those gathered at the Mass for farmers on May 15. LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER

• Colm Larkin, George Rhodes and Timothy Skoch were ordained transitional deacons on May 21 at Christ the King Church, Topeka.

From left, Colm Larkin, George Rhodes and Timothy Skoch lay before the altar of Christ the King Church in Topeka during their ordination ceremony to the transitional diaconate. PHOTO BY SARAH CARSON

• The first Family Week, sponsored by the Center for Family Life at Benedictine College, Atchison, was held May 22-28.

• Father Andrew E. Gaffney and Father Sudeep Kodigandla were ordained to the priesthood by Archbishop Naumann on May 28 at the Cathedral of St. Peter in Kansas City, Kansas.

From the altar, Father Andrew Gaffney, left, and Father Sudeep Kodigandla face those gathered at the Cathedral of St. Peter in Kansas City, Kansas, for their ordination to the priesthood. LEAVEN PHOTO BY KATHRYN WHITE

• Holy Family Parish, Eudora, received a $29,000 grant from the Douglas County Natural and Cultural Heritage Council for restoration of the original church’s stained-glass windows.

• Nineteen students from the Escuela de Teología Básica gathered on May 31 to graduate from the program at Savior Pastoral Center in Kansas City, Kansas.

Carlos Torres happily accepts his graduation certificate from Archbishop Naumann *during the Escuela de Teología Básica graduation at Savior Pastoral Center.*. LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER

June

•The archdiocese launched a new campaign, Helping Kansas Women, to raise awareness of pregnancy resource centers in Kansas.

• Benedictine College in Atchison established the Sheridan Center for Classical Studies.

• High school student Luke Trausch built a wooden altar for his parish’s eucharistic adoration chapel at Immaculate Conception Parish in St. Marys.

Luke Trausch, a sophomore at St. Marys Junior-Senior High, works on a wood altar as a school shop project for the new eucharistic adoration chapel at Immaculate Conception Parish. LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER

•The Holy Family School of Faith hosted a rosary rally and eucharistic adoration to pray for the “Value Them Both” amendment on June 5 at the Fiorella’s Event Center in Overland Park.

Former Kansas City Chiefs punter Dustin Colquitt meets a few young fans during the “Value Them Both” rosary rally at Fiorella’s Event Center on June 5. LEAVEN PHOTO BY KATHRYN WHITE

• Archdiocesan priests dominated the priests from the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph for a 29-18 win on June 10 at the annual Pitching for Priests softball game at Legends Field Ballpark in Kansas City, Kansas.

Father Anthony Mersmann, left, associate pastor of Holy Cross Parish, Overland Park, and Father Andrew Strobl, pastor of Holy Spirit Parish, Overland Park, watch from the dugout as their teammates bat. LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER

• Benedictine Sisters from 17 monasteries in the United States and Mexico gathered June 15-17 for the Federation of St. Scholastica Chapter at Mount St. Scholastica in Atchison.

• The archdiocese publicly launched the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ national, three-year eucharistic initiative — locally called Revival: Eucharistic Amazement — on the solemnity of Corpus Christi, June 19.

The archdiocese publicly launched the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ national, three-year eucharistic initiative on the solemnity of Corpus Christi, June 19. LEAVEN FILE PHOTO

• Jessica Cabral became the director of ReachKCK on June 20.

• The battle over abortion returned to the states on June 24 when the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision, which established a federal constitutional right to abortion.

• The founders of the Catholic Education Foundation celebrated the 25th anniversary of its founding on June 29 at Lake Quivira Country Club in northern Johnson County.

July

• An interior painting project that featured a mural of 12 saints was completed in early July at All Saints Church in Kansas City, Kansas.

Paul Helmer, architect and color consultant with Touch of Distinction Color and Design of Kansas City, Missouri, talks with All Saints pastor Father Peter Jaramillo, SSA, about the St. Juan Diego portion of the mural atop All Saints. LEAVEN PHOTO BY KATHRYN WHITE

• Ten archdiocesan parishes launched an initiative to strengthen marriages and promote healthy families through the Full-Circle Relationship Ministry Model with the help of the Virginia-based Communio group.

• Felicia Holcomb was appointed consultant for marketing and enrollment in the archdiocesan schools office on July 1.

• The Leaven won 18 awards at the Catholic Media Convention on July 7.

• The Encounter School of Ministry held a Summer Intensive Program July 11-14 at St. Agnes Parish in Roeland Park.

• Our Lady of Guadalupe’s Fiesta Mexicana, a fundraiser for the parish and Holy Family School, was held on July 13 in Topeka.

Dancers perform during the Fiesta Mexicana in Topeka on July 13. LEAVEN PHOTO BY MARC ANDERSON

• Carla Mills, chief financial officer for the archdiocese, was named one of the Kansas City Business Journal’s CFOs of the year on July 22 at Loews Kansas City Hotel in Kansas City, Missouri.

