THE CALL
We promote the Kingdom of God by living as disciples of Jesus.
Welcome to the Summertime edition of The Call!
It’s going to be a busy summer this year, and you can read about many of those exciting developments in this issue. After a positive feasibility study this spring, we are preparing to begin the process of a capital campaign. Based on the study responses, the highest priorities are addressing capital maintenance needs and creating separate, secure office spaces for the church and school. This summer, I hope we can begin preparing those spaces as we look ahead to what will hopefully be a successful campaign in the early fall.
We also have some staff changes this summer. As Phil Thacker rides off into the sunset of retirement (literally, as he’s planning an RV trip!), we welcome Mike Gomez as our new parish manager. At the same time, we wish Fr. Wilson Garnica all the best as he begins his new assignment at Our Lady of Unity.
I am also very excited to lead my very first pilgrimage at the end of the summer. If you would like to learn more about this pilgrimage to Our Lady of Guadalupe, please consider scanning the QR code to the right. It promises to be a profound experience for our parish community as we journey with our Blessed Mother.
Happy summertime!
Fr. Kent
Hello Good Shepherd Parish!
My name is Mike Gomez, and I am excited to join Good Shepherd as your new Parish Manager. For the past 12 years, I have served in parish leadership roles at local Catholic churches, most recently at St. Agnes as the parish manager and as the facility manager at St. Paul.
In my short time here, I have already enjoyed meeting members of the parish and school staff, along with several wonderful volunteers. I am especially impressed by the welcoming spirit of this active and diverse parish community. The enthusiasm and kindness of the students have also made a strong impression on me.
Over the next few weeks, I’ll be working alongside Phil Thacker to ensure a smooth transition. I have known Fr. Kent for a bit, ever since he was the chaplain at Bishop Miege when our daughter was there as a student. I am looking forward to working with Fr Kent on his mission to help our Parish continue to grow and shine. I really enjoy serving our Catholic community and look forward to meeting you in the very near future.
comings and
A Heartfelt Farewell
It is with a full heart and a bit of a heavy one that I share the news of my retirement. After three years of serving this wonderful community, the time has come for me to step into a new chapter of life.
Reflecting on my time here, "amazing" is the only word that truly fits. I have been incredibly blessed to work alongside a pastor, church and school staff whose dedication to their ministry is nothing short of inspiring. To the staff, and the army of volunteers who keep our mission moving: your faith, energy, and friendship have been the greatest highlights of my time here. You are the heartbeat of this place, and it has been an honor to labor alongside you. It is the quiet moments of connection and the shared spirit of this congregation that I will carry with me. Thank you for welcoming me so warmly and for making this role feel less like a job and more like a calling. While I am looking forward to the slower pace of retirement, I will deeply miss day to day activities of this place.
Thank you for your kindness, your continued prayers, and for the beautiful memories we’ve created together. I leave with immense gratitude, knowing this community will continue to flourish and do great things.
With gratitude and blessings,
Mike Gomez, Parish Manager Hard at work already!
Phil Thacker, Parish Manager Contemplating retirement!
Justice and Service: At the Heart of our Parish Community and Catholic Faith
A Call to Action and Response: Nehemiah Session
by Eileen Manza
On April 28, I joined more than 1,700 people at the Good Faith Network Nehemiah Action Assembly at Church of the Resurrection, including 39 representatives from Good Shepherd Parish. I was moved by the sight of people of all ages and faith traditions Christian, Jewish, and Muslim gathering together with a shared purpose The energy in the room was inspiring Through prayer, music, and testimony, participants addressed three pressing concerns in Johnson County: mental health crisis stabilization, affordable housing, and helping older adults remain safely in their homes through the CAPABLE program. While challenges remain, there were also encouraging signs of progress and renewed commitment to action.
For me, the evening reflected the heart of Catholic Social Justice teaching. Charity responds to immediate needs, while justice seeks lasting change through advocacy and action I am grateful that Good Shepherd is part of this interfaith effort to work together for the common good, and is the first of the Johnson County Catholic parishes to do so.
