THE CALL
We promote the Kingdom of God by living as disciples of Jesus.
There have been quite a few changes around the office in recent months. Matthew Harris accepted a parish position in Chicago last September. Miguel Hernandez returned to Mexico to be with family and is doing well. After many years of dedicated service, Martha Tady has also entered a welldeserved retirement and is enjoying it greatly
As we filled these roles, we remained mindful of both parish needs and budget We are grateful to welcome Vicky Neely as our Director of Music; she also serves as accompanist for the choirs at Shawnee Mission Northwest Patricia Argueta now assists with Hispanic Ministry a few days each week while continuing as Director of Religious Education at Holy Cross Parish, supporting evening and clerical ministry needs. She is here in the evenings on Mondays and Thursdays and/or Fridays.
Martha’s responsibilities are now shared among several people. Most notably, the art and environment work is being carried out by a new team, similar to an Altar Society, led by Fr. Wilson. This group of about 20 volunteers decorates the altar and narthex throughout the liturgical year, with Christmas and Easter remaining in the capable hands of Carly Dreiling, Jill Dickason, and their team.
A parish flourishes through the dedication of staff and volunteers, and I am deeply grateful for this remarkable team
LENT AT GOOD SHEPHERD
CELEBRATING OUR NEW CHURCH DOORS AND THE DEDICATION BEHIND THEM
It was exciting to unveil the installation of beautiful new doors at the main entrance—an improvement that enhances both the appearance and the functionality of our beloved sanctuary. These doors, crafted with durability and elegance in mind, welcome worshippers with warmth and reverence.
The process of bringing this project to completion was both thoughtful and thorough. It began with careful planning as the materials, design options, and long‐term needs were all evaluated.
After selecting a style that blended modern efficiency with traditional charm, there was coordination with contractors, consideration of proper measurements and safety. From removing the old doors to the final installation and finishing touches, every step was handled with great care to preserve the integrity of the building while improving its accessibility and security. This project would not have been possible without the remarkable dedication of Jack Carson. Jack devoted countless hours to researching options, working with vendors, and making sure every detail aligned with the church’s vision. His steady leadership, strong work ethic, and heartfelt commitment ensured that the project stayed on track and exceeded expectations.
On behalf of the entire congregation, we extend our deepest gratitude to Jack for his exceptional service. The new doors stand not only as an enhancement to our church but also as a lasting testament to his generosity of time and devotion to our community.
We love you guys! Thanks for keeping us safe!
Our Snow Angels help clear walks and entrances after winter storms so our parish stays safe and welcoming. Equipment provided just bring warm clothes and a willing spirit! Interested in joining? Email broder@gsshawnee.org
Charity and Service in Action: Living Justly and Changing the World!
Living our Faith: One Season at a Time Marilyn Breitenstein
What does it look like to live our faith when we leave the pews and head back into everyday life? This year, our parish is exploring that question through a series of programs inspired by Catholic Social Teaching and we promise, this isn’t just another lecture series! Think conversation, food, hands-on activities, family fun, and meaningful ways to connect faith with real life. There will be something for everyone along the way.
We kicked things off in January with a soup supper and engaging conversation with Sr. Therese Bangert, SCL. Together, we reflected on how God’s Kingdom differs from the reality of our world today, and what that means for how we live our faith. The discussion was thoughtful, inspirational, and challenging, as we reflected on our rights and responsibilities as members of one human family and the central importance of human dignity It was a rich beginning one that set the tone for honest dialogue, deeper awareness, and faithful action in the months ahead.
During Lent, we will share CRS Rice Bowls and take part in a poverty immersion experience, led by Catholic Charities, offering a deeper look at the realities faced by many in our own community. In April, we’ll celebrate Earth Day with something for all ages: learning about rain barrels and composting, recycling tips, plant / seed sharing, community garden clean-up and planting, and more. July brings a joyful, family-friendly celebration of our nation’s 250 years with a picnic, potluck, possible movie night, kid activities, voter registration opportunities, and resources like Faithful Citizenship.
In September, we’ll gather to share our stories and experiences, and we’ll wrap up in October with the always-popular Blessing of the Animals, honoring St. Francis and our call to care for all creation. Dates and details are coming soon
so stay tuned, bring a friend, and join us as we live our faith out loud this year.
