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

Life and Justice Office-Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph The Office of Life & Justice (originally the Human Rights Office and Respect Life Office) of the Catholic Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph

June 17th marks World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought. Drought events, such as in 2020-2021, cost the economy ...
06/17/2026

June 17th marks World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought. Drought events, such as in 2020-2021, cost the economy billions of dollars.* As native prairies and cash crops face these threats of drought, we must be wise in how to address our current climate crisis.
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Prayer: Consider praying a Novena to St. Isidore for favorable weather. You can find the novena and the story of St. Isidore at https://catholicrurallife.org/resources/spiritual/novena-to-st-isidore.
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Action: Some simple ways to conserve water include: collect the water you use from rinsing fruits and vegetables to use in watering house plants; wash your dog on the lawn; and scr**e dishes instead of rinsing.
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Almsgiving: The Stewardship of Creation Ministry of the Office of Life & Justice aims to guide parish and diocesan efforts in abiding by the goals of Laudato Si’ and care for our common home. Learn how you can get involved at https://www.lifeandjusticekcsj.org/stewardship-of-creation.
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*https://www.drought.gov/dews/missouri-river-basin
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As the vote for Amendment 3 approaches, now is a good time to have conversations with others about the amendment and the...
06/16/2026

As the vote for Amendment 3 approaches, now is a good time to have conversations with others about the amendment and their thoughts on their vote.
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"Having a conversation about abortion is intimidating, especially in an age where people regularly engage in ugly, unproductive arguments with strangers through a phone screen. Those aren’t the types of conversations we’re encouraging you to have. The following material is geared toward in-person, one-on-one chats with people you already know.
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Here in Missouri, the vast majority of people who identify as pro-choice believe elective abortion should be legal early in pregnancy and for the traditional exceptions like r**e and life of the mother. We’ll call these folks the “persuadables.”
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It’s important to enter your conversation with a tone that communicates to the person you’re sitting across from that you are friends, who just happen to have different opinions about abortion. Here are some practical ways you can protect your relationship in the midst of these difficult conversations:"
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Extend an Invitation: Use a phrase like the following: “A lot of people are uncomfortable talking about abortion, and I can totally understand why – it’s a heavy topic. Are you comfortable talking about this?” Set Realistic Expectations. “I don’t think we’re necessarily going to change each other’s minds today, but I’d really like to hear your views on abortion, and I’d love the chance to share mine.” Recognize Positive Motivations: “You are obviously passionate about making sure women are cared for, and I really respect that. I’m passionate about women’s healthcare, too.”⁣
Learn more at https://www.lifeandjusticekcsj.org/amendment3. Scroll down to the Conversation Resources and open the "Pro-Life Persuasion Handbook" tab, courtesy of Her Health Her Future and Justice for All.

St. Germaine Cousin was a young impoverished girl, born with multiple health conditions for which her stepmother shunned...
06/15/2026

St. Germaine Cousin was a young impoverished girl, born with multiple health conditions for which her stepmother shunned her. St. Germaine earned her living from that point on as a shepherdess, yet still made time for good works. She shared her daily bread with those even more poor than her, and left her sheep in the care of the Good Shepherd to attend regular Mass and confession. Eventually her father realized how he had wronged her all her short life, but she died at the young age of 22. We trust to her care all who are impoverished and disabled.

Join a bi-state Rosary for Immigrants as we peacefully pray a multilingual rosary for the end to indiscriminate and inhu...
06/13/2026

Join a bi-state Rosary for Immigrants as we peacefully pray a multilingual rosary for the end to indiscriminate and inhumane deportations of non-violent migrants and refugees. The next rosary dates will take place on June 24th, 12:00 p.m. at Washington Square Park, 2345 Grand Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64108. Signs will be provided. Please visit https://www.lifeandjusticekcsj.org/rosary-for-immigrants for more information.⁣
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Parking: Please use the ample street parking available on Grand Blvd. Meters are available along the street. Parking garages are also available at Crown Center

On World Day against Child Labor, we share in Pope Francis’ 2021 statement: “We must encourage states and actors in the ...
06/12/2026

On World Day against Child Labor, we share in Pope Francis’ 2021 statement: “We must encourage states and actors in the business world to create dignified jobs with equitable salaries which allow families to satisfy their needs without their children being forced to work.”
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Prayer: Children thrive in imaginative and creative atmospheres. Try a contemplative Scripture coloring page. Jesus said “Let the little children come to me.”—reflect on this verse using the coloring page at https://www.thecatholickid.com/jesus-let-the-little-children-come-to-me-coloring-page/.
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Action: Becoming informed on goods utilizing child labor can help you watch for labels on the goods you purchase. The US Department of Labor has created the “LaborShield” app which allows you to check countries’ efforts to eliminate child and exploitative labor. Find it in your phone app store.
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Almsgiving: Unbound's sponsorship program helps a child's family prioritize their needs, build community, and ensure educational opportunities. Learn more on how to donate at https://www.unbound.org/donate.
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In times of uncertain economy, we may only tremulously say, “O LORD, my allotted portion and cup, you it is who hold fas...
06/10/2026

