There are a few annual events this month that you may want to join and one big project to which I will dedicate the remainder of my active priesthood.  The events include a parish picnic at Saint Francis Xavier on September 13, an “angel fund” watch party on September 21, and a Mass in Swope Park on September 28.

All are welcome at the events.  The first, on Saturday, September 13, starting with 4PM Mass, targets parishioners of Saint Francis Xavier Parish and any who would like to come and learn more about the parish and its good works.  For one hundred and nine years, it was Kansas City’s Jesuit Parish.  When the Society of Jesus could no longer supply priests last year, it reverted to our diocese.  As one of thousands of Jesuit-educated residents in our city, I want to continue the long-standing spirituality at Kansas City’s Ignatian Parish (as it is now known).  While the spiritual practices of Saint Ignatius anchor us, the missionary spirit of his dear friend Xavier directs us.  There are many great things happening there.  I invite you to come and learn more at the parish picnic.

The second event, on Sunday evening, September 21, starting with 6PM Mass at my spirituality center, will be an annual fundraiser for the FSC (Farnan Spirituality Center) “Angel Fund.”  This fund helps people in need in direct ways.  It has given scores of scholarships to families that have a difficult time affording school tuition; it has assisted good and faithful families with food, household supplies, transportation assistance, home improvements, and a host of other items.  I suspect this will be a personal project for the remainder of my life.  It started when I was first assigned to the inner city as a young priest and, though suspended, it got revived by parishioners at Saint Thomas More who wanted to assist in direct ways that weren’t taxed by the diocese or caught in committee gridlock.  It was advanced recently by men of the class of 1990 and friends who meet regularly to strengthen their own spiritual lives through care for others.  We’ll eat and watch the Chiefs’ game that evening until we fade out around half-time.

The third gathering will be in Swope Park on Sunday morning, September 28, at 10:00, as we celebrate the feast of Saint Therese the Little Flower.  Mass will be held in the main shelter near the Meyer Boulevard entrance.  During Mass, we will have a pet blessing because it is also close to the feast of Saint Francis of Assisi.  As we honor creation and creatures, we thank our Creator in this annual tradition that goes back half-a-century. Stick around after Mass for a smorgasbord cookout and games.

My major pet project, however, is to help the Catholic Church’s presence in our central city.  For me, this begins and ends in the few parishes that remain there.  My hope, essentially, is to be a conduit for citizens of Kansas City to put their faith into action by becoming more interested in what happens in the urban core and investing their time, talents, and treasures to make a better place for all.  We do this already by offering direct services (like our food pantries, senior centers, health clinics, soup kitchens…) and by addressing systemic issues (racism, poverty, supporting youth in better education, training for skills and jobs, and creating opportunities…); Catholics do this, in particular, by imitating Jesus in message and actions.  There are so many wonderful partners, from social agencies to religious groups, that the three parishes I serve can team with and so many current volunteers that can accompany others who are willing to involve themselves.  Each of these parishes has a unique and valuable history of service that I would like to build upon.  Saint Francis Xavier (SFX) is about twice the size of Saint Therese Little Flower or Saint James and is in a unique location nestled between the campuses of Rockhurst University and UMKC.  It is the perfect anchor to provide service opportunities to families and students throughout the metropolitan area.

Because SFX has no space to gather, it is my hope to help build a facility in which people of all ages can gather, discuss, learn, and exercise their faith in meaningful ways that impact people who desire a better life and who possess the capacity to achieve one.  I will offer more information in future blog posts about this “laboratory of learning” amidst a “cathedral of the streets” where Catholics have one foot in church and the other on the sidewalk, one hand folded in prayer or raised in praise while the other reaches out to give a brother or sister a helping hand.  Together we can continue to create a healthier, holier city.