October is Respect Life Month. It is a time when the Church asks us to pray and reflect more deeply on the sanctity and dignity of the human person and our responsibility to defend all life, especially the most vulnerable. This year’s theme is “Radical Solidarity,” helping us to understand how to put our love for others into firm and determined action. Learn more at: respectlife.org/radical-solidarity. All are invited to celebrate Respect Life Month’s kick-off Mass with the Archbishop, with a reception to follow: Sunday, October 1st, 10:30 a.m. St. Joseph Catholic Church 5901 Flint St., Shawnee KS

The Catechumenate, the instructional phase of the

RCIA, starts this Thursday, September 26, at 7 pm in the RCIA Room. In addition to learning Church teaching on topics such as God the Father, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, the Church, the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Communion of Saints, the Liturgical Year, the Sacraments, the Bible, and morality, among others, each session will also include discussion, reflection, and prayer. If you would like to be part of RCIA or would like more information, please contact RCIA Director Beth Vance at (913)915-3831 or bvance@spxmission.org, or call the parish office, (913) 432-4808.

Please support Donnelly College’s SHINE 2023, their annual fundraiser. Donnelly College is the archdiocesan college that provides a quality, Catholic higher education to those who may not otherwise be served. We need your help to be able to offer affordable, quality higher education. Please consider buying a ticket, sponsoring a table or making a donation of any amount; we are grateful for your support. Thank you to those parishes, organizations and individuals who have generously supported SHINE 2023. Please see a list of sponsors and event information by going to donnelly.edu/give/shine-donation. Join us at SHINE and help spread the word about this fun, philanthropic event on October 5, 2023 at The Abbott in Kansas City, Missouri. Together we can make Donnelly College the most accessible and transformative Catholic College in the country! Please contact Marcea Brown with any questions.

The John Paul II Catholic School annual Auction will be held on November 11, 2023 at St. Pius X. We're bringing back everyone's favorite game shows with this year's theme: Come on Down! for JPII. Join us for dinner, drinks, games, silent and live auctions, dancing, and celebrating the gift of our John Paul II Catholic School community. Tickets will go on sale in a few weeks, but for now please mark your calendars for November 11!

Auction Sponsorships Available

Advertise your business to the John Paul II, Queen of the Holy Rosary, and St. Pius X communities - almost 2,000 households - and support Catholic education at the same time. Plus, you'll get the VIP treatment at this year's event! Email johnpaul2auction@gmail.com for more information.