Roman Catholicism
The Roman Catholic presence in our community continues Jesus’ mission, announcing the Good News that “the Kingdom of God is within you.” (Luke 17:21) The Kansas City metropolitan area is comprised of two local churches. The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas was established in 1850 and the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph in 1868. Archbishop Joseph Naumann and Bishop Robert Finn are the respective spiritual leaders of the 327,000 Catholics who comprise these churches.
It is not unusual for Catholics to use the word “church” in different ways. It can refer to our organizational structures, our parishes and schools, and our people who practice their faith. We believe that the church is first and foremost a community of disciples, women and men, trying to live their lives in the spirit of Jesus. Our principal form of worship is the Sunday Eucharist, also called the Mass, in which bread and wine become for us the body and blood of Christ. Our participation in this sacred ritual unites us to God and one another. It also sends us out in compassionate service to the world.
We reach out in a variety of ways. Catholic Charities offers physical and emotional comfort to all in need. Catholic elementary schools, high schools and universities provide high-quality values-based education for young people and adults. Holy Family Catholic Worker House, Shalom House and numerous parishes throughout the area feed the poor and homeless. The Catholic Campaign for Human Development funds local self-help initiatives. Catholic hospitals continue the healing mission of Christ.
The Roman Catholic Church is a community committed to respect for life, social justice and interfaith cooperation around the world. Our inspiration is drawn from God’s Word handed down to us in the Bible. Our identity is shaped by a living tradition entrusted to our bishops. Our future is revealed to us in our prayerful responses to the Holy Spirit. Our essential challenge is offered by Jesus himself, “Do unto others whatever you would have them to do you.” (Matthew 7:12)
~Robert Bacic, Roman Catholic Member of the Greater Kansas City Interfaith Council
What We Believe
The professions of faith known as creeds—the Nicene Creed and the Apostle’s Creed—define Catholic belief. The richness of Catholic belief is revealed in the depth behind each pronouncement of belief.
What We Celebrate
The Sacraments of the Catholic Church are outward signs of grace, instituted by Christ to make us holy. The seven sacraments of the Catholic Church are Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist, Reconciliation, Anointing of the Sick, Matrimony and Holy Orders.
How We Live
At all times, Christian living requires us to follow the teaching and example of Christ, the commandments, the precepts of the Catholic Church, Catholic Social Teaching and the Church’s principles of moral life.
How We Pray
The Catechism of the Catholic Church quotes St. John Damascene’s classic definition of prayer: “Prayer is the raising of one’s mind and heart to God or the requesting of good things from God” #2559. Although Catholics pray in a wide variety of ways, we turn to Jesus as our model in the Gospel of Matthew, where He teaches us to pray with simplicity of words and confidence in a loving Father. (Mt 6:5-15; 7:7-11)
The above material is drawn from the U.S. Bishops’ website.