2025 Year in Review

by Moira Cullings
moira.cullings@theleaven.org

KANSAS CITY, Kan. — Most Catholics didn’t have the election of an American pope on their bingo cards this year.

It made the moment that Cardinal Robert Prevost stepped onto the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City on May 8 following a two-day conclave even more extraordinary.

The Chicago native took the name Pope Leo XIV.

Pope Leo XIV, the former Cardinal Robert F. Prevost, waves to the crowds in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican after his election as pope May 8, 2025. The new pope was born in Chicago. Bill Bickel, a Catholic Charities official in the Archdiocese of Indianapolis, credits Pope Leo, his friend of 46 years, with giving him powerful, compassionate advice that changed his life. (CNS photo/Vatican Media)

It was a year filled with surprises and changes — both universally and locally — for Catholics in the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas.

The spring brought grief when Father Raj “Arul” Balaswamy Carasala, pastor of Sts. Peter and Paul Parish in Seneca, was fatally shot outside his rectory on April 3, leaving the archdiocesan community shocked and mourning.

Father Father Arul Carasala, 57, pastor of Sts. Peter and Paul Parish in Seneca was tragically killed near the parish rectory the afternoon of April 3. Father Carasala has been pastor of Sts. Peter and Paul since 2011. PHOTO BY KAYLA HULSING

Five days later, Pope Francis accepted the resignation of Archbishop Emeritus Joseph F. Naumann, who had submitted his resignation when he turned 75 on June 4, 2024, as is required of all bishops.

The pope appointed Bishop Shawn McKnight from Jefferson City, Missouri, to take his place. He was installed as the fifth archbishop and 12th bishop of the archdiocese during an installation Mass on May 27 at Church of the Nativity in Leawood.

After accepting the apostolic mandate to lead the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, and its inspection by the archdiocesan College of Consultors, Archbishop Shawn McKnight displays the mandate for all the congregation to see. LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER

It was one of the last appointments Pope Francis made. He passed away on April 21 at the age of 88 after suffering a stroke and heart failure. His funeral Mass was celebrated on April 26 in St. Peter’s Square.

Father Carasala was not the only loss the archdiocese suffered this year. Father Earl Dekat and Father James White, SJ, also passed away.

But the presbyterate was also expanded by the ordination of three new priests: Father Will Carey, Father Cesar Gomez and Father Dan Mauro. And it welcomed three transitional deacons: Deacon John Donart, Deacon Robert Rooney and Deacon William Sutherland.

From left, Deacons Daniel Mauro, Cesar Gomez and Will Carey prepare to be ordained to the priesthood by Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann during a Mass at Church of the Nativity in Leawood on May 25. The archbishop shared that although each man had a vastly different journey, they answered the same call to become priests. LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER

The year was certainly a busy one for northeast Kansas, and only a small portion of archdiocesan life could be covered in the 16 pages of The Leaven each week.

Before we dive into the new year, we invite you to join us in a review of some of the highlights of 2025.

January

• Archbishop Naumann marked the 20th anniversary of his appointment to ministry in the archdiocese on Jan. 7.

• Father Earl Dekat, 84, passed away on Jan. 9. He had multiple assignments around the archdiocese — most in rural parishes — before he retired in 2013.

Father Earl Dekat, center, is seen here with his late cousin Father Carl Dekat, left, and Father Mike Peterson, right, in this 2017 file photo. Father Earl died on Jan. 9 at Home of the Flint Hills in St. George. His health had declined in recent years as he battled cancer. LEAVEN FILE PHOTO BY JOE BOLLIG

• Plans to build St. Joseph House, a guesthouse on the campus of the Community of the Lamb in Kansas City, Kansas, where Archbishop Naumann will live during retirement, were shared in the Jan. 10 issue of The Leaven.

• The 51st annual Snow Ball, benefiting Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas, was held on Jan. 18 at the Overland Park Convention Center and raised more than $5.3 million. Doug and Kara Ciocca and Chris and Angie Dierks served as presidents.

• On short notice, Archbishop Naumann was asked to fill in for Bishop Daniel Thomas, chairman of the Committee on Pro-Life Activities of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, at the March for Life and related events in Washington, D.C., from Jan. 23-24.

