Life and Justice Office-Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph

09/11/2026

Twenty-five years ago, on September 11th, the US experienced four coordinated terrorist attacks. Now referred to as Patriot Day, we remember not only the lives lost, but also the heroism of the first responders and citizens, a recognition of the continuing impacts of the event, and a continuing cry for peace in our times. You can still read the bishops’ pastoral message in the days after 9/11 here: https://www.usccb.org/resources/pastoral-message-living-faith-and-hope-after-september-11
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Prayer: Our faith is one built on stories. We need stories and human experiences in order to learn about God. Visit https://www.usccb.org/resources/911-reflections-and-remembrances and read the stories of several first-hand testimonies, fueled by faith
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Action: Create a care package for your local first responders, thanking them for their daily sacrifices.
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Almsgiving: Patriotism means having a reasonable love and esteem for one’s own country. It involves caring for the vulnerable of that country, calling the country to improve and be better in its fallen aspects, and welcoming all to enjoy the hospitality of that country. The Knights of Columbus call its participants to care for the country in many ways. Donate today at https://www.kofc.org/get-involved/donate/
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09/10/2026

undefined, as we approach our state November elections, join us for a parish presentation on Faithful Citizenship and Amendment 3.
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Do you have questions about Amendment 3 and what it means? Do you want to have meaningful conversations with others about the Amendment? Are you opposed to the Amendment and want to understand Church teaching about abortion? Parish presentations about Amendment 3 are taking place at multiple parishes. Swipe through for information on upcoming places, dates, and times.
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Sunday, August 16th, 11:30 a.m., St. Mary Catholic Church, 401 W Broadway, Higginsville, MO 64037
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Thursday, August 20th, 6:30 p.m., Our Lady of the Presentation Catholic Church, 130 NW Murray Rd, Lee's Summit, MO 64081

09/10/2026

Did you know? Under current Missouri law, a medical provider sharing medically accurate information about an abortion procedure can be considered delaying or restricting reproductive freedom. True reproductive freedom is having full information and full consent!
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Vote YES on Amendment 3!
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Learn more at www.lifeandjusticekcsj.org/amendment3

09/09/2026

“Prenatal alcohol exposure increases the risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, premature birth, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).” Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) vary in intensity, and include learning “learning disabilities, speech and language delays, visual and hearing problems, problems with critical organs, and social challenges throughout a person's life.”* On International Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Awareness Day, we advocate for increased awareness and advocacy for vulnerable infants.
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Prayer: One familiar form of an examination of conscience is to apply the 7 Deadly Sins (pride, envy, wrath, gluttony, lust, sloth, and greed) to our examination. In regards to alcohol consumption (either too much or at the wrong time), reflect: Have I consumed food or drink that harmed my body merely to satisfy cravings? Have I neglected proper care of my health or others under my protection? Have I consumed alcohol excessively, to the point of intoxication? These and more questions can be found at:https://bismarckdiocese.com/documents/Adult%20Faith%20Formatio/Examin-Adults_SevenDeadly.pdf
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Action: Share resources with friends and family and let them know you are ready to offer judgment-free help. For anyone experiencing problems with alcohol, especially women who are pregnant or might be pregnant, use the Alcohol Treatment Navigator available at https://alcoholtreatment.niaaa.nih.gov/
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Almsgiving: Admitting you need help is often the first step. The Center for Healing offers expert therapeutic services in addressing underlying mental health issues, such as anxiety, trauma, OCD and anger. Explore their services and support them at https://centerforhealingkc.com.
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*https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/news-events/announcement/international-fasd-awareness-day-september-9th
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09/08/2026

Please join us at Washington Square Park (2345 Grand Blvd, Kansas City, MO) on Wednesday, September 23rd, 12:00 p.m., for a Rosary for Immigrants! We'll join in prayer across from immigration court in Kansas City and learn of community actions for immigrants and refugees.

