I was born in March of 1979 on an Air Force base in Frankfort, Germany. Being Air Force “brats” as the Air Force referred to their children in jest, my siblings moved considerably. However I was fortunate enough to be the last of four children and at this time my father was starting to settle down in Texas and so I was raised primarily in Austin and Denton Texas. I loved swimming and tried my hand at both soccer and baseball but it was my participation in Karate and Boy Scouts that really developed my skills and character. I have three sisters; Jeanine, Jennifer and Cathy. Jeanine my youngest sister (deceased) shared the disease of Cystic Fibrosis with me. She and I had often come together in our battle against the disease, which allowed us to be victorious together.

Eventually I left for college at Franciscan University in Steubenville Ohio where I received a bachelor’s in Theology and Philosophy. I later finished my masters in Theology at St. Thomas University in Houston. My wife Brenda and I met in college but married a few years later and we have one daughter together named Alexandra who is preparing to enter 6th grade. We recently bought a house in Kansas City and are settling in. We love to geek out and watch nerdy shows like Star Trek and Dr. Who in our down time but we also put a great importance on our faith life.

I have been working for the Church my entire adult life and so five years ago Brenda and I discerned together that I should join the diaconate program and seek formation for ordination. With the help of heaven, family and friends I was ordained on June 3, 2017. I have always loved and served the Church but I am blessed to serve her with new zeal and new grace through ordination. Throughout my family life, both as a child and adult and from my diaconate formation, I have always been in love with the Holy Eucharist. Receiving Jesus in communion is THE reason I am Catholic and certainly the source of my salvation. While I may have many opportunities, duties, and scheduled events at Sacred Heart it will be the celebration of Christ’s Body and Blood with you each week that I will look forward to and will bond me with you as a family.

Holiness is your goal and mine, for our families and our church community. Let us grow in holiness through growth in humility. St Bernard of Clairvaux, my favorite saint, was once asked “what are the three most important virtues?” and he famously answered, “Humility, humility, humility”.

“It was the best decision I’ve ever made!” says, Jessica Adams, Marketing Coordinator, regarding her decision to leave the corporate world and point her career toward ministry. After attending Christ Renews His Parish at Sacred Heart in 2014 she felt God calling her to something more.

Jessica joined Sacred Heart in November of 2015. She provides ministry and marketing support for Sacred Heart by managing all communications channels such as the bulletin, weekly emails, website, social media and photography.

Raised in Kentucky, Jessica loves the “small town” feel of Shawnee and our incredible Sacred Heart community. She comes to us with a Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations from Eastern Kentucky University, and a background in direct marketing as well as product marketing and design.

Living in Seattle for close to 8 years, she is a big Seahawks fan (sorry Chiefs fans) and more than anything, loves being a Mom to her 4 children and a Wife to her husband, Mike.

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing” Romans 15:13

I was raised in the Topeka area but have lived in Johnson County since 1988. I spent 30 years in Civilian and Military Law Enforcement and the last 11 years in IT. My duties ranged from police work to project management to IT support. I was raised in a Catholic family but really started living my faith over the last decade or so. I’ve wanted to keep close to the church and God provided the opportunity to leave the private sector to become the Director of Facilities and Management at Sacred Heart. I’ll be managing the maintenance and custodial staff while overseeing and planning the upkeep of the Sacred Heart property. Additionally, I’ll be implementing the safety and security of the facilities and the people who are on the property.

I’ve been married to Amy since 1999 and we have two children. Lindsay attends Kansas State University (Go Cats!) and Stephen attends St. James Academy (Go Thunder!). We’ve been parishioners at Sacred Heart since 2005. It brings me great pleasure to keep God’s house in order for all who visit.

If asked in college what Julie Krause would be doing now, she doubts she would have said she would be working for Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church as the Director of Parish Operations. Growing up in a rural community, Julie’s family made their faith life an integral part of their lives so it seemed natural when her and her family moved to Shawnee in 1998, she immediately started volunteering at Sacred Heart.

She handles all things “business” for the parish. Since 2000, she has witnessed the great growth (both parishioners and physical space) of Sacred Heart but also has met and worshiped with amazing people that love, honor and serve our Lord. SHoJ rocks!!!

A native of Elgin, Nebraska (yep, folks, she is a Cornhusker!), she graduated with a business and finance degree from the University of Nebraska-Kearney and received her Master of Business Administration in Finance from the University of St. Mary. She has been married to Kevin since 1985 and has three children, Annie (Tony), Abbie (Trey) and Austin (Mary Kate). In 2016, she got promoted to “JuJu” and happily spends her spare time with her grandchildren: Henry, Daniel, Augustine, Chiara Luce, Peter, Joseph Anthony (our Saint in Heaven) and Benjamin.

