December 2024 Newsletter


In this edition you will find:


Next Missouri Execution Christopher Collings: December 3rd

Human Rights Month: December (Human Rights Day: December 10th)

International Migrants Day: December 18th

Life & Justice Grant Applications due: December 31st

National March for Life Trip: January 24, 2025

Stay Tuned: Midwest March for Life: May 1st, 2025

Pregnancy Resource Center Tax Credit

MCC Corner

Volunteer Opportunities

In the News

Other Calendar Items

Next Missouri Execution of Christopher Collings

When: December 3rd


"Regarding the death penalty, the first and foremost aspect of the Church’s teaching is the belief in the inherent dignity of the human person as created in the image and likeness of God. Our Catechism states that this dignity “is not lost even after the commission of very serious crimes.” As such, the death penalty is “inadmissible because it is an attack on the inviolability and dignity of the person” (Catholic Catechism 2267)." (Catholic Mobilizing Network)


Christopher Collings is scheduled to be executed on December 3rd, 2024. Please contact Governor Parson and urge him to do everything in his power to stop Christopher Collings' execution. Stay tuned to www.madpmo.org for message prompts to write and send. Local churches will host prayer opportunities for the evening of the execution; please contact the Office of Life & Justice at voboril@diocesekcsj.org or 816-714-2375 to learn more.

Human Rights Month

When: December

(Human Rights Day: December 10th)


The Office of Life & Justice was historically two separate offices, now merged into one: the Human Rights Office and the Respect Life Office. During Human Rights Month, we’d like to share a bit more about our office!


Our Role: The Office of Life & Justice of the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph supports parish Human Rights/Life and Justice ministries, provides guidance and resources, and hosts diocesan-level activities and events.


Our Programs: Human Rights-specific programs, activities, and events: directly defend or preserve the dignity of the person, have a Catholic identity or reflect a core tenet of the Catholic Faith, and provide an opportunity for the faithful to give back using their God-given gifts of time, talent and treasure.


Our Issues/topics: The Office of Life and Justice issues include incarceration and reentry, economic development, immigration, cultural diversity, plus more.



Visit www.lifeandjusticekcsj.org to learn more about the issues and how you can get involved!



International Migrants Day

When: December 18th


International Migrants Day is observed every December 18th. Not only do we recognize that migrants are often forced to migrate and face stigma and limited access to services as they are displaced, but also often face poor work conditions with high risk of insecurity and layoffs.


Prayer: Have you heard of the Stations of the Holy Family (https://msf-america.org/holy-family-prayers/prayers-devoted-to-the-holy-family/stations-of-the-holy-family)? This prayer allows us to reflect on moments within the life of the Holy Family. As you pray through it, pause at the flight to Egypt (https://msf-america.org/holy-family-prayers/prayers-devoted-to-the-holy-family/stations-of-the-holy-family/station-5). Pray for migrant and displaced families and for their safety.


Action: In the Kansas City area 33% of immigrants were born in Mexico; the next four largest sources of migrants are China, India, Vietnam and the Philippines (https://www.migrationpolicy.org/sites/default/files/publications/KansasCity-FINAL.pdf). Consider finding a foreign language class near you or online where you can learn the basics of some foreign languages you encounter. Being able to converse is one huge way to make someone feel welcome!


Almsgiving: VIA Immigration & Refugee Ministry, headed by Raiza Guevara, ministers to migrants in our area and assists with many of their common needs, such as legal aid, document assistance, and connection with parishes. Support this important ministry at https://www.lifeandjusticekcsj.org/donate.



Life & Justice Grant Applications Due

When: Tuesday, December 31st


Is your non-profit or one you know starting a new project or expanding an existing project?

Does that project address public policy, education, empowerment, or pastoral care?

Do members of the community served by the non-profit have a majority voice in the project or build leadership skills?

Does the project directly address injustice toward the dignity of the person or the sanctity of human life?


Then your non-profit may be eligible for the 2025 Life & Justice Grant! Applications for the 2025 grant are due December 31st, 2024. Learn more and apply now at lifeandjusticekcsj.org.


National March for Life Trip

When: Friday, January 24th, 2025

Where: Washington D.C.


Old St. Patrick Oratory is currently in the planning stages for their annual pilgrimage to defend life in Washington D.C. The parish is gauging interest in getting a bus. If you are interested in going or would like to support these efforts by sponsoring a pilgrim, please contact the church office at oldstpatrick@institute-christ-king.org.

Save the Date: Midwest March for Life

When: Thursday, May 1st, 2025

Where: Jefferson City, MO


You're Invited!

We're going on a pilgrimage!

Registration Coming SOON!


Please plan to join us on Thursday, May 1st, for a diocesan day bus trip to Jefferson City, MO, to participate in the 2025 Midwest March for Life. There we will participate in continued prayer and civic rallying for our local respect life efforts.

