Black History Month and National Day of Prayer for the African American and African Family

When: February 1st

Black History Month gives all of us a chance to reflect on the strength and grace of Black Americans through the century. We all benefit from the gifts of law, culture, and innovations from the Black community.

\Prayer: Through devotion to Our Lady of Kibeho, we have the Seven Sorrows Chaplet. Visit https://7sorrowsrosaries.com/pages/seven-sorrows-rosary to learn how to pray this spiritually rich prayer.

Action: Make a visit to one of our local museums to learn more about the impact of the Black community on the foundations and culture of our area.

Almsgiving: The National Black Catholic Congress strengthens our local Black Catholic community with resources and annual events. Learn how you can support their mission at https://nbccongress.org/support-black-catholic-ministry/.⁣

White Mass: Mass for Blessings upon Health Care Professionals

When: February 11th, 6:00 p.m.

Where: Good Counsel Catholic Church, 3934 Washington St, Kansas City, MO 64111

Health care professionals (doctors, nurses, therapists, CNAs, CMAs, etc.) and their families are invited to join the 2026 White Mass on Wednesday February 11^th, at 6:00 p.m. Mass at Good Counsel Catholic Church, 3934 Washington St, Kansas City, MO 64111. A dinner and program will follow the conclusion of Mass and will be held at the Chesterton Academy of St. Philip Neri, next door to the church. If you wish to attend dinner, please email: secretary@catholicmedkc.org and share who and how many are in your party. A donation of $35 per person (age 14 and over) is asked to help defray costs associated with the meal. Children 13 and under are free. Donations are accepted electronically at the CMA KC website: https://www.catholicmedkc.org – click on the “Donate” button. You can use PayPal or a credit card.

Donations will also be accepted by check or cash on the evening of the event. Physicians are asked to wear a white coat for the Mass.

Webinar: Effective Advocacy to End the Death Penalty

When: February 17th, 7:00 p.m.

Zoom Link: Click Here

Join MADP and the Death Penalty Abolition Ministry of the Archdiocese of St. Louis as we learn from Nan Tolson, Director of Texas Conservatives Concerned About the Death Penalty, and Connor Luebbert, Jefferson City, about effective advocacy tools when speaking with legislators.

CRS Rice Bowl and Lent

(Ash Wednesday: February 18th)

Catholic Relief Service Rice Bowls have started to mail out! If you or your parish are still needing some, please visit https://www.crsricebowl.org/. There you can also find ideas to enhance Rice Bowl participation, including the Lenten calendar, the 2026 featured meals, and other activities. Local questions regarding Rice Bowl can be directed to Chelsea Voboril, voboril@diocesekcsj.org, 816.714.2375.

Blessing of Seeds Mass

When: February 19th, 12:15 p.m.

Where: Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, 416 W 12th St, Kansas City, MO 64105

As the year begins, we look towards the growing season and are reminded of God's love for all creation. The liturgical calendar of Kansas City-St. Joseph includes a Day of Prayer for the Blessing of Seeds, a microcosm of all life.

In the tradition of Ember and Rogation Days, we the Church seek God's protection on fields, gardens, and crops. We also seek God's blessing on gardeners, farmers, and all growers.

The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception will hold a Blessing of Seeds at daily Mass on Thursday, February 19th, at 12:15 p.m. Seeds can be brought in person or sent with someone ahead of time. Especially invited are gardeners, farmers, growers, and all who work with plants or seeds.

Parishes and individuals who wish to have their own blessing service can access the blessing here.

Church History on Gospel Nonviolence

When: February 21st

Where: The Catholic Center, 20 W. 9th St, Kansas City, MO 64105

Guest speaker Steven Bruns will be speaking about the history of Church teaching on non-violence through the lens of the Gospel, early Church Fathers, and 20^th and 21^st century saints and Church documents. Please join us for this presentation on Saturday, February 21^st, 10:00 a.m., at The Catholic Center, 20 W. 9^th St., Kansas City, MO 64105. Register at www.lifeandjusticekcsj.org/non-violence. 

Ongoing Rosary for Immigrants

When: February 25th (see image for more upcoming dates, times, and details)

In this moment of extreme uncertainty for immigrant and refugee communities, we turn to our faith and to Mary for strength, compassion and solidarity. Mary, as the mother of our Savior defends the vulnerable.

The Catholic Bishops of the United States, in their pastoral letter Welcoming the Stranger Among Us: Unity in Diversity, invite us to enter into the mystery of the Mystical Body of Christ. In their pastoral letter, the Bishops challenge us to embrace our sisters and brothers through four calls: conversion, communion, solidarity, and evangelization. We invite you to pray the rosary with us for vulnerable people on the move.

Advocacy 101 and Interactive Letter Writing Session

When: March 7th, 10am

Where: Catholic Center, 20 W. 9th St, Kansas City, MO 64105

The Missouri Catholic Conference and the Office of Life & Justice are partnering together to offer an Advocacy 101 and interactive letter-writing session on Saturday, March 7th, at 10am at the Catholic Center, 20 W. 9th St., Kansas City, MO 64105. Attendees will have the chance to learn the latest policies and bills which the Missouri Catholic Conference is closely following, what the 2026 priorities are for the MCC, and how to effectively write your representative about any of those proposed pieces of legislation, with in-person feedback on your letters. This event will have a catered lunch, so your registration is required. Please register at www.lifeandjusticekcsj.org/advocacy-101.