The Rhodes Ahead
December 12, 2025
From Mrs. Rhodes
I have been trying to share some Advent information on the afternoon announcements with the students. The first message was that Advent is about time. It comes at the beginning of the liturgical year and ritualized the human experience of waiting for God. In the Old Testament we read about the thousands of years they waited. After Jesus was born, we started counting our calendar years differently (and continue to do so today).
Jerry Welte writes, “Like all of God’s time, the season of Advent is cyclical, celebrating the same sequence of faith events year after year. Yet, a cyclical calendar is different than “going around in circles.” If we follow God’s time faithfully, we arrive at the same place, but with a stronger faith, a truer hope, and a deeper love. Christmas is different each year because we are different. We have grown and changed. The season of Advent reminds us that God is always with us, but also always coming.”
I see this cyclical calendar in my own family. I am helping my aging parents as well as revisiting those traditions I did with my young children with my grandchildren. I am sure every family has the funny stories that they relive each holiday. I often ask children this time of year if they remember the gifts they got last year. Of course, there are some big ones that they do but often they can’t think of any.
Once I told my late father in law, that I didn’t want to give him a list when he drew my name. I wanted him to get me something to remind me of him when he was no longer with us. The Turkey shaped gravy bowl helps us think of him often and wonder if he really meant that I was a turkey! I hope that you find time for the small things that they will remember and consider one of the challenges on the list (see below) – there are still a couple of weeks until Christmas.
Blessings,
Kathy
Parish Opportunities
If you haven’t made your pledge yet, please consider joining us as a Partner on Mission by pledging online, mailing back your pledge card, or placing it in the offertory basket this Sunday. Questions? Please contact Beth Bucklin at beth.bucklin@shoj.org.
Part-Time Music Coordinator: Join Our Team as a Part-Time Music Coordinator! This position is non-playing and focuses on administration, scheduling, and volunteer support, but requires a strong knowledge of music and Catholic liturgy to ensure the proper and prayerful selection of music for all parish liturgies. Apply here.
EVENTS
Parish Mission: Learn how to enter into Lent this coming year with our Parish Mission, featuring Fr. Luke Doyle, on Sunday, February 1 & Monday, February 2 from 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM. There will be a talk, confession, and adoration. You won’t want to miss it!
Youth
Summer Trips: Prayer & Action is a 5-day mission trip in Maryville Kansas to help homeowners with yardwork, painting, organizing and other projects. You can receive 30 hours of credit towards any service hour requirements. Open to all incoming 9th to graduating 12th grade Sacred Heart students & friends. Register here.
Steubenville Conference: A high-energy youth conference that brings together thousands of teens to encounter Jesus Christ! Experience powerful speakers, amazing worship music, the Sacraments, small group discussions, and lasting friendships with other teens. The conference is held at Missouri State University in Springfield, Missouri. Register Here.
Register for either trip by December 31st to get $20 off using promo code: EARLYREG
SHOJ Rosary Ministry
St. Benedict Rosary Prayer Group will meet on the little playground at 3:06 each Wednesday to pray The Rosary (or at least part of it) for SHOJ school. All are welcome, even littles can come play while you pray. Please join us.
Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic school
Email: kathy.rhodes@shoj.org
Website: school.SHOJ.com
Location: 21801 Johnson Drive, Shawnee, KS, USA
Phone: 9134225520
Facebook: facebook.com/SacredHeartCatholicSchool