THELEAVEN.ORG | VOL. 44, NO. 31 | MARCH 31, 2023
MEMORY LANE
Shawnee parish blessing takes pastor, archbishop back in time By Joe Bollig joe.bollig@theleaven.org
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HAWNEE — It was kind of like “Back to the Future” for Father Patrick Sullivan, pastor of Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish here. He was concelebrating the Mass on March 19 at which Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann blessed and dedicated the newly “enhanced” interior of the church. The strong sense of déjà vu came from Father Sullivan being right there when Archbishop Naumann blessed and dedicated the new church on Nov. 20, 2005. The pastor then was Father Craig Maxim. “Father Maxim did an amazing job with this entire facility, including the church,” said Father Sullivan. “I went to the dedication of the church because I was on break from the seminary. “I just remember being amazed at this beautiful, new, crisp church. I really liked it. It felt welcoming. Something about it drew me. I had no idea that I’d someday be pastor. I’d only been in [the] seminary one year. I didn’t even know I’d be ordained, let alone what parish I’d go to five years later.” Archbishop Naumann also took a stroll down memory lane. “It makes me feel old [to be here], because I was here for the dedication of the church some 18 years ago,” said the archbishop in his homily. “Thank you for all you’ve accomplished. It’s truly spectacular and >> See “FUTURE” on page 4
Interior enhancement features • The main aisle from the baptistry to the altar, terminating at the tabernacle, received new tile with a black border on each side. There are seven diamond-shaped inserts symbolizing the seven sacraments. The sanctuary floor and steps received new tile. A new tabernacle and back altar will be installed by April. • New stainedglass windows in the wall above the altar were created by Lynchburg Stained Glass in Virginia. They surround the circular window of Christ brought from the original church in Bonner Springs. • Much creative use of paint is featured throughout the church — the narthex (gathering space) as well as the sanctuary. Norm Dahlor of Westwood painted the sanctuary wall a deep yellow with metallic gold fleck paint. Flanking the refurbished large crucifix are two white-gray, marble-looking pilasters that run floor to ceiling created by the technique of faux paint. This same effect is in the narthex. The ceiling above the altar is painted a deep blue symbolizing the night sky, with gold stars. • The altar and ambo are a cream-colored marble and red oak. The soon-to-be-installed back altar by Ian Byrne will match them. LEAVEN PHOTO BY KATHRYN WHITE
Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann blessed and dedicated the renovated Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in Shawnee on March 19.
>> Continues on page 4
HOLY SATURDAY
THORNS OF DOUBT
As we head into Holy Week, the Easter Vigil invites newcomers into one of the most dramatic and symbolic liturgies of the year.
During his wife’s long illness, Doug Fencl began to view the sorrowful mysteries of the rosary in an entirely different way.
>>> See story on pages 8-9
>>> See story on page 7