Sister Clare Gappa coordinates the planning of adult
education offerings. These are of a wide variety and
attempt to meet the needs and suggestions presented by
parish members.
The process whereby individuals
prepare for membership in the Catholic Church is the
Catechumenate. It focuses on ongoing conversion and
growth in response to God’s Call to the individual.
Members of the parish are involved as worshiping
community, sponsors, and in many other ways. Sessions
are held weekly. Sister Clare Gappa leads the
Catechumenate, assisted by a team of dedicated
parishioners. This process is for adults (un-baptized or
baptized) who wish to learn about the Catholic Faith. We
also have a “Children’s Catechumenate” for youth of
catechetical age who have not been baptized.
We join with three other parishes to
offer Catholic Education to the children of our parish.
Our Lady of Peace School, located at 105th and Grandview
Road, offers Pre-School through Eighth grade classes, as
well as an after-school program. Ms. Barbara McCormack
is principal. You are encouraged to call the Parish
Office or the School Office (816 – 761 – 5605) for more
information.
Our School of Religion serves the
children of the parish, first grade through junior high.
We invite and encourage our 7th and 8th grade students
to continue their studies in School of Religion. This is
in addition to the Junior High Youth Ministry that meets
on Wednesday evenings.
Grades 1 – 8 meet weekly on Monday evenings from 7:00 to
8:00 PM from September to May. Preparation for First
Communion and First Reconciliation are part of this
program.
We attempt to give each student a vital experience of
his/her faith. Our classes are staffed by volunteer
catechists and assistants. We are always happy to
welcome new students to our program, even those with no
previous religious education. They will usually be
placed in their appropriate grade level and receive any
special attention that is necessary. Moya Frederickson
is the Director of Religious Education.
Come share God’s Word – Join with
fellow parishioners in coming to a fuller understanding
of the Scriptures. Scripture Study is offered on the 2nd
and 4th Sunday of the month at 9:30 AM.
Our Youth Ministry strives to meet
relational, spiritual, and emotional needs of our youth,
grades 7 through 12. Seasonal ministry for our college
age young adults is also provided. Our parish youth
ministry is coordinated by Deacon Ken Fuenfhausen.
Each Sunday, there are activities
scheduled for our high school youth. The variety of
activities includes: youth evenings (which deal with
topics of faith and personal growth), and trips to local
attractions. Special annual events include a June canoe
trip, lock-in/retreat, weekend retreat, sports lock-in
at William Jewel College, and a week log mission trip to
Appalachia. Monthly service projects are also scheduled.
High school youth also gather each Tuesday year-round
for Prayer Breakfast, 6:45 – 7:15 AM. Continental
breakfast is served along with great fellowship and a 20
minute prayer service. Since December, 1984, prayer
breakfasts have been a great way to begin the day. Rides
to school are available.
Confirming Faith is our confirmation
preparation program. Through this program, a participant
is immersed in the ongoing life of the high school youth
community. Any youth entering grades 10 through 12 is
welcome to join Confirming Faith in September and
receive the Sacrament of Confirmation in the spring of
the following year.
Our Junior High Ministry begins in
grade 7. Junior high youth gather each 2nd, 4th, and 5th
Wednesdays. Topics of faith and personal growth are
explored most evenings, interspersed with community
building activities (mini-golf, hayride, etc.) and
service opportunities. Most Wednesdays, the time for
junior high is 7:00 – 9:00 PM with the gym open at 6:30.
Ninth Graders are offered the unique
opportunity to be active in both high school and junior
high activities.