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann joins tens of thousands of other marchers at the March for Life on Jan. 24. Marching with the archbishop are, from left, Kathryn White, archdiocesan foster and pro-life ministries coordinator; Debra Niesen, archdiocesan pro-life office consultant; and Angie Bittner, rural youth outreach coordinator. LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER

• Archdiocesan schools celebrated Catholic Schools Week from Jan. 26 to Feb. 1.

• Archbishop Naumann joined Bishop Carl Kemme of the Diocese of Wichita and Bishop Gerald Vincke of the Diocese of Salina for the annual Red Mass for those involved in public service on Jan. 28 at St. Joseph Church in Topeka.

• At least 1,600 people attended the Ignite Rally and Mass for Life on Jan. 29 at the Topeka Performing Arts Center.

February

• Elaine Schmidtberger of Bishop Miege High School in Roeland Park was honored as the first recipient of the High School Counselor of the Year award during a surprise ceremony on Feb. 6. Kathleen Feist of Holy Trinity School in Lenexa was the first Elementary Counselor of the Year, Mary Jacobs of Holy Spirit School in Overland Park was the Elementary School Teacher of the Year and Samantha Hendrix of St. James Academy in Lenexa was the High School Teacher of the Year.

Elaine Schmidtberger of Bishop Miege High School in Roeland Park was the first recipient of the High School Counselor of the Year award. She was surprised in a ceremony on Feb. 6 at Miege. She has been at Miege for 42 years. COURTESY PHOTO

• Father Beyuo Kuukole returned to his home country of Ghana after 10 years in the archdiocese. Among his assignments here were serving as chaplain of Providence Medical Center in Kansas City, Kansas, and Saint John Hospital in Leavenworth.

• Father James White, SJ, passed away on Feb. 12 at the age of 87. For 30 years, he ministered to priests, celebrated Masses and offered sacramental assistance at parishes around the archdiocese.

When Father Jim White, SJ, agreed to be minister to priests in 1995, he asked then-Archbishop James P. Keleher for a place in the country where he could tend a garden. Here, he holds a tray of tomato plants he planned to plant this spring.

• It was announced in the Feb. 14 issue of The Leaven that Father Oswaldo Sandoval, pastor of Our Lady of Unity Parish in Kansas City, Kansas, was appointed episcopal vicar for ministry to Hispanics by Archbishop Naumann.

• The annual junior high youth rally was held at Prairie Star Ranch in Williamsburg on Feb. 23.

March

• Church of the Ascension in Overland Park hosted the annual Men Under Construction conference on March 8.

Jon Leonetti, a bestselling author and radio host, points toward the stained-glass image of Jesus behind the altar at Church of the Ascension in Overland Park. LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER

• The second annual Cathedral Gala took place on March 8 to raise funds to renovate the steps leading up to the main entrance of the Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle in Kansas City, Kansas.

• The Kansans for Life banquet was held on March 11 at the Overland Park Convention Center.

• Savior Pastoral Center in Kansas City, Kansas, hosted the annual Archbishop’s Invitational High School Art Exhibit awards ceremony on March 13.

St. James Academy sophomore Joshua Kissel talks with Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann following the presentation of the Archbishop’s Invitational High School Art awards on March 13. Kissel received a Judge’s Award and a $100 prize. LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER

• The Rural Catholic Youth Conference (RCYC) was held from March 22-23 at Prairie Star Ranch in Williamsburg.

• Bishop Miege High School in Roeland Park broke ground on the Our Lady of Lourdes grotto during a ceremony outside the school on March 25, and Archbishop Naumann blessed the space.

• The Catholic Foundation of Northeast Kansas (CFNEK) honored Church of the Ascension in Overland Park with this year’s Distinguished Catholic Organization Award and Beth and Marty Krebs with the Distinguished Family Award at the annual Deo Gratias dinner at Ascension on March 27.

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann pauses for a photo with the Krebs family following the Deo Gratias Mass at Church of the Ascension in Overland Park. LEAVEN PHOTO BY KATHRYN WHITE

• Archbishop Naumann led Catholics in eucharistic adoration followed by a votive Mass of Mercy at Assumption Church in Topeka to counter a satanic event outside the Kansas Capitol on March 28.

