Here is the latest news for the week of for July 13, 2025.
A special note of thanks to Lauren Snedden-Clinton for taking over the creation of the bulletin. Lauren has a gift and has come forward to share her gift with St. James Community as we continue our journey to be a synodal community.
Please share your thoughts!
We’re excited to walk this Synodal journey together at St. James—and your voice makes all the difference! In the weeks ahead, we’ll be inviting parishioners to share their experiences and ideas, helping us grow in faith and community. Will you spare two minutes to let us know what matters most to you?
Click HERE to share your thoughts—and thank you for being part of our story!
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We welcome anyone who can attend Sunday Mass at St. JAMES AT 10:00 A.M. Our celebrant is Fr. Garry Richmeier C.PP.S. Considering that many parishioners are still experiencing the effects of the COVID-19 virus and other infections, if you plan to join us in person, we recommend wearing a mask if you exhibit symptoms or are immunocompromised.
We continue to live stream our 10:00 a.m. Sunday Mass, reaching out to parishioners and friends who can’t attend in person. Here is the link to the live stream on our Facebook page for St. James Midtown, KC. A recording of the live-streamed Mass can also be accessed:
ST. JAMES’ COMMUNITY GARDEN UPDATE
Shhh…The first ripe tomato was picked this week. Albeit, it was a cherry tomato but more are on their way.
The Garden Gang is gathering Saturday at 10:00 am – 12:00 pm to pull and braid garlic. Produce ready for harvesting includes:
East Garden
Cherry tomatoes
South Garden
Bed 1 – Dill
Bed 8 – Kale
Bed 15 – Swiss Chard
Blackberries and Clove Currents in the perimeter raised bed
Raspberries by Troost 39’s back door.
BECOME A PRISON PEN PAL AND SHARE HOPE
Our Diocesan Office of Life and Justice is seeking compassionate individuals to join our Prison Pen Pal Ministry, a component of the MAX Prison and Jail Pastoral Program.
Why Your Letters Matter
- You’ll offer friendship and a listening ear to someone who’s isolated
- Your words can spark hope and remind them of God’s unfailing love
- You’ll build bridges of reconciliation and justice in our community
How to Get Started
- Sign up by emailing sheppard@diocesekcsj.org.
- We’ll match you with an interested inmate
- Begin exchanging letters that uplift, encourage, and transform
Your time and kindness can make a world of difference. We can’t wait to welcome you into this ministry of mercy and connection!
WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO VISIT THE ST JAMES WEBSITE REGULARLY AT www.StJKC.org and provide feedback or ideas for posts. Please send your ideas to website@stjkc.org.
MEMBERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO READ AND REFLECT ON THE READINGS BEFORE MASS.
| READINGS FOR SUNDAY, JULY 13, 2025, FIFTHTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY |
| First Reading – Deuteronomy 30:10-14: Moses urges Israel to embrace God’s commandments as something immediately accessible—already “in your mouths and in your hearts”—and to return to the Lord with wholehearted obedience.
Reflection Question: In what ways have I treated God’s commands as distant ideals rather than inviting them into my daily choices, and how might I draw them nearer to my heart and mind? Second Reading – Colossians 1:15-20: This passage declares Christ as the visible image of the invisible God—through whom and for whom all things were created, who sustains the universe, leads the church, and reconciles heaven and earth by his cross. Reflection Question: How does recognizing Jesus’ cosmic authority and reconciling work reshape the way you view your own purpose and your role in God’s unfolding story? Gospel – Luke 10:25-37: Jesus shows that true neighbor-love transcends ethnic and religious boundaries, as exemplified by the compassionate Samaritan who risks comfort and resources to care for a stranger in need. Reflection Question: Who in my life or community have I subconsciously excluded from my circle of compassion, and what practical step can I take today to “go and do likewise” for someone I’ve overlooked? |
Fr. Don Farnan has a wonderful weekly podcast that addresses important issues of the day and how they intersect with our faith. Check it out and subscribe. https://uponthisrockpodcast.buzzsprout.com/.
THE SPIRITUAL EXERCISES OF ST. IGNATIUS OF LOYOLA
What Are the Spiritual Exercises?
The Spiritual Exercises grew out of Ignatius Loyola’s personal experience as a man seeking to grow in union with God. He kept a journal as he gained spiritual insight and deepened his spiritual experience. He added to these notes as he directed other people and discovered what “worked.” Eventually, Ignatius gathered these prayers, meditations, reflections, and directions into a carefully designed framework of a retreat, which he called “spiritual exercises.”
Spiritual Exercises in Everyday Life runs from September to May.
Applications due by July 31, 2025
Are the Spiritual Exercises for You?
Contact Regina Santana at rsantana@ignatiancenterkc.org.
*Now Updated for 2025 to Reflect Recent Policy Changes
If you want to have a healthy and productive dialogue around immigration and are mindful about creating division or conflict, we developed Faith and Immigration Justice just for you. This small group program guides participants in building a community of trust where they can unravel myths, uncover the truth, and discern how their community may be called to respond to immigrants in your local community and beyond.
Join us Tuesday, July 22 at 2:30pm ET/11:30am PT for an information session and JustFaith Staff Members will provide a brief experience of the program, an overview of the content, general information, and tips for starting the program in your church, organization, or area.
