Here is the latest news for the week of the NINETEENTH SUNDAY of Ordinary Time, August 10th, 2025.
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: https://stjkc.org/sundays-at-st-james.
JAMES’ COMMUNITY GARDEN UPDATE: It is hard to believe that it is already August and time to plant our fall harvest. Saturday, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm, we will be preparing beds and planting kale and collards, plus other cool-season vegetables. Produce ready to be harvested includes the following:
East Garden
- Tomatoes
- Eggplants
South Garden
- Bed 1 – Dill
- Bed 2 – Cucumbers
- Bed 8 – Kale
- Bed 15 – Swiss Chard
- Raspberries by Troost 39’s back door.
WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO VISIT THE ST JAMES WEBSITE REGULARLY At www.StJKC.org and provide feedback or ideas for posts. Please email your ideas to website@stjkc.org.
DON’T PUT ALL OF YOUR EGGS IN ONE BASKET!!!!!
Several handmade cedar baskets are still available for purchase. We won’t put all our eggs in one basket, we promise. One basket a month will be raffled off. Tickets are $1.00 and available this Sunday. Drawing happens on August 31st. Come take a peek at this month’s basket. See you Sunday!
NOURISH YOUR SPIRIT BEFORE MASS. Take a few moments to read and reflect on this Sunday’s readings. Let them speak to your heart and prepare you to enter more deeply into the celebration of the Eucharist.
First Reading – Wisdom 18:6-9: This passage emphasizes the faith, unity, and hope of God’s people as they prepared for deliverance, trusting in God’s promises and justice.
Reflection Question: It is hard seeing all the injustice in the world right now. Let God comfort your heart today by remembering that God promises true deliverance and justice. Are there ways you can remind yourself this week of God’s faithfulness and promises?
Second Reading – Hebrews 11:1–2, 8–19: This passage shows that true faith involves trusting God’s promises even without visible proof, as exemplified by Abraham and his family’s obedience.
Reflection Question: Do you need to trust God with something today? Have faith and trust that God will guide you diligently just as God guided the people of Israel and Abraham.
Gospel – Luke 12:32–48: Do not be afraid. Give to others and build true riches in God’s treasure. Where your treasure is, your heart will be also.
Reflection Question: What do you treasure? Does this treasure reflect your heart and God?
DON FARNAN HAS A WONDERFUL WEEKLY PODCAST THAT ADDRESSESimportant issues of the day and how they intersect with our faith. Check it out and subscribe https://uponthisrockpodcast.buzzsprout.com/.
Introduction to Islam: Getting Beyond the Myths presented by Biagio Mazza. This Faith Formation program of five weekly sessions on Thursdays will take place August 14 to September 11, 2025, 6:30-8pm, at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 416 SE Grand Ave, Lee’s Summit, MO 64063 (816-524-3651), https://stpaulsls.org. The program will offer a basic introduction to Islam and Muslims, exploring and addressing both beliefs and practices. These sessions will address the misunderstandings that people have of Islam and Muslims and help move beyond the myths and prejudices. To register, email Biagio at biagio46@gmail.com. Please see the attached flyer for more information.
Beyond the Bomb: Learning the Truth, Honoring Legacy, Fighting for our Future, August 9. “The harm caused by nuclear weapons begins long before they are used—starting in the communities where they are produced and the policies that prioritize them (the nukes) over human welfare.” So says the story asking you to join the teach-in/dialogue on Sat., Aug. 9, 2-4:30 pm, at the Bluford Branch of the KC Public Library, 3050 Prospect. Sponsors: PeaceWorks KC, Physicians for Social Responsibility KC, and the Party for Socialism and Liberation. Featured guest: Shiho Burke, whose mother was a hibakusha, a Hiroshima bomb survivor. See Beyond the Bomb: Back from the Brink has provided us with a way to sign-up for and promote this event using the “Mobilize” app: https://www.mobilize.us/backfromthebrink/event/815923/
📚 LOOKING FOR A GOOD READ? St. James has a collection of faith-based books (reviewed by Denise Simeone and Biagio Mazza) that didn’t make the cut for the rectory library—but might be perfect for your shelf. Browse the back tables in church and take what speaks to you. 🖼️And if your walls are feeling bare, check out the framed pictures nearby. They are also free to a good home!
Indivisible Kansas City brings you Immigration 101 of the educational series Solidarity School of Resistance
Our next education night is Tuesday August 19th at 7 pm at Northeast Library – 6000 Wilson Ave, Kansas City, MO 64123
This teach-in will answer many of the lies put out by anti-immigrant politicians and media and give you clear responses to counter them. We will explain the basics of immigration law, discuss the disastrous consequences of the Trump administration’s mass deportation plan and tell you how to get involved.
Presenters:
Judy Ancel, Cross Border Network President
Karla Juarez, Advocates for Immigrant Rights & Reconciliation Executive Director
Claire Murphy Shaw, immigration attorney at The Asylum Clinic
(unconfirmed)
Topics:
Who are the Immigrants in KC?
· Who is a criminal?
· Why are there so many people who are undocumented?
· Why do people come here?
· What’s going on with ICE in the KC area?
· What if they deport all the immigrants or even just the undocumented?
· What can you do?
Sign up here: https://www.mobilize.us/indivisiblekansascity/event/823407/
Let’s keep up the fight….and…TOGETHER WE WILL SAVE DEMOCRACY!
Indivisible Kansas City
https://www.indivisiblekansascity.org/
JustFaith News and Events
https://mailchi.mp/justfaith/august-justnews-special-delivery-for-you?e=5fd9bf5765