Focus on The Knights of Columbus
The Good Shepherd Knights of Columbus support our parish and families in so many ways. Here is a brief synopsis of how they promoted faith in action and service in love in 2025
Education & Youth
Scholarships --- $3,500
School Support --- $2,500
Poster & Essay Awards --- $400
CYO Youth Support --- $460
Seminarian Support --- $2,000
Community Outreach
Blood Drives --- Saving Lives
Advent Food Drive --- Feeding Neighbors
Fan Drive --- Cooling 70 Families
Winter Coats for Children
Additional Impact
Church Improvements --- $2,500
National Knights --- $375
Kansas Knights --- $1,500
Outreach & Meals for 120 people
Faith & Parish Life
Kolbe Prison Ministry --- Saving Souls
Lenten Fish Fries --- Parish Fellowship
Rosary Leadership & Exemplifications
Gifts at Mass --- Eucharistic Witness
Sheptemberfest Food Prep
Charitable Giving
Baby Bottles --- $6,400
Tootsie Rolls ---$900
Catholic Charities Support --- $440
Toys for Children ---$870
YOUTH MINISTRY
NCYC 2025 - I Am, Yo Soy
Our recent trip to Indianapolis for the National Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC) was an unforgettable experience for our youth and leaders alike. From the moment we arrived, it was clear that this was something special a powerful gathering of faith, worship, service, and community.
We are incredibly grateful for the leaders, parents, and supporters who made this trip possible. Most of all, we thank God for the ways He moved in the hearts of our youth NCYC was more than a trip it was a reminder that God is present, God is faithful, and God is calling each of our teens by name
“It was very refreshing to be able to share and discuss faith so openly with other kids.”
- Isaac Gregory
“One of my biggest highlights was visiting the relic of St. Carlo Acutis before participating in Adoration with the best group of people!”
-Natalia Ramirez
“I love that I get to say I was on a zoom call with Pope Leo! Not many other people get to say that!”
-Anna Gast
“I loved being able to attend Mass with 16,000 people!”
-Isabelle Hladky
“As the oldest person in the group, it makes me very happy when they called the group ‘Young Church,’ not the future of the church, but the NOW! So blessed to see so many young faith leaders!”
-Phil Thacker
“It was awesome to see so many people passionate about their faith and participate in so many unique opportunities.”
-Erik Gregory
SCHOOL NEWS: CELEBRATING CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK
Catholic Schools Week provided an opportunity to celebrate our faith and the people who make Good Shepherd special. The week was centered on prayer, learning and meaningful moments that reflected our Catholic identity.
The week opened with a schoolwide prayer service that brought students and staff together in prayer and reflection. This shared experience set the tone for Catholic Schools Weed and reinforced the role of faith in our school community.
To start the week, students participated in a fun schoolwide game where they earned tickets for positive choices kindness, leadership, and living out our school values The game created excitement throughout the building while reinforcing expectations that help our community thrive
We also celebrated vocation with the theme Follow Your Call and Make a Difference. Students learned how God calls each of us to serve in different ways. We were honored to celebrate Fr. Kent for answering his call to the priesthood. Students expressed their gratitude through handwritten thank you cards and a basket filled with some of his favorite things.
Service and gratitude were emphasized throughout the week. Students created thank you cards for parish volunteers to acknowledge the man individuals who generously give their time in support of Good Shepherd.
Catholic Schools Week served as a reminder of the strong faith community at Good Shepherd We are grateful for the continued support of our parish and families
l c o m e N
w P a r i sh i o n e rs !
John McEniry
Haley Kempf & Eil Irsik
Ken Reves
Rusbelinda Valdez Miranda
Brian & Dawn Wessling
Jeremy & Caitlin Elias Family
Robert & Patricia McCall
Matt & Nicole Brown Family
Thomas & Leah Bane
Dustin & Meghan Stember Family
Harry & Sofia Petersen Family
Frank & Kimberly Hopkins Family
Pierce & A.J. Rehn Family
Kyle & Katy Kellenberger Family
Joseph & Sarah Hopkins Family
Gary & Barbara Pettus
Alex Mooney & Allyson Collier Family
Alex Spenner & Darrell Randolph Family
Adrienne Bohnenkamp
Dawn Marie Burdick
Mike & Taunia Zimmerman Family
Rob Page
Donald Cox
Tom White
Susana Andrade
Mel Lavery
Jeanette O'Connor
Janis Converse
Don Gomez
Leslie Green
Fr. Tadele Wolde Awano
Noah & Meghan Hydeman
William & Sarah Wright Family
Joshua & Megan Anno Family
William & Francy Schafer
Katie & Riley Stinson
Paul & Emily Como Family
Daniel & Megan Dougherty Family
William & Laurel Reeves Family
Brent & Yamilet Gilchrist
Maria del Carmen Chavez & Eladio Diaz Family
Jesus & Johana Oseguera Family
Diego Guillen & Blanca Valencia Family
Vicky Guzman Sagastume & Osman Peralta Family
Jhoana Perez Omana Family
Esmeralda Rio Villafuerte
Dayana Gonzales Iglesias & Jairon de Jesus Lopez Family