Misinformation about immigration hurts all of us. Our small group program Faith and Immigration Justice gives you the tools you need to guide your church/community in dispelling harmful myths, learning what’s true, and discerning how God may be calling you to love and act.
| Anyone who is involved with children (Religious Ed., Children’s Liturgy of the Word, Sacramental Preparation) or vulnerable adults (Communion to the homebound) must participate in the Diocesan Virtus
Training. Contact Chris Dewberry, chdewbe@StJKC.org, for more information. |
ENHANCING PARISH SECURITY: A PROACTIVE UPDATE
At St. James, the safety of our community is paramount. Thanks to Peter Hughes’s leadership, the KCMO Police Department recently performed a comprehensive security assessment of our campus and delivered clear, practical recommendations:
- Increase and reinforce perimeter fencing to define secure boundaries
• Remove landscape features and obstacles that can conceal unwanted activity
• Keep grounds maintained and preserve open sightlines
We’ve engaged Envision Landscaping to care for our lawns at a highly competitive rate—just $65 per cutting, which includes mowing, trimming, and sidewalk blowing.
What’s Next? • Reviewing quotes for updated fencing and gate systems • Implementing targeted pruning and site-lighting improvements • Inviting parishioner input: have an idea or know a security vendor? Let us know!
We’ll continue to partner with law enforcement, explore every viable safeguard, and keep you fully informed. Thank you for praying, volunteering, and supporting these vital efforts. Together, we’re ensuring St. James remains a welcoming and secure place to worship and gather.
| MASS ATTENDANCE NUMBERS FOR FIRST SIX MONTHS | ||
| Year | Average Church Attendance | Average Streaming |
| 2024 | 157 | 13 |
| 2025 | 155 | 11 |
| On average, in the US, 25% to 30% of Catholics attend Mass on any given weekend, returning to pre-pandemic numbers. | ||
VOLUNTEER IN THE COMMUNITY WITH CATHOLIC CHARITIES
Join us in making a real difference—one act of kindness at a time. Whether you’re passionate about feeding families, supporting local thrift initiatives, or lending your smile at the front desk, your time changes lives.
Why Your Help Matters
Volunteering with us connects you directly to the people and neighborhoods you care about. You’ll:
- See immediate impact in clients’ lives
- Build relationships with people in need
- Strengthen community bonds right here in Kansas City
Where You Can Serve
- Assist clients and stock shelves in our vibrant Food Market
- Sort, price, and welcome shoppers at Blessings Abound Thrift Store
- Support our Driving for Hope Golf Tournament this July—holes, hospitality, and high-fives included
- Greet visitors and manage appointments as a receptionist at our new Rockhurst location
How to Get Started
- Pick the opportunity that sparks your passion.
- Email Volunteer Services at volunteers@ccharities.com.
- We’ll follow up with orientation details and your first shift schedule.
Your first step towards serving your community is just an email away!
Looking for more ways to engage?
- Share your skills in resume-building workshops
- Host a neighborhood food drive
- Bring a friend and double the impact
Ready to transform lives? Reach out today, and stay tuned for volunteer spotlights and success stories on our social channels!
THE CATHOLIC NONVIOLENCE INITIATIVE NEWSLETTER
Be part of a growing movement rooted in Gospel nonviolence. The newsletter shares inspiring stories, practical reflections, and faith-filled resources to help you live and promote peace.
How to Get Started
- Sign up to receive the newsletter straight to your inbox
- Read and reflect on powerful insights into nonviolent action
- Share what you learn with the St. James community
Together, let’s spread a message of hope and transform our world through peaceful witness! Click HERE to start receiving the newsletter.
The Diocesan Life and Justice Office Offers a New Feature: Text Messaging!
Check it out…we can now text out reminders through the month of upcoming events, volunteer opportunities with our community partners, and prayer reminders and requests from the Office of Life & Justice! We promise not to spam you, just some occasional reminders of the same great Life & Justice content, but in short text form. You can sign up a few different ways: 1. Text “Join” and your email to (816) 707-5123 2. Click the button below! |
JOHN LEWIS: JULY 17 IS THE 5TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE DEATH OF JOHN R. LEWIS, WHO DEDICATED HIS LIFE TO THE NON-VIOLENT PURSUIT OF CIVIL RIGHTS AND VOTING RIGHTS. Mr. Lewis was more than a public servant—he stood as a beacon of courage, resilience, and hope for generations striving for justice. His unwavering commitment to civil rights, demonstrated through peaceful protest and powerful oratory, left an indelible mark on the fabric of American society. Even in the face of grave adversity, John’s belief in the power of ordinary people to ignite extraordinary change never waned.
To honor his extraordinary legacy, a national organization is hosting commemorative events across the country. The Missouri Voter Protection Coalition is partnering with them to coordinate six non-partisan, non-violent events throughout Missouri. Members of LWVKC, including President Melanie Busse, are working collaboratively with other organizations to plan the Kansas City event. On Thursday, July 17, a rally will be held at the Swope Park Pavilion/Bandstand from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm.
Here is the link to participate: https://www.mobilize.us/john-lewis-actions/event/805214/