Priests & Pastors

Pastors must be an integral and active part of any successful parish ministry.  This is especially true of the parish Human Rights Ministry.   The Human Rights Office Is a resource for our faithful in the pews, but also for our shepherds.  Please take a few minutes to look around the website for ideas for your parish Human Rights Ministry.

Still not sure?
  • "There are a lot of important issues that need to be discussed and sometimes it is just easier to not talk about topics like immigration, the death penalty and prison ministry, especially from the pulpit! " 
  • "I care deeply for the members of my parish and I do not want to hurt or upset anyone.  This is the one place everyone should feel safe and welcome."
  • "I am more comfortable talking about topics like helping the poor, the hungry, and the sick." 
  • "I do not want to talk about political issues for fear of jeopardizing our tax-exempt status as a non-profit organization."
  • "I think it is important to discuss these topics when necessary, but my parish is not really affected by these issues."
  • "I would really like to talk about these issues but I do not feel adequately prepared or knowledgeable enough."

If any of these comments sound familiar, please prayerfully consider contacting the Human Rights Office for more information or for assistance.   

A few pastoral ideas that have worked for more than a few of your fellow priests...

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  • Create a parish prayer team to support one or more of the Human Rights Office pastoral care programs.  ​
  • Save a space in your weekly parish bulletin for a social justice message or to promote an upcoming Human Rights event or activities..
  • Keep the narthex/vestibule stocked with pamphlets and brochures from the diocese or from the USCCB.
Human Rights Office ~ Diocese of Kansas City - St. Joseph  ~ 20 West Ninth Street ~ Kansas City, MO 64105 ~ ​(816) 756-1850 ~ francis@diocesekcsj.org