Humility, Hope and Steel Beams

Dear Friends,

What a great time to be Catholic – and a Catholic living in the United States. Contemplating a man born on the South Side of Chicago stepping out into the central loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica is something I’ll never forget; it was very emotional for me. Let us continue our prayers – and growing in our affection – for Pope Leo XIV.

(On a side note, it was in the summer of 2005, volunteering and living with the Claretians in South Chicago – and, yes, attending White Sox games – that I first began contemplating joining the seminary.)

In the Spring of 2025, with Pope Leo XIV’s first day on the throne of St. Peter, we lowered the steel beams into our sanctuary for the choir loft and the domed apse above the altar (check out the video below). How beautiful it was seeing the American flag blowing in the wind next to the Vatican flag.

One wonders: What effect will Pope Leo have on our beautiful country? What will the Holy Spirit be doing in our Country?

Too, how beautiful is the view of our parish in Legacy Park?! Lee’s Summit has a bold vision, and we are grateful to be a part of it. Our eyes are also fixed on the city around us as it continues to grow. Only God can write straight with the crooked lines of our histories. The pandemic took a toll on many institutions around the world. And yet, here we are, humbled and yet full of hope, and asking God to continue to strengthen our faith and love.

Consider joining our mission going forward, and continue your prayers for us.

In Christ, Fr. Adam Haake