Within these columns, we hope to encourage a spirit and culture of life within the Church of the Nativity. Our mission is such: “The Nativity Gospel of Life Ministry, as members of the Body of Christ, strive to grow a culture that embraces and cherishes all facets of human life from conception to natural death. We raise awareness, educate, engage, and inspire our community to build a culture that promotes and defends the dignity of all”. If you are interested in joining this ministry, please reach out to Michael Sanem at msanem@kcnativity.org.

In Genesis, God says He created man in his image and likeness. Our dignity is baked into the very core of our creation. Our call to be Pro-Life extends to every human being God has created.  

Over 500 children in Johnson County are in foster care. None of these children have chosen this, they are in need of families to care for when their biological parents are unable to. These children have experienced abuse and neglect, often exacerbated by drug abuse and/or poverty. Often, teenagers age out of foster care without a family to support and guide them into adulthood. These children and teens are the orphans of today who the Lord calls us to care for.  If not us, then who?

The enormity of the needs can be overwhelming. However, we are called to hope and we have many reasons to be hopeful. At Nativity, we have a strong foster care ministry that not only supports children, teens and foster families. In the last year, we served over 324 individuals. We have touched lives with Christ’s love and planted seeds of hope. Many of our parishioners mentor at the O’Connell Children’s Shelter and KC Kansas Angels working with teens to develop life skills before they age out of foster care. Josh Shipley, former foster teen, speaks often about how “each teen is just one caring adult away from a success story”. By mentoring, you can quite literally save a life.   

Nationally, fifty percent of foster families quit within one year. However, with the love and support from a Care Community, 90% continue to foster beyond a year. That is why, our friendship in walking this journey with foster parents is so critical. Nativity’s Foster Care Ministry can connect you.  

Like the apostles in Acts, we are called to love and serve in community. All of us and our time, talents, and treasures compose the Body of Christ here on earth. In the excess of God’s goodness to us we are called to share. If you haven’t considered supporting children in families in foster care, consider this your sign. If you have considered but don’t know how you can help, I implore you to ask where there is a need. Prayer is powerful and needed more than ever. Consider offering a holy hour or a rosary for the children, foster, and biological families. For more information on ways to serve and to get on the mailing list, please email nativityfostercare@gmail.com. 

The mission of the Nativity Gospel of Life Ministry states that as members of the Body of Christ, we strive to grow a culture that embraces and cherishes all facets of human life from conception to natural death. We raise awareness, educate, engage, and inspire our community to build a culture that promotes and defends the dignity of all. All means ALL! All includes people with disabilities. Disability is a natural part of the human condition. Only 15% of people with disabilities are born with a condition. 85% of disability is caused by accident, illness or the aging process. The Saint Margaret of Castello Special Needs Ministry at Church of the Nativity was started several years ago to ensure that parishioners with disabilities feel that they and their families belong – that they are welcomed, valued, and that reasonable accommodations can and will be made for them to participate fully in the liturgical and social life of the parish.  

Members of the Special Needs Ministry have recently taken a place at the table with the Gospel of Life Ministry and in particular, the Belonging and Hospitality Committee. Since the mission of both are very similar, it streamlines our efforts, avoids duplication of initiatives, and enhances access to resources.  

March is Developmental Disability Awareness Month. It is a nationwide event to raise awareness about the inclusion of people with developmental disabilities and address the barriers that people with disabilities face. It is about understanding the relationship between the way people function and how they participate in society – making sure everybody has the same opportunities in every aspect of life to the best of their abilities. Certainly, our faith, that calls us to value the dignity of all facets of human life, must lead the charge. Let us be vigilant in our efforts to be a parish that fully embraces the mission of the Gospel of Life Ministry. 

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” - Jeremiah 29:11

For about the last 30 years this scripture has been my constant companion. I trust what it says, and I believe I have hope and a future. But it was not always this way. As a young adult I went through a very dark time when I was far from the Lord and myself.

February is Youth Mental Health Awareness Month. As the founder of Talk 2 Me – A Program of Hope, I believe that pro-life is at the heart of mental health, physical health, and suicide prevention.  