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann elevates the host at Mass in Assumption Church held opposite the Kansas Capitol in Topeka on March 28. LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER

• Cardinal Gregorio Rosa Chávez, the first cardinal from El Salvador, visited Good Shepherd Church in Shawnee on March 29.

April

• Benedictine College in Atchison honored Archbishop Naumann with its Transforming Culture in America Award on April 1 at Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish in Shawnee. Author George Weigel spoke at the event.

• Father Arul Carasala, 57, died at the hospital on April 3 shortly after being shot outside his rectory. A memorial Mass was celebrated on April 10 at Sts. Peter and Paul in Seneca, with Archbishop Naumann as the main celebrant and homilist.

• Msgr. Tom Tank was honored with the Lumen Vitae award at the 12th annual Abbot’s Table banquet benefiting St. Benedict’s Abbey in Atchison on April 5 at the Overland Park Convention Center.

• On April 8, Pope Francis appointed Bishop Shawn McKnight as the fifth archbishop and 12th bishop of the archdiocese. Archbishop-designate McKnight participated in a press conference with Archbishop Naumann at Savior Pastoral Center in Kansas City, Kansas, the same day.

Archbishop-designate W. Shawn McKnight talks with members of the media following a press conference at Savior Pastoral Center in Kansas City, Kansas, introducing him as the new archbishop of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas. He will be installed on May 27 at Church of the Nativity in Leawood. LEAVEN PHOTO BY KATHRYN WHITE

• Pope Francis, 88, died on April 21 after making his final appearance to crowds in St. Peter’s Square the day before, Easter Sunday. His funeral Mass was celebrated April 26.

Pope Francis greets Bishop Shawn McKnight on Jan. 16, 2020, as part of a meeting with U.S. bishops from Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska during their “ad limina” visits to the Vatican. CNS PHOTO/VATICAN MEDIA

May

• Cardinal Robert Prevost was elected as the new pope on May 8 after a two-day conclave. He took the name Pope Leo XIV.

• John Donart, Robert Rooney and William Sutherland were ordained to the transitional diaconate on May 17 by Archbishop Naumann at the Cathedral of St. Peter.

John Donart, Bob Rooney, and Will Sutherland stand before the congregation as they prepare to be ordained transitional deacons on May 17 at the Cathedral of St. Peter in Kansas City, Kansas. PHOTO BY MARY KATE KRAUSE

• Archbishop-designate McKnight visited the archdiocese for a quick tour of the area from May 21-22. His trip included stops at Benedictine College and St. Benedict’s Abbey in Atchison; Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas’s administrative offices in Overland Park; Donnelly College in Kansas City, Kansas; and the St. Lawrence Catholic Campus Center at the University of Kansas in Lawrence.

Archbishop McKnight holds up a University of Kansas T-shirt he was gifted while visiting students at the university’s St. Lawrence Catholic Campus Center on April 21. LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER

• Deacons Will Carey, Cesar Gomez and Dan Mauro were ordained to the priest-hood by Archbishop Naumann on May 24 at Church of the Nativity, Leawood.

• A solemn vespers service was held on May 26 at the Cathedral of St. Peter on the eve of Archbishop-designate McKnight’s installation as the new archbishop. Apostolic nuncio Cardinal Christophe Pierre and other cardinals, bishops, priests, deacons and laity joined in the service.

Cardinal Christophe Pierre, apostolic nuncio to the United States, and Archbishop McKnight enjoy a light moment with members of the Community of the Lamb. LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER

• Archbishop McKnight was installed as the archbishop during an installation Mass on May 27 at Church of the Nativity.

Archbishop Shawn McKnight was installed as the 12th bishop and fifth archbishop of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas on May 27. LEAVEN PHOTO BY KATHRYN WHITE

• An interim cabinet was constituted on May 28 by Archbishop McKnight to advise him as he transitioned to his new assignment as head of the archdiocese.

• Archbishop McKnight kicked off his ministry in the archdiocese by partnering with Catholic Charities for a “Fresh Start” food drive at Fiorella’s Event Space in Overland Park on May 31. Community members donated 3,086 pounds of food.

