From Mrs. Rhodes - What to Expect Next Year
First, my heart is broken by the death of Fr. Arul, especially as the mother of a priest who I know is saying hard things that may make some people uncomfortable. We all only have one enemy and that is Satan. The mission of Jesus can seem overwhelming and hard to hear. I think of all our priests who are just trying to save souls for eternity, not because they reap worldly benefits here, but because they will, like all of us, come to a final judgement. Please pray for all priests!
Change management is something that business people talk about frequently I am sure. Thanks to those who have pointed out that we need to work on change management. In schools, although everyone thinks not much happens during the summer, we do a lot of work planning for the upcoming school year during this time. I hope that this communication will build trust for the change of adding an additional Mass for the next school year. The schedules are not finalized in any form now, but as educators (yes we will not forget the mission of preparing minds for the future), I wanted to share some of the anchors we have so far. I hope this may may answer some questions but realize it will also add to the list:
1. We want to be able to ensure that middle school can still have study time and recess on Mass days - but also want think creatively about breaking up the academics more through out the day.
2. Teachers and students will still have the same resource team support in the classrooms.
3. We are searching for time to use more wisely - for example, the 25 minutes before 8:15 Mass begins - we have asked the parish about moving the daily Mass time up as our school hours won't change in 2025-2026.
4. We don't want to burn out any staff, so what we change must support them - they have such high standards for themselves that they don't need additional stress.
At our meeting Friday, the teachers did an exercise where we put to the side the things that we would worry about (like a schedule) and tried to see what the fruits of a change might be. It was a fabulous opportunity to look at this differently. I would encourage you to try it with your family - imagine the fruit of, for example, a family cruise before you worry about what you will cut to save the money to pay for it. I think what sacrifices you be willing to make, might be easier.
How can more Jesus be bad during our week? I think that starting with one additional Mass for each grade per week will also help us increase the desire for Mass as we aim to help the students understand it better. It is also a valuable time for us to learn about the best prayer that Jesus gave to us. The teachers brainstormed these additional benefits: Mass is the best classroom, learn to live and breathe Scripture, inner peace for students and staff; empathy, reverence, a time to slow down, and so much more.
I am sorry that we haven't managed change well and we will work to streamline communication so that it brings clarity rather than confusion.
Strength in Surrender,
Kathy Rhodes
Parish Opportunities
Food Drive: April 5-6 before/after all Masses in the courtyard at Sacred Heart of Jesus. Most needed items: pasta, rice, canned fruit, peanut butter, and canned vegetables (no green beans). You can donate financially here.
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!
Penance Services: Sacred Heart of Jesus will be hosting the Lenten Penance Service on April 10 at 7:00 PM. Click here to see other Penance Services in the area.
Holy Hours: We are still celebrating last Wednesday where we had 112 sign-ups for Adoration. Just 3 hours remain where Jesus is alone, sign up below to fill one.
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!
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.
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.
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!
Master Plan: Be on the lookout for a letter, fact sheet and continued master plan roll out info which should hit mailboxes sometime next week. We're so excited to continue to engage with each of you to see where the Holy Spirit leads us in these efforts.
St. Mary's Food Kitchen: St. Mary's Food Kitchen will be providing a meal of meatloaf with all the fixings for those in need. We will be serving on Tuesday, April 8th—sign up to be a part of this corporal work of mercy!
Mother's Circle: All moms are invited to our April Mother’s Circle on Thursday, April 10, at 8 PM in the lower-level conference room (note the time and location change). Following the parish penance service, we'll discuss bringing kids to Mass, with insights from veteran moms. Come for encouragement, wisdom, and support!
Vacation Bible School: VBS will be held June 9-13—registration is open!
TENTATIVE 25-26 School Calendar
Please know this Calendar may change.
SACRED HEART SCHOOL CALENDAR 2025-2026
Revised 1/10/25
AUGUST
6 Teachers Return
10 SUNDAY Supply Drop off 9:00-11, New Family Meeting 11-12
13 *First day of school *11:30 dismissal
21 Back to School Night
SEPTEMBER
1 NO SCHOOL-Labor day
? Lemon Out Free Dress Day
? CPS Parent Meeting
4 Donuts with Dads
? Changing Bodies 5th grade Talks 6:30
25 NO SCHOOL- P/T Conference
26 NO SCHOOL
OCTOBER
7 School Picture Day
23 Muffins with Moms
20/21 NO SCHOOL-End of 1st Quarter
? Trunk of Treat
31 HALF DAY Halloween Parties
NOVEMBER
1 CEF Gaudemaus
17 Picture Retakes
21 *11:30 Dismissal-Near and Dear Day
SOF PM
24-28 NO SCHOOL-Thanksgiving
24 Teacher PD
DECEMBER
? Christmas Program
18 Last Day Before Break
19 NO SCHOOL- Teacher PD
Beginning of Christmas Break
JANUARY
5 NO SCHOOL-Teachers Return
6 *Classes Resume-K-8
19 NO SCHOOL-MLK Holiday
25 Catholic Schools Week Begins
30 *11:30 Dismissal Cardinal Carnival
FEBRUARY
10 Class Photos
11 Fat Tuesday/Early Valentine Parties
12 NO SCHOOL-Parent Teacher Conference
13 No School – PD Day
16 NO SCHOOL-President’s Day
18 Ash Wednesday
MARCH
? Serve Day/Talent Show
16-23 NO SCHOOL-Spring Break
23 No School Teacher PD
24 *Classes Resume 1-8
25 Classes resume for K
APRIL
2 Holy Thursday Full day of School
3 No School Good Friday
6 NO SCHOOL-Easter Monday
19 Quo Vadis Dinner
20 No School SOF
MAY
1 NO SCHOOL SOF
6 May Crowning
11 Graduation Dinner
12 Graduation Mass
18 Field Day
19 *Last day of School-*11:30 Dismissal
20 Teacher PD
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