Can we do a "Throwback Thursday" post if we are only throwing back to LAST Thursday? Rules Shmools... it's SUMMER TIME!!!
“The generosity of a deacon, who gives of himself without seeking the front ranks, has about him the perfume of the Gospel." - Pope Francis
The perfume of the Gospel is strong when one finds themself in the company of Deacon Nicholas. SHOJ Church gathered for a Holy Hour and Rosary last week at the very time that Deacon Nicholas was at the healing water of Lourdes. We treasure the time Deacon spends sharing the fragrance of the Gospel with our church and school.
"It is not the actual physical exertion that counts toward a man’s progress, nor the nature of the task, but the spirit of faith with which it is undertaken.”- St. Francis Xavier
St. Francis Xavier, we couldn't agree more. SHOJ is grateful for the witness of these 3 young men (2 SHOJ alumni and 1 rising SHOJ 8th grader) and their "spirit of faith" as they volunteer this week at Vacation Bible School. Thanks to all the volunteers at VBS this week. Lots of joy radiating from the corner of Johnson Drive and Monticello this week!!
CYO Fall Registrations are open! Cross Country, Boys Flag Football, Tackle Football, and Girls Volleyball are all open. You may register at https://cyojwa.org/current-programs
The priesthood is the love of the heart of Jesus. When you see a priest, think of our Lord Jesus Christ.- St. John Vianney
As we approach Father’s Day, SHOJ School reflects on our “Days With Father.” Fr. Zarse’s routine presence in the halls and classrooms at SHOJ are a beautiful witness to the call he so often shares that he wants put all hearts on a collision course with The Most Sacred Heart of Jesus.
We had a joy filled gathering at SHOJ celebrating The Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Middle school students shared the Eucharist and donuts. We can't wait to meet again on the next first Friday to share the love of His Most Sacred Heart.
Sacred Heart of Jesus make our hearts like Yours! Students always celebrate the First Friday during the school year with spirit day and the Litany of the Sacred Heart with our morning prayer, but today we started a new tradition. On this First Friday and the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, we started a new student club honoring Jesus' Sacred Heart. After 8:15 Mass there was a short meeting with donuts and juice, this will continue all summer and when the school year starts after 6:30 Mass. The Magnificat Magazine says, "This Solemnity reveals the merciful love of our Savior, banishing all fear, shame and discouragement from our own hearts. Our Lord promised St. Margaret Mary that 'sinners shall find in my Heart of the source and infinite ocean of mercy."
Last week Mrs. O’Dowd and Mrs. Meidinger took 7th and 8th Graders to Washington D.C. and Gettysburg for the ultimate educational field trip! They saw endless monuments, historical landmarks, spent time in beautiful churches, and many more memories. Mark your calendars for May 2026 for more memories!
6th graders visited the Nelson Atkins Museum and today. They saw part of the ancient art collection featuring pieces from the Egyptian civilization. They also saw sacred and secular art from Europe.
Thank you to Brian Bollinger, Restaurant Partner at Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers (7501 W. 135th St OPKS) and awesome SHOJ school parent! He donated a Raising Cane's meal for an entire homeroom class during our Spring Appeal. Happy 6th graders from Mr. Nguyen's class got to cash in on it thanks to a generous donor.
Thanks, Brian! We are grateful for your support of SHOJ!
Please click on the link to hear Gavin's Rosary meditation and be inspired to draw deeper into the Mass.
https://vimeo.com/941678890
Thank you to Hooray Yard Cards KC West and SHOJ parents Jeanne and Brian Cline for sharing the love with our teachers in such a bold and beautiful way!
Middle School Social Studies teacher Mrs. O'Dowd spent her Friday afternoon baking with these sweet Cardinals. They cashed in their auction prize which was a cookie cake baking session with O'Dowd.
Dinner is served!
When we say "Cardinals Forever," that doesn't just mean our SHOJ graduates. It is our faculty as well. Mrs. Macan, cherished Kindergarten teacher, dropped by SHOJ today.
We could easily spot her in the hallway. Just follow the swarms of children and you'll find her in the center of the hug.
https://vimeo.com/938260384
This Rosary reflection was written by 8th Grader Ryan W. Thank you to Mrs. Jessica Jones, the 8th-grade writing teacher, for creating another project that moves hearts and souls.
This Megan (O'Malley) Abbott full circle moment is something special.
When Megan was in 3rd grade at Sacred Heart, she won a national reading award that earned her and her parents a trip to Washington DC to meet the President. She also won a cash award that was invested in books for the SHOJ library because many of the books burned during the SHOJ church fire because the library was located in the basement of the church.
Megan's love of reading endures. She has coordinated our most recent Scholastic book fairs. Our April fair earned $4,000 that can be used for library books, library furniture or tech supplies.
Megan's family and mom and dad (all pictured here) still support the love of reading by volunteering at the book fair.
Megan, we appreciate all the love you share with SHOJ!
One of our favorite things about Sacred Heart? The families, of course. The beautiful witness of their domestic church is inspiring.
This beautiful family is about to graduate from Sacred Heart. Ava ('20), Elaina ('23) and this year, Luke ('24). Luke topped off his 8th grade year by "Runnin' with the Revs." Luke loved meeting the Priests, other kids his age as well as high schoolers. We love that he also got to show off his basketball skills.
Grateful for our SHOJ families- Forever Cardinals!
Look at this picture and you'll understand why we love the Class of 2024. Amid the hectic schedules of life, many of the parents of our 8th graders came together for Mass, cinnamon rolls, coffee and conversation. This community...wow!
Way to finish strong, parents. We love you.
They came home and they were all grown up!
The Saint James Academy Jazz Ensemble and Jazz Combo came to Sacred Heart today. WOW! We remember when these students pictured here gathered for band elective. The entire ensemble had the gym moving and shaking. We always treasure "The Cardinal Pic" so that we can celebrate see how our Cardinals have flown and grown.
The Rhodes Ahead - April 19, 2024 - https://shoj.edurooms.com/engage/shoj-catholic-school/newsletters/the-rhodes-ahead-april-19-2024
"This is my commandment: love one another as I have loved you." John 15:12
There was a lot of love in our Kindest Kansas Citian reception today. So grateful for these witnesses and the way that they change lives by their goodness.