Inspired to Serve:
The Father Jim White Memorial Garden by Tonya Gast
“I promise to love God, cherish my family, honor my country, and serve in my community” This creed guides the mission of American Heritage Girls as girls grow in faith and leadership.
Good Shepherd parishioner Anna Gast, a junior at Shawnee Mission Northwest High School, recently earned the Stars and Stripes Award, the highest honor in AHG Anna began her journey as a kindergartner with Troop KS0138 at Holy Trinity Catholic Church and spent 12 years participating in badge work, camping, mentoring younger girls, and service projects.
For her final project, Anna chose to serve her parish by creating the Fr. Jim White Memorial Garden at Good Shepherd With the help of volunteers from the Good Shepherd Garden Club, AHG, and Shawnee Mission Northwest, she dedicated more than 250 hours to building a memorial flower garden, installing a plaque, assembling a new shed, and restoring the community vegetable garden.
The garden was blessed by Father Kent O’Connor on April 18 during Good Shepherd’s Earth Day celebration. Anna is the first member of Troop KS0138 to earn every AHG level award, culminating in the Stars and Stripes Award.
Anna Gast shares the fruits of her labor and excitement in earning the AHG Stars and Stripes Award
Fr. Kent dedicates the garden as part of the Good Shepherd Earth Day Celebration.
An Emerald Evening was a tremendous success, bringing together a sold-out crowd for a joyful night in support of the Good Shepherd church and school community. Thanks to the incredible generosity of our parish family and supporters, the event raised more than $350,000 to benefit important programs and initiatives.
Guests enjoyed a delicious dinner catered by Zarda BBQ, an open bar, live and silent auctions, and lively entertainment from Twice on Sunday that kept the dance floor full all evening. One especially memorable highlight was Ramsey, our auction dog, whose playful spirit delighted guests throughout the night. We are happy to share that Ramsey has found his forever home and is settling in well with his new family and their dog, Scotch. We are deeply grateful to everyone who attended, volunteered, donated, and supported An Emerald Evening. Your generosity and belief in our mission continue to strengthen our parish and school community in so many meaningful ways.
DON’ T MISS THIS ANNUAL OPPORTUNITY TO COME TOGETHER AS A PARISH COMMUNITY TO SHARE FOOD, FUN AND FAITH! ALL IN A SPIRIT OF WELCOME AND BELONGING!
o the Easter Sacraments
to the Easter Sacraments
Our Catholic Church has given us updated rituals for how we celebrate the initiation sacraments at Easter. For the first time this year, we implemented this new approach with individuals and families from our Hispanic and Anglo communities. Here are some of the stops we made on our journey in faith.
A post-holiday retreat for all candidates is a step in the discernment process.
The Scrutinies during Lent help us to align our lives with God’s invitation and the teachings of the Church
A year-round process, we welcome people to join us at any time during the year. We begin by introdueing people to who we are, what we believe and how we worship and live.
At the Rite of Election, catechumens formally indicate their desire to become Catholic
Our jouney culminates in the celebration of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist with family and friends at the Easter Vigil!
Scrutinies take energy! We frequently find opportunities to share a meal with the larger group!
Scan the QR code for more information if you or someone you know would like to learn more about the Catholic Faith!
Capital Campaign Update
Facilities Update: Summer Maintenance & Improvement Projects
Summer gives our Maintenance Department (read Mr. Brad Roder!) the opportunity to tackle important projects across the parish and school campus while classrooms and buildings are less active. Here is an idea of just some of the work that will be taking place after school gets out!
Cleaning & Facility Care
Deep cleaning of classrooms.
Floor refinishing in tiled areas.
Carpet extraction cleaning in classrooms and Social Hall.
Painting, vent cleaning, and light bulb replacement.
Cleaning desks, tables, and chairs throughout the school.
Flooring Updates
Grounds & Outdoor Improvements
Repairing the detention pond retaining wall. Power washing and algae treatment on the north side of the school and gym
Exploring ways to restore grass on the playground and soccer field
Landscaping improvements for the island between the upper and lower parking lots
New f looring projects are planned for:
Teacher’s lounge
Science/7th grade classroom
PTO closet
Copy room
Music room
Church and side chapel carpeted areas
Volunteer Opportunities
We hope to host an August service workday for students and parishioners to assist with painting, landscaping, clean-up, and other projects. Volunteers are welcome all summer! Contact Brad Roder at broder@gsshawnee org
From service, prayer, praise, and worship, to slip-n-slides and food fights, youth ministry at Good Shepherd does it all! Here’s just a sneak peek from the last year with JHigh and Oasis.
