You might have noticed in the news or simply by driving around Olathe, that we are becoming a much more diverse community. Olathe is known as one of the best places in our country for millennials because of our economic opportunities, quality schools and lower average cost of living and because of our diversity of race. Our parish Pastoral Council as well as a special delegation that is preparing for our Archdiocesan Convocation on Evangelization has recently reviewed and discussed data about Olathe and Prince of Peace.
It is interesting to note that in our parish boundaries, 76% of residents are White, 8% Hispanic/Latino, 6% Asian and 6% Black/African. The Archdiocese and the Johnson County Catholic Churches have come up with a regional plan for Hispanic ministry which has designated three parishes as “hubs” for Hispanic ministry: Holy Cross, Good Shepherd and St. Paul’s, here in Olathe. These parishes in addition to hosting Masses in Spanish, offer many other opportunities in ministry to the Hispanic Community.
Recently, I was approached by members of our parish who were interested in Prince of Peace being a host parish for NAACUS (National Association of African Catholics in the United States). Currently in our Archdiocese, the majority of African Catholics are from Ghana, Nigeria, Congo, Kenya, Sudan, and Tanzania, where many have formed small communities in various parishes. They would like to be able to bring African families together in one place for worship and support, since many are alone and in need of a faith community. It can be more difficult to reach out to many from Africa because there are over 2,000 languages spoken. Like many other immigrants and refugees who come to America, they are being approached by evangelical churches who reach out to them specifically.
With the blessing of Archbishop Nauman, we have agreed that Prince of Peace will be the host parish for NAACUS. The leaders of NAACUS, many who are members of Prince of Peace, hope to develop an umbrella body to help the various communities to form and integrate into their local parishes. Currently, our
Archdiocese has several priests from Africa who will come to celebrate Mass on the first Sunday of every month beginning on July 7. The Mass will
incorporate African cultural dance and dress, and styles of music in worship. They will gather for fellowship at times as well. Anyone is invited to attend.
The word Catholic means universal, and it is one of the greatest blessings of our Church that we are so diverse and welcoming. Please join me in praying that NAACUS here in Olathe and the Archdiocese will help to minister to many of our brothers and sisters in the faith.