This bus trip will be an excellent opportunity to engage in civil demonstration, enjoy fellowship, and save on gas for your trip to Jefferson City. Win, win, win!



Questions? Email Deb Sheppard at sheppard@diocesekcsj.org.


Pregnancy Resource Center Tax Credit

 

Did you know? Your charitable donation to an eligible pregnancy resource center can also get you a 70% tax credit! For taxpayers to claim tax credits on their 2024 income tax returns, your application must be turned in to your pregnancy resource center of choice by January 23rd, 2025!


For a video explaining the process, visit https://youtu.be/z02oXvxQZr0?si=yuKkJXOS5hJHNox6


For a full list of eligible pregnancy resource centers, visit https://dss.mo.gov/dfas/taxcredit/pdf/qualified-pregnancy-resource-centers.pdf. Eligible PRCs in our diocese include:

Birthright of Carrollton

Birthright of Chillicothe

Birthright of Greater Kansas City

Birthright of Nevada

Birthright of St. Joseph

Catholic Charities of Kansas City-St. Joseph

Golden Valley Door of Hope, Clinton

Liberty Women's Clinic

Life Options Green Hills, Trenton

New Beginnings, Warrensburg

Parkville Women's Clinic

Pregnancy Resource Clinic of St. Joseph

Resource Health (multiple locations)

The Source Medical Clinic, Maryville


MCC Corner


The Missouri Catholic Conference promotes the sanctity and dignity of human life in public policy advocacy in Jefferson City, MO on behalf of the Missouri Catholic Bishops. One of the bills which the MCC supported in 2024 was bill HB2336, which would prohibit certain individuals from possessing a firearm due to domestic violence.


Read more about HB2336 at https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB2336&year=2024&code=R


Contact your legislators to show your support at https://www.votervoice.net/MOCATHOLIC/Address


Learn more about this bill and others that MCC advocated on at https://mocatholic.org/wp-content/uploads/End-of-Session-Report-2024.pdf


Volunteer Opportunities


Many volunteer positions are available within our office programs and with our community partners. Highlighted today are just four:


Coalition Life provides professional sidewalk counseling in the metro Kansas City area


Help the Office of Life & Justice develop materials for ComPassio, our end-of-life program


Multiple opportunities are available at Journey to New Life for people re-entering the community after prison


There are also multiple opportunities available at REHOPE, which assists survivors escaping human trafficking


For these and more volunteer opportunities, please visit www.lifeandjusticekcsj.org/volunteer or call 816-714-2375.



In the News


Where do you encounter Life and Justice in the news and broader world? Here are some headlines to watch related to Life and Justice issues:


Abortion:

Did the Texas abortion ban nearly kill his wife?


Adoption/Fostering:

The joy and the pain of being a Catholic foster parent


Contraception/Birth Control:

Contraceptive Drugs and Devices Market Size, Share and Trends 2024 to 2034


Criminal and Restorative Justice:

Restorative Partners' programs help criminal offenders make fresh start


Death Penalty:

Alabama carries out nation's 3rd nitrogen gas execution


Economic Justice:

World Day of Poor: Report shows global poverty efforts have stalled


Education:

Meet the two 20th century Servants of God on the USCCB agenda


Euthanasia/Assisted Suicide:

22-year-old reveals the question that saved her life just moments before assisted suicide


Fetal Development:

Air Pollution May Be Linked to Autism Risk in Kids, Study Finds


Human Trafficking:

Holiday travel 'presents opportunities' for sex traffickers to blend in. Here's what experts say to look for


Immigration & Refugees:

Archbishop Broglio Calls Bishops to Insist on Human Dignity, Migrant Aid After Election


Mental Health:

Alabama faith leaders are bridging the gap between faith and mental health


Non-Violence:

Pope Francis denounces countries that talk about peace but make war


Post-Abortion:

From abortion healing to pregnancy help; one woman's story of redemption


Racial Harmony:

Meet the Most Recent American Black Catholic on the Road to Sainthood


Religious Freedom/Conscience Protection:

Nicaraguan regime exiles president of bishops' conference


Reproductive Technology:

Alabama pro-life leaders push for IVF bill recognizing embryos as children: Will it happen?


Stem Cell Research/Human Cloning:

Public attitudes toward the use of human induced pluripotent stem cells: insights from an Italian adult population


Stewardship of Creation:

Missouri farmer's faith drives him to innovate, stand up for farmers and communities

Other Calendar Items


Did you know that on our social media we share awareness topics saint feasts and ways to pray about them, take action, and support local groups which address the topics? Here are some examples of some upcoming "awareness" topics and saints:


Month of December: Universal Human Rights Month

December 2nd: International Day for the Abolition of Slavery

December 5th: World Soil Day

December 12th: Our Lady of Guadalupe

December 26th: St. Stephen

December 28th: Holy Innocents

December 29th: Birthday of Servant of God Thea Bowman


Keep watching our social media to see how we address these topics and more!