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Archbishop Ignatius Strecker, anticipating the eventual
need for a new parish in the rapidly expanding area of southern
Overland Park, purchased about 35 acres of land on 127th
Street between Switzer and Antioch in 1988. In July 1991,
a new parish was established and Fr. Larry Albertson, pastor
of Holy Name parish in Topeka was offered the opportunity
to build a new parish. Fr. Larry accepted the offer and
became pastor of what was commonly known as "the New
Parish in Overland Park".
For three weekends in August 1991, Fr. Larry
celebrated Mass at Holy Spirit, Holy Cross and Prince of
Peace, introducing himself, and encouraging new parishioners
to register. September and October brought two regular Sunday
Masses held at St. Thomas Aquinas High School and the formation
of a School of Religion with over 200 children enrolled.
In the following months of November and December, the Finance
and Parish/Pastoral Councils were organized, taking on the
development of a parish structure, physical needs and administration
for close to 500 families in what was now formally called
Church of the Ascension.
Growth in early 1992 included the renovation
of the parish center/rectory, organization of Liturgical
committees, our first parish picnic, and the establishment
of a Development Committee and Facilities Team to help us
devise a building plan. Soon after the one-year anniversary
of our first Masses, the parish witnessed a Religious Education
program for over 450 children, an RCIA class and the beginning
of a capital drive, Project G.R.O.W. (God Rewards Our Work)
for our new church and initial school facilities. Our parish
was now 700 families strong.
Growth and enthusiasm continued in 1993. Our
first Thank You party in January kicked off the year of
more firsts. In the spring our first RCIA class was welcomed
into the Church, and the parish received the national Mustard
Seed award for outstanding participation in the religious
education program. The Knights of Columbus officially established
their own Ascension Council, and the Women of Ascension
blossomed into an active organization. Social Concerns Committee
activated plans for interests in Respect Life; St. Mary's
Food Kitchen and other areas. Sr. Mary Cecilia Lenherr was
hired as Director of Ministry.
In the fall of 1993, the Kansas City, Kansas
Archdiocese came under new leadership with Archbishop James
Keleher being appointed. The growth of the parish continued,
with over 1000 families registered. In May of 1994 the first
Ascension parish dinner took place on Ascension Thursday.
September of 1994 brought the formation of a School Development
Committee. The School of Religion now had over 700 students
enrolled. In October of 1994, at the Fall Harvest Masses,
the parish was notified of preliminary plans to build a
$4.9 million church facility. The year 1995 brought about
a "ground-breaking ceremony" with Archbishop Keleher
officiating. The School of Religion now had over 1100 students
enrolled and the parish registry over 1450 families.
1996 began with the "First Annual Shareholder's
Day"; an event designed to inform all parishioners
of current and future plans for the parish community. On
July 15, 1996, Archbishop Keleher appointed Fr. Joseph Lopez
Associate Pastor.
The year 1997 was the year of the new church
dedication ceremony on March 2. The Ascension Catholic School
officially opened August 25th with a K-5 grade program.
In 1999 we began the third and final phase of our building.
The success of our third capital campaign, Project Finish,
was phenomenal! Our campaign began in the fall of 1998.
When our goal is met we will complete the educational and
kitchen facility. We are excited about this final phase
of our plans. So much has been accomplished in a short time
because of the generous support of our many parish members.
Today Church of the Ascension has over 2000
families, a fully accredited school, a robust School Of
Religion, dozens of organizations, liturgical and parish
ministries and an ever-growing optimism in the commitment
of our parishioners and the grace of Our Lord to bless our
Catholic community.
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