In times of uncertain economy, we may only tremulously say, “O LORD, my allotted portion and cup, you it is who hold fast my lot.” It can feel like bartering almost: “Lord, I’ll let you take care of me, but you must not let me lose *everything*, surely.” Do we truly hope and believe that the Lord has been victorious and will look after everything as He takes care of the sparrow and the flowers of the field? Are we in a position where we can share the Lord’s blessing with others less fortunate than ourselves?
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June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month. Worldwide, more than 55 million people are living with Alzheimer’s or ano...
06/08/2026

June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month. Worldwide, more than 55 million people are living with Alzheimer’s or another dementia, according to the Alzheimer's Association. Sadly we are living in a time when many countries and states currently offer or are considering implementing euthanasia and assisted su***de options for those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Our dignity is not dependent on depending on others for care and support, or our ability to remember or comprehend life around us. As the recent document Dignitas Infinita declared, our dignity as human beings is bestowed upon us by God; nothing that we do or that happens to us can take away our human dignity, which must be protected and cherished.
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Prayer: When Jesus instituted the Holy Eucharist, He told His Apostles to “do this in memory of me” (Lk 22:19). Remember your loved ones with Alzheimer’s and dementia in a Mass intention. You can request Masses to be said at your local parish or with a religious order or mission. Religious orders will offer take prayer request and pray within their communities for those intentions.
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Action: Watch for legislation to protect human life at vulnerable times. Learn how you can advocate against pending legislation which might encourage euthanasia or assisted su***de as it progresses by following the Missouri Catholic Conference at https://mocatholic.org/.
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Almsgiving: The Little Sisters of the Poor have the mission of serving the elderly and dying poor. Consider supporting them locally at https://www.littlesistersofthepoorkansascity.org/donations/.
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Many volunteer positions are available within our office programs and with our community partners. Highlighted today are...
06/06/2026

Many volunteer positions are available within our office programs and with our community partners. Highlighted today are just four:⁣⁣⁣
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Accompany the vulnerable poor in our community with St. Jude the Apostle Parish Workers of Mercy in Oak Grove
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Grow composting efforts and employment of the recently incarcerated and impoverished through KC Can Compost
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Give community support to pregnant moms in need through Birthright of Carrollton⁣
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Help grow diocesan environmental efforts through Stewardship of Creation Ministry⁣
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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/.

On World Environment Day, we are reminded of our interconnectedness and need to protect the most vulnerable populations ...
06/05/2026

On World Environment Day, we are reminded of our interconnectedness and need to protect the most vulnerable populations and our beautiful Earth we are called to steward.
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Prayer: God reveals Himself through Scripture and Tradition, but also in glimpses through nature. How do the depths of the ocean speak to you of who God is? How about the number of grains of sand? And the variety of life we can encounter on the planet?
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Action: Did you know our washing machines can release microplastics into our water system? Two easy ways to address this is to make sure you wash clothes on full loads, and to install a microfiber filter into your washing machine system.
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Almsgiving: Did you know many of our local parishes are creating environmental ministries? One example is the Green Team at St. Elizabeth’s, KCMO. They are creating many opportunities for parish involvement in reducing waste and growing in ecospirituality. You can learn more and support them at https://sites.google.com/view/ste-eco/home.
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In 1885-86, St. Charles Lwanga, 21 Catholic companions, and 23 Anglican companions were martyred in Uganda. Many of thes...
06/03/2026

In 1885-86, St. Charles Lwanga, 21 Catholic companions, and 23 Anglican companions were martyred in Uganda. Many of these companions were pages and part of the court of the Kabaka (King) of Buganda (Bantu kingdom within modern day Uganda), Mwanga II. These companions refused to bend to the moral and political corruption of Mwanga. Mwanga realized the growing influence of the Christian movement and called forth any who prayed in such a way. Charles and his group stepped forward, and Mwanga ordered their ex*****on by burning, though a few were killed along their march to the ex*****on site. These heroic martyrs continue to inspire faith in the heart of Africa and across the world today. Their courage in seeking baptism and living fully in their Christian faith in the midst of persecution can inspire in us courage to act on our faith and morals in trying times.

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20 W 9th Street
Kansas City, MO
64105

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+18167142375

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