The Rhodes Ahead
May 16, 2025
From Mrs. Rhodes
Dear Sacred Heart Families,
It is always exciting to plan for the upcoming year. Our theme, which ties into the Jubilee Year where we focus on being pilgrims of hope, is “In Christ Alone Our Hope Is Found.”
This theme is rooted in the promise of Romans 5:5: “Hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us.”
As we journey together—students, families, and staff—we do so with confident hope, grounded not in circumstances, but in Christ Himself. This hope calls us to trust, to persevere, and to joyfully witness to the love of God in all we do. Throughout the year, we will explore what it means to live as people of hope—anchored in faith, united in love, and led by the Spirit.
Thanks to all those that came out to the meeting last night. What a blessed night. For those who were not able to attend, a brief summary of the presentation is in the following points:
- The school leadership team, along with the parish leadership team set three year goals and these are some things you might notice to help us reach those goals.
- As a way for children to grow in "thinking" from their heart and serving better, we are going to focus on service activities during the school day and maybe a family night event.
- There will not be any phasing out of old uniform logos.
- To accommodate state accreditation of Catholic Schools, the archdiocese has directed all its schools to switch from Cognia to Lumen accreditation. Process is similar, just through a Catholic lens.
- Technology is affecting everything. In 25-26 no smart watches of any type will be allowed for any students. The cell phone policy and consequences are being reviewed. Middle schoolers will use the same chrome book throughout the day.
- One additional Mass for students attending with their grade levels on assigned days will start at 8:05. Middle school will not lose recess or study hall time on their day. Mrs. Meidinger witnessed on the many graces of extra Mass for her and her daughter.
- CPS is still looking for a couple of volunteers - see the picture below.
Please email any questions as they will be compiled with answers to share with everyone.
It's hard to believe that summer is here. I know we say every year goes faster, but it seems true! We will be in the office on Tuesday-Thursday from 9-12 this summer. Please reach out if you need anything. Be assured of my prayers for our entire community! I know by August, we will be ready and excited to have everyone back in the building and filling the halls. Thanks for all the support to make this a great year.
Strength in Surrender,
Kathy Rhodes
Upcoming Events
May 19 Field Day - free dress
May 20 Free Dress -All School Mass, Assembly 9:30-10:30, dismissal after pick up no later than 11:30 for Summer
Summer Tutoring
Attached is a pdf of SHOJ teachers who tutor during the summer.
Young Adult Ministry
If you know a single between 21 and 39 check out this new ministry - more information on the church website.
CYO Fall SPorts
Visit the CYO Home Page for additional information:
Fall Registrations are now open for the sports below!
Boy's Flag Football - Cross Country - Girl's Volleyball - Tackle Football
You can register at https://cyojwa.org/current-programs
Here is the link for the Children's registration: https://onrealm.org/SacredHeartCath/PublicRegistrations/Event?linkString=OTA0MDNjMDQtNmQ1Yy00OTc3LWI0MWEtYjI4YTAxMjUxMTY1
Parish Opportunities
Crisis Pregnancy Giving: May is the month for mothers. As we give thanks for both our heavenly mother Mary, and our earthly mothers, let us remember those mothers who are experiencing an unplanned pregnancy . In lieu of multiple item collections, we will be having a second collection May 17th and 18th to benefit, Wyandotte Pregnancy Centers, KC Pregnancy Centers, and Two Lines (formerly Advice & Aid). You can give anytime throughout the month online by going to “Crisis Pregnancy” under Online Giving through the app. Give online here.
Feed His Lambs: Help provide food to the Bonner Springs / Edwardsville community! The Stewardship Pillar of Service Committee helps Feed His Lambs ministry by providing cookies once a month. Please sign-up and bring your contribution to the narthex and deposit in the brightly colored and labeled buckets between 7:00 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. on designated Fridays. Sign-up here.
Golf Tournament Committee: The Golf Tournament Committee is looking for people to assist with increasing our sponsorships and raffle prices for the tournament on September 27th. The tournament will be in support of vocations at Sacre Heart of Jesus. If you are interested in helping or joining the committee, please reach out to Tara at tara.green@shoj.org.
Deacon John Donart's First Mass: Join us for Deacon John Donart's first Mass on May 18th at 9:30 AM with a cookie reception after Mass in the MPC.
Blessed Carlo Acutis First Class Relic: The Servants of the Pierced Hearts of Jesus and Mary will be bringing a First Class Relic of Blessed Carlo Acutis to Sacred Heart of Jesus on May 21 from 6:00-7:30pm in the church nave.
Parish Office Summer Hours: The parish office summer hours begin on May 23. The office will be open Monday through Thursday from 8:00 am until 4:00 pm (closed for lunch from Noon-1:00 pm), and on Fridays from 8:00 am until Noon.
Fr. Dan's Anniversary Reception: In celebration of Fr. Dan's 10th Anniversary as a Priest, we'll be hosting a Cookie Reception in Meeting Rooms 1 & 2 after the 4:30pm Mass on Saturday May 24th.
Sacred Sips: Young adults (ages 21-39) are invited to Sacred Sips, a special ministry kickoff with Fr. Zarse! Enjoy appetizers and fellowship on May 30th, at
7 PM, at District Pour House. Register here.
Marriage Series: This summer, strengthen your relationship and deepen your connection with God and each other through a 3-part marriage series with Hal and Lori Schierts. Designed for couples at any stage of marriage, these evenings will provide encouragement, community, and practical tools to grow together. Topics include Getting on the Same Page with Parenting Kids and Teens on June 11, The Couple Who Prays Together Stays Together: Practical Tips for Praying Together on July 9, and Holy Intimacy: God’s Design for Connection on August 6. Sessions run from 7:00–8:30 PM in Meeting Rooms 1 and 2, with light refreshments provided. Arrive early for Adoration and Confessions from 6:00–7:00 PM; childcare is available during this time and the sessions with advance registration. The cost is $20 per couple. Register here.
DASH Father-Son Float Trip: If you are looking for a great way to connect with your son(s) and get to know other dads in the parish look no further! We invite dads with boys aged 5 to 18 to join us out on the North Fork of the White River near Caulfield, Missouri for a day of canoeing and 2 nights of camping from June 4th- June 6th. Reach out to Derek Feist dfeist1@yahoo.com or Kevin Friedrichs kevin.friedrichs@gmail.com for more information or to sign up!
Prayer & Action: Prayer & Action is a 5-day mission trip open to incoming 9th through graduating 12th-grade students. From June 15–20, 2025, we’ll serve in Kansas City, KS, helping homeowners with yardwork, painting, organizing, and more. You can earn 30 service hours toward CSP, NHS, or just come if you have a heart to serve others! Register here
Steubenville: The Steubenville Youth Conference is a high-energy weekend for high school teens to encounter Jesus Christ through dynamic speakers, powerful music, the Sacraments, small group discussions, and meaningful friendships. This year’s theme is Consumed: “For the Lord your God is a devouring fire, a jealous God.” The conference takes place July 18–20 on the campus of Missouri State University in Springfield, Missouri. Register here
SOR Registration: Register for SHOJ School of Religion here!
VBS: Register here for Vacation Bible School!
Uniforms - New Logo
School Belles, see picture below, is ready to provide uniforms for us. As far as old uniforms, there will be no expiration dates for students to wear the current logo. I know that uniforms are expensive and don't intend for you to have to buy all new uniforms.
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