Kathleen Hess
2023 Grant Program Recipient
Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic School, Shawnee, KS
A Personal Testimony from Kathleen Hess
Teacher and Community Engagement Coordinator
“With the assistance of the grant awarded to us by the Catholic Foundation of Northeast Kansas, we hosted our kick-off community engagement event in which we call ‘Thankful Thursday.’ This event focused on family, prayer, and the Eucharist. We had 200 attendees who shared time in game play, conversation, and prayer. The written feedback we received was incredibly positive.
The additional grant money went to salary support of the role of Community Engagement Coordinator, which is a role that a teacher at our school holds in addition to her teaching role. The purpose of the Community Engagement Coordinator is to re-engage families in school life that is directly connected to parish life/faith life. In this role, the school hosts monthly gatherings after All-School Mass. At these gatherings, we invite grade level parents to All-School Mass, and then have them stay after for a cup of coffee and treat. Father Zarse attends, and it is a wonderful opportunity to remind parents that it is the Mass that animates the school. It also builds community within the grade level parent community, who rarely engage outside of sporting events.
From events such as ‘Thankful Thursday,’ to events that bring members of our parish and school community together, we are committed to reengaging adults with their Catholic community, and are grateful for opportunities such as the CFNEK Grant Program that assist us in our efforts.”
2023 Grant Program
Supporting Parishes & Ministries
The Catholic Foundation of Northeast Kansas (CFNEK) has become a key source of education, support, and training that helps ensure the continuation of the mission of the parishes and organizations across the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas. To Catholic entities, we provide strategic tools and fund management to ensure fiscal integrity and promote long-term financial security.
For the 2023 CFNEK Grant Program, grants were available to parishes, schools, ministries, and other Catholic entities within the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas. Grants were awarded to ten organizations, for purposes that align with the CFNEK’s mission to collaborate with parishes, schools, ministries, and institutions to develop additional resources and support.
GRANT RECIPIENTS
St. Francis de Sales Church
St. Pius Catholic Church
Resurrection Catholic School
Didde Catholic Campus Center
Office of Catholic Schools
Bishop Ward High School
St. John the Evangelist, Lawrence
Christ the King Catholic School
Xavier Catholic School
Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic School