Many Catholics in Kansas City are surprised to learn that, though there are many Catholic churches west of Troost and several to the north around I-70, Saint Therese Little Flower (STLF) is the only one east of Troost Avenue to the Truman Sports Complex in Independence and from 17^th Street (north) to I-435 (south).  It covers a vast territory that once included Blessed Sacrament, Holy Name, Annunciation, Immaculate Heart of Mary, Risen Christ, Saint Vincent, Saint Augustine, Saint Louis, and several other churches in Old Northeast.  Recent closings or mergers of Catholic communities along the southeast corridor (Our Lady of Lourdes, Saint Catherine, and Saint Bernadette) remind us of the importance of partnering with and strengthening the few remaining houses of faith in the urban core.  Parishes closest to STLF, but not west of Troost, are Saint Monica in the 1600 of The Paseo and Saint Regis in the 8900 block of James A. Reed Road.

We see a glaring contrast west from Troost to State Line where many Catholic churches occupy a smaller land mass, including Sacred Heart-Guadalupe, Our Lady of Sorrows, Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Our Lady of Good Counsel, Guardian Angels, Visitation, Saint Peter, Saint Elizabeth, and Christ the King.  Even Saint James and Saint Francis Xavier are on the west side of Troost Avenue.  Though most people would not suggest that church leaders do not care about those living east of Troost, many of us would like all Catholics in the Kansas City area to be aware of what our city map reveals.  Perhaps it may inspire us to respond—not to complain, not to cry racism, not to point fingers at those who have power to close churches—but to lovingly respond by supporting the fragment of church (and its many social agencies) that exist and do great works there.            

Troost Avenue has quite a sordid history from the days of circuit riding preacher and plantation owner James Porter to Dutch geologist and physician Benoist Troost (for whom the street is named) to city developer J. C. Nichols.  The dividing line, which bears their imprint, became more marked through time.  Father Justin Mathews, an orthodox Christian priest, now serves as director of Reconciliation Services at 31^st and Troost.  He knows the history well, speaks of it often, and works diligently to reconstruct the land into something noble and sacred.  The Reconciliation Services mission is to transform Troost from a dividing line to a gathering place.  They do a tremendous job inviting and encouraging citizens to visit, donate, shop, dine, volunteer, or otherwise get engaged in community building activities on both sides of Troost Avenue, and for those who live, learn, work, and worship on one side to frequent the other side.  They also help interested citizens reshape the city by actively addressing issues such as local poverty, homelessness, hunger, adequate and affordable housing, policing, youth services, etc.  It is my hope that Catholics throughout the Kansas City area will become a major force in sharing their mission and that STLF, Saint James, and Saint Francis Xavier can be a conduit to help us all revitalize and reinvigorate our city at its core.