About St. Elizabeth · Kansas City, Missouri
St. Elizabeth Catholic Church is a vibrant, Christ-centered Roman Catholic parish in the Waldo neighborhood of Kansas City, Missouri, belonging to the Diocese of Kansas City–St. Joseph. Founded in 1917 by Father Edward J. Hayes, the parish serves about 945 households from a campus at the northwest corner of 75th Street and Main Street, and operates St. Elizabeth School, one of the largest ministries of the parish, as well as a thriving Parish School of Religion, OCIA (becoming Catholic) program, an El Salvador sister-parish ministry, and a Respect Life apostolate. The parish's stated mission is to celebrate the sacred liturgy and Sacraments and, through prayer and action, further God's kingdom on earth.
- Established
- 1917
- Patron
- St. Elizabeth of Hungary
- Rector
- Rev. Bob Stone (Fr. Bob Stone)
- Diocese
- Diocese of Kansas City–St. Joseph
Why belong here
St. Elizabeth offers the full rhythm of Catholic parish life for a family or individual in the Waldo neighborhood — three Sunday Masses (Saturday Vigil 4:30 pm, Sunday 7:30 and 10:00 am), weekday Mass Tuesday–Friday at 7:00 am, and a school-year 8:30 am Wednesday School Mass, plus Saturday confessions at 3:30 pm. The parish is home to St. Elizabeth School (K–8), an Early Childhood Center, a Parish School of Religion for public-school children, an OCIA process for adults becoming Catholic, Small Faith Groups, an active Knights of Columbus council, a Respect Life apostolate, and a long-standing El Salvador sister-parish ministry that has raised more than $387,000 for 1,104 youth scholarships in Romero Community and Palo Grande/Suchitoto. A welcoming pastor and deacon, hearing assistance and a sign-language interpreter at the 10:00 am Mass on the first Sunday, and a Narthex gathering space make newcomers feel at home.
Mass times at St. Elizabeth
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- Saturday 3:30 pm (in the church)
- By appointment — contact Fr. Bob
Parish History
St. Elizabeth Parish traces its origins to the summer of 1917, when 41 Waldo-area Catholics gathered at Hale H. Cook School and asked Bishop Thomas Lillis to found a parish. On September 9, 1917 — Bishop Lillis's first new parish — Father Edward J. Hayes celebrated the first Mass in a rented storefront near 75th and Wornall Road for about 150 people. The parish was named for St. Elizabeth of Hungary. After a first parcel was lost to railroad zoning, the Henry Soden family donated $10,000 toward land between Main and Baltimore, 74th–75th streets, and Long Construction Company began the mission-designed stone church in August 1921, completing the exterior by fall 1922. The interior of the first church stood unfurnished for thirteen years while plaster, pews, woodwork, altars, Stations of the Cross, confessionals, an organ, and stained glass were added between 1928 and 1932; two copper-capped stone towers (one with bells) were built and Bishop Lillis dedicated the finished church and school in April 1935, by which time the parish had grown to 265 families. By 1960 the old church was too small for 1,200 families served by four priests, and Archbishop John P. Cody directed Msgr. Schumacher to build the present church; the last Mass in the old church was Feb. 28, 1960, the cornerstone of the new church was laid Dec. 18, 1960, and the current church (designed by Shaughnessy, Bower, and Grimaldi) was dedicated Sept. 24, 1961. The 1999 'Miracle on 75' Capital Campaign refurbished the church and added an eleven-room school wing, and the 2017 Centennial Mass was concelebrated by Bishop James V. Johnston, Jr. The 2018 'Building Our Legacy' Capital Campaign added a new elevator, renovated sacristies, an updated Reconciliation Room, a Narthex gathering space, and an Early Childhood Center on the old rectory site.
- Founded Sept. 9, 1917 — Bishop Thomas Lillis's first new parish
- First Mass: rented storefront near 75th & Wornall Road, ~150 people
- Named for St. Elizabeth of Hungary
- Mission-designed stone church exterior completed 1922; interior unfinished 13 years
- First church and school dedicated April 22, 1935 (265 families)
- Old church demolished 1960; current church (Shaughnessy, Bower & Grimaldi) dedicated Sept. 24, 1961
- 'Miracle on 75' Capital Campaign, 1999
- Centennial celebrated Sept. 9, 2017 with Bishop James V. Johnston, Jr.
- 'Building Our Legacy' Capital Campaign, 2018
Pastor's Corner — Fr. Bob Stone
Father Bob Stone is the current pastor. He was born in Kansas City and raised in Independence; his family attended St. Ann's, where he also went to grade school (now closed). He attended St. John's Seminary for high school (also closed), then Conception Seminary College in northwest Missouri and Mundelein Seminary in Chicago. He was ordained June 9, 1990 — the same day Bishop James V. Johnston was ordained in Knoxville, Tennessee. In his 33+ years as a priest, Fr. Bob has served Christ the King, Immaculate Conception (Montrose), Holy Trinity (Urich), St. Catherine of Siena, Nativity of Mary, St. Bernadette, and now St. Elizabeth — every parish has had a school. He recently served as state chaplain with the Knights of Columbus and is currently a chaplain with the Jackson County Sheriff's Department.
