Pastoral CarePastoral care efforts are directed at fulfilling the commandment given by Our Lord to love one another, and by so doing, to love Him.
To "be" Catholic is to "do" Catholic. By using the time, talent, and treasures graciously provided by Our Lord to defend the dignity of the person and sanctity of all human life from conception to natural death.. |
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The Human Rights Office offers information and materials in support of pastoral programs. We have a mission, rooted in Christ, to advise and collaborate with the Bishop of Kansas City-St. Joseph in promoting evangelization, formation and advocacy in the Diocese for true justice and peace by fostering resolute dedication to the sanctity of life and the dignity of every human person, as expounded by the principles of Catholic social teaching articulated by the Holy Father and through the specific instructions of the Bishop.
In addition to resourcing parishes, the office works collaboratively with other Catholic agencies and organizations on anti-poverty efforts, both domestic and overseas. Our mission is accomplished through the faithful works of staff, along with dedicated volunteers who serve in parishes and on leadership committees, moral and ethical guidance for parishioners and and to reach out to all God's children everywhere in the world who are impacted by the current culture of death.
In addition to resourcing parishes, the office works collaboratively with other Catholic agencies and organizations on anti-poverty efforts, both domestic and overseas. Our mission is accomplished through the faithful works of staff, along with dedicated volunteers who serve in parishes and on leadership committees, moral and ethical guidance for parishioners and and to reach out to all God's children everywhere in the world who are impacted by the current culture of death.
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Catholic Relief Services (CRS) CRS provides direct aid to the poor and involves people in their own development, helping them to realize their potential. CRS educates the people of the United States to fulfill their moral responsibilities toward our brothers and sisters around the world by helping the poor, working to remove the causes of poverty and promoting social justice. |
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MAX Prison & Jail
The MAX Diocesan Jail and Prison Ministry Network is a program sponsored by the Diocese of Kansas City—St. Joseph Human Rights Office through which our faithful have the opportunity to support local organizations dedicated to defending the dignity of the person. |
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VIA Immigration & Refugee
The VIA Immigration & Cultural Diversity Ministry is a program sponsored by the Diocese of Kansas City—St. Joseph Human Rights Offices through which our faithful have the opportunity to support local organizations dedicated to promote fair immigration and refugee policies, advocate for the passage of comprehensive immigration reform, engage in the fight against human trafficking, develop initiatives aimed at educating Catholics on the Church's teaching on migration, and assist the U.S. Catholic bishops in carrying the voice of the Church to Congress and the Administration. For more information about Migration Policy, visit this USCCB link. |
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Life & Justice Campaign
The Life & Justice Campaign is a program co-sponsored by the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph Human Rights and Respect Life offices by which our faithful have the opportunity to support local organizations dedicated to defending the sanctity of human life and the dignity of the person. The program provides financial grants made possible through donations and through an annual parish second collection, usually a weekend in the middle of August. All donations received are distributed locally. Applications for grants may be submitted at anytime; however, only organizations that meet all of the published criteria are eligible to receive a grant. |
Leadership and Volunteer Roles
The diocesan pastoral care programs above, as well as the other Human Rights Office programs of education, prayer and worship, and public policy advocacy play a key role in the mission of the Human Rights Office. Each is directly involved, as benefactors, as beneficiaries, and as partners with the faithful members of our diocese, with other Chancery offices, and with our community.
When we think about leadership and volunteer opportunities, many times we only consider those on the front lines. However, it does not matter how effective we are at counseling of men and women on the inside prison walls if we do not have volunteers organizing fund-raising events to keep programs going. It does not matter how many qualified people we have to provide education on human trafficking or immigration issues if we do not have volunteers promoting these events. Most importantly, every ministry needs a strong network of prayer warriors both inside and outside of our parishes. Remember, it is not just about agreeing with the teachings of the Catholic Church on the dignity of human life, everyone must also have the opportunity to share their own unique gifts.
Therefore, as a requirement for each of the pastoral care programs above, there must be leadership and volunteer opportunities available at both the diocese-level and at the parish-level, in each of the following areas:
To learn more about specific leadership and volunteer opportunities within each of the pastoral care programs listed above, visit the corresponding diocesan program webpage by clicking on the name of the program or by selecting the program from the drop-down menu above. You may also contact a member of your parish Human Rights Committee or the Human Rights Office.
The diocesan pastoral care programs above, as well as the other Human Rights Office programs of education, prayer and worship, and public policy advocacy play a key role in the mission of the Human Rights Office. Each is directly involved, as benefactors, as beneficiaries, and as partners with the faithful members of our diocese, with other Chancery offices, and with our community.
When we think about leadership and volunteer opportunities, many times we only consider those on the front lines. However, it does not matter how effective we are at counseling of men and women on the inside prison walls if we do not have volunteers organizing fund-raising events to keep programs going. It does not matter how many qualified people we have to provide education on human trafficking or immigration issues if we do not have volunteers promoting these events. Most importantly, every ministry needs a strong network of prayer warriors both inside and outside of our parishes. Remember, it is not just about agreeing with the teachings of the Catholic Church on the dignity of human life, everyone must also have the opportunity to share their own unique gifts.
Therefore, as a requirement for each of the pastoral care programs above, there must be leadership and volunteer opportunities available at both the diocese-level and at the parish-level, in each of the following areas:
- Leadership & Planning
- Pastoral Care
- Fundraising
- Promotion
- Prayer & Worship
To learn more about specific leadership and volunteer opportunities within each of the pastoral care programs listed above, visit the corresponding diocesan program webpage by clicking on the name of the program or by selecting the program from the drop-down menu above. You may also contact a member of your parish Human Rights Committee or the Human Rights Office.
