10 Surprising Facts And Key Updates About Christ The King Catholic Church Topeka You Need To Know In 2025
As of December 24, 2025, Christ the King Catholic Church continues its mission as a vibrant spiritual hub in the heart of Topeka, Kansas, serving as a cornerstone for faith and community life in Shawnee County. This comprehensive guide provides an up-to-date look at the parish’s current leadership, its deep-rooted history, and the essential ministries that make it one of the most active Catholic communities in the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas. This is not just a review of schedules; it is an in-depth exploration of the people, programs, and milestones shaping the parish's future.
The parish is more than a building; it is a dynamic spiritual family committed to Catholic education and outreach, with recent news highlighting significant pastoral transitions and the continued success of its elementary school. From new clergy assignments announced by the Archdiocese to the enduring legacy of its founding, Christ the King Parish offers a rich tapestry of faith for both long-time residents and newcomers seeking a welcoming faith community.
Current Leadership and Pastoral Staff Profile (2025)
The spiritual guidance and administrative stability of Christ the King Parish are overseen by a dedicated team of clergy and lay staff. The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas has recently confirmed new assignments, ensuring the parish remains focused on its core mission of evangelization and service. This is the leadership team guiding the parish through 2025 and into the new year:
- Pastor: Father Anthony Ouellette. Father Ouellette was recently appointed to the role of Pastor of Christ the King Parish, moving from Holy Name of Jesus Parish in Kansas City, Kansas. His installation marks a new chapter of leadership and spiritual development for the community.
- Parochial Vicar: Father Thomas Maddock. Fr. Maddock serves alongside the Pastor, assisting with the sacramental life, spiritual direction, and daily operations of the parish.
- Former Pastor (Recent): Father Matthew Schiffelbein. While pastoral assignments shift, Fr. Schiffelbein was previously listed as the Pastor, reflecting the recent changes in clergy assignments across the Archdiocese.
- Deaconate: Deacon Chris Seago and Deacon John Langer. The deacons play a crucial role in ministry, assisting at Mass, performing baptisms, and providing service to the community.
- Key Lay Staff: Michael Podrebarac. Mr. Podrebarac is listed as the Steward of the parish, often involved in promoting the stewardship and volunteer efforts central to the church's mission.
These dedicated individuals ensure the parish continues to be a welcoming place for all to encounter Jesus Christ through the sacraments and community life. The frequent updates in the clergy assignments, often reported in publications like The Leaven Catholic Newspaper, highlight the dynamic nature of the Archdiocese's commitment to serving its parishes.
The Deep Roots: Christ the King Parish's History and Milestones
Christ the King Catholic Church, established relatively recently compared to some older Topeka parishes, has a history of rapid growth and community focus, making it a modern success story within the Archdiocese. Its foundation was a direct response to the expanding Catholic population in Shawnee County.
A Timeline of Key Milestones:
- 1961: The parish's commitment to Catholic education began early. Christ the King Catholic School opened its doors on September 5, 1961, serving two hundred students across grades one through four. This immediately established the importance of education as a core ministry.
- 1980: The official founding and construction of the church community. On July 20, 1980, the newly constructed Parish Center was blessed by Archbishop Strecker, and the first Mass was celebrated on the premises.
- First Pastor: Father John B. Yadrich was appointed as the first Pastor, overseeing the initial growth of the community, which began with 585 registered families.
- Rapid Expansion: Within just four years of its founding, the parish had already experienced significant growth, a testament to the strong faith and dedication of the Topeka Catholic community.
This historical context reveals a parish built on the dual pillars of spiritual worship and educational excellence. The church’s location at 5973 SW 25th Street, Topeka, KS, places it centrally for many families, continuing its role as a beacon of faith on the western side of the city.
Essential Ministries and Community Outreach: The Heart of CTK Topeka
Christ the King Parish is renowned for its active engagement in the greater Topeka community and the depth of its internal spiritual ministries. These programs provide numerous opportunities for parishioners to share their time and talent, embodying the call to service.
The Christ the King Elementary School (CTK School)
The school remains the most significant apostolic work of the church. It offers a comprehensive K-8 education rooted in Catholic tradition, serving as a ministry to both parish families and the wider Topeka community. With a favorable student-teacher ratio, the school provides a nurturing environment for students to learn and grow with God, continuing its tradition that began in 1961.
Unique Spiritual and Outreach Programs
The parish hosts a diverse array of activities that cater to various spiritual needs and community service commitments, ensuring every member can find a path to engagement:
- Catholic Charities Food Drive: A vital part of the parish’s regional and community outreach, the food drive is a regularly scheduled event, often held before all Masses, to collect essential items for the less fortunate in the area.
- Monica Ministry: This dedicated prayer group focuses on praying for the return of family members and friends to the active practice of the Catholic faith. It is a powerful example of the community's commitment to internal spiritual support.
- Aubry's Angels Rosary Garden: This beautiful, dedicated space on the parish grounds offers a quiet retreat for prayer, particularly the Rosary, and serves as a sacred place for reflection and intercession.
- BSA Scout Troop 11: The parish sponsors the local Boy Scouts of America (BSA) Troop 11, which engages young men in leadership development, outdoor activities, and crucial community service projects.
- Volunteer Opportunities: The parish actively encourages volunteering across numerous areas, from liturgical roles to administrative support, making it easy for members to get involved in parish life.
Connecting with Christ the King: Mass Schedules and Sacramental Life
The liturgical life is the center of the parish. While specific Mass times are best confirmed by checking the most recent weekly bulletin—which is often updated right up to December 2025—the church offers a consistent schedule of weekend and daily Masses, Confession, and Eucharistic Adoration.
For those interested in visiting or becoming a part of the Christ the King family, the parish office serves as the central point of contact. The staff is ready to assist with registration, sacramental preparation, and general inquiries. The parish’s commitment to providing up-to-date information through platforms like Parishes Online ensures that both parishioners and visitors can easily access the latest happenings and schedules.
Christ the King Catholic Church stands as a testament to the enduring faith and community spirit of Topeka. From its dedicated clergy like Father Anthony Ouellette and Father Thomas Maddock to the hundreds of families involved in its school and ministries, the parish continues its mission to lift all people through the power of prayer and service, making it a true spiritual pillar in Shawnee County.
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