• Camp Tekakwitha celebrated its 25th anniversary. Father Mark Mertes, pastor of St. Patrick Parish and archdiocesan moderator of the curia, received the Echo of Kateri award on July 22. Couples Dennis and Marisa Herd, and Ray and Katy Wilson, received the Echo of Kateri award on July 30.

Ray and Katy Wilson, members of Curé of Ars Parish in Leawood, receive a hug from Deborah Nearmyer after receiving their Echo of Kateri Award. LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER

August

• Serra Clubs and the archdiocesan vocations office sponsored the second Master’s Cup golf tournament and luncheon for seminarians and those considering the priesthood on Aug. 1 at Ironhorse Golf Club in Leawood.

Andrew Woirhaye, Nick Koca and James Euston, all members of St. Michael the Archangel Parish in Leawood, react to a monster drive by Nick Johnson, youth minister at St. Michael. LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER

• Jane Schmitt was appointed the new director of development for the Catholic Foundation of Northeast Kansas on Aug. 1.

•The proposed “Value Them Both” amendment to the Kansas Constitution, which would have negated a 2019 Kansas Supreme Court ruling that found a right to unlimited and unrestricted abortion in the state’s 1859 constitution, was defeated during a special election on Aug. 2.

Supporters of “Value Them Both” react to the news that the amendment failed at a watch party in Overland Park. The amendment, which would have removed the constitutional right to an abortion in Kansas, was defeated 59% to 41%. LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER

• Karla Melgar, a member of St. Paul Parish in Olathe, was appointed a consultant in the archdiocesan office of evangelization.

• The Kelly Youth Rally, held on Aug. 20, celebrated its 25th anniversary.

• Archbishop Naumann led eucharistic processions on Aug. 19 at Holy Trinity Church in Paola and on Aug. 21 at Sts. Peter and Paul Parish in Seneca.

Archbishop Naumann participates in a eucharistic procession at Holy Trinity Church in Paola on Aug. 19. LEAVEN PHOTO BY KATHRYN WHITE

• Cindy Dickason, a member of St. Paul Parish in Olathe, received the Do Something Beautiful for God award from Benedictine College in Atchison.

• Lorenzo Rizzi, a member of St. Michael the Archangel Parish in Leawood, was appointed associate superintendent for archdiocesan schools.

• The Serra Clubs hosted 115 women religious from 18 congregations for the Religious Sisters Appreciation Day on Aug. 28 at St. Patrick Parish in Kansas City, Kansas.

From left, Sisters Supriya Dalu, Sunitha Thappetta and Aruna Prakash Boyarevula, all Sisters of St. Anne, visit with Msgr. Michael Mullen, at Religious Sisters Appreciation Day on Aug. 28 at St. Patrick Church in Kansas City, Kansas. LEAVEN PHOTO BY KATHRYN WHITE

• Father Joseph Cramer, 72, died on Aug. 30 at his home in Las Vegas.

September

• Benedictine College in Atchison and Catholic Healthcare International of Wildwood, Missouri, signed a Collaborative Affiliation Agreement on Sept. 8 to establish a new medical school on Benedictine’s campus.

From left, Benedictine College president Stephen D. Minnis and Catholic Healthcare International founder and president Jere D. Palazzolo signed a Collaborative Affiliation Agreement on Sept. 8, beginning the process of establishing an independent medical school on the Benedictine campus. Looking on is CHI board member Father Timothy Nelson, MD. PHOTO BY ANGELICA NELSON/BENEDICTINE COLLEGE

• A National Day of Remembrance for Aborted Children service was held Sept. 10 in the Holy Redeemer Chapel at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Kansas City, Kansas.

Father Nick Blaha, pastor of the Christ the King and Blessed Sacrament parishes in Kansas City, Kansas, leads the National Day of Remembrance for Aborted Children at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Kansas City, Kansas. LEAVEN PHOTO BY MARC ANDERSON

• The permanent diaconate aspirants of Cohort Five met Sept. 9-11 for their first weekend of formation at Savior Pastoral Center in Kansas City, Kansas.

• St. Gregory the Great School in Marysville received the Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann School of Excellence award, and a visit by Archbishop Naumann, on Sept. 13 from the Catholic Education Foundation.

Archbishop Naumann enjoys a laugh with Jackie Fragel’s kindergarten class at St. Gregory the Great School in Marysville. LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER

• Archbishop Naumann signed a decree on Sept. 14 approving the erection of a Public Clerical Association of Christ’s Faithful, the Deacons of Hope, founded by Deacon Doug Hemke and Deacon Kevin Cummings.

• The first Hispanic Family Camp was held at Prairie Star Ranch in Williamsburg.

