St. Rosalia Center opens as generational project for Kansas City’s Northeast neighborhoods

The St. Rosalia Center, adjacent to Holy Cross Catholic School in Northeast Kansas City, has been officially cleared for occupancy and is now open to the community.

This new building houses a fully licensed early childhood center with classrooms for preschool, kindergarten and first grade. Also included in the 16,000 square foot building is a gym and performance area for athletic events, musical performances, receptions, and other community gatherings.  Additionally, the building features a specifically designed storm shelter that can withstand 250 mile-per-hour winds. This is the first storm shelter of its caliber in a small school in Kansas City. A.L. Huber is the general contractor.

“This is the first new construction project in the area in a generation and will have a positive impact on the community for generations to come,” said Bishop James Johnston, Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph. “The St. Rosalia Center offers a safe and enriching gathering place for the Holy Cross School and Parish community as well as the surrounding neighborhood.”

Holy Cross Catholic School is one of three Catholic elementary schools in the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph supported by the Bright Futures Fund. The building was originally scheduled for occupancy in August 2024 but permitting delays following the May 2024 “topping off” ceremony have kept the building closed to students and the community.

Angela Laville, diocesan finance officer, said, “The saying ‘it takes a village to raise a child’ is true from many perspectives. In constructing this building for the future of the youth in Kansas City, it truly did take a village. Donors, contractors and subcontractors comprised the majority of the village; however, from an administration perspective, others contributed immensely. There was an issue of payment between a contractor and subcontractor that placed the permitting on hold. We send great appreciation to the City of Kansas City, Missouri for working with us so that this building will be filled with the sounds and joy of children.”

The new center is named in honor of St. Rosalia of Palermo, Italy, and the late Rosalie Ross, in gratitude for her many years of service and dedication to Holy Cross Church and school community.

Shelley Henn, Holy Cross School principal, said, “The St. Rosalia Center is a powerful reflection of our commitment to faith, education, and community. This new space will allow us to better serve our students and families by expanding early childhood education, providing a safe and welcoming gathering place, and strengthening the sense of connection that defines Holy Cross. We are deeply grateful for the support that made this long-awaited project a reality.”

In addition to the center, non-construction improvements have also been completed, including curriculum upgrades and school safety improvements. Together, these investments are designed to help ensure sustainability and growth in the Holy Cross community for the next 30 years.

About the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph

The Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph was established in 1956 when the Dioceses of Kansas City (founded in 1880) and St. Joseph (founded in 1868) were combined. Led by Bishop James V. Johnston, Jr., the Diocese is home to more 150,000 Catholics in 80 parishes and 8 missions across 27 counties in northern and western Missouri. Under the guidance of Bishop Johnston, the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph continues its mission to announce the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to live and serve in charity in northern and western Missouri. kcsjcatholic.org

About Bright Futures Fund

The Bright Futures Fund is an independent 501(c)3 corporation within the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph. Building on a 30+ year history, the Bright Futures Fund provides a Catholic education for children at three schools in Kansas City’s urban core: Our Lady of Hope, Holy Cross and Our Lady’s Montessori. The Bright Futures Fund also serves as the facilitator of the MO Scholars Program for Catholic schools in the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph and the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau. brightfuturesfund.org