Yes, life can be painful and excruciating suffering does occur. However, if I can find meaning and beauty even in the parts of life that truly hurt to the core, I will be victorious. I will have joined in Christ’s suffering and that is a gift. If, as a Christian, I want to be like Him then I must accept being like Christ in all things including suffering.

With our Talk 2 Me Mental Health Scholarship for seniors in high school we ask, “What will you do when hard times come?” We don’t ask “IF” hard times come, because we know that difficulties are a part of life. It’s better if I know that ahead of time and have a plan in place for taking care of myself. We firmly uphold that talking to 1 safe person can save your life. We have seen this save lives. The saying, “You are only as sick as your secrets” holds true. If I can get honest with myself, God, and just one person I’ll be ok.

Talk 2 Me distributes life contracts in which an individual commits to calling 2 safe people if they feel in danger. We know that we have possibly as little as 17 seconds to champion, rescue, and stop  an individual who has decided to inflict self- harm. We want them to get out of their own head and into a coping skill. I know that when I engage my body and mind in something consuming like exercise, new thoughts will take over. I must find a way to encourage myself in the dark times.

Our life contracts include writing out exactly what to do when thoughts of self harm occur. Teens have come to us with maybe 1 positive coping skill and they leave our meeting with 5-10 options.  Young people identify 5 coping skills that they will use, such as: go outside, go for a run, do pushups, listen to favorite music, draw, paint, color, look at the stars, watch something happy, call a good friend, talk, share, pray, meditate, and the list goes on. We know that if we move the body the mind will follow.

Movement can be the very medicine we need. Physical exercise is one possible treatment for depression and that is available to most everyone. In light of this, in the spring, Talk 2 Me will start running programs for elementary-aged children. We know that developing good habits now can last a lifetime. For me, personally, running has been a real-life saver and it’s something I have passed on to my children. Running has increased mental health and self-worth for countless people I work with.

If you are reading this, you are here and alive and God has a plan for your life. I believe He is favoring, supporting, and championing your very days. Please have the courage to live your one precious life. If you need help, don’t wait, make a call now.

988 – emergency number for mental health crises

More resources and contact information may be found at: Talk-2me.com We welcome you to be a part of our life saving work. Please reach out if you or someone you love needs help.

Save the Date:  August 28, 2023 for the Talk2Me Golf for Good Tournament

Blessings, E. Marie DiCarlo, M.D.
Executive Director
Talk 2 Me – A Program of Hope

“Begotten, not made”

I read these words in a note my dad wrote to me. At that time I was the president of the Pro-life
club at St. Teresa’s Academy, and a loud-mouthed one at that. Yet, the meaning of the above
words were taken for granted, and frankly over my head. The full truth of these words, of Christ’s
being, have been slowly and deeply learned over my life. That same slow movement has revealed
the truth of my own being (and therefore all peoples) as well. That I was not some accident of the
cosmos or a spill in a lab. Rather, I was created through the will of the God of the universe out of
sheer love.

From this understanding of my own life, a deeper truth about Life has emerged. As Catholics,
we know that abortion and euthanasia are wrong. Many of us (myself included) have made that
intellectual ascent. But how many of us have made a spiritual ascent to that same truth? We
should recognize that our lives are not only physical, but spiritual as well. Naturally, any injury to
the life and dignity of the human person is an injury to the Body of Christ.

In today’s world, we are so aware of the injustices taking place all around us. Poverty, crime, and
death seem pervasive. The vastness of suffering makes it easy to say that some lives are simply
more valuable than others. That we cannot possibly save everyone, so why try? This is a grave error
that many of us and the people we love fall into.

When we tear at our seamless garment, we tear at the Sacred Heart of Jesus, who is mourned by
injury or injustice to any of his beloveds. He loves the pregnant woman and her baby. He loves the
victim and the murderer. He loves the person who thinks suicide is the only option. He loves the
refugee being trafficked illegally. He loves the father who’s children are being placed in foster care
due to his addiction. The job for us as Christians is to mold our hearts to His. As we discern how to
bring Christ’s love to those around us, let us pray for God’s grace to love as He does.

I recently asked a group of teens, “What is your favorite holiday of the year?”

“January 2nd,” replied Jesse. “That’s when the holidays are over.”

Many of the teens agreed with Jesse. The conversation veered to a different topic: How do you manage painful emotions and stress throughout the holiday season?

