Advent resources

Advent Reflections video series | Conception Abbey

Daily Mass readings, video and written reflections for the season on Advent from the monks of Conception Abbey.

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Silent Advent Retreat | December 2 - 4

Conception Abbey, 37174 State Hwy VV, Conception, MO

Advent is a time of waiting and anticipation. Set aside time, like Mary, to ponder in your own hearts the Nativity of Our Lord. In the silence, allow the real presence of Christ dwelling within you to comfort and awaken your own spirit. The Friday night conference will prepare you with ways to use the silence well. Spiritual direction available as well as Eucharistic Adoration.

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Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception | Advent video series

Father Paul Turner offers daily reflections adapted from his book, "Daybreaks: Daily Reflections for Advent and Christmas."

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Advent Retreat: Waiting in Joyful Hope | Nov. 30, 10 a.m. - Noon 

Keeler Women's Center, 759 Vermont Ave., KCK | 913.689.9375

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Advent Silent Retreat | Dec. 2 - 4

Christ’s Peace House of Prayer, 22131 Meager Rd., Easton, KS

Prepare your hearts for the coming of the Lord this Advent as we enter into recollection and silence where His action can be welcomed as we probe the richness of the season’s traditions. There are conferences, Eucharistic Adoration, Mass, Confession and time for private prayer, reflection and walking. Cabins/Courtyard Rooms: $170 Single/$250 Couple or Single Guest Rooms: $100 (Meals Included).

Retreat Reservation Form

Father Jason Koch, pastor of Immaculate Conception Parish in Montrose, stands facing one of two large rose windows inside the parish church, this one depicting the Annunciation. Photo by Cory Thomason

Feast of the Immaculate Conception | December 8

The Feast of the Immaculate Conception on December 8 is a holy day of obligation in the Catholic Church, as well as the patron feast day for the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph. Watch your mailboxes later this week for the December/January issue of Catholic Key magazine which includes a special new feature highlighting the architecture and symbolism inside some of our diocesan churches, starting with Immaculate Conception Parish, Montrose.

November Prayer Intentions

Pope Francis: Let us pray for children who are suffering, especially for those who are homeless, orphans, and victims of war.

Bishop Johnston: For women and men in Consecrated Life and for the gift of more vocations to religious life, especially for those religious orders serving in our diocese. 

Emily Theresa Lee in January 2022 while living with the Sisters in Jesus the Lord as Sr. Maria Damiana. Photo from Catholic Key archives.

Annual Catholic Appeal | Make your pledge today

This essential funding impacts every parishioner and parish in the 27 counties that make up our diocese. By supporting the ACA, your gift will help in this continued work we do together today but also to prepare for our future. God has given us many blessings. Let us join together as one family and walk together in faith through acts of love as disciples of Our Lord.

Learn more and make your 2023 pledge. 

Now Hiring | Office of Child and Youth Protection



Do you have a passion for ensuring the protection of children and youth in our diocese? If you are organized, compassionate and have a heart to serve, consider applying for the open position of Administrative Assistant to the Office of Child & Youth Protection. Learn more.

Trauma Awareness During the Holidays

For survivors of trauma, including clergy sexual abuse, there is a lot going on neurobiologically that can make seemingly joyous occasions feel overwhelming and unsafe. This might result in behaviors that seem irritating or counter to the joy of the season. We encourage you to be aware that the people, events, sounds and smells of the holidays may be a trigger for survivors.

If there is a survivor you love and care for, especially if that survivor is yourself, we hope that you’ll find the resources through Journey to Bethany helpful.

If you need support, even if you don’t know what to say, we’re here to help at 816-683-8999 or [email protected].

Prelude to Christmas Concert | Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception



Take a break from the hustle and bustle of the season at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in downtown Kansas City. Enter with the sounds of a harp playing, candlelight, in a breathtaking space. Hear the schola choir singing mystical and classical choral music accompanied by strings, harp, and harpsichord. A musical event under the gold dome the whole family will enjoy and treasure for a long time.

Purchase tickets

Seven Sisters Apostolate Women’s Retreat

Janette Howe, the foundress of Seven Sisters Apostolate, is coming to Kansas City, Mo.

• Saturday, December 3, 6:30 am- 3:00 pm
• Location: St. Andrew the Apostle Catholic Church 6415 NE Antioch Road, Gladstone, Mo 64119
• Rorate Holy Mass 6:30 am-7:30 am, followed by First Saturday Devotions and confessions (check in 9:00 am)
• Lunch will be provided at the cost of $15. Free will offering for the Apostolate will be taken up.

Retreat talks include, “Curbing Distractions in Prayer and Seven Privileges of Prayer for Priests. Relic of St. John Vianney will be present for veneration and prayer.

To register please contact Judy Koster [email protected]

More information on the Seven Sisters Apostolate go to: https://sevensistersapostolate.org/

City Lights Gala: Celebrate and support City on a Hill young adult apostolate | December 10, 2022

City on a Hill invites you to attend the most festive evening of the year: The 6th Annual City Lights Gala, on Saturday, December 10, 2022. The celebration begins with Mass at 4:00 p.m. celebrated by Archbishop Naumann and Bishop Johnston at Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church in Westport. The celebration continues in the historic West Bottoms at the Oliver Building, where there will be dinner, drinks, live music, comedy, and inspiration. Tickets are $100, and will go fast, so purchase yours soon.

Purchase tickets 

City on a Hill is a community and apostolate serving 2,000+ young adults throughout the Kansas City metro area, seeking to inspire and form them to actively pursue sainthood in their everyday lives. 

Join the St. Mary’s choir for an evening of hymns and prayer in preparing for the coming of our Savior. Following the Advent Lessons and Carols, all are invited to join us for a catered dinner and silent and live auctions. Reservations for the dinner are $35 each, or $200 for a table (seating 8).

Among this year’s auction items will be Limited Edition prints of some of the chapel artwork, slate pool table, a daVinci Grand Junction Tandem Bike (valued +$3,000), Chiefs and Royals memorabilia and many other items. A more detailed list can be accessed through our website: saintmarysparish.org

Please visit our website or contact the parish office for tickets: (816) 252-0121; [email protected]

Rose window detail | Immaculate Conception, Montrose. Photo by Cory Thomason.

Parish Solemnities | November 28 - 30

Church Titles

St. Andrew, KC (November 30)

Parish Dedications

Our Lady of Good Counsel, KC (November 28); and

Immaculate Conception, Montrose (November 28)

Upcoming Events

Serra Club of Southeast Kansas City Advent scripture study

Join us for a joyful scripture study of the week's readings leading up to Christmas.

Every Friday | 7-7:40 pm

Zoom meeting link

Contact Yvonne Teeple, [email protected], 913-271-1222

Serra Club of Southeast Kansas City Weekly Rosary

Every Monday | 7 - 7:40 p.m.

Zoom

Contact Yvonne Teeple, [email protected], 913-271-1222

Cursillo Ultrea | Dec. 8, 7 p.m.

St Robert Bellarmine Parish

Blue Springs, MO

Join us at 6 p.m. for the celebration of Mass for the Immaculate Conception

Living Waters | Jan. 23 - May 22 | 7 - 9:30 p.m.

St. Thomas More Parish, 11822 Holmes Rd, Kansas City, 64131

For more information, contact [email protected] or call 816.683.1839. Download informational flyer.