The Leaven

24/07/2025

Put me in, coach! 🥎 The priests of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas will soon compete against the priests of the Diocese of Kansas City - St. Joseph in a riveting showdown — the annual Pitching for Priests softball game.

This year's event will take place on Aug. 8 at KC Monarchs Stadium – Legends Field Ballpark, located at 1800 Village West Pkwy in Kansas City, Kansas. First pitch is at 7 p.m. ☀️

The event is free, and any freewill offerings from the state-line showdown will benefit the vocations office of both dioceses.

View the player cards from our roster each Thursday evening leading up to the big game!

24/07/2025

Holy Cross OP alums Jason Sudeikis, '90, and Steve Shutts, '93, met while Sudeikis is in town filming season 4 of Ted Lasso. 🤝

23/07/2025

Churches of ArchKCK: St. Mary in Purcell 🙏

St. Mary's, built in 1896, is a brick, gothic-style church that's listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Sitting atop a hill on a lonely stretch of road known as highway 20, on the path of the original Pony Express Trail, this church is filled with three gorgeous altars, statues and stained glass windows.

Have you visited St. Mary?

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

22/07/2025

Sharil Baxter-Butt and Tom Butt, members of Corpus Christi, had the opportunity to be extras in the hit television program, The Chosen. 🙌 The couple, along with 600 others, spent three days filming on location in Goshen, Utah, in early May.

They participated in large group scenes wearing homemade, first-century costumes. The first six episodes of the season are expected to be released in the second half of 2026. 👀

Catch them in print this weekend! 🗞️

22/07/2025

Today is the feast of Mary Magdalene, patron saint of converts, repentant sinners, hairdressers and perfumeries. 🙏

📷: Sacred Heart Catholic Church Baileyville

21/07/2025

Rhode Islanders are celebrating Pope Leo XIV’s declaration that the healing of a baby born in their state back in 2007 was indeed miraculous, and advances the sainthood cause of a 19th-century Spanish priest.

✍️: OSV News

"God is indeed close to us."

21/07/2025

“Let us make good use of this, by leaving behind the whirlwind of commitments and worries in order to savor a few moments of peace and reflection, taking time as well to visit other places and share in the joy of seeing others, as I am doing here today.” -Pope Leo XIV

"Serving and listening do not always come easily; they require hard work and the ability to make sacrifices."

21/07/2025

On June 28, Sisters Rebecca Granado and Juanita Banuelos, both Augustinian Recollect Sisters of Our Lady of Consolation of Kansas, participated in the 48th annual Fiesta Topeka 5K Run/Walk. 🏃‍♀️

The 5K was started by the late Paul Griego, a member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Church. Griego had a heart condition and could not run himself; however, he saw a need for healthier living. Seeing an opportunity to encourage others, he started the 5K and organized it for years. For the past few years, his daughter Angel Griego has served as the race coordinator.

Read the full story: https://theleaven.org/augustinian-sisters-participate-in-5k-as-part-of-fiesta-kickoff/

📷: Marc Anderson

19/07/2025

Churches of ArchKCK: St. Joseph in Leavenworth 🙏

St. Joseph, founded in 1858 by Bishop John Baptist Miege, was the first permanent foundation of the Carmelites in the U.S. It's a German-style, gothic church that was repainted and refurbished in 2007. Bold colors, stained glass windows and lifelike statues are some of our favorite highlights.

Have you visited St. Joseph?

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

19/07/2025

Congratulations to these two couples, who are celebrating milestone anniversaries today! 🥳

William “Bill” and Nancy (Westfall) Burns, members of the Cathedral of St. Peter, are celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary. The couple was married on July 19, 1975, at Christ the King Church in Kansas City, Kansas, by Msgr. Thomas Tank.

Tom and Carol Grennan, members of Christ the King, are celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary. The couple was married on July 19, 1975, at Holy Cross Church, Overland Park.

18/07/2025

"Are there 'teachers' in your life who molded you into the person you are today? If so, don’t wait until they’re gone to pay them tribute. You may be the only person in their whole career to do so."

That’s a legacy to be proud of.

17/07/2025

The priests of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas are preparing to take on the priests of the Diocese of Kansas City - St. Joseph in one of the greatest rivalries of all time — the Pitching for Priests softball game. 🥎

This year's event will take place on Aug. 8 at KC Monarchs Stadium – Legends Field Ballpark, located at 1800 Village West Pkwy in Kansas City, Kansas. First pitch is at 7 p.m. ☀️

The event is free, and any freewill offerings from the state-line showdown will benefit the vocations office of both dioceses.

Check out this first round of player cards from our Kansas roster, and view the rest each Thursday evening leading up to the big game!