The Leaven

12/14/2025

For weeks, St. Joseph pastor Father Scott Wallisch has been telling parishioners here there would be a fun announcement at the groundbreaking of the school’s new athletic facility the morning of Dec. 1.

And he didn’t disappoint.

“That announcement is that the National Football League (NFL) has awarded us a $250K grant to help make this project a reality,” he said. 🏈

According to Geoff Jolley, executive director for the Greater Kansas City Local Initiative Support Corporation (LISC), 16 cities were selected to receive over $3 million from the NFL foundation and the LISC grassroots field grant program. 🤝

Also partnering on the project are The Kansas City Chiefs and the Hunt Family Foundation.

The stadium was originally built in the 1950s for high school sports.

12/14/2025

"I don’t care how many times I watch 'Christmas Vacation,' 'Home Alone' or 'Elf,' I still laugh until my eyes water. While I can’t show you any of those movies here in my column, I can get your joy and laughter started (I hope) by sharing some of these seasonal riddles."

Read Father Mark's latest! ⬇️

Gaudete? You’ve got to be kidding!

12/14/2025

Day 15 of Advent 🙏

12/13/2025

Churches of ArchKCK: Mater Dei-Holy Name in Topeka 🙏

Mater Dei (Holy Name) is a romanesque style church featuring towering columns and strong stone blocks. That theme continues inside the church, where a high ceiling highlights stunning stained glass windows and an altar featuring a beautiful golden dome. The entire church is quite spectacular.

Have you visited Mater Dei-Holy Name?

*Please note that some of our churches have had updates since this series of photos was captured.

12/13/2025

Congratulations to Archbishop Emeritus Joseph F. Naumann on being honored with Unbound's Pilgrimage of Faith Award. 👏

For almost 20 years, Archbishop Naumann has been a staunch supporter of Unbound’s mission to support families and communities on their paths out of poverty. He has also been a sponsor for 19 years for 12 seminarians from five countries through Unbound’s vocation sponsorship program.

Read more! 👇

Priests from across the United States who preach on behalf of people in poverty attended the award ceremony.

12/13/2025

Day 14 of Advent 🙏

12/12/2025

Catholics gathered in Kansas City, Missouri, today on the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe for a rosary for immigrants. Deacon Bill Scholl, archdiocesan consultant for social justice, spoke to the group, and Father Mark Mertes, moderator of pastoral life and pastor of St. Patrick, led them in prayer.

📷: Kathryn White

12/12/2025

The Gingerbread Jamboree community competition at St. James Academy today did not disappoint! 👀 Students in each grade had 50 minutes to create a gingerbread scene and were given the same building materials with the exception of one special item. 🏡

Which one is your favorite?

📷: Olivia Martin-Davies

12/12/2025

Father Mark Mertes, moderator of pastoral life and pastor of St. Patrick Catholic Church of Kansas City, KS, led a rosary for immigrants today in Kansas City, Missouri, on this feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

🎥: Kathryn White

12/12/2025

Congratulations to Max Brown, a member of Prince of Peace and Boy Scout Troop 315, has earned the rank of Eagle Scout! 👏 For his Eagle project, Brown built a planter box for God’s Garden at Colonial Presbyterian Church in Overland Park.

Brown earned all four of the Catholic religious medals during his Scouting journey, earning him the additional Pillars of Faith pin. 🙏

12/12/2025

Today is the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, who appeared to St. Juan Diego in 1531. 🙏 She is the patroness of Mexico, the Americas, the unborn and immigrants.

Read more about Our Lady's appearance and its impact: https://theleaven.org/how-juan-diegos-roses-blossomed-into-a-global-devotion/

📷: Divine Mercy Parish

12/12/2025

Day 13 of Advent 🙏