Archbishop Shawn McKnight greets people as they donate food to the “Fresh Start” food drive May 31 in the parking lot of Fiorella’s Event Space in Overland Park. Community members took advantage of the opportunity to meet the new archbishop of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas and donated 3,086 pounds of food to Catholic Charities. LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER

June

• Archbishop McKnight took possession of the cathedra during a Mass at the Cathedral of St. Peter on June 1.

• Archbishop McKnight was the main celebrant at the Mass for couples celebrating their 50th wedding anniversaries on June 1 at Church of the Nativity. Archbishop Emeritus Naumann concelebrated.

• More than 20 religious communities gathered on June 5 at St. Benedict’s Abbey in Atchison for Mass followed by lunch at Benedictine College to welcome Archbishop McKnight as their new shepherd.

Archbishop McKnight celebrates Mass at St. Benedict’s Abbey for members of more than 20 religious communities working in the archdiocese. LEAVEN PHOTO BY JD BENNING

• The second annual SPARC the Night Gala benefiting Savior Pastoral Center was held on June 7 at Savior. Msgr. Mike Mullen was the honorary chairman.

• Bishop Lucius Hre Kung of the Diocese of Hakha in Chin State visited the archdiocese from June 12-16, meeting with Archbishop McKnight on June 13.

Bishop Lucius Hre Kung of the Diocese of Hakha in Chin State visited the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas from June 12-16 to spend time with the Chin community here. LEAVEN PHOTO BY KATHRYN WHITE

• Archbishop Naumann was honored with the Proudly Pro-Life Award during the gala by the same name at the conclusion of the National Right to Life Convention held June 20-21 at the Marriott Kansas City Overland Park.

• The Leaven was honored with 13 awards at the Catholic Media Conference in Phoenix on June 27.

• Derek Lyssy became the new executive director of the Catholic Foundation of Northeast Kansas on June 27.

• Archbishop McKnight received his pallium from Pope Leo XIV during Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica on June 29, the solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul.

Pope Leo XIV presents the pallium to Archbishop Shawn McKnight of Kansas City, Kansas, during Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican June 29, the solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul. The pallium symbolizes the archbishop’s authority and unity with the pope. CNS PHOTO/LOLA GOMEZ

July

• A group of monks from Mosteiro São José in Mineiros, Brazil, visited the monks of St. Benedict’s Abbey from July 16-28 and met with Archbishop McKnight on July 23.

• St. James Academy in Lenexa celebrated its 20th anniversary on July 25 with a Mass celebrated by Archbishop McKnight, followed by a dinner and celebration at the school.

Andy Tylicki, president of St. James Academy, shares his thoughts on the school’s 20 years at a reception following Mass. LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER

• Archbishop McKnight toured Prairie Star Ranch in Williamsburg on July 26, the home of Camp Tekakwitha, various retreats and other events.

Gregory Wellnitz, director of Prairie Star Ranch, gives Archbishop Shawn McKnight a tour of Prairie Star Ranch on July 26. Joining them were Deacon Dana Nearmyer and his wife Deborah. LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER

• Archbishop McKnight blessed the new rosary garden at Resurrection Cemetery in Lenexa on July 30.

August

• Mother Teresa of Calcutta Parish in Topeka broke ground on a permanent church on Aug. 2 after a Mass celebrated by Archbishop McKnight and concelebrated by pastor Father Tom Aduri.

Archbishop Shawn McKnight and Father Tom Aduri, pastor of Mother Teresa of Calcutta Parish in Topeka, officially break ground on a new church on Aug. 2. When completed, the 14,000 square-foot church will feature seating for 500, a eucharistic adoration chapel, choir loft, cry room, bride’s room, ushers’ room, sacristy and a narthex. LEAVEN PHOTO BY KATHRYN WHITE

• Three teacher commissioning Masses were celebrated by Archbishop McKnight for archdiocesan educators in early August.

Educators from the archdiocese gathered at Church of the Ascension in Overland Park on Aug. 8 for the second of three commissioning Masses. After each Mass, the Blessed Seelos Institute of Donnelly College in Kansas City, Kansas, presented its first faculty formation session for the school year. LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER

• Archdiocesan seminarians participated in a send-off on Aug. 7 at Church of the Ascension in Overland Park as they prepared to head back to the seminary. The evening included Mass celebrated by Archbishop McKnight, dinner and a short program.

• A record crowd watched the priests of the archdiocese defeat the priests of the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph during the annual Pitching for Priests softball game on Aug. 8 at Legends Field in Kansas City, Kansas.

Father Scott Wallisch, pastor of St. Joseph Parish in Shawnee, is introduced to a crowd of more than 4,000. LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER

• On Aug. 12, Archbishop McKnight confirmed four men incarcerated at the Lansing Correctional Facility.

• Archbishop McKnight joined Bishop Carl Kemme of Wichita and Bishop Gerald Vincke of Salina in issuing a pastoral letter on immigration on Aug. 14.

• Archbishop McKnight installed nine of the archdiocese’s newest pastors together during solemn vespers at the Cathedral of St. Peter on Aug. 17.

Nine priests were installed as pastors together by Archbishop Shawn McKnight (below) during solemn vespers at the Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle in Kansas City, Kansas, on Aug. 17. LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER

• St. John Paul II Academy in Olathe, a new Catholic classical liberal arts school, opened on Aug. 20.

• On Aug. 23, St. Theresa Parish in Perry marked 100 years since the cornerstone was laid for its church and 145 years since the parish’s formation in 1880. Archbishop McKnight was the main celebrant and homilist of the Mass.

Father John Kolencherry, OFM Cap., pastor of St. Theresa Parish in Perry, gives the thumbs up for the start of the candlelight procession from the rectory to the church steps. LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER

September

• Father Glenn Snow, O. Carm., pastor of Immaculate Conception-St. Joseph Parish in Leavenworth, blessed the new rosary garden at Xavier School in Leavenworth on Sept. 12.

Stella Bray (left) and Celia Smith, both St. James Academy, Lenexa, students and Xavier graduates, lead the program on Sept. 12 for a blessing of Xavier’s new rosary garden which the two, along with Xavier graduate and student at Maur Hill-Mount Academy Matthew Hood, helped construct on the school’s campus. LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER

• Ascension School in Overland Park held its fourth annual Eagle Serve Day on Sept. 26 to benefit Catholic Charities.

From left, Alexis Murray, Anna Henderson and Stella Martinez, all Ascension School eighth graders, perform cleanup tasks at New Roots Farm in Kansas City, Kansas. LEAVEN PHOTO BY KATHRYN WHITE

• St. Boniface Parish in Scipio held a soft opening of its new parish hall on Sept. 28. Father Gerald Williams, O.Carm., retired pastor, cut the ceremonial ribbon, and Archbishop McKnight blessed the space.

Father Gerald Williams, O.Carm., retired pastor of St. Boniface Parish in Scipio, cuts the ceremonial ribbon to open the new parish hall. Father Gerald, who retired as pastor on June 30, stayed on to finish overseeing the project. On Oct. 1, he returned to the Carmelite priory in his native Chicago after serving as pastor for 17 years. LEAVEN PHOTO BY MARC ANDERSON

• Archbishop Emeritus Naumann celebrated the World Day of Migrants and Refugees Mass at Holy Trinity Church in Lenexa on Sept. 28.

• A Blue Mass for first responders was celebrated on Sept. 29 at Queen of the Holy Rosary Church in Overland Park.

• On Sept. 30, Archbishop McKnight appointed the archdiocesan synodal team: Father Michael Hawken, vicar general; Helen Osman, coordinator; Denise Mills and Deacon Jim Mullin.

October

• Archbishop McKnight established a new cabinet effective Oct. 1: Father Michael Hawken, vicar general and moderator of the curia; Father Mark Mertes, vicar general and vicar for priests; Father Anthony Saiki, JCL, chancellor and promoter of justice; Chris Arth, general counsel; Carla Mills, chief financial officer; and Marissa Easter, director of communication.

• The archdiocesan convocation was held on Oct. 7 at Savior Pastoral Center. More than 350 people attended, including priests, religious, parish staff and organizational leaders from around the archdiocese. Archbishop McKnight offered a keynote address.