- Ordained June 9, 1990
- Born in Kansas City; raised in Independence
- Alumnus of St. John's Seminary and Conception Seminary College, with study at Mundelein Seminary
- Prior parishes: Christ the King, Immaculate Conception (Montrose), Holy Trinity (Urich), St. Catherine of Siena, Nativity of Mary, St. Bernadette
- Chaplain, Jackson County Sheriff's Department
Parish Staff & Leadership
The parish is served by a pastor, a deacon, and a team of lay staff who direct the parish's liturgical, educational, financial, and outreach ministries.
- Fr. Bob Stone — Pastor
- Deacon Mike McLean — Pastoral Associate
- Vicky Kinney — Business Manager
- Frank Medina — Director of Stewardship and Development
- Beth Cressey — Parish Secretary
- Greta Sonnenberg — Director of Music and Liturgy
- Teresa Medina — Director of Social Services
- Mike Riley — School Principal (also listed on the school staff page)
Becoming Catholic — OCIA
The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) at St. Elizabeth follows the restored Vatican II process — about nine months of weekly classes beginning in September — for non-Catholic adults seeking to join the Church. Classes cover the history of Catholicism, Revelation, Tradition, the Bible, the Trinity, and each of the seven Sacraments, as well as prayer, community, and service. The journey includes a Rite of Welcome during Advent; the Rite of Sending, Rite of Election, and three Scrutinies during Lent; and culminates at the Easter Vigil, when unbaptized Elect and already-baptized candidates receive the sacraments of initiation. Inquiry sessions for OCIA were held August 11 and 25 in Seton Hall; the next classes begin September 2026. Contact Deacon Mike in the Parish Office.
- Weekly classes beginning September
- Rite of Welcome (Advent)
- Rite of Sending, Rite of Election, three Scrutinies (Lent)
- Easter Vigil — reception of sacraments of initiation
- Post-baptismal Mystagogia
Faith Formation for Children & Adults
St. Elizabeth offers formation for every stage of life — from the youngest parishioners to adults seeking Small Faith Group fellowship. The Parish School of Religion (PSR) is a combined home/parish family program for children in grades 1–8 who do not attend St. Elizabeth School. Parents teach their children at home each week using a diocesan-approved textbook, then gather once a month in Seton Hall from 8:45–9:45 am for a required family meeting, prayer, and group lesson. PSR is also the route for non-school children to prepare for 1st Reconciliation and 1st Eucharist (at least 2nd grade) and Confirmation (grades 6–8). Breaking Open the Word (BOW) is an age-appropriate celebration of the Liturgy of the Word for children in grades K–2, held during the 10:00 am Mass on Sundays from September through May; trained volunteer teams lead weekly sessions. Adult Faith Formation offers topical series, Bible studies, Small Faith Groups, presentations, prayer and spiritual development, and service opportunities — coordinated by Deacon Mike McLean. Small Faith Groups of 8–12 adults meet regularly to pray, learn, share, and serve, with content decided by each group (scripture, books, online material, Church documents, or prayer forms).
- Parish School of Religion (grades 1–8) — home/parish hybrid with monthly family meetings in Seton Hall
- 1st Reconciliation & 1st Eucharist preparation (at least 2nd grade)
- Confirmation preparation (grades 6–8)
- Breaking Open the Word (BOW) — K–2 Liturgy of the Word during 10:00 am Mass
- Adult Faith Formation — Bible studies, topical series, presentations, service
- Small Faith Groups (8–12 adults) meeting in person and on Zoom
St. Elizabeth School & Early Childhood Center
St. Elizabeth School has educated young people in the Waldo community since 1922, when two Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet began elementary instruction for 52 students in two small rooms at the back of the original church. The first graduating class had seven students in 1924. The stone main school building was begun in April 1927, a second floor added in 1934, and the school blessed in April 1935. Eleven rooms were added during the 1999 'Miracle on 75' Capital Campaign, and a new Early Childhood Center was built on the former rectory site during the 2018 'Building Our Legacy' campaign, putting all school children on the same side of Main Street. The school is described as Christ-centered and child-focused, with the largest ministry of St. Elizabeth Parish. The faculty's message is led by Principal Mr. Michael Riley. About 42% of faculty hold advanced degrees and 47% have over 10 years of classroom experience. Special subjects include Music, Art, Library/Technology, P.E., and Spanish.
- School opened 1922 with 52 students
- First graduating class: seven students in 1924
- Stone school building begun April 1927; second floor added 1934; blessed April 1935
- Eleven-room addition in 1999 ('Miracle on 75')
- Early Childhood Center built 2018 on the old rectory site
- Principal: Mr. Michael Riley
- Assistant Principal: Mrs. Sarah Wendt
- Inclusive Education Director: Mrs. Audrey Hihn (FIRE Foundation supported by the Knights' Irish Fest)
- Specials: Music (Mr. Trey DeBose), Art (Ms. Sarah Ferron), Library/Technology (Mrs. Toby Kneib), P.E. (Mrs. Katie Latenser), Spanish (Sr. Antonio Rojas)
- School mascot: Irish — 'Go Irish!'
