The Rhodes Ahead
January 23, 2026
From Mrs. Rhodes
Happy Catholic Schools Week!
While covering a classroom, I found myself searching for just the right quote to share in this newsletter. Instead, I decided to ask a student who is new to Sacred Heart of Jesus what she likes about our school. Her answers were familiar and comforting: people are nicer, things feel calmer, we get to pray, and the teachers are great. (It is never the uniforms.)
Curious, I took the conversation a step further. I asked her, “What if I were your parent and told you that you were going back to your old school—what would you say?” Without missing a beat, she responded, “NO! I am not going back.” That simple, honest answer said more than any carefully crafted quote ever could.
Catholic Schools Week can be wonderfully busy and a little chaotic, and while I can’t say I would miss all the craziness if am never in a school during that week again, I will always champion Catholic education. I believe deeply that it matters what we surround our children with each day and that they learn early on that faith is not something separate from life—it is woven into everything we do.
Later that same day, while giving a tour and answering a question about discipline, I shared something that has long been close to my heart. My greatest hope for our students is not only that they grow academically and socially, but that one day, by God’s grace, I will see every one of them in heaven. Mom always says that is where we will get the appreciation we deserve.
That is the heart of Catholic education—and the reason we celebrate this week with such gratitude.
Blessings,
Kathy
Parish Opportunities
Year-Round OCIA: Sacred Heart is now offering year-round OCIA! what does that mean? Those who are unbaptized, baptized, or uncatechized , are welcome to enter the OCIA process whenever they feel the call to take this next step in their faith journey. To learn more here.
Angel Tree Thank You: Our Church Family provided 700+ gifts to local families, nursing homes, and other agencies. Thank you to everyone who provided gifts, monetary donations, and approximately 50 handmade quilts. You gave those in need an enjoyable Holiday Season. Thank you and the Staff of Sacred Heart, for the constant help and dedication to this wonderful Ministry.
Thursday Mass: It has been so great to see all that have been coming to the added Mass & Confession time since we began last month! 6:00 PM — and every Thursday evening!
Sunday Donuts: There will be no donuts on Sunday due to the potential inclement weather. Stay safe this coming weekend!
Director of Operations: Are you wired with strategic and systems-level thinking? Are you a mission-driven leader with strong communication and relationship building skills? Do you enjoy financial management, risk management and managing operational health? If so, we may have a Director of Operations role just for you! Applications are accepted through February 28. Apply Here.
EVENTS
Theology of the Body Series: All parishioners are invited to join our OCIA sessions for the second part of the catechetical series on St. Pope John Paul II’s Theology of the Body on January 27th from 6:30-8:30 p.m in the Church. No registration needed.
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!
Quo Vadis: Save the date for Quo Vadis 2026. It will take place at the Embassy Suites in Olathe on April 19th at 5:30 PM. More details to come!
MINISTRY
Beatitudes From the Heartland: Starting this Lent, take a step toward something transformative. Beatitudes from the Heartland is a four-part, small-group, faith-sharing series offered as part of an archdiocesan initiative. Join a small group to discover how the Beatitudes shape the way we live our faith today—and how, together, we can renew our faith and the Church by uniting with the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Sign-up closes February 12. Sign-up here.
Childcare Help Needed: We are looking for Virtus trained individuals to help supervise for childcare. Adults are needed to supervise the volunteer babysitters that we have. You are welcome to bring your own kids along! If you are Virtus trained and would be willing to consider helping one night a year, please sign up by emailing erin.rodriguez@shoj.org. If you are available—Great! If not, that's okay. Not yet Virtus trained? SHOJ has a Virtus training coming up on February 19th.
Men Under Construction: Join hundreds of men on February 21st from across the Kansas City metro for a day of spiritual renewal and fellowship. Register here.
Marriage Mini-Retreat: All married couples are invited to a one-day Marriage Mini-Retreat on February 28th at 9:00-3:30 in the Meetings Rooms. Whether you were just married or it's been decades -this is for you! Through talks, reflection, and conversations, you’ll gain practical ways for connection, communication, and understanding. The cost is $70 per couple. If you need childcare, please email erin.rodriguez@shoj.org. Register here.
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