Prior to being closed, these words were used to describe our church on the front page of
this website. I wanted to keep them here so that we could all have the chance to reflect on how we felt about our church
then as we continue into the future.
We love St. James! We think of our church as a large family. Our attendance
is great. We are an active, close community with parishoners of all ages. Our church encompasses many generations--all
active participants. In fact, the youth at St. James participate in the Mass as lectors, commentators, servers,
musicians, and help with our preschool program. We are financially sound and our members volunteer to take care
of the church property.
We continue to hope and pray that we can enter into dialogue with the leadership
of the Church, and be given our due opportunity to find TRUE solutions to the problems that the Church faces.
We believe that we can and should remain open; and that we are meant to continue our mission with "His Last Days," helping
the poor and sick, and sharing our faith with those in Kansas and surrounding communities.
This move by the Bishop affects all Catholics; not just the parishes that have "closed."
I would encourage all members of "safe churches" to consider the direction that this turn of events will take the entire church
in. This is not a solution to the problem that they are attempting to address. The problem will continue to fester
and wreak havoc if it is not given the attention that it deserves. In order to truly find solutions, Church leaders
will need to embrace the vast and untapped resources that the laity can provide instead of telling them to be quiet and
obedient. There is little use in being obedient to decisions which are mistakes. Our drive comes from a sincere
desire to help; and to save the faith that we hold so dear, so that we can continue to let it grow and enrich our lives, and
the lives of future generations who will live in our homes.
For any members of "safe churches" who are reading this, it is important to mention
that this wasn't going to happen to us either; that is until it did. It wasn't going to happen anywhere; until it did.
It isn't going to happen to you; until it does. But whether or not it ever gets that far depends on what you do now.
What does the "Parish Futures Task Force" and the Bishop have in store for round 2..........or 3, or 4? They won't tell
you; until they do! By the time you have church leaders reassuring you that "no decisions have been made yet..."
it will be too late.
