Fr. Jaime Zarse was ordained on May 24, 2014. During his first few years as a priest, he served the Topeka area from 2014-2018 as associate pastor at Christ the King, chaplain of Hayden Catholic High School, and chaplain of TCF Women’s Correctional Facility. In 2018, Fr. Zarse became the pastor of Sacred Heart in Sabetha, St Augustine in Sabetha, and St James in Wetmore, where he served through June of 2023. He was also the director of Totus Tuus during that time.

Fr. Zarse became pastor at Sacred Heart of Jesus in Shawnee on July 1, 2023. He arrived in awe of the beautiful, newly renovated church, and was immediately impressed with the first-class staff at Sacred Heart who are smart, hungry and humble, Fr. Zarse is excited about the organizational health of the parish and by seeing the living faith in the pews.

Since high school I have grown in my love for and my desire to serve the church and I am blessed to serve her with new zeal and new grace through ordination.

As a Deacon I have the great honor to have a dual vocation to matrimony and ordained ministry. My wife, Brenda, and I have been married for 14 years and she has journeyed with me in both vocations. It is both an honor and difficult; yet I rely on Jesus to guide me and work through me. Through the years of youth ministry, theological formation and prayer, God has made the Eucharist the most important part of my faith. In fact, the body, blood, soul and divinity of Jesus is THE reason I am Catholic and why I desire to share faith with all of you.

Through the ministries of baptismal prep, convalidation prep, spiritual mentorship, RCIA and the celebrations of baptisms and Mass, I love to teach the faith and assist the Holy Spirit in His work of converting hearts and saving souls.

"Do not conform yourselves to this age but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and pleasing and perfect" —Romans 12:2

Carson joined the Sacred Heart of Jesus staff in the summer of 2024 after graduating from Kansas State University (Go Cats). Carson had a love for his faith growing up in the awesome town of Hays, KS, but it wasn’t until his time at the St. Isidore’s Catholic Student Center that he truly placed Jesus at the throne of his heart and dedicated his time to mission.

While getting involved at St. Isidore’s, he worked for K-State Athletics as a crew member on ESPN+ live-streams and video board shows. Through this he got gigs with ESPN and FOX to assist in national broadcasts. However, as fun as he found it, he never felt fulfilled and realized there was a greater good for the gifts and skills he had been developing. Carson started working at St. Isidore’s, serving as talent on and occasionally producing the Konza Catholic Podcast, making videos, doing photography, and whatever else was needed to help the student center thrive.

Now at Sacred Heart, Carson is excited to create media for the Catholic Church that works for the betterment and salvation of souls, invest in others, and go on mission.

“It was the best decision I’ve ever made!” says, Jessica Adams, Marketing Coordinator, regarding her decision to leave the corporate world and point her career toward ministry. After attending Christ Renews His Parish at Sacred Heart in 2014 she felt God calling her to something more.

Jessica joined Sacred Heart in November of 2015. She provides ministry and marketing support for Sacred Heart by managing all communications channels such as the bulletin, weekly emails, website, social media and photography.

Raised in Kentucky, Jessica loves the “small town” feel of Shawnee and our incredible Sacred Heart community. She comes to us with a Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations from Eastern Kentucky University, and a background in direct marketing as well as product marketing and design.

Living in Seattle for close to 8 years, she is a big Seahawks fan (sorry Chiefs fans) and more than anything, loves being a Mom to her 4 children and a Wife to her husband, Mike.

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing” Romans 15:13

I was raised in the Topeka area but have lived in Johnson County since 1988. I spent 30 years in Civilian and Military Law Enforcement and the last 11 years in IT. My duties ranged from police work to project management to IT support. I was raised in a Catholic family but really started living my faith over the last decade or so. I’ve wanted to keep close to the church and God provided the opportunity to leave the private sector to become the Director of Facilities and Management at Sacred Heart. I’ll be managing the maintenance and custodial staff while overseeing and planning the upkeep of the Sacred Heart property. Additionally, I’ll be implementing the safety and security of the facilities and the people who are on the property.

I’ve been married to Amy since 1999 and we have two children. Lindsay attends Kansas State University (Go Cats!) and Stephen attends St. James Academy (Go Thunder!). We’ve been parishioners at Sacred Heart since 2005. It brings me great pleasure to keep God’s house in order for all who visit.

I was born in Chicago, IL but grew up in Baldwin, KS from 8-years old on. I attended Kansas State to get a degree in Elementary Education, only to discover while student teaching that God had other plans for me. After a two-year stint in Senegal, West Africa, serving as a Rural Health Educator in the Peace Corps, I started a fascinating career in fundraising here in KC. The Lord certainly does work in mysterious ways!