El Salvador Sister-Parish Ministry
St. Elizabeth's El Salvador Ministry promotes solidarity and exchange with sister communities in El Salvador — Romero Community and Palo Grande/Suchitoto. The Youth Scholarship and Formation Program is the centerpiece: over the past 11 years the ministry has raised $387,171 and funded 1,104 scholarships for Salvadoran youth. The ministry also organizes periodic youth and adult trips (next youth trip March 10–16, 2027 — contact Jackie O'Brien at 816-547-5306 or Anne Ira at 816-914-4030; next adult trip Feb. 3–10, 2027 — contact Kerm Fendler at 913-488-7790) and supports the Center for Interchange and Solidarity (CIS), which offers online Spanish classes ($15/hour). Recent initiatives include delivering musical instruments (baritones, trumpets, saxophone, cymbals, drums) to students at the school in Cantón Las Flores, Tonacatepeque.
- Sister communities: Romero Community and Palo Grande/Suchitoto
- $387,171 raised; 1,104 youth scholarships funded over 11 years
- Youth trip: March 10–16, 2027
- Adult trip: February 3–10, 2027
- CIS Spanish classes available ($15/hour)
- Musical instruments donated to Cantón Las Flores school
Respect Life Ministry
The Respect Life Ministry (RLM) celebrates the God-given dignity of all human life from conception to natural death, supporting the Church's teaching on abortion, capital punishment, suicide, and assisted suicide. Through prayer, education, and action it seeks to build a culture of life at St. Elizabeth and in the wider community. A monthly Rosary for Life is prayed after the first-weekend Masses (after 4:30 pm Saturday, 7:30 am or 10:00 am Sunday). In October and during Lent, the ministry joins other area churches in praying the 40 Days for Life vigil in Overland Park. Each spring it runs the 'Have a Heart for Moms in Need' supply drive for Mother's Refuge and St. Mary's Home for Mothers, and it sponsors the Mother's Day Carnations sale.
- Monthly Rosary for Life (1st Sunday of the month, after 7:30 am Mass)
- 40 Days for Life vigil, Overland Park (October and Lent)
- 'Have a Heart for Moms in Need' annual supply drive (May) for Mother's Refuge and St. Mary's Home for Mothers
- Mother's Day Carnations
Knights of Columbus — Msgr. Peter R. Kennedy Council #14163
The parish Knights of Columbus council, founded in 2006, is named for Msgr. Peter R. Kennedy, the second pastor of St. Elizabeth. Members serve the parish and surrounding community through works of service and fellowship, with a commitment level that can range from a few hours a year to serving as an officer.
- Council #14163, founded 2006
- Named for Msgr. Peter R. Kennedy (second pastor)
- Events: Lenten Fish Fry, Irish Fest beer tent (benefiting FIRE Foundation & STE Inclusive Education), Mouse Races, Parish-wide Royals outing, Free Throw Tournament, Building Our Legacy Campaign, Rose for Life, Tootsie Roll handout for Special Olympics
- Contact: [email protected]
Music & Liturgy
Liturgical music at St. Elizabeth is coordinated by Greta Sonnenberg, Director of Music and Liturgy. The school also offers general Music instruction (Mr. Trey DeBose). The parish celebrates a sign-language interpreted Mass on the first Sunday of the month at 10:00 am.
- Greta Sonnenberg — Director of Music and Liturgy
- Mr. Trey DeBose — School Music
- Sign-language interpreter at 10:00 am Mass on the first Sunday
Pastors & rectors through the years
- Father Edward J. Hayes1917–1924
Founding pastor; celebrated first Mass Sept. 9, 1917 in a rented Waldo storefront for about 150 people.
- Father Peter R. Kennedyfrom 1924
Succeeded Fr. Hayes; parish had grown to about 60 families. The parish Knights of Columbus council bears his name (Msgr. Peter R. Kennedy Council #14163).
- Msgr. Schumacherserved through 1959–1961
Directed by Archbishop John P. Cody to build the current church; celebrated Solemn High Mass of Thanksgiving at the dedication Sept. 24, 1961.
- Father Ken Criqui1962–1967
Associate pastor; concelebrated the 2017 Centennial Mass.
- Father Paul Turner1979–1982
Associate pastor; concelebrated the 2017 Centennial Mass.
- Father Joe Cisetti1991–1993
Associate pastor; concelebrated the 2017 Centennial Mass.
- Father Charles Roweordained at St. Elizabeth 1999; now Vicar General of the Diocese
Concelebrated the 2017 Centennial Mass.
- Father Terry Bruce2006–2013
Pastor; concelebrated the 2017 Centennial Mass.
- Father Greg Haskampserved as pastor around the 2017 centennial
Led the 2017 centennial celebrations.
- Father Bob Stonecurrent pastor (ordained June 9, 1990)
Previously served at Christ the King, Immaculate Conception (Montrose), Holy Trinity (Urich), St. Catherine of Siena, Nativity of Mary, and St. Bernadette; former state chaplain of the Knights of Columbus and current chaplain with the Jackson County Sheriff's Department.