Here is the latest news for the week of July 20, 2025.
Join Us after Mass for Our July 20 Synod Meeting!
Mark your calendars for Sunday, July 20. We’re excited to gather right after Mass for our monthly Synod meeting at St. James Parish. This is your chance to dive into conversations that shape our community’s future.
- When: Sunday, July 20, immediately after Mass
- Duration: No more than one hour
At these gatherings, every voice matters. We’ll explore important topics affecting our parish life and mission, brainstorm ideas, and set the direction for the coming months. Whether you’ve been with us for years or this is your first time, your insights will make a difference.
Bring your thoughts, and join us in fellowship and discussion. We can’t wait to welcome you!
Each week, the Franciscan Action Network delivers a concise, free online newsletter featuring:
- A thoughtful reflection on the upcoming Sunday readings.
- Practical action steps for St. James parishioners and individual supporters to help build a more just, peaceful world.
Click HERE to learn more.
We welcome anyone who can attend Sunday Mass at St. JAMES AT 10:00 A.M. Our celebrant is Fr. Don Farnon. 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 from St. James’ Garden Gang
After a “clove-ful” harvest, the garlic is curing in the garage. Be on the lookout for garlic at the Garden Table at the Anniversary Picnic.
In the meantime, the Garden Gang will gather from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm on Saturday, July 19th, to dig potatoes. Come help dig and take home some spuds.
The following produce is ready for picking:
East Garden
- Tomatoes
- Eggplant
- Beets intermixed with the Tomatoes
South Garden
- Bed 1 – Dill
- Bed 8 – Kale
- Bed 15 – Swiss Chard
- Blackberries and Clove Currants in the perimeter raised bed
- 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 send your ideas to website@stjkc.org.
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.
READINGS FOR SUNDAY, JULY 20, 2025, SIXTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY
First Reading – Genesis 18:1-10a: Abraham rushes to welcome three strangers under the Terebinth of Mamre, he lavishes them with generous hospitality and discovers in their visit God’s promise that Sarah will bear a son.
Reflection Question: In what ways might practice radical hospitality today prepare your heart to recognize and receive unexpected blessings or messages from God?
Second Reading – Colossians 1:24-28: Paul rejoices in his sufferings as he fulfills his calling to unveil the long-hidden mystery of Christ living within believers, offering them the hope of future glory.
Reflection Question: In what ways might be embracing your own challenges deepen your participation in Christ’s work and strengthen the hope you share with others?
Gospel -Luke 10:38-42: Jesus visits the home of Martha and Mary where he commends Mary’s choice to pause her service and sit attentively at his feet as the one truly necessary thing.
Reflection Question: When you find yourself overwhelmed by responsibilities, how might intentionally pausing to listen to Jesus reshape your priorities and bring you peace?
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/.
📚 LOOKING FOR A GOOD READ? St. James has a collection of faith-based books 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’re also free to a good home!
LUKE’S HOSPITAL IS SEEKING VOLUNTEERS St. Luke’s is looking for volunteers in various departments of their facilities. This includes volunteers to work as Eucharistic Ministers. Click HERE to apply online, or go to their website saintlukeskc.org and type “volunteer” in the search bar.
HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS: DISCOVER THE JOY OF GIVING BACK! Catholic Charities welcomes all high school students—Freshmen through Seniors—and graduating 8th graders to grow in faith, friendship, and service. Join us in monthly service projects that make a real difference in our community while deepening your connection with others and with God. Whether you’re just starting high school or preparing to graduate, there’s a place for you to serve, learn, and lead. To get started, reach out to Volunteer Services at Volunteers@ccharities.com or click HERE to learn more.
*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.
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JOIN 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.
St. James Community
Small enough to know your name
Big enough to make a difference
3909 Harrison
Kansas City, MO 64110
(816) 797-1114