I was raised Methodist but was floundering until I met my now wonderful husband, Brian, who introduced me to the Church. After completing RCIA in 2013, I have never looked back! When the opportunity arose to become the Stewardship and Development Director for our Sacred Heart Parish, I graciously accepted it, realizing how good it feels to use the talents God has given me for the Lord!

Brian and I have been married since 2014 and joined the Sacred Heart Parish in 2017. We have been blessed with two beautiful souls (most of the time), Ruby and Josie, both of whom are currently attending elementary school at SHOJ.

"You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God." 2 Corinthians 9:11

If asked in college what Julie Krause would be doing now, she doubts she would have said she would be working for Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church as the Business Manager. Growing up in a rural community, Julie’s family made their faith life an integral part of their lives so it seemed natural when her and her family moved to Shawnee in 1998, she immediately started volunteering at Sacred Heart.

She handles all things “business” for the parish. Since 2000, she has witnessed the great growth (both parishioners and physical space) of Sacred Heart but also has met and worshiped with amazing people that love, honor and serve our Lord. SHoJ rocks!!!

A native of Elgin, Nebraska (yep, folks, she is a Cornhusker!), she graduated with a business and finance degree from the University of Nebraska-Kearney and received her Master of Business Administration in Finance from the University of St. Mary. She has been married to Kevin since 1985 and has three children, Annie (Tony), Abbie (Trey) and Austin (Mary Kate). In 2016, she got promoted to “JuJu” and happily spends her spare time with her grandchildren: Henry, Daniel, Augustine, Chiara Luce, Peter, Joseph Anthony (our Saint in Heaven) and Benjamin.

“This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice in it and be glad.” —Psalm 118:24

Jennifer is a life-long member of Sacred Heart of Jesus and is blessed to come from a family of Sacred Heart parishioners dating back two generations.

When the opportunity to join the parish staff came about, Jennifer said “My heart was desiring something more than just a job. Not only did I hear God calling me to the staff, but I also felt Him embracing me and reminding me that Sacred Heart has been my “home” since I was a newborn. God called me to fill my spiritual cup by serving Him and our parish. Without a doubt, I am right where I belong.”

Prior to joining the parish staff, Jennifer spent two decades working in the corporate world primarily focusing on Human Resources management.

Jennifer’s family includes her husband, Henry, and their three adult children Rachel, Dalton, and Kayce. Besides spending time with her family, Jennifer enjoys cooking, baking, playing with her dogs, and traveling anywhere with sunshine and a beach.

Jennifer feels extremely blessed to be part of the parish staff and to get to spend her days surrounded by others who share deeply in her faith.

I’m a little pencil in the hand of a writing God, who is sending a love letter to the world.
— Saint Teresa of Calcutta

Sarah joined the Sacred Heart of Jesus staff excited to contribute to a parish that she has called home since her Baptism as an infant in 2001. She was blessed to attend Sacred Heart Grade School and to help with Confirmation preparation in the parish throughout her High School years.

Sarah graduated from Benedictine College in 2023 where she studied Math and Theology. After a year of teaching both subjects, she felt honored to begin to work for the parish that played a crucial role in her own formation in the faith. As the parish Bookkeeping Specialist, she combines both her love of Math and Theology in an authentically Catholic environment.

Sarah is married to her wonderful husband Connor and together they are excited for their family to grow from two to three in November 2024. In her free time, Sarah enjoys running, hiking, drinking coffee, learning new things, and spending time with loved ones.

I was born and raised as a “cradle Catholic” in East Moline, IL, with parents who made it a priority to attend Mass EVERY week, no matter what. I remember from childhood on, being marched up to the FRONT pew by my grandma. Not only did we have to sit up front, she was the LOUDEST pray-er in the whole church. I was mortified. It took a long time for me to really “get” her and her deep faith. She taught my mom, and she taught me! And guess what…now I march up front, just like she did!

I have 2 grown children, and sorry to say, no grandchildren. Fortunately, I have friends who let me “borrow” their little ones. I worked for John Deere for 41 years. After 34 years in Illinois, I was transferred here to finish out my career. After enjoying 7 years of retirement, I was recently given the opportunity to join the SHOJ staff as the Liturgy Coordinator. Already being a daily Mass goer, EME, and daily and weekend Sacristan, it made sense to take it a step further. I can honestly say that I am honored to fill this position. I love our Lord, I love our Catholic Church, and I love the Eucharist! My fervent prayer is, with His help, to please Him in every aspect of the Liturgy.

…But God proves his love for us in that while we were sinners Christ died for us. –Romans 5:8

Emily and her husband, Scott, joined Sacred Heart parish in 2006 and are blessed with three beautiful children. Emily was born in San Angelo, Texas but grew up in Wichita, Kansas. She comes from a big Catholic family, almost all of which attended Kansas State University. She followed in their footsteps and graduated from Kansas State in 2003 with a degree in Public Relations.

