Our Lady of Perpetual Help
History of Our Lady & St. Rose starts back to February, 1924, when Fr. Angelus Schaefer, OFM was sent to establish the very first parish for Black Catholics in what is now the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas and then was named Our Lady of Perpetual Help. Despite the fact that he had been ordained less than a year, Fr. Angelus was selected for the mission in part because of the interest he had shown in ministry to blacks as a seminarian. Of the many organizations formed in the years of Fr. Angelus’s Pastorship – and they ranged from the traditional Altar Society and Holy Name Society to a St. Vincent de Paul Society and a Sodality of the Blessed Virgin – the one that was arguably the most influential down through the years was the Knights of Peter Claver. Fr. Angelus was the pillar of the church and community from 1924-1943. |
St. Rose of Lima
The current church was dedicated in 1921. The school was in operation and donated 2 of the stained glass windows for the church. Students played in the park across the street. Our early history is being researched and written. We welcome visitors who were members of St. Rose of Lima and their families. Please share your stories with us by emailing or mailing them to us. |
Our Lady & St. Rose
On September 13, 1968, in the edition of the Eastern Kansas Register, the official announcement of the unification of Our Lady of Perpetual Help and St. Rose of Lima was made, effective September 24, 1968. It was reported the congregation of Our Lady numbered about 250. At that time, the new name of the combined churches was changed to Our Lady & St. Rose.
Between 1994-1995 the parish office of Our Lady & St. Rose was moved to Blessed Sacrament facility and began the sharing of the new pastor, Fr. Bill McEvoy. Looking to the future, Fr. Bill said, “It is true that the parishioners of Our Lady of Perpetual Help have come this far by faith. The roots of their faith run very deep. That vibrant faith, which has been their strength through many generations, will see them through. God will never let you down.”
Our Lady & St. Rose is still the beacon on the hill at 8th & Quindaro Blvd in Kansas City, Kansas!
On September 13, 1968, in the edition of the Eastern Kansas Register, the official announcement of the unification of Our Lady of Perpetual Help and St. Rose of Lima was made, effective September 24, 1968. It was reported the congregation of Our Lady numbered about 250. At that time, the new name of the combined churches was changed to Our Lady & St. Rose.
Between 1994-1995 the parish office of Our Lady & St. Rose was moved to Blessed Sacrament facility and began the sharing of the new pastor, Fr. Bill McEvoy. Looking to the future, Fr. Bill said, “It is true that the parishioners of Our Lady of Perpetual Help have come this far by faith. The roots of their faith run very deep. That vibrant faith, which has been their strength through many generations, will see them through. God will never let you down.”
Our Lady & St. Rose is still the beacon on the hill at 8th & Quindaro Blvd in Kansas City, Kansas!