The Rhodes Ahead
April 10, 2026
From the Principal
There have been several important developments in the Kansas Legislature that will impact our school community.
First, the Governor recently signed a bill restricting cell phone use in schools. Two key points stand out. Student phones must be inaccessible during the school day, and staff may not use technology that allows two-way communication with students. The bill also affirms that students attending schools accredited by a recognized private regional accrediting agency have the same rights as those in state-accredited public schools.
At the Smart Family Code event last night, we were reminded just how significant the impact of technology can be on our children—from mental health and attention span to their ability to develop virtues like fortitude. It was encouraging to see families engaged in meaningful conversations about their values—faith, finances, health, and education—and identifying areas where they are committed to setting clear boundaries. We are excited to participate in this program next year as well and hope it continues to grow in our community.
Additionally, the Kansas House and Senate recently voted to override the veto on federal education tax credits, marking another important legislative change that may affect families and schools.
As we plan for next year, we will be take these things into account and let you know of any changes.
Blessings,
Kathy
Parish Opportunities
QUO VADIS
Quo Vadis is an evening of faith, fellowship, and celebration, including a cocktail reception, plated dinner, prayerful reflection and testimony, culminating in a keynote address from Archbishop Shawn McKnight! Proceeds from this year's gala support the continued growth of our endowment, which helps ensure the long-term vitality of our mission. We have individual, table and VIP ticket options.
Register by April 12th.
UPDATES
Funeral: Parishioner, Mary Welter, passed away. Her funeral will be today at 11:00 AM with visitation starting at 10:00 AM. Please keep Mary in your prayers.
Parish Offices: The parish office will be closed all day on Monday, April 20.
Contribution Statement: Thank you to all parishioners who made generous gifts to Sacred Heart throughout 2025. For your convenience, your 2025 contribution tax statement is now available online. You may access it at any time by logging into your MY SHOJ account . Please note: If you have not logged in since our system upgrade this past fall, please follow these directions.
EVENTS
Listening Sessions: Renewal from the Heartland pastoral planning continues with listening sessions at 29 locations around the archdiocese beginning April 13. All are welcome to join us to pray, listen to one another and the Holy Spirit, and to hear a message from Archbishop McKnight. The information gathered will be used anonymously in the pastoral planning process. Find more information here.
Mother Daughter Tea: Join us for our 3rd Annual Mother Daughter Tea, on May 3 at 1 PM, in the MPC, to reflect on Growing with Mary’s Grace, as we look to our Blessed Mother as a model. Together we will enjoy a charming Tea Party complete with sipping tea (or lemonade), sharing dainty treats, creating a simple craft, and capturing a keepsake photo. Tickets are $12 per person. Sign-up here.
MINISTRY
Catholic Charities Food Drive: Please show some LOVE for those in need during our Catholic Charities food drive on April 18/19. This month's most needed items are: peanut butter, pasta sauce, canned vegetables and fruit, and boxed meals/sides.
SASH Game Night: Seniors At Sacred Heart (SASH) 55+ Community, will be hosting a game night on Thursday April 16th. Please join us for a fun evening of games, community, and pizza. We will begin after the 6:00pm mass in the meeting rooms. Sign-up here.
Pizza & Parenting: Because parenting is holy work — and none of us are meant to do it alone. Parents with kids of all ages are welcome to join us on Mondays from April 13 to May 4th at 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM in the Meeting Rooms. We’ll share a meal, connect with other families, and explore approaches to raising children in today’s world through a new topic each night. Cost is $50 with dinner and $10 for the sessions only. Students will receive a FREE Dress Day when parents sign up! Register here!
Prayer Support: Please fill the prayer sheet for Kolbe Prison Ministries’ Retreat on April 24-26. Consider offering an hour of prayer and put into works corporal and spiritual works of mercy. Sign-up here.
Trivia Night: Join Verso l’Alto Young Adults (ages 21–39) for a Trivia Night on April 24 from 7:00–9:00 PM in Meeting Rooms 1 & 2. Sign-up here!
Life Giving Wounds Retreat: Join Life Giving Wounds for a retreat in Kansas City April 24-26. The retreat focused on helping young adults and adults with divorced and separated parents give voice to their pain and find transformative healing in Christ. Register here.
DASH Family Camp: Join DASH for a family camping trip at Clinton Lake, May 29-31. There will be meals, campfires, and Mass. Families are welcome to come for the day or both nights. Sign-up here.
YOUTH
Vacation Bible School: Registration for Vacation Bible School is open! Our week-long Parish Summer Catechetical Program for preschoolers to 4th graders assists in catechizing children about the love of Christ. Register today!
Prayer & Action: Get a headstart on your service hours this summer with Prayer & Action! Prayer & Action is a mission trip June 7-12 helping homeowners in Marysville, KS. Open to all incoming 9th grade to graduating 12th grade Sacred Heart students and friends! Register now
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