In May of 2016, Emily began to pray that God would transform her life, and within weeks Emily accepted the position of Director of Religious Education. “The Lord most certainly had a plan…far better than anything I could have planned for myself. This ministry has blessed me in more ways than I could ever explain. My prayer is that it will do the same for the ALL of the families enrolled in our School of Religion program.” Emily has been Director of Religious Education at Sacred Heart since July 2016, and First Sacraments Coordinator since 2018.

Tara is a cradle Catholic originally from Harrisonville, MO. She attended Marquette University in Milwaukee for her Accounting degree. Her career has taken her to Milwaukee; Melbourne, Australia and Chicago before coming back to the KC Metro, where she met her husband, Tim.

After 20 years in public accounting she resigned, not sure what was next, but trusting that God had something in store. During her time at home focused on her family, she prayed for God to use the gifts and talents that He has blessed her with to serve Him. Her prayers were answered in August 2021, when I was hired as the Hospitality Coordinator position here at Sacred Heart!

Tara says, “It absolutely fills my cup to serve this Parish family! My focus here at Sacred Heart is hospitality and fellowship! My goal is to find ways for people to truly feel welcome and connected to this amazing community through our Greeters and Information Desk at Masses, Social/Fellowship events, New Parishioner Welcome, Social Seniors, the Annual Golf Tournament and Brown Bottle Auction!”

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future”. Jeremiah 29:11

I am overjoyed to begin this chapter of my life and especially at my home parish where I have spent so many years volunteering, forming beautiful friendships, raising my children, growing in faith and fostering my relationship with Christ. I am humbled to accept this position as RCIA and Adult Retreat Coordinator. I look forward to the opportunity to walk with those individuals interested in entering our Catholic Church, sharing and teaching the truths of our faith with them and their sponsors. I also look forward to bringing others into a real and profound encounter with Christ through our many retreat opportunities.

I have been blessed to work over the last 25 years as a physical therapist. I am a people person and I have so enjoyed serving my patients, empowering them and improving their well-being. However, over the last few years, I had felt God calling me to serve Him in a different way. I didn’t know exactly how but I was feeling very unsettled so I took this to prayer. At the time, I was participating in the Consecration to St. Joseph and we were encouraged to ask something of St. Joseph, a special petition. So, I asked St. Joseph to intercede for me so that God could show me how he wanted me to best serve Him. I was so inspired by St. Joseph’s patience and reliance on the Holy Spirit. I asked for these same graces and waited. God answers prayers. This new position at SHOJ presented itself to me. And, so here I am, Lord! I am here to serve this amazing community that I call my church family.

I am blessed beyond belief with my two children, Lily and Jack. I enjoy spending time with my kids, family, friends and also enjoy cooking and flower gardening.

I have felt so welcomed to be a part of Sacred Heart of Jesus staff, I hope to extend this warmth and love to you when you call or come into the parish office. I was raised in south Kansas City, MO. I am the youngest of three girls, raised Catholic however, my faith has grown deeper after participating in Christ Renews His Parish in 2009-10, along with my spouse, our marriage, friendships, faith and devotion to our church has blossomed. I have worked as a nurse for over 20 years, with the last five years as a hospice nurse. It was during this time helping patients, families and loved ones that helped me to grow closer to Christ. Listening to our Lord, in conversation with him and learning to be still to know where his direction is for me. Through prayer, adoration, and reading scripture I felt called to leave nursing and apply for the position of Missionary discipleship administrative specialist. I am honored to be serving Christ by being the welcoming face when you come into the church office.

My husband and I met on a blind date in 1994 while attending college, we were married in 1997, we have been blessed with two children, a few dogs and fish through the years. We have loved being a part of Sacred Heart of Jesus parish since 2005. We enjoy family game nights, puzzles, watching movies, and traveling to Iowa, Minnesota, Colorado, and Florida with hopes one day to travel to Ireland. I enjoy baking, crafting and scrapbooking.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, on your own intelligence rely not; in all your ways be mindful of him, and he will make straight your paths.
— Proverbs 3:5-6

Erin was born and raised in Kansas City. She was born one of 10 children and attended St. Elizabeth’s Catholic School in KCMO and Notre Dame de Sion high school. She received her degree in Education from UMKC.

Erin met her husband John while she was coaching volleyball 27 years ago and they have been coaching together ever since. They currently are the varsity Boys’ Volleyball coaches at Bishop Miege High School. Erin and John joined the Sacred Heart of Jesus parish when they moved to Shawnee in 2023. Together they are blessed with seven children, Aurora, Zane, Zephan, Zoran, Aryanna, Zeke, and Zavier.