From front to back, Paola Pradillo, Isis García and Hannah Pradillo, all members of St. Paul Parish in Olathe, enjoy a canoe ride at the inaugural Hispanic family camp at Prairie Star Ranch in Williamsburg. LEAVEN PHOTO BY MATT MCCABE

• Mater Dei Parish in Topeka approved a project to remove and cap the deteriorating twin bell towers of Assumption Church, located near the state Capitol.

• Barbara Bailey, pastoral associate at Our Lady & St. Rose Parish in Kansas City, Kansas, and director of the archdiocesan office of Black Catholics, attended the 25th anniversary of the dedication of Our Mother of Africa Chapel on Sept. 17 in the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C.

Barbara Bailey, pastoral associate of Our Lady & St. Rose Parish in Kansas City, Kansas, right, and the director of the archdiocesan office of Black Catholics, along with her daughter Monica Randle, attended the 25th anniversary of the dedication of Our Mother of Africa Chapel in the Basilica of National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. COURTESY PHOTO

• Topeka Pastoral Region parish youth groups gathered at Most Pure Heart of Mary Parish on Sept. 25 for the first-ever Catholic Cup games.

• EMBRACE (Enriching Many By Reaching All in Catholic Education) held its first fundraiser Embrace the Brew on Sept. 30 at Rock & Brews restaurant in Overland Park. It is a collaboration between the archdiocesan schools office and archdiocesan schools to provide support to children with disabilities and learning differences.

October

• Members of religious orders in the archdiocese attended a Mass honoring consecrated life, celebrated by Archbishop Naumann, on Oct. 1 at Savior Pastoral Center.

• Nearly $855,000 was raised for Donnelly College in Kansas City, Kansas, at its annual SHINE fundraiser and gala on Oct. 6 at The Abbot in Kansas City, Missouri.

Scholarship recipient Carlos Walker, a native of Wyandotte County, talked about his traumatic past and troubles with the law before attending Donnelly College in Kansas City, Kansas. Today, Walker is a CPA specializing in tax planning. LEAVEN PHOTO BY JILL RAGAR ESFELD

• Archbishop Naumann was the main celebrant for the annual Red Mass, celebrated for members of the Catholic Lawyers Guild of Kansas City, on Oct. 7 at Curé of Ars Church in Leawood.

• Sister Brenda Lopez professed perpetual vows as a Servant of Mary, Minister to the Sick, on Oct. 11 during a Mass at the provincial house in Kansas City, Kansas.

• Msgr. Michael Mullen, former pastor, was honored on Oct. 22 during the inaugural Shamrocks for Scholarships fundraising event to benefit St. Patrick School, held at the Kansas Speedway in Kansas City, Kansas.

Msgr. Michael Mullen and Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann share a moment during the Shamrocks for Scholarships event on Oct. 22. LEAVEN PHOTO BY JILL RAGAR ESFELD

• Donnelly College in Kansas City, Kansas, was recognized as the most ethnically diverse college in the Midwest for the sixth consecutive year by the U.S. News and World Report “Best College” rankings.

• The girls tennis team of Hayden High School in Topeka made history on Oct. 15 by winning its first state championship.

Topeka Hayden’s girls tennis team made history on Oct. 15 by earning its first state championship in tennis in the school’s history. Pictured, from left, are: assistant coach Lynn Bishop, Grace Funk, Zulueta, Sloane Sims, Bri Barnett, Sandstrom, Emily Sheetz and head coach Christy Sheetz. PHOTO BY HEATHER ENOS

• The Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulcher of Jerusalem held its annual Mass and dinner on Oct. 27 at St. Michael the Archangel Parish in Leawood.

• The annual Gaudeamus benefit gala for the Catholic Education Foundation was held on Oct. 29 at the Overland Park Convention Center. It was also the 25th anniversary celebration of the foundation.

Vicky Simms, a senior at Hayden High School in Topeka, explains how receiving a scholarship from the Catholic Education Foundation made her bright future possible. LEAVEN PHOTO BY JILL RAGAR ESFELD

• Michael Podrebarac, archdiocesan consultant for liturgy and sacramental life, offered Transcendental Service workshops at parishes around the archdiocese in October and November.

• ReachKCK hosted more than 150 Wyandotte County parish youths for a Confirmation Rally Bonfire on Oct. 31 at Blessed Sacrament Parish in Kansas City, Kansas.

From left, Michael, Julio and Emilio enjoy making s’mores at a bonfire at the close of the confirmation rally. LEAVEN PHOTO BY JILL RAGAR ESFELD

• The Sparrow Women’s Clinic in Lansing was blessed by Archbishop Naumann on Oct. 31.

Debra Niesen, archdiocesan consultant for the pro-life office, joins Archbishop Naumann as he prepares to bless Sparrow Women’s Clinic. LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER

November

• Archbishop Naumann blessed on Nov. 1 the new rectory and renovated interior of All Saints Church in Kansas City, Kansas. He was also the main celebrant and homilist for the feast day Mass.

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann blessed the renovated All Saints Church in Kansas City, Kansas, on Nov. 1, the solemnity of All Saints. Above, the archbishop addresses the congregation as Father Peter Jaramillo, SSA, pastor of All Saints, looks on. LEAVEN PHOTO BY KATHRYN WHITE

• Bob Roper was appointed the new director of human resources for the archdiocese on Nov. 2.

• Don and Janice Arth, members of Prince of Peace Parish in Olathe, and the Catholic Foundation of Northeast Kansas, were presented the Deo Gratias Award by the CFNEK on Nov. 10 at Savior Pastoral Center in Kansas City, Kansas.

Don and Janice Arth, members of Prince of Peace Parish in Olathe, were presented the Deo Gratias Award on Nov. 10 by Archbishop Naumann at the Keleher Conference Center at Savior Pastoral Center in Kansas City, Kansas. LEAVEN PHOTO BY KATHRYN WHITE

• Most Pure Heart of Mary Parish in Topeka hosted a Veterans Day assembly on Nov. 11.

• Students at Xavier School in Leavenworth partnered with the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth to celebrate Mother Xavier Ross, the Sisters’ foundress, during Mother Xavier Ross Week, Nov. 6-12.

• After a 37-year run, the “Viviano Variety Show” benefit for Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas, founded by Jerry Viviano, held its final show on Nov. 19 at Rockhurst High School’s Rose Theater in Kansas City, Missouri.

Jerry Viviano, the founder, performer and host of the annual “Viviano Variety Show” benefit, will end the show’s 37-year run this year. The show’s final performance was on Nov. 19. During its nearly four-decades-long run, the show has raised $2.25 million for various local charities, mostly for Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas. COURTESY PHOTO

• The archdiocese completed its 10-page synod report and sent it to the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops headquarters.

• Four historic residences were shown during the Atchison Christmas Historic Homes Tour on Nov. 19 to benefit St. Benedict School.

• Msgr. Stuart W. Swetland, president of Donnelly College in Kansas City, Kansas, received the Duchesne Award after a Mass on Nov. 22 at Sacred Heart Parish in Mound City.

Msgr. Stuart Swetland, president of Donnelly College in Kansas City, Kansas, expresses his appreciation after receiving the St. Rose Philippine Duchesne Award at Mass on Nov. 22 at Sacred Heart Parish in Mound City, which is also a shrine to the saint. LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER

• Archbishop Naumann launched the archdiocesan-wide Advent Preaching Series beginning Nov. 27, the first Sunday of Advent.

• St. John School in Lawrence received a $5,000 grant from the National Catholic Partners on Disabilities, through the Angel in Disguise organization, to assist students with special needs.

Chris Reffett, principal of St. John the Evangelist School in Lawrence, is not only the principal but also a parent of three St. John students — two with special needs. From left are: Sophie, seventh grade; Mila, fifth grade; and RayLee, seventh grade. The staff of St. John has made it a part of St. John’s mission to ensure students with special needs feel welcomed, embraced and supported. LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER

• Parishioners at St. Michael the Archangel Parish in Leawood organized to send aid to Ukrainian war refugees in Poland.

Konrad Milewski speaks to a group of children and parents gathered at a religious education Family Night at St. Michael the Archangel Parish in Leawood on Nov. 9. Milewski, a Polish native, has become a point of connection between St. Michael and communities in Poland and Ukraine. LEAVEN PHOTO BY KATHRYN WHITE

December

• Archbishop Naumann attended a Christmas meal with the homeless on Dec. 10, held by the Brothers and Sisters of the Fraternity the Poor of Jesus Christ, at Blessed Sacrament Church in Kansas City, Kansas.

Brother Israel of the Crucified Lord, PJC, speaks with a man outside of the Hope Faith ministry, a day shelter at the corner of Admiral Blvd. and Virginia St. in Kansas City, Missouri, where many of those living on the streets gather, and invites him to the Christmas party and dinner. LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER

• Archbishop Naumann blessed the new location for Shalom House, a transitional men’s housing program run by Catholic Charities, during an open house in Kansas City, Kansas, on Dec. 16.

From left, Tenesha Williams, Ernie Straub Jr., Father Dennis Wait, Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann, Lauren Solidum, Doug Ciocca and Chris Dierks cheer after Williams cut the ribbon outside the new Shalom House building in Kansas City, Kansas. LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER

• Young men interested in learning more about exploring a vocation to the priesthood gathered for the “Quo Vadis” retreat, sponsored by the archdiocesan vocation office, Dec. 16-18 at Savior Pastoral Center.