Praise and Graze events are held on Wednesday evenings for a series of 3-4 weeks. We gather at 6:00 PM in the parish hall for prayer and a hymn— "praise" followed by dinner— "graze" at 6:10 PM.
At 6:45 PM, participants are welcome to attend the faith formation session, which could include a guest speaker, Bible study, or break-out groups. Topics cover everything from witness testimonies to internet safety to Catholic family life to prayer and spirituality.
Meals are typically catered, and guests can stay for as much (or as little) of the evening as they'd like. Children are welcome to attend, and childcare is provided during the "faith formation" portion of the evening. Please check the calendar for additional details on each evening's specific schedule/event(s).
Registration is required for dinner. Donations can be made online or at the door. Click the buttons below to register or donate now.
Oct 5: Deb Niesen - Pro-Life in Kansas: Where Do We Go From Here? The bishops of Kansas said recently, "There is much more to be accomplished in helping our society see the value and dignity of every human life from conception to natural death. We trust that God will bring good out of evil. In the end, the truth wins! No matter how deep the darkness is, no matter how long it reigns, no matter how much it grows, it cannot destroy the light. Too often, it can seem that evil is winning, but we know that the darkness will never defeat the light of Christ. We will continue to preach the truth with love and place all our trust in Jesus who gives us hope. "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." John 8:12 Archdiocesan Pro-Life Ministries Consultant, Deb Neisen will share with us insight into the issues and ideas for moving in the Pro-Life movement.
Oct 12: Michael Podrebarac - Eucharistic Revival 2022 In this year of Eucharistic Revival, Archbishop Naumann has explained that “Yes, the Eucharist is the source and summit of our faith, but it’s also the source and summit of our mission. The Eucharist puts us on mission to take what we’ve received the very life of God and how He wants to take over us so that He can use us as instruments to bring His love to the world.” The Archdiocesan Consultant for Liturgy and Sacramental Life, Michael Podrebarac, will speak about the Eucharist as the source and the summit of our faith and our mission.
Oct 19: Deborah Nearmyer - Real Life, Catholic Family Life!
Debbie Nearmyer will bring inspiration and ideas for happy, holy family life! Debbie and her husband, Deacon Dana Nearmyer, have five children ranging from married young adults with families of their own to college, high school, and grade school age. Their youngest daughter, Mary, loves attending the same school as her niece! The Nearmyers have been instrumental in the faith lives of many families in the Archdiocese through their work at Church of the Nativity, Prairie Star Ranch, Camp Kateri Tekakwitha, St. James Academy, and the Office of Evangelization. Deborah is currently the Vice President of Faith & Mission at St. James Academy in Lenexa and the Director of Camp Kateri Tekakwitha in Williamsburg.
Oct 26: Dr. William O'Leary - Faith that Transforms Everyday Life William will offer concrete ways that your faith can transform your everyday life. William is continually seeking to be a faithful disciple of Jesus Christ and considers himself blessed through his marriage to Sarah and their three children. He holds undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees in Catechetics, and for over 20 years he has worked in parish ministry as a Director of Religious Education and Youth Ministry in a number of parishes. Currently, he is the Pastoral Associate for Children's Formation at the Church of Ascension in Overland Park.