For most of her children’s young life Erin spent her time as a stay-at-home mom. Eventually she joined the workforce when her youngest began school. After spending many years in the corporate world as an administrative assistant and paralegal, Erin felt called to deepen her faith. “I felt a yearning in my soul to do something more meaningful with my life. When the position with Sacred Heart of Jesus Church opened, I felt that God was calling me to use my talents to serve Him and our parish. I feel so blessed to have this opportunity to help in the mission of putting hearts on a collision course with the Sacred Heart of Jesus.”

“…rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer…” Romans 12:12

Hello, my name is Emily Warn. I am from the Kansas City area and was raised Catholic. I fell in love with my faith towards the end of high school and have been seeking ways to follow the Holy Spirit on mission ever since. I have been the assistant director at a Catholic youth camp for seven years and a grade school teacher at a Catholic school for two years. My husband, Alex, and I have six wonderful sons; four of whom attend the Sacred Heart of Jesus school and two are still toddling around home. I love the School of Religion program here at Sacred Heart. I am overwhelmingly blessed to have the opportunity to take on the position of Director of Religious Education. I cannot wait to get started and get to know each of you.

In His Name,
Emily

Jen Zans is the Youth Ministry & Confirmation Coordinator and has been a member of Sacred Heart since 2018 but has been working in Youth Ministry for over 10 years. Her inspiration for Youth Ministry began with her time as a camper and staff member at Camp Tekakwitha and with the influence of her High School Campus Minister, Mary Perrini. Jen is an alumni of Benedictine College with Bachelor of Arts degrees in Youth Ministry and Psychology. After graduation, Jen help establish and co-direct a Catholic camp for Middle School students called Camp Savio and worked at a Lifeteen Summer Camp in Georgia for 5 weeks.

Jen has been married to Josh since November 2017 and they began the journey of foster parenting in August 2021. Josh also helps on the Youth Ministry Core Team. Outside of working in Youth Ministry they are involved in Teams of Our Lady and the Foster Care Ministry team at Sacred Heart.

Some of Jen’s favorite things are coffee, the outdoors, reading on her back porch and boxing at 9Round gym and taking care of the animals that show up at her doorstep.

“Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.” – St. Teresa of Calcutta

Dr. Tatiana Tessman has been a sacred musician for the past 17 years. She has served as the keyboardist for St.Lawrence KU Catholic Center, Pine Ridge Presbyterian church and University United Methodist Church to name a few. Her musical inspiration derives from the Mass, sacred music of Gregorian Chant and Baroque style. She is blessed for the opportunity to lead the music ministry at Sacred Heart of Jesus and to work with fellow musicians in getting closer to the liturgy through the beauty of the music offerings.

Dr. Tessman has performed throughout the world, claiming multiple prizes at the piano competitions including Wideman International Piano Competition and 50th World Piano Competition in Cincinnati among others. Dr. Tessman was born and raised in Russia and after completion her B.M. and M.M. in piano performance at Moscow conservatory, she moved to the United States in 2005 to continue her education firstly at ICM at Park University (Artist Diploma) and Doctoral degree at Manhattan School of Music (NYC). Her artistry has taken her to many the world’s leading venues, including The Seoul Arts Center in Korea, The Great Hall of Moscow Conservatory, Italy’s La Scala, Lincoln Center’s Alice Tully Hall and Carnegie’s Weill Hall where her performance was recorded and broadcast by New York’s WQXR Classical.

Dr. Tessman is a co-founder and the Artistic Director of MAPAA organization centered on helping the children from underserved areas to pursue education in music.

In her free time Tatiana and her husband Jesse Henkensiefken with their daughter Sophia enjoy spending time traveling, gardening and watching KU sports.

"Whoever exalts himself will be humbled; but whoever humbles himself will be exalted" Matthew 23:12

At the Gaudemaus dinner when accepting the School of Excellence award, Kathy Rhodes said, “I have asked a lot of children what they want to do when they grow up, never have I heard ‘be a Catholic School Principal’ –Boy, they don’t know what they are missing!”

Kathy has been a Catholic School principal for 17 years. She would say that her path has been a meandering one with stops in public school, private educational services, marketing and sales; but thanks to the promptings of the Holy Spirit in the Adoration Chapel, her deep love of the Catholic Faith, and her passion for education she has the joy of working with a team to lead Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic School.

Growing up on a farm in Iowa, Kathy knows the roles that a Catholic parish and school play in the life of a family. She feels blessed to be able to call working for one her career. She attended the Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Elementary School and graduated from Kuemper Catholic High School in Carroll, IA. She earned a BS in Elementary Education from Iowa State University, a MS in Curriculum and Instruction from Kansas State University and a MS in School Leadership from Benedictine College. She has been married to her KU graduate, Jason, for 31 years and they have 4 children. She enjoys all sports (especially if it involves a good tailgate), spending time with her family
(especially in Iowa) and volunteering at her parish.

“I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and your joy may be complete.” —John 15:11