ascension catholic church overland park ks

John Paul II is one of 24 elementary and high schools in the Archdiocese of Kansas City, KS where kids receive scholarships from the Catholic Education Foundation. She went on to high school, then college, always knowing she wanted to come back to teach the next generation there, to carry the faith forward.

Ruben's English teacher at John Paul II is Lauren Franklin. The Catholic Education Foundation was there to help Renee and her kids, so it would not be the end of Catholic schools for them. In fact, John Paul II became even more important to Renee and her kids.īecause she too had attended John Paul II, graduating in 1998, Renee knew John Paul II would provide stability, faith and a sense of community they desperately needed during a difficult time. The change challenged their family and caused unexpected financial hardship, but it has not broken their faith nor their commitment to Catholic education. Because of personal trials in their family, it was necessary for Renee to take sole custody of the children. I recently met one such family: Ruben, an eighth grader at John Paul II, his two younger sisters and his mom Renee. I thought about their parents, who wouldn't have to tell their kids it was the end of their time at their Catholic school, or risk a strong faith slipping away just because they can't afford tuition due to health problems, job loss or other poverty-driven trauma. But could it ever be the last time for Catholic education? Could it slip away? Would we know while it’s happening?įather Tom's comment also made me think about the 1,498 kids in our archdiocese who were able to be in Catholic schools last year thanks to scholarships from the Catholic Education Foundation. In raising kids, all stages will come to an end. His comment made me think about the article I had read as a young mom. If we don't, any generation could be the last. He emphasized the importance of children learning their Catholic faith and adults doing the hard work of keeping it alive. At the ceremony, Father Tom said that at any time, the Catholic Church is only one generation away from extinction. For those of you who don't know him, he is one of the wisest and most respectable men there is.

Last spring, I attended an event honoring Monsignor Tom Tank from Ascension Catholic Church in Overland Park, KS. My boys are older now, and I can't say when they stopped holding my hand I didn't realize how it happened gradually, and when the last time simply slipped away. But usually, you don't even know when the last time will be,' the author said. Sometimes you realize it and try to commemorate it in some way. 'You do something every day for what seems like forever, but one day it ends. The last time they cuddle on your lap while you read them a book. It was about 'lasts,' such as the last time you give them a bath. One article in particular spoke to me and always stayed with me. When I was a young mom, like many others, I read a lot of articles about raising kids. Holding their hands always made me feel blessed. Or while we were out for a walk, I'd hold his hand, just because I could. We'd hold hands crossing the street, for safety. Pudgy and soft or grimy from play, we'd hold hands watching a movie, simply out of love. When my boys were young, I always loved holding their little hands.

Ascension catholic church overland park ks