by Jill Ragar Esfeld
jill.esfeld@theleaven.org
OVERLAND PARK — There is a great evening of food and entertainment on offer here at Church of the Ascension on Sept. 21.
But more importantly, the evening will present opportunities to support the Poor of Jesus Christ religious community in their mission to change the world through countless acts of love and kindness.
The order opened their first mission in the archdiocese 11 years ago.
“Father Gary Pennings was then the vicar general,” said Sister Magdalena. “And he was instrumental in getting us accepted into the archdiocese. Now, he happens to be the pastor here at Ascension.”
Church of the Ascension parishioner Joe Walrod is on the planning committee for the event. He first met the Sisters as a volunteer at Shalom House in Kansas City, Kansas, when they occupied the top floor of that facility.
When he heard they moved into an abandoned convent, he decided to visit them and found their new home was badly neglected and in disrepair.
It didn’t take long for him to organize parishioners and Knights of Columbus from Church of the Ascension to come to the Sisters’ rescue.
“He got this huge group of people together to help decorate, to help repair, to help get that whole convent livable,” said Sister Magdalena.
Indeed, a deep and loving relationship was formed between the Poor of Jesus Christ and Church of the Ascension. So it’s no surprise that the parish has been given the honor of hosting the second annual PJC Special Funds Benefit Dinner.
The evening will include entertainment arranged by renowned musician Hyunki Yoon; dinner provided by Jack Stack BBQ; wine and beer; and an auction.
There will be opportunities to purchase beautiful religious items made by the Sisters and Friars of the Poor of Jesus Christ, as well as chances to talk with them about their ministry.
Throughout the evening, the missions of the Poor of Jesus Christ will be highlighted through personal stories and video presentations.
Proceeds from the evening will benefit the PJC Special Funds supporting the order’s missions throughout the world.
“It’s basically to support the emergency needs and growth of our missions,” said Sister Magdalena. “We’re in 16 countries.”
That includes eight cities in North America and Canada and 54 additional cities worldwide.
Gloria Close, who is helping organize the event, knows Sister Magdalena as simply “Aunt Sally.” (Sister Magdalena’s name before she entered religious life was Sally Savery, and she is originally from the archdiocese.)
Her aunt has always been a great inspiration to her and she hopes the PJC Special Funds Benefit Dinner will introduce others to the amazing ministry of the Poor of Jesus Christ.
“When I see them with the homeless or anyone they’re helping,” she said, “they’re like a savior coming. And what resonates with me is they don’t stop. It’s continuous!
“For the homeless, it’s hope and love and a feeling that they haven’t had in so long — that somebody cares about them and they’re important.”
Vocations to the Friars and Sisters of the Poor of Jesus Christ have increased dramatically in recent years, and Sister Magdalena has a simple explanation for that phenomenon.
“Well, we’re faithful to serving the poor,” she said. “We’re faithful to our prayer life and we have a lot of zeal for liturgical life.
“We believe that God takes care of us — and he does take care of us. Whenever there has been a serious need, the funds will just arrive.”
PJC Special Funds Benefit Dinner
• Sept. 21 from 5:30 – 8 p.m.
• Church of the Ascension, 9510 W. 127th St., Overland Park
• Tickets are $75 per person or $500 for a table of 8.
• Jack Stack BBQ, entertainment, wine and beer, auction
• RSVP by Sept. 6 to (913) 859-3654 (call or text); send an email to: magdalenapjc@gmail.com
