From Mrs. Rhodes
Dear Sacred Heart Families,
Over the past several years, we’ve been fortunate to have remarkably low teacher turnover—a true gift in any school community. This year, we are experiencing a bit more movement, which is a natural and cyclical part of school life. I want to address this with clarity and gratitude, and hopefully ease any concerns that may have arisen.
As with any profession, there are many reasons people choose to make a change—family, location, new opportunities, or simply a new season in life. While stress can sometimes be a factor, it is rarely tied to one person or one moment; it’s usually a combination of circumstances.
What I want to focus on most is gratitude. Each of these teachers has poured time, energy, and heart into our children and this community. Their impact is lasting, and we are better because of their presence here at the corner of Johnson Drive and Monticello.
This year, we will say farewell and thank you to:
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Mr. Ben Chapman, who is moving closer to family and will be teaching in Waverly
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Mrs. Victoria Rule, who has accepted a position nearer to home at Prince of Peace in Olathe
Ms. Jenifer Gardner and Mrs. Pam Staab who have decided to retire from teaching.
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Mrs. Cindy Reynolds, Mrs. Megan Dusselier and Mrs. Leslie Fair who have each made the decision to step away for a season of change
While I’m still finalizing contracts for next year, I do not anticipate any further changes at this time. I have already begun identifying strong candidates for these openings, and I’m confident in the team we are building for the year ahead. We are currently planning an event for all parents at the end of the year and celebrating these great folks will be part of that.
Thank you for your continued trust and support. Please join me in praying for and celebrating these wonderful teachers as they move into the next chapter of their journey.
Strength in Surrender,
Kathy Rhodes
Parish Opportunities
Holy Week Schedule: Click here to see Mass times & the schedule for Palm Sunday through Easter Sunday. On both Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday, Mass times will be at 7:30 AM, 9:30 AM, and 11:30 AM.
New Archbishop Appointed: With great joy, we share the exciting news that Pope Francis has appointed Bishop W. Shawn McKnight of Jefferson City as the successor to Archbishop Joseph Naumann! Bishop McKnight will be officially installed as our new Archbishop on May 27, 2025.
Foundation Stones: It’s that time again! The quarterly Foundation Stones survey is here. Your feedback helps shape our mission, and it only takes a minute. Click here to take the survey – it’s quick, easy, and completely anonymous. Thank you!
A Walk Through Holy Week: Join Donkey, Shrek, and Fr. Dan Morris for A Walk Through Holy Week, a close look at what Jesus did during the last 7 days of His life. Sunday, April 13th, from 6:30 to 8:30 PM.
New Parishioner Happy Hour: New to Sacred Heart or missed our last one? Join us Tuesday, April 22, from 6:30–8:00 PM at the Rectory for an evening with Fr. Zarse as he shares his vision for our parish. Adult only event.
Middle School YM & Confirmation Registration: Registration is open for Middle School Youth Ministry & Confirmation prep (8th graders) for the 2025-26 school year!
Click here for Youth Ministry registration!
Click here for Confirmation registration!
SOR Registration: Register for SHOJ School of Religion here!
No Confessions 4/19: There will be no confessions on Saturday, April 19.
Royals Faith Night: Mark your calendar for Saturday, May 31 at 3:10 p.m. as we head to Kauffman Stadium to watch the Royals take on the Detroit Tigers! We’ll be ordering group tickets in the View Reserved section so we can enjoy the game together as a community. After the game, stick around for a special postgame concert featuring Maverick City Music. As an added bonus, this exciting day at the K will also celebrate K-State Night and honor Mike Moustakas’ retirement. Discounted parking passes are available when registering. RSVP here by Wednesday, April 23, 2024.
Encounter KC: Experience an evening of prayer, testimony, and encounter with the Holy Spirit! Join us Saturday, April 26th, 7:00–9:30 PM in the MPC. Hear inspiring stories from Craig & Jennifer Whalen, Fr. Pablo Martinez, and the Encounter KC team. This event is free and open to the public.
Bl. Carlo Acutis Relics: The Servants of the Pierced Hearts of Jesus and Mary invite you to venerate a first-class relic of Blessed Carlo Acutis. Join us Monday, April 15, from 6–8:30 PM at St. Paul, or Tuesday, April 16, from 6:30–8:30 PM at Holy Spirit.
Vacation Bible School: VBS "Cool Kingdom Party" will be held June 9-13! Registration is open!
7th-12th Grade Volunteer Sign-Up
Child Registration
Full-Time Custodian Needed: Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Parish and School is hiring a full-time custodian to maintain clean, welcoming spaces for worship, learning, and community. Apply here!
Quo Vadis: We’re thrilled to announce that one of the biggest wins of last year, Quo Vadis, is making its return on May 4th at the Embassy Suites! Last year’s event was unforgettable, and we can’t wait to do it all over again. Get ready for another inspiring, high-energy experience—mark your calendars and join us for an event you won’t want to miss. Register here by April 23rd.
Office Closures: The Parish Office will be closed on April 17–18 (Holy Thursday & Good Friday) and April 21 (Easter Monday).
Trivia Night Fundraiser: Trivia Night to benefit Called to Love Again and Adam Finding Eve! Come enjoy an evening of fun and friendly competition on Friday, April 26, from 7:00 to 9:30 PM at St. Pius X Catholic Church. Click here to register.
PLT Initiatives: Click here to see the latest from the Parish Leadership Team.
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