“This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice in it and be glad.” Psalm 118:24

I have felt so welcomed to be a part of Sacred Heart of Jesus staff, I hope to extend this warmth and love to you when you call or come into the parish office. I was raised in south Kansas City, MO. I am the youngest of three girls, raised Catholic however, my faith has grown deeper after participating in Christ Renews His Parish in 2009-10, along with my spouse, our marriage, friendships, faith and devotion to our church has blossomed. I have worked as a nurse for over 20 years, with the last five years as a hospice nurse. It was during this time helping patients, families and loved ones that helped me to grow closer to Christ. Listening to our Lord, in conversation with him and learning to be still to know where his direction is for me. Through prayer, adoration, and reading scripture I felt called to leave nursing and apply for the position of Missionary discipleship administrative specialist. I am honored to be serving Christ by being the welcoming face when you come into the church office.

My husband and I met on a blind date in 1994 while attending college, we were married in 1997, we have been blessed with two children, a few dogs and fish through the years. We have loved being a part of Sacred Heart of Jesus parish since 2005. We enjoy family game nights, puzzles, watching movies, and traveling to Iowa, Minnesota, Colorado, and Florida with hopes one day to travel to Ireland. I enjoy baking, crafting and scrapbooking.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, on your own intelligence rely not; in all your ways be mindful of him, and he will make straight your paths.
— Proverbs 3:5-6

Jennifer is a life-long member of Sacred Heart of Jesus and is proud to come from a family of SHOJ parishioners dating back two generations.

When the opportunity to join the parish staff became available, Jennifer said “I was searching for something truly fulfilling, not just a job. Not only did I hear God calling me to the position, but I also felt Him embracing me and reminding me that Sacred Heart has been my “home” since I was a newborn. God called me to this role to fill my cup while serving Him and our parish, all while feeling right where I belong.”

Prior to joining the parish staff, Jennifer most recently owned and operated a childcare business. Before opening the childcare, she spent two decades working in the corporate world primarily focusing on Human Resources management.

Jennifer’s family includes her husband, Henry, and their three adult children Rachel, Dalton, and Kayce. Besides spending time with her family, Jennifer enjoys cooking, reading, playing with her dogs, and traveling anywhere with sunshine and a beach.

Jennifer feels extremely blessed to be part of the parish staff and get to spend her days surrounded by others who share deeply in her faith.

I’m a little pencil in the hand of a writing God, who is sending a love letter to the world.
— Saint Teresa of Calcutta

I was born and raised in Shawnee and am happy to still call it home with my family. My journey to the Music Ministry at Sacred Heart has been filled with many adventures. After graduating from K-State with a degree in economics, I began my career as a business analyst and worked in the IT industry for 8 years. I left the business world in 2007 to return to school for a career change and in 2011 graduated from KU with a degree in Nursing. I worked for a short time as a pediatric ICU nurse and realized this was not my calling. It was after leaving this job that I began searching for Truth and a deeper faith. I went through the RCIA program and was confirmed as a Catholic in 2013 at Sacred Heart.

My husband, Jeff, and I have four wonderful boys who attend Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic School and St. James Academy. Our whole family has always loved music and I have been a piano player since childhood when I would play the piano for my church services once a month. After being a stay-at-home mom for 10 years, the opportunity to fulfill the position of Music Coordinator opened up and I felt God calling me to share my gifts with the parish that has given so much to our family.

“Come, let us sing joyfully to the Lord.” –Psalm 95

Emily and her husband, Scott, joined Sacred Heart parish in 2006 and are blessed with three beautiful children. Emily was born in San Angelo, Texas but grew up in Wichita, Kansas. She comes from a big Catholic family, almost all of which attended Kansas State University. She followed in their footsteps and graduated from Kansas State in 2003 with a degree in Public Relations.

In May of 2016, Emily began to pray that God would transform her life, and within weeks Emily accepted the position of Director of Religious Education. “The Lord most certainly had a plan…far better than anything I could have planned for myself. This ministry has blessed me in more ways than I could ever explain. My prayer is that it will do the same for the ALL of the families enrolled in our School of Religion program.” Emily has been Director of Religious Education at Sacred Heart since July 2016, and First Sacraments Coordinator since 2018.

Tara is a cradle Catholic originally from Harrisonville, MO. She attended Marquette University in Milwaukee for her Accounting degree. Her career has taken her to Milwaukee; Melbourne, Australia and Chicago before coming back to the KC Metro, where she met her husband, Tim.

After 20 years in public accounting she resigned, not sure what was next, but trusting that God had something in store. During her time at home focused on her family, she prayed for God to use the gifts and talents that He has blessed her with to serve Him. Her prayers were answered in August 2021, when I was hired as the Hospitality Coordinator position here at Sacred Heart!

Tara says, “It absolutely fills my cup to serve this Parish family! My focus here at Sacred Heart is hospitality and fellowship! My goal is to find ways for people to truly feel welcome and connected to this amazing community through our Greeters and Information Desk at Masses, Social/Fellowship events, New Parishioner Welcome, Social Seniors, the Annual Golf Tournament and Brown Bottle Auction!”

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future”. Jeremiah 29:11

I was born and raised as a “cradle Catholic” in East Moline, IL, with parents who made it a priority to attend Mass EVERY week, no matter what. I remember from childhood on, being marched up to the FRONT pew by my grandma. Not only did we have to sit up front, she was the LOUDEST pray-er in the whole church. I was mortified. It took a long time for me to really “get” her and her deep faith. She taught my mom, and she taught me! And guess what…now I march up front, just like she did!