09/07/2026

“Air pollution is the second leading risk factor for death…[contributing to] conditions such as stroke, heart disease, lung cancer, and acute respiratory infections.”* On International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies, we are reminded that as the Body of Christ, we have the responsibility to build each other up and find ways for everyone to thrive together.
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Prayer: What birds of Scripture do you know? Try finding various birds as you read the Bible and especially the Gospels. You might be surprised at the variety…eagles, doves, and sparrows are just a few.
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Action: We often talk about reduce, reuse, recycle. How can we focus on reducing what we regularly consume or buy? In Catholicism, we have great saints that made do with what they had and were content. Take a look at your budget and find areas where spending can be reduced, especially in consumer goods. Create a list of discerning question when you find something you are interested in buying…have I thought about it for at least two weeks? Does it solve a problem I’ve genuinely noticed? Can I be productive and happy without it? What is the real reason I’m considering it? Find these questions and more from the Deliberation Station checklist available at https://www.downsizeupgrade.com/product-page/deliberation-station.
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Almsgiving: We have two great thrift stores in our area working deliberately with Catholic-based non-profits. Blessings Abound is a community partner of Catholic Charities of Kansas City-St. Joseph with a location at 13637 Washington, KCMO 64145. The Mission Thrift Store proceeds help support the mission of St. Mary’s Home for Mothers; their location is 7210 North Oak Trafficway, Gladstone, MO 64118. Consider donating to these two thrift store locations today!
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*source: https://www.unep.org/events/un-day/international-day-clean-air-blue-skies-2025

09/05/2026

Many volunteer positions are available within our office programs and with our community partners. Highlighted today are just four:⁣⁣⁣
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Find out various ways to accompany immigrants and refugees in our diocesan VIA ministry
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Connect with the St. Joseph community, building up youth, families, and seniors in various community programs with InterServ
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⁣Befriend and serve the unhoused population of Kansas City with Uplift
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Participate in a service retreat week or spend a volunteering in the historic northeast of Kansas City with Jerusalem Farm
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⁣⁣For volunteer opportunities in our office or with one of our community partners, please visit https://www.lifeandjusticekcsj.org/volunteer or call 816-714-2375⁣⁣⁣.
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Additional community volunteer opportunities can also be found through Catholic Charities of Kansas City-St. Joseph, https://catholiccharities-kcsj.org/volunteer/.

09/04/2026

Food Bank Day falls on the first Friday in September. It is a great opportunity to give food to your local parish or community food bank collection!
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Prayer: At the end of Mass, the original Latin ending phrase was “Ite, missa est.” While it does mean that the Mass is ended, it is also a call for the faithful to go forth to live the mission of the Church and the Eucharist. How do you bring the graces of Sunday and daily Mass into the broken world?
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Action: Check with local food bank to see what their current greatest needs are, or stock them up with the next upcoming seasonal goods. Some common needed non-perishables include cereal, canned chicken, beans, and toiletries. Consider getting easy-to-open cans…not everyone may have can openers to use.
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Almsgiving: Many of our local parishes have their own food banks or collect for larger food banks. Please give generously!
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09/03/2026

We invite you to listen to this important PSA regarding women's health and the importance of Amendment 3 from the Missouri Attorney General's Office:

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09/02/2026

Content warning: su***de
Su***de Prevention Month is a time to raise awareness and have meaningful conversations and actions around urgent mental health issues.
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Prayer: We are united in a profound way with the Church Militant, the Church Suffering, and the Church Triumphant in the celebration of the Eucharist. Request a Mass intention for someone who has died by su***de or a Mass intention for all those impacted by su***de.
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Action: Often when we discover someone else is experiencing a mental health crisis, we can enter our own moment of crisis and even our own fight, flight, or freeze moment as we try to figure out the best next thing to say or do. Practice ahead of time being grounded and rooted in prayer to be able to respond swiftly and compassionately, without panic. One grounding spiritual and mental practice is to hold a sacred object, such as a small crucifix, a rosary, or saint medal firmly in our hand, while breathing slowly and praying: “Jesus, hold me as I hold this cross” or “God, you are my refuge.” This type of exercise allows us to regulate anxiety and dissociation.
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Almsgiving: Some parishes offer grief and/or mental health ministry support. Donate to and support your local parish ministry, or consider starting one. Reach out to Catholic Charities of Kansas City-St. Joseph for assistance: [email protected]
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***dePreventionMonth