CYO
WITH THANKS TO ALL WHO PARTICIPATED AND SUPPORTED CYO SPORTS THIS YEAR!
SCHOOL NEWS: Sending Forth the Class of 2026 in Faith and Joy
As the school year comes to a close, we congratulate the Good Shepherd Class of 2026 on their graduation and all they accomplished during their final year.
This class will be remembered for many things, but especially for their friendship, energy, and the fun they brought to our school each day. They supported one another, made memories together, and truly enjoyed being together as a class.
Their final months at Good Shepherd were filled with special moments. One highlight was their class production of Frozen, which was absolutely amazing. The students put so much work into the performance, and their talent, humor, and confidence were on full display for the entire community to enjoy.
This spring, the students also celebrated the Sacrament of Confirmation with Archbishop Joseph Naumann and Archbishop Shawn McKnight. It was a meaningful day for the students and their families as they continued to grow in their faith.
The class retreat helped round out their final year together, giving students time to reflect, pray, laugh, and enjoy one last experience as a class before graduation. We also celebrated them with a special Mass and breakfast banquet to honor their years at Good Shepherd and all they have meant to our community.
The Class of 2026 will continue their journeys at St. Thomas Aquinas High School, St. James Academy, Bishop Miege High School, Shawnee Mission Northwest High School, Shawnee Mission South High School, and St. Teresa's Academy.
We are proud of this outstanding group of young people and grateful for the joy they brought to our school
P a r i sh i o n e rs !
Paul & Emily Como
Daniel & Megan Dougherty
William and Laurel Reeves
Brent & Yamilet Gilchrist
Kelly and Susie O”Malley
Adriana Cruz
Gustavo & Sandra Lee Martinez Family
Chase & Sarah Cowley
Paul & Brianna Daly
Leonard & Agatha Licausi Family
Michael & Riley Bailie
Michael & Judith Rivera
Alex & Kate Dieker
Alexander & Bailey Potts Family
James & Michelle Kaiser
Robert & Jennifer Oldaker Family
Richard & Dianne Akinlalu
Gregory & Molly Fiorentino
Andres Garibay
Wiley & Maggie Lundy
Griffin & Caitlin Albaugh Family
Brienna Bustamante Family
Christhian Chau
Kate Stewart
James & Ginna Wallace
Zachary & Erin Hart Family
Camron & Barbary McGovern Family
Elida Perez Family
Erik & Michelle Sanchez Family
Karen Yamileth & Oscar Iglesias Family
Oscar &; Hilda Caballero Family
Astrid Grado
Misdelia Rasco Family
Alvaro & Beneranda
De La Rosa Family
Gregorio & Damita Flores
Thais L. Bejarano de Machado & Adan Machado Gonzalez
Leslie Green
Richard Mettee
Bernard Schroeder
Derrell Southern
JoAnn Hootz Wayne & Jill Weidhaas Family
As the days grow longer and the pace of life begins to shift, let’s pause and ask God’s blessing on this summer season.
Loving God,
Creator of every season and source of every good gift, we thank You for the warmth of summer, for longer days, shared meals, laughter, travel, rest, and the beauty of Your creation all around us.
Bless our parish family during these summer months. Be with those who will travel and those who will stay close to home.
Refresh those who are weary, comfort those who are lonely, and strengthen all who continue to work, serve, and care for others.
Bless our children and young people with joy and safety. Guide families in times of togetherness and growth.
Watch over those facing illness, hardship, uncertainty, or loss, and remind them that they are never far from Your love.
Help us to notice You in simple moments: in sunshine and rain, in quiet mornings and busy gatherings, in acts of kindness, friendship, and welcome.
May this summer be a season of renewal for our hearts, deepening our faith, renewing our hope, and drawing us closer to one another and to You.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.