I have 2 grown children, and sorry to say, no grandchildren. Fortunately, I have friends who let me “borrow” their little ones. I worked for John Deere for 41 years. After 34 years in Illinois, I was transferred here to finish out my career. After enjoying 7 years of retirement, I was recently given the opportunity to join the SHOJ staff as the Liturgy Coordinator. Already being a daily Mass goer, EME, and daily and weekend Sacristan, it made sense to take it a step further. I can honestly say that I am honored to fill this position. I love our Lord, I love our Catholic Church, and I love the Eucharist! My fervent prayer is, with His help, to please Him in every aspect of the Liturgy.

…But God proves his love for us in that while we were sinners Christ died for us. –Romans 5:8

I am overjoyed to begin this chapter of my life and especially at my home parish where I have spent so many years volunteering, forming beautiful friendships, raising my children, growing in faith and fostering my relationship with Christ. I am humbled to accept this position as RCIA and Adult Retreat Coordinator. I look forward to the opportunity to walk with those individuals interested in entering our Catholic Church, sharing and teaching the truths of our faith with them and their sponsors. I also look forward to bringing others into a real and profound encounter with Christ through our many retreat opportunities.

I have been blessed to work over the last 25 years as a physical therapist. I am a people person and I have so enjoyed serving my patients, empowering them and improving their well-being. However, over the last few years, I had felt God calling me to serve Him in a different way. I didn’t know exactly how but I was feeling very unsettled so I took this to prayer. At the time, I was participating in the Consecration to St. Joseph and we were encouraged to ask something of St. Joseph, a special petition. So, I asked St. Joseph to intercede for me so that God could show me how he wanted me to best serve Him. I was so inspired by St. Joseph’s patience and reliance on the Holy Spirit. I asked for these same graces and waited. God answers prayers. This new position at SHOJ presented itself to me. And, so here I am, Lord! I am here to serve this amazing community that I call my church family.

I am blessed beyond belief with my two children, Lily and Jack. I enjoy spending time with my kids, family, friends and also enjoy cooking and flower gardening.

At the Gaudemaus dinner when accepting the School of Excellence award, Kathy Rhodes said, “I have asked a lot of children what they want to do when they grow up, never have I heard ‘be a Catholic School Principal’ – Boy, they don’t know what they are missing!” Kathy has been a Catholic School principal for 13 years. She would say that her path has been a meandering one with stops in public school, private educational services, marketing and sales; but thanks to the promptings of the Holy Spirit in the Adoration Chapel, her deep love of the Catholic Faith, and her passion for education she has the joy of working with a team to lead Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic School.

Growing up on a farm in Iowa, Kathy knows the roles that a Catholic parish and school play in the life of a family. She feels blessed to be able to call working for one her career. She attended the Our Lady of Mt. Carmel elementary school and graduated from Kuemper Catholic High School in Carroll, IA. She earned a BS in elementary education from Iowa State University, a MS in Curriculum and Instruction from Kansas State University and a MS in School Leadership from Benedictine College. She has been married to her KU graduate, Jason, for 26 years and they have 4 children. She enjoys all sports (especially if it involves a good tailgate), spending time with her family (especially in Iowa) and volunteering at her parish.

“I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and your joy may be complete.” John 15:11

Our Director of Ministry, Kathleen Whalen, explains that she is living example that He does not call the qualified, but qualifies the call. Growing up in the St. Louis area, she attended the University of Missouri – Columbia and received both a Bachelors of Arts degree in Speech Communications and a Masters in Adult Education. Early on in her career she worked extensively in volunteer management, marketing and strategic planning.

She trusted the Lord had a plan for her when hired in November of 2009, as she didn’t have any ministry experience. He provided her with clarity of purpose after attendance at a Spirituality of Stewardship Conference in Wichita as it became evident that she had some experience that He wanted her to share with the parish community. She emphasizes that it is her extraordinary blessing every single day (and many nights!) to be here.

Kathleen has been married to Stephen since 1989 and they have three children. She is called each day to place all trust in the plans the Lord has for her as she rests in her favorite scripture verse, Psalm 139: 13-16.

Jen Zans is the Youth Ministry & Confirmation Coordinator and has been a member of Sacred Heart since 2018 but has been working in Youth Ministry for over 10 years. Her inspiration for Youth Ministry began with her time as a camper and staff member at Camp Tekakwitha and with the influence of her High School Campus Minister, Mary Perrini. Jen is an alumni of Benedictine College with Bachelor of Arts degrees in Youth Ministry and Psychology. After graduation, Jen help establish and co-direct a Catholic camp for Middle School students called Camp Savio and worked at a Lifeteen Summer Camp in Georgia for 5 weeks.

Jen has been married to Josh since November 2017 and they began the journey of foster parenting in August 2021. Josh also helps on the Youth Ministry Core Team. Outside of working in Youth Ministry they are involved in Teams of Our Lady and the Foster Care Ministry team at Sacred Heart.

Some of Jen’s favorite things are coffee, the outdoors, reading on her back porch and boxing at 9Round gym and taking care of the animals that show up at her doorstep.

“Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.” – St. Teresa of Calcutta