From Mrs. Rhodes
Dear Sacred Heart Families,
It is always a highlight of my week to be an extraordinary Eucharistic Minister to the school students. This week was particularly beautiful as I was where many of the second graders receive. Just my joy and prayer for each person that I get to share Jesus with brings me such hope. I love the first Sacrament time of year and congratulate them and the 8th graders on their big days. Each confirmation, I am reminded of the same gift I received and renewed in faith to ask for an increase in the Holy Spirit!
May is so busy with graduations and everything that happens in the spring! We hope that many parents will be able to join us for a parent meeting on May 15 at 6:30 in the MPC. We will share information and celebrate those staff who are moving on. Please see the flier below.
I am excited to announce that we have several positions filled for the 25-26 school year. Casey Zillner, is excited to return to the classroom as a member of the Sacred Heart family. She spent ten years as a teacher with a masters, in the Blue Valley School district, seven of which were spent as a 1st grade teacher. Mrs. Zillner has spent the last few months getting to know our school and students as a long term sub for Mrs. Lyons and, most recently, Mrs. Wright. She can't wait to be a Sacred Heart Cardinal!
Miss Olivia Wildanger will be our new music teacher. She is graduating from Benedictine this spring with Music Education with an emphasis in voice. She is excited to get established in Shawnee with some fellow Ravens. She is originally from California and has seven years experience in teaching the arts to young people ages 3-18.
Mrs. Renee Bartholome will be a full time counselor assisting Mrs. Schierts in the counseling role. Her variety of education experience along with over three years in Blue Valley supporting counselors has her excited to use her degree in Counseling from Emporia State while integrating her faith into her career.
Finally Mrs. Julie Heinking will continue to support the middle school resource needs but will also teach technology. She has enjoyed her first year as part of our school community and will use her love of math to enhance technology. Mrs. Joanna Graham will work part time to cover some of the extra duties Mr. Chapman had with technology and marketing. Both are going to be excellent team players for our school.
At this time, we are limiting kindergarten enrollment to one class.
We hope to be able to announce the preschool position soon. We are blessed that SHOJ is a community where people want to work and grow in their relationship with Christ. Thank you for all your support!
Strength in Surrender,
Kathy Rhodes
Parish Opportunities
Soon to be Deacon: Sacred Heart’s own John Donart recently recorded a podcast with Fr. Zarse, sharing his journey, life in seminary, and advice for listeners. John will be ordained to the Transitional Diaconate on May 17th, 2025! Don’t miss this opportunity to get a glimpse into what a day in the life of a seminarian is like. Listen Here!
YouTube: Did you know Fr. Zarse has a YouTube channel? It’s different from the podcast—here, he shares 2-5 minute weekly reflections to inspire deeper friendship with the Lord. This week, he talked about his morning prayer routine and how it transforms his day. Watch here!
Office Closure: The parish office will be closed on Monday, May 5.
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