Holiday traditions and family gatherings often evoke warm memories – or they may trigger fear, unmet expectations, unresolved resentments, or disappointments from the past. Those struggling with grief, depression, anxiety, or lack of connection to family and community may feel particularly isolated and vulnerable during the holidays. They may also grapple with guilt when they fail to share the same joyful spirit as those around them.  

Children and teens are not immune to stress and emotional pain throughout the holidays. Sources of Strength is a socioemotional program in many Johnson County schools that equips youth with skills when they face life’s challenges.  

Your responses to the following questions related to the eight protective factors on the Sources of Strength Wheel can help you manage stress and care for your mental health throughout the holiday season:
    •    Family Support –  What support do you need from family (of origin or choice) when you feel sad, angry, or anxious? Which family members can you turn to when you need encouragement?
    •    Positive Friends – Who lifts you up when you feel sad or lonely? Who can you call if you feel stressed or anxious? Where can you find local support?
    •    Mentors – Do you know someone who offers helpful guidance when you need it? Who can provide gentle direction when you struggle with challenging circumstances?

Make a list of people you can call if you need or want to talk to someone. Include their phone numbers on the list. Put the list in a place where you can easily find it.

•    Healthy Activities – What activities do you enjoy? Running or walking? Music or art? Reading or journaling? Are you getting enough sleep? What helps you relax? The Catholic Health Association of the United States (CHA) provides meaningful reflections on their website at www.chausa.org/meditations. 
•    Generosity – Acts of kindness often lift us up when we’re feeling down. In what ways can you volunteer to help someone today? How can you share your time, talent, and treasure with parish and community organizations?
•    Spirituality – How does your connection with God feed your soul? How does prayer comfort you? Where do you feel spiritually nourished? What makes you feel grateful?  
•    Physical Health – Maintaining good physical health is essential to your mental health. What changes can you make to your diet? Are you drinking enough water? Dehydration mimics symptoms of anxiety. Do you give your body time to heal when you feel sick? 
•    Mental Health – Do you set healthy boundaries to protect your personal well-being? To whom can you turn when you feel lonely or overwhelmed? What mental health resources are available if depression or anxiety interfere with your day-to-day activities?  

If you or someone you care about is struggling with a mental health issue, call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Prevention Lifeline, www.988Lifeline.org. Counselors will answer your call, listen to your concerns, and recommend local services and resources.  

Psychology Today has an online directory of mental health professionals in your area. Visit www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists to find online and in-person services.

Find a Catholic counselor on the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas website at www.archkck.org/family/care-support/catholic-counselors.

No one should struggle with mental illness alone. There is help. There is hope.  
May God’s peace and love bless you and your family throughout the holiday season.

November is considered Hospice & Palliative Care month in our country, which is significant from a Catholic perspective since we honor “All Saints & All Souls” in the first 2 days and remember our deceased family & friends throughout the month. Human life is a precious gift from God. Our Catholic faith respects the dignity of life from conception to natural death, “womb to tomb”. Therefore, we are stewards over human life, trying to preserve it and use it for the glory of God.
Euthanasia & physician-assisted-suicide are never morally acceptable options. Having Catholic End-of-Life Advance Directives & a Durable Power of Attorney (DPOA) for Healthcare are very important to prepare for the inevitable.

Suffering of this life (physical, emotional, spiritual) can often be alleviated with personal & professional help to recover or treat disease or trauma. Hospice & palliative medicine gives resources for pain & symptom management, as well as compassionate & merciful care to people with chronic or terminal illness. Interdisciplinary experts on a hospice team give psychosocial & spiritual support to the person & family. Last Rites (which include Confession & Absolution, Eucharist & Viaticum, Anointing of the Sick) are encouraged for any Catholic nearing the end-of-life, preferably while still conscious to participate in all these Sacraments. The Catholic Gospel of Life is “good news” with our HOPE in eternal life. Death is a reality for every human being, happening at all ages from prenatal to adulthood. The “circle of life” reunites us with God & all of creation in heavenly peace & joy.

For more information on End-of-life preparation, please refer to the Archdiocesan document entitled “Catholic Guide for End-of-life and Establishing of Advance Directives: Catholic Guide for End of Life Planning - Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas (archkck.org).