A panel — featuring, from left, Father Anthony Saiki, chancellor and promoter of justice; Father Mark Mertes, vicar general and vicar for clergy; Archbishop Shawn McKnight; and Helen Osman, consultant and pastoral communications specialist — was facilitated by Marissa Easter, far right, archdiocesan communications director. The panel members took turns handling questions about the archbishop’s vision that the small group discussions had given rise to. LEAVEN PHOTO BY KATHRYN WHITE

• Pope Leo XIV released his first apostolic exhortation, “Dilexi Te” (“I Have Loved You”) on Oct. 9.

• St. John the Baptist Parish in Kansas City, Kansas, celebrated its 125th anniversary with a Mass celebrated by pastor Father Joseph Arsenault, SSA, and native son Father Mark Goldasich on Oct. 25. A dinner and Croatian dancing followed.

From front, moving clockwise, Kristina Mikesic, Anita Gasparovic, Nancy Gasparovic, Ivana Dordevic, Sharon Rodina, Ella Tomasic, Van Tomasic and Mia Tomasic dance a kolo during the 125th anniversary celebration of St. John the Baptist Parish in Kansas City, Kansas. PHOTO BY STELLA SUBAŠIĆ

November

• Our Lady of Unity School in Kansas City, Kansas, was honored as the Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann CEF School of Excellence at the Catholic Education Foundation’s annual Gaudeamus gala on Nov. 1 at the Overland Park Convention Center. The gala raised more than $4.4 million for CEF’s scholarship program.

• Archbishop McKnight blessed the new parish hall at Sacred Heart Church in Baileyville on Nov. 2 following Mass celebrated by the archbishop and concelebrated by pastor Father Reginald Saldanha.

Father Reginald Saldanha, pastor of Sacred Heart Parish in Baileyville, cuts the ribbon and officially opens the new parish hall. The new building replaces the parish’s original school and church building, which was built in 1912. LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER

• Archbishop McKnight shared his vision for the archdiocese at the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth Justice Matters Policy Summit Nov. 5.

• Parishioners at St. John the Evangelist Parish in Lawrence celebrated the centennial anniversary of their church the weekend of Nov. 22-23. A Mass was celebrated on Nov. 23 by Archbishop McKnight.

Archbishop Shawn McKnight celebrates the 100th anniversary of St. John the Evangelist Church in Lawrence on Nov. 23. Although the parish was established in the 1850s, its current church was dedicated by Bishop John Ward on Nov. 26, 1925. Concelebrating with the archbishop are, from left, Father John Toepfer, OFM Cap., pastor; Father Jordan Rojas, OFM Cap., associate pastor; and emcee Father Keith Chadwick (kneeling). LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER

December

• St. Joseph School in Shawnee broke ground on the renovation of its St. Joseph Athletic Facility on Dec. 1. Father Michael Hawken blessed the space, with assistance from pastor Father Scott Wallisch and associate pastor Father Brent Stull.

From left, Father Brent Stull, associate pastor of St. Joseph Parish in Shawnee, assists Father Mike Hawken, vicar general, and Father Scott Wallisch, pastor of St. Joseph, in blessing the school stadium, which will undergo a major renovation that will benefit not only the school but the Catholic Youth Organization and Special Olympics. LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER

• St. Ann School in Prairie Village and friends of the parish collected Christmas gifts for 201 children in need as part of Red Bags KC, a program the parish has supported since its founding 41 years ago. The eighth grade class loaded a truck with the donations on Dec. 5.

Emily Greene and her daughter Mary Grace cut wrapping paper for a gift for Red Bags KC. St. Ann School and friends of the parish collected gifts for 201 children this year, and the entire program collected gifts for 2,282 children and 72 families. LEAVEN PHOTO BY KATHRYN WHITE

• Hundreds of parishioners from St. Paul Parish in Olathe took part in an Our Lady of Guadalupe procession through the neighborhood surrounding the parish the evening of Dec. 11 followed by Mass and a reception.

Father Agustin Martinez, associate pastor of St. Paul Parish in Olathe, offers a blessing to the participants in the procession, as well as the statue of Our Lady of Guadalupe. LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER

• St. Joseph Parish in Olpe celebrated its 150th anniversary with a Mass celebrated by former pastor and current vicar general, Father Mark Mertes, on Dec. 14.