hope JOYFUL IN

Our 2023 Annual Catholic Appeal, “Joyful in Hope,” comes from Romans 12:12 and aptly captures where we stand at this time in our diocesan story as we embrace our duties as disciples of Jesus.

This is essential funding that 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.

Romans 12:12

To give a gift or make a pledge to the 2023 Annual Catholic Appeal (ACA) go online and visit: www.kcsjcatholic.org.

Also, while there, please take the opportunity to listen to this year’s ACA audio message.

The magazine of the Catholic Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2023

VOL. 3 | ISSUE 2

Bishop James V. Johnston, Jr.

Publisher

Ashlie Hand

Editor

Christy Gruenbaum

Assistant editor

Jenny Pomicter

Graphic designer

To submit story ideas and news, send emails to hand@diocesekcsj.org www.FAITHcatholic.com

Catholic Key (ISSN 2769-2353, USPS 024-190) is a membership publication of the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph, published bimonthly (Feb/ Mar, Apr/May, Jun/Jul, Aug/ Sep, Oct/Nov, Dec/Jan) by the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph, The Catholic Center, 20 W. Ninth St., Kansas City, MO 64105. Periodicals Postage by Ashlie Hand.

Paid at Kansas City, MO and at additional mailing offices.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Catholic Key, The Catholic Center, 20 W. Ninth St., Kansas City, MO 64105. ©2022 Catholic Key, Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph.

ON THE COVER: Michael Haynes, Sr. has found support and positive affirmation through Morning Glory Ministries at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception.

14

Cover Story

Redemption road | Bridget Locke

Michael Haynes, Sr. knows the power of redemption. When life left him sad and alone, homeless and lacking confidence, he found Morning Glory Ministries at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Kansas City. Michael’s story reminds us of the saving power of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross as we enter the season of Lent and turn our focus to preparing our hearts for the resurrection. Through blessings and lessons, God always provides for the road ahead.

4 On the Way | Believe in luck

… or Divine Providence? | Bishop Johnston

What exactly is luck, and is it consistent with being a Christian who lives by Faith?

7 You cannot outgive God | Deacon Joe Zagar learning environments that will prepare their children for college and a competitive workforce, while developing their spiritual growth. This may explain, in part, why Catholic school enrollment is growing in record numbers.

I think many are jaded or lack compassion at the thought of ministering to the imprisoned, while many others are probably intimidated at the thought. I won’t lie, at times I have been in both of those thought camps.

30 To Serve and Lift | Help and hope for a brighter future | Susan Walker

Change is hard when life is stable. However, when facing the barriers of poverty, change can seem insurmountable.

8

House of God | St. Patrick’s Parish, St. Joseph | Ashlie Hand and Cory Thomason

Explore the history and symbolism found in the architecture and sacred art of St. Patrick’s Parish in St. Joseph.

20

A hug and a sandwich | Marty Denzer

Kathy and Bruce Whittman started a summer lunch program at Holy Spirit Parish in Lee’s Summit which served nearly 12,000 lunches over the 12-week summer break in 2022 alone.

28 Catholic Schools | Enrollment on an upward trend | Bridget Locke

More than ever, challenges in K-12 education have prompted parents to look for alternative

32 Eucharistic Revival | Fresh Fire | Marty Denzer

According to Father Justin Hoye, pastor at St. Thomas More Parish in Kansas City, “Fresh Fire is the exposure of a truth non-Catholics haven’t been exposed to, the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist. It is evangelization at its purest.”

En Espanol

24 Fresh Fire brinda oración, adoración y evangelización juntas | Marty Denzer

26 En Camino | ¿Cree en la Suerte ... o en la Divina